Chapter Fifty-Two: Prince KTV

Prince KTV was located on a bustling street south of Innovation High School. Though not large in scale, its proximity to the school ensured a steady stream of customers and thriving business. Just past two in the afternoon, a taxi sped down the street, coming to a perfect stop at Prince KTV’s entrance. As the door swung open, a handsome youth stepped out. He wore snug athletic pants and a plush hoodie, the collar revealing a pale, high-necked sweater underneath. Blue casual shoes adorned his feet, and his hands were buried in his pockets. His entire demeanor radiated vitality and an easygoing charm. The afternoon sunlight scattered gently across his striking features, causing passersby to pause and cast admiring glances his way. Yet, when they noticed the white bandage on his forehead, they shook their heads and moved along.

Xiao Lin touched the bandage on his forehead, a wry smile playing at his lips. When he’d returned home yesterday, Grandma Xiao had been alarmed to see her grandson injured. Without a word, she pulled him straight to the hospital, where he was subjected to an ECG and a thorough examination from head to toe. Once it was confirmed to be merely a superficial wound, she bought a mountain of medicine, carefully dressed the injury, and took him home. On the way back, Grandma Xiao pressed him for an explanation. Xiao Lin dared not tell the truth, insisting he’d simply fallen off his bike. She was too concerned for her grandson to notice he hadn’t ridden the bike home. Today, Xiao Lin claimed he wanted to meet classmates, but Grandma Xiao refused. At last, he said he craved spare ribs. When she went to buy them, he sneaked out, leaving a note before he left.

The ringtone, “Azure waits for the rain, as I wait for you,” chimed from his phone. Xiao Lin pulled it from his pocket, swiping to see a call from Tan Linlin. He answered but didn’t bring it to his ear.

“Xiao Lin, where on earth have you been? We’ve been singing for ages, and you’re still not here! If you don’t show up soon, I’ll come drag you out myself!”

Her voice was so loud that Xiao Lin could hear it clearly even amidst the traffic. Only after Tan Linlin finished did he put the phone to his ear, saying, “No need to come drag me out, I’m at Prince now. Which room are you in? I’ll be up right away.” He immediately pulled the phone away again.

“What! You’re here? Why didn’t you say so sooner? Hurry up! You’re the last one. We’re in Room 205 on the second floor. You have one minute to get here, or else suffer the consequences.” The decibels were still off the charts.

Xiao Lin shook his head helplessly, hung up, and stepped into Prince KTV. As soon as he entered, two rows of young female attendants bowed sweetly, greeting him, “Welcome to Prince.” Xiao Lin nodded in acknowledgment but didn’t head to the reception desk. Instead, he turned toward the staircase. One attendant quickly followed, “Handsome, did you book a room? I’ll show you the way.”

“Yes, Room 205. My friends are inside. No need, I know the way,” Xiao Lin replied politely, heading up the stairs and leaving the attendant disappointed. He really is handsome, she thought to herself.

The second floor was lined mostly with large rooms, their soundproofing excellent. Walking down the corridor, Xiao Lin heard little noise. Before long, he found Room 205. As he pushed open the door, a blast of rock music assaulted his ears, so loud it hurt. Colorful strobe lights blurred his vision. In the center of the room, a slightly plump girl in black sportswear was wildly dancing to the music, her long hair flying with each movement. Xiao Lin rolled his eyes at the scene; it was unmistakably Tan Linlin, for no one else would dance so madly.

“Hey! Xiao Lin’s here!” This came from Xu Tong. At that moment, Wang Tao swiftly hit pause on the song selection screen, turned off the strobe lights, and switched on the warm, dim overhead lamp. Seeing Xiao Lin arrive, everyone cheered up—they’d been enduring Tan Linlin’s rock music for over an hour.

“Boss Xiao, you’re finally here! Save us, please. We can’t take any more of Tan the Maniac,” Yuan Weiye complained, still feeling the ringing in his ears.

“What, is my singing not good enough?” Tan Linlin shot over to Yuan Weiye, twisting his ear.

Yuan Weiye grimaced in pain.

“Linlin, enough already. Xiao Lin, come sit here,” Wang Yuqing said, rolling her eyes at Tan Linlin. Even she couldn’t handle Linlin’s antics any longer. She patted the empty seat beside her, inviting Xiao Lin over.

“Hey, Boss Xiao, is it true you took on dozens of guys by yourself yesterday?” Xiao Lin had barely sat down when a round-faced girl leaned over to ask. Her name was Liu Na, one of the girls who hung out with Tan Linlin and Wang Yuqing.

“Liu Na, who told you I fought dozens of people alone? What am I, Superman?” Xiao Lin was amused and exasperated by her question.

“Linlin said so! She said you were like Iron Man yesterday—invincible, taking out dozens of thugs who were bullying Wang Yuqing,” piped up a petite girl, pointing at Tan Linlin. Her name was Kang Yan, another close friend. Besides Xiao Lin, Wang Yuqing, and the others, there were two girls here today: Liu Na, who just spoke, and Kang Yan.

“Tan Linlin, when did you see me fight dozens of people?” Xiao Lin enunciated each word, fixing her with a stare.

Under Xiao Lin’s devouring gaze, Tan Linlin let out a nervous laugh. “Let’s skip that question. Anyway, Xiao Lin was a hero yesterday, right, Yuqing?”

“Ah…” Wang Yuqing blushed as she recalled Xiao Lin’s heroic rescue the day before.

“Look, Yuqing’s blushing! Together, together!” With Tan Linlin stirring things up, the group chanted “Together, together!” making Wang Yuqing duck her head in embarrassment.

“All right, enough of that. Xu Tong, didn’t you buy any beer? Why is the table covered only in sodas and snacks?” Xiao Lin changed the subject, seeing Wang Yuqing’s shy reaction.

“We were going to, but your neighbor here said you were injured and couldn’t drink, so it’s all soda,” Xu Tong replied mischievously.

Well… Xiao Lin glanced at Wang Yuqing. This girl. “Fine, sodas it is. Come on, let’s sing.”

“Haha, next, the Doctor and I will sing ‘Together’ for Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing, wishing they get together soon. Haha!” Xu Tong was determined to tease Xiao Lin to the end.