Why Did the Top Alpha Suddenly Stop Acting Out? - Chapter 26

“Hmm? Should I still hand out these flyers?”

Hearing the voice, Yi Qian immediately snapped back to attention and hurriedly gave the flyer to the tourist.

“The snow has stopped, but the sky hasn’t cleared yet.”

“You took away all my happiness.”

“…”

It really was the title track from her debut album the song she wrote at the peak of her depression, the one she only sang during recording and never dared to listen to or sing again afterward.

“Wow, this is my favorite song! Every time I hear it, Yi Qian’s voice makes me cry, wuwu.”

“It’s so beautiful. When Yi Qian sings it, it sounds amazing but also heartbreaking. But this girl’s version feels so healing, like I’m being saved. Can I pay her to sing it just for me? Wuwu.”

“With a voice like that, there must be a pretty girl under that mascot costume.”

Yi Qian stood frozen in place, as if transported back to that winter. The noise around her faded away, all she could feel was the cold, a bone-chilling cold.

Someone tapped her shoulder.

Yi Qian snapped out of her daze and slowly turned around to see an elderly woman with snow-white hair, smiling as she asked if she could have one of the flyers.

Quickly regaining her composure, Yi Qian handed one over.

The old woman patted her shoulder again, her expression kind and her voice gentle. “Good child, everything will get better.”

Watching the elderly woman’s unsteady figure walk away, Yi Qian lifted her gaze to the bright sky overhead.

Yes, everything would get better… Her eyes fell on the person singing earnestly at the center of the square. Her lips moved silently as she whispered, “Right?”

As the song ended, the square erupted in enthusiastic applause. Many audience members stepped forward to show their appreciation, those without cash scanned QR codes to donate, all while chanting, “One more song! One more song!”

Ye Shuyi didn’t respond, simply starting the next song’s accompaniment, earning another round of cheers.

Hearing the familiar melody again, Yi Qian turned to look at the person standing at the center of the stage. Did this person only know her songs?

As it turned out, Ye Shuyi really did only know her songs every one that followed was hers.

Noticing the singer’s voice growing increasingly hoarse, Yi Qian glanced around and spotted a small convenience store nearby.

Struggling to maneuver her plump mascot body through the crowd, she made her way to the store, grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge, and approached the counter. When she looked up, she realized the walls were covered in photos of herself.

An idea suddenly struck her. Scanning the area, she noticed most tourists were either on rides or gathered around the square listening to the performance, no one was nearby.

Glancing at the limited funds in her hand, she decisively removed her mascot head, positioning it to block the view from the busier side, and grinned. “Boss, can I take a photo with you to cover the cost of these two bottles of water?”

The shop owner stared at her in disbelief, his phone clattering onto the counter. After a stunned pause, he let out an “Ah!” before ducking out of sight behind the counter.

Slowly, a pair of eyes peeked over the edge, still wide with shock. “You’re really Yi Qian? I’m actually seeing Yi Qian in the flesh?”

Yi Qian’s eye twitched slightly as she smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m still very young. Even if you don’t see me alive today, you’ll have chances in the future.”

“So, what do you think of my proposal just now?”

The shop owner timidly stood up, her face lit with unbelievable excitement: “Really? Can we?”

“Of course, as long as these two bottles of water are free.” Yi Qian maintained her warm smile throughout.

Upon receiving her confirmation, the owner hurried out from behind the counter, snapping multiple photos in rapid succession during their selfie session.

“Teacher Yi, are you filming a variety show now?” the owner asked curiously while bagging the two water bottles. “I just saw news about you joining a show last night, and here you are today, it feels like a dream!”

“It’s not a dream, but remember to wait until I leave before posting those pictures online,” Yi Qian said, taking the bag and placing a finger to her lips. “Shh…”

Watching Yi Qian walk away, the shop owner suddenly realized she should have given her more free items, slapping her palm in regret.

Neither Yi Qian nor the owner noticed two fans observing them the entire time, recording everything on their phones.

Soon, the video was uploaded with the caption: Can anyone tell me if this is Tang Chi?

[OP must be a fake fan if you can’t recognize her! I’d know that back profile anywhere that’s definitely Yi Qian! OMG!!! Where is this? I’m hopping on my scooter right now!!]

[It really is Yi Qian! So jealous you got to bump into her.]

[I’m tired of saying I’m jealous. The whole world keeps randomly meeting my idol while I’m the abandoned boat drifting alone…wuwu.]

[Wait, isn’t this the convenience store at Lotte Plaza near the amusement park? I’m nearby! Aaaaah wait for me, I’m coming ASAP!]

The commenter belatedly realized they’d revealed Yi Qian’s location. Though quickly deleted, information spreads at rocket speed online that one-second delay meant thousands more netizens saw it.

