The girl on stage wore a pure white gown with a starry blue low-shoulder dress, adorned with a brooch at the bodice. White satin ribbons crisscrossed at the hem, complementing the elegant and dignified black skirt. Her pale blue wispy hair cascaded down like a galaxy waterfall, revealing her fair collarbone. A few strands of hair delicately scattered over her skin, harmonizing with the pristine dress, exuding nobility and grace.

The girl moved, her dark eyelashes fluttering. With gentle yet unwavering eyes, she lifted her gaze. The gem necklace around her neck reflected soft light, and the pale blue dress fabric seemed imbued with magic, capturing everyone's attention. Her high heels tapped on the stage, resonating within everyone's hearts. At this moment, people from different cultures and from all corners of the world were united, as if a silent symphony played endlessly in the storm of their emotions.

Tang Xin's heart was racing wildly. Was it because so many people were watching her, or was it because she was on the stage where her idol once stood?

Her gaze darted quickly across the nervous and feverish crowd, finally landing on a seemingly unnoticed corner in the audience, where a blonde-haired girl sat. Seeing Xu Xiaoyou, her nerves suddenly calmed, and her racing heart gradually found peace.

The other was watching her too. Did she see her shining glow?

She saw the gentle smile on the blonde girl's face, just like in the snow-melting afternoons when she would gaze at her. This moment, Tang Xin's heart was filled with great encouragement, and all anxiety was cast aside. The audience remained silent, but she no longer cared about their stares.

As long as she was watching her, as long as she was supporting her, that was enough.

Because everyone else was irrelevant.

Her melodious singing voice immersed everyone, as stars twinkled in the sky above, unnoticed.

——"Midnight Dance"

"Moonlit midnight, dim red lights, our steps intertwined."

"We need not make a sound, just enjoy the moment of silence."

"Tears of the lone star, who do they fall for? You and I are never alone."

"If you're willing, together we can go to the place our hearts yearn for."

"Raindrops hold the key, unlocking the doors to our souls, letting us be honest with each other."

"Tell me what you're thinking right now, crimson lips, fervent kiss?"

"The inverted string palace, the lowest string, no more self-constraint, freed in passionate emotions."

"Dizzy and spinning; can you give me your everything, let me selfishly possess?"

"Afternoon tea for two, a moment of peace, bare the voice of your heart."

"Tell me what you dreamed last night; did your dream include me?"

"A smiling realm, if you want your spirit to forever rest, then escape, escape this oppressive realm, driving a wine-red sports car."

"Accelerate ceaselessly, as the night sky sparkles, full speed under the radiant starry sky."

...

Everyone listened quietly, holding their breath, nobody breaking the silence of the preliminary contest stage.

The entire starry sky became the girl's stage alone.

"The lyrics are surprisingly bold," Everme said, lazily crossing her legs. "Everyone is mesmerized; might this be the descent of the Goddess of Beauty?"

"I told you, she's the Daughter of Stars, captivating is natural, just needs a bit of attire and care."

Xu Xiaoyou watched the girl on stage with habitual eyes, remaining silent.

"I've noticed your little moves," Everme commented.

"Bribing the stage staff in front of me, a judge, placing those off-tune, tone-deaf performers before your Little Blue Bird. I understand your intentions but want to say it's unnecessary. She was meant to be the brightest star on this stage."

"How many points will you give?" Xu Xiaoyou interrupted and asked.

Everme didn't directly answer the girl's question, instead yawning leisurely, and after straightening her body, uttered lightly:

"What does this girl mean to you?"

"Good friend," Xu Xiaoyou replied. "And also an artist I signed."

Everme glanced at the composed Xu Xiaoyou, nodded thoughtfully, then turned to look at the girl on stage, eyes indifferent but a flash of brilliance passed by.

"Poor Little Blue Bird, only able to sing in the gilded cage, chains around her ankles, unable to fly away," Everme said in a lamented tone.

Everme rested her head, stretched her body comfortably, leaning in the chair in the most relaxed position, either looking at the girl on stage or slightly closing her eyes, listening intently to the girl's clear and melodic singing, nodding lightly to the rhythm, occasionally glancing at the silent blonde girl beside her.

Gradually, the music stopped, and the girl awkwardly gave thanks to the audience below the stage. Sparse and scattered applause sounded like the occasional sparkles of stars in the night, suddenly becoming warm and passionate. All those immersed in the girl's singing stood up, applauding like people at a grand concert expressing their gratitude.

"Then I'll give her a perfect score," Everme said.

...

Half a month later.

New Era Calendar, November 5, Year 532.

[22:30:00]

On the aubergine-colored mahogany table sat a pig-shaped alarm clock, with time quietly slipping away on its digital screen.

The sky was gloomy, harsh winds constantly swept in from outside the tall building, the half-open window rattled against the aluminum frame, echoing a dull sound. Inside the office, the warm mist of coffee swirled upward. Xu Xiaoyou closed the window, sipping her coffee while speaking with someone within the curtain.

At this time, the office door slowly opened. A sprightly Little Blue Bird poked its head in, hands behind its back, and slowly walked in.

Seeing Xu Xiaoyou on a call, Tang Xin remained silent, quietly wandering the dozen-square-meter office, observing the surroundings, nodding contemplatively.

Noticing the corner's wilting Flowing Moon Flower, its bud drooping low, Tang Xin approached the flower pot, swiping her palm over it. Firefly-like blue light ignited, and weightlessly flowing water appeared out of thin air, flowing gently by the bud, infusing life-giving, soft water into the pot. The whole half-man-tall Flowing Moon Flower emitted a gentle Silver Light, its petals seemed to shimmer with moonlight.

Seeing its head lift anew, Tang Xin smiled gently, then raised her head to see the portrait of the blonde girl on the wall.

Overall ink style, the girl in the painting sat poised. Her penetrating and deep gaze looked straight ahead, golden long hair like gold, bathed in sunlight, emanating a warm bright aura amidst the vibrant tones.

The entire office had a simple style, except for this striking and colorful portrait.

"Xin."

A call from the girl echoed, Tang Xin turned, seeing Xu Xiaoyou looking at her warmly.

"What's up, You?" Tang Xin's eyes curved slightly. "Why call me here so late, anything special?"

"Happy Birthday."