Ning Zhenya never meant to like him. In fact, she found his voice annoying the first time she heard it.
It was six years ago. She was barely sixteen when her older sister dragged her onto the couch, forcing her to watch some drama starring a rising actor named Yuanzi.
"You'll love him, trust me!" her sister had squealed, eyes glued to the screen.
Zhenya? Not impressed.
The first thing she noticed was his deep, husky voice—a voice that felt too rough, too intense. His acting? Too dramatic. His expressions? Too much.
"This guy is overrated," she muttered, hugging a pillow.
Her sister had gasped. "Shh! This is the best scene!"
Zhenya had rolled her eyes but stayed put, watching as Yuanzi's character stared at the female lead with heartbreak in his eyes. And then... something changed.
Maybe it was the way he carried pain in his silence, or how his eyes flickered with emotions too raw to fake. Maybe it was the way he made acting feel real.
She didn't realize it then, but that was the moment he left a mark on her.
Six years later, Yuanzi was no longer just some actor on TV. He was the top star of the industry, loved by millions. And Zhenya?
She was now a college freshman, majoring in Finance, navigating the overwhelming world of adulthood. But one thing remained the same—she was still a fan.
A reluctant fan. A secret fan.
But a fan nonetheless.
Zhenya had finished her class, and the busy campus life felt overwhelming. Seeking some peace, she decided to visit her favorite spot by the river—a place where she could think, breathe, and escape from the world for a while. She walked to the bench, sat down, and let the cool breeze wash over her. Her gaze was lost in the rippling water, her thoughts distant and quiet, as though she had completely forgotten the world around her.
On the other side of the riverbank, Yuanzi, done with his hectic day of shooting, sought a moment of stillness. The fresh air and serene environment felt like the perfect place to unwind. As he strolled down the path, his eyes caught sight of her—the girl sitting on the bench, staring at the water with a soft, faraway expression.
Something about her drew him in. There was a calmness in her that seemed to contrast with the chaos of the world he lived in. He didn't want to interrupt—just this one time, he decided to stay hidden in the background, watching her from a distance. He could see the quiet in her, the way she was lost in her own little world, unaware of the passing moments.
For a few minutes, he stood there, observing her. He thought about walking over to her, maybe introducing himself. But something held him back. Instead, he let himself enjoy the view of her—still, unaware, and alone in her thoughts.
Zhenya had been lost in her own thoughts when the sudden ring of her phone broke the silence. Glancing at the screen, she saw Han Huimin's name flashing. Without a second thought, she answered the call.
"Zhenya, where are you? Aren't we supposed to go for eating? Come back, I'm waiting for you at the dormitory door!" Han Huimin's voice rang through the phone, filled with a mix of excitement and impatience.
Zhenya chuckled softly, shaking her head. Huimin never changed. "Alright, I'm coming! Don't worry, I'll be there in a minute!" she replied quickly, tossing her phone onto her bed as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
Outside, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow on the campus. Zhenya adjusted the strap of her bag, eager to meet her best friend. Huimin had been her constant companion for as long as she could remember, and it was rare that they didn't make time for their little outings, even with their busy schedules.
As Zhenya made her way toward the dormitory, the soft hum of student chatter filled the air. She was almost there when her mind wandered back to the day's events. Despite the excitement of catching up with Huimin, there was something lingering in the back of her mind—something she couldn't quite shake. A sense of anticipation, like something was about to change.
For a few minutes Yuan Zi watch her walk down the path. His assistant, standing nearby, noticed the stillness. "Yuan Zi, we should head back. The talk show is starting soon," they reminded him.
Yuan Zi gave a small nod, turning away from the scene. "Let's go," he said, his voice neutral. As he walked off, he didn't look back. His mind was already moving on to the next thing, leaving the moment behind.
Yuan Zi attended a talk show. He was exhausted. The bright lights, endless questions, and forced smiles had drained him. Needing some fresh air, he turned to his assistant.
"Get me a mask and a cap," he said.
The assistant handed them over and added, "Your mom called while you were on the show."
"Alright. Give me the phone," Yuan Zi replied.
Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply. The crisp night air was refreshing, easing his tired mind. He dialed his mother's number, listening to the long rings before a familiar voice answered.
Zizi, how have you been?" his mother asked warmly. "When will you visit home? I'll make your favorite dishes. You haven't come in so long. Your dad and I miss you."
"I'll visit after I finish my current drama," Yuan Zi promised. "Take care of yourself and Dad."
After hanging up, he sighed. It had indeed been too long since he last went home.
Meanwhile, Li Wei, the ever-busy CEO, had just wrapped up a late-night meeting. Standing by the road, he waited for his driver to arrive. His sharp eyes scanned the city, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Not far from him ,Zhenya stepped out of a restaurant, her phone pressed to her ear. She had been told to wait, so she stood by the curb, watching the rush of cars pass by.