And indeed it happened exactly like that.

Unnoticed at first, the crowd around the plaza center grew steadily. The production crew initially dismissed it as audience members drawn by Ye Shuyi’s singing, since the gathering remained orderly.

Until one shout pierced through the crowd into the shrinking inner circle:

“Yi Qian, sing us a song!!!”

Soon more arriving fans took up the chant: “Yi Qian, give us a song!!!”

“Yi Qian!!!”

“Yi Qian!!!”

The passionate cries tore through the sky.

Yi Qian’s hand paused mid-air as she passed water to Ye Shuyi. From her lowered angle, she clearly saw Ye Shuyi’s questioning look: What did you do?

She shrugged slightly.

Now recognized, Yi Qian responded with characteristic ease instead of fleeing. Taking the microphone casually, she drawled, “I’ll sing one song, if you all promise me one thing first, deal?”

As she spoke, a team of security guards emerged from the crowd, forming a barrier against the advancing fans.

“Agreed!!”

A light chuckle came through the microphone, followed by, “I haven’t even said what it is yet? You’re all agreeing so readily?”

“Yes!!”

“That’s good.” Yi Qian continued softly, “I hope everyone stays where they are and doesn’t cause chaos in the square or give the security guards extra work, okay?”

Her tone lifted slightly at the end, carrying a hint of playful pleading.

Many fans shivered at the sound, rubbing their arms while cheering.

“Okay, we’ll listen to you!”

True to their word, the fans stayed put, no longer pushing forward recklessly.

But they quickly made another demand.

“Take off the mask!!! Take it off!!!”

Another chuckle came through the microphone, this time tinged with helplessness. “You all, really know how to push your luck.”

“You said it yourself, we can take advantage of your indulgence!!!”

As Yi Qian actually removed the mask, Director Lu, watching from the monitors, slowly widened his eyes. He had heard long ago that Yi Qian spoiled her fans, but he assumed it was just PR talk from her supporters. Now, it seemed the rumors were true, Yi Qian might genuinely adore her fans.

And Yi Qian’s fans? Whenever someone online criticized her, they were always the first to defend their idol, charging into battle against antis like valiant knights, their combat skills practically unmatched. Yet offline, they were unexpectedly docile and obedient.

In that sense, their relationship was truly mutual devotion.

“What song do you all want to hear?” Yi Qian asked, flipping through her playlist.

“A World Without Happiness!!! A World Without Happiness!!!”

Despite the crowd, their choice was surprisingly unanimous.

That song happened to be the first one Ye Shuyi had performed earlier the title track from her debut album. Yi Qian’s hand paused briefly over the playlist before she teased, “Are you sure you want to hear this song at such a happy moment?”

“Yes!!”

The fans didn’t hesitate.

“Alright then. Since you want it, I’ll sing it. But before I do, I’d like to say a few words.”

“I’ve never talked about the inspiration behind this song, but today feels right partly because it’s such a joyful day, and partly because the person who needs to hear this will hear it. I also want to tell you why I’ve never performed this song again after its release. Honestly, I haven’t even dared to listen to it since.”

“Tsk… when you think about it, I’m kind of a coward.”

Yi Qian gripped the microphone head, pausing as if steadying herself.

“We allow it!! You got this!!”

The fans’ deafening cheers pierced the sky. What had started as an impromptu street performance now felt like a full-blown concert.

“I wrote this song in winter but not a bright, sunny winter like today. It was during a blizzard, with snow deep enough to bury your knees. The heater at home was cranked to the highest setting, but I still felt like I was locked in an ice cellar, freezing to the bone. Hah… it might sound melodramatic, but that’s honestly how I felt while writing it. Like the sky might collapse under the weight of the snow at any moment, like I’d never feel happy again.”

“But… now I want to say.”

Before she could finish speaking, the shouts from fans on-site interrupted her: “We’ll walk through every winter with you! Don’t be afraid!”

“Haha, thank you. You’d better keep your word, I can’t stand people who break promises.”

Ye Shuyi, who was sitting nearby resting, suddenly being referenced: “……”

“Finally, I want to tell everyone, when the sky turns gray, it just means your sun is temporarily blocked. As long as you’re willing to believe, your sun will return one day. This process might take three years, or maybe five, but don’t give up. You don’t have to believe in her, but you must believe in yourself. A world without happiness doesn’t exist as long as we’re willing to accept joy. My dear Qianmi fans… can you hear me?”

Her drawn-out final note carried infinite tenderness.

Many fans were moved to tears by her words, but that didn’t stop them from responding loudly: “Yes!”

“Those with tissues, please share with those crying beside you. No more tears now, let’s enjoy the song properly.” Yi Qian was about to start the accompaniment when a shout from the crowd stopped her.

“Let the girl from earlier sing with you!!”

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