Chapter 44: Night Talk
In the end, Xie Mu was still stopped by Pu Tong.
Although the impact of the essay had already begun to spread, this time he didn’t feel as annoyed as before…
He could feel the goodwill of Elder Lin, and both Yu Wanwan and Lin Yuxi’s sense of responsibility and initiative also moved him.
If a few words of his could truly influence many people and contribute even a little to something meaningful for generations to come, then that wouldn’t be so bad.
It was already 11 p.m.
Pu Tong simply washed up and lay in bed, ready to sleep.
Before he even closed his eyes, his phone screen lit up—QQ voice call.
So late at night? Are they even going to let him sleep?
He picked up the phone. It was Yu Wanwan calling—video call.
A video call this late at night? That’s not appropriate!
He answered, and Yu Wanwan appeared on screen.
She was wearing a light blue pajama set, fully covered except for her small face.
Seriously?
“Can you at least turn on the light?” Yu Wanwan blinked, slightly annoyed. “It’s scary having your phone light shining on your face at night.”
“Too many demands…”
Pu Tong got up to turn on the lamp.
“Wait—are you sleeping naked?!” the girl on the call sounded shocked. “If you’re not wearing anything, then don’t turn on the light!”
“I am sleeping naked!” Pu Tong said casually and turned on the bedside lamp anyway.
“Ahhh—wait, you’re wearing clothes!” Yu Wanwan quickly covered her eyes, peeking through her fingers only to see he was in a tank top and shorts.
“So why are you calling me so late? I’m sleepy…”
“If you’re sleepy, you can just lie down while talking.”
“That works!” Pu Tong lay back down without hesitation and continued the call.
“Actually, I came to apologize,” Yu Wanwan said softly, like a child admitting a mistake. “I thought I should do it properly, so I called video.”
“Mm, go ahead.”
“I’m sorry about suggesting to Lin Yuxi that she ask you for your essay.”
“But I don’t regret it,” she added after a pause.
Pu Tong didn’t speak, signaling her to continue.
“Because I think your essay should be seen by more people. I believe it can create ripples in this stagnant time. People like Teacher Lin, who dedicated their lives to tradition, should be seen more.”
“But regardless of reason, my actions still shouldn’t override your decision, so I sincerely apologize.”
On screen, her gaze was gentle, completely unlike her usual playful self.
“This time… I think you all did well. Maybe I was too selfish,” Pu Tong sighed.
Because he disliked the entertainment industry, did he simply reject everything and hide away in his own world? Was that really right?
Even though he had the ability to do things others couldn’t, he only wanted to live quietly. Was that really fair?
For the first time, he felt lost.
Yu Wanwan shifted position and lay down too, quietly looking at him through the screen.
For a moment, it felt like they were lying together.
“No,” she said softly.
“Everyone has the right to choose how they live, Pu Tong. Do you understand?”
“Maybe you could be someone who saves the world, but you can also choose to live a quiet life. That’s your right. You don’t need to be unhappy for anyone or anything.”
“You don’t need to feel guilty.”
“Because living happily is the most important thing.”
Pu Tong looked at her, his throat tightening.
“I’ve been trying to understand you,” she continued. “You clearly have talent but you don’t want to show it.”
“I wondered why. Why avoid cameras? Why not want to be filmed?”
“Now I think I understand—you’re afraid.”
Afraid?
So… he was afraid?
Because of his past life’s suffocating experiences, and his cautiousness in a strange new world.
He really was afraid.
“I talked about this with Lin Yuxi too,” she said. “She thinks you just don’t like the entertainment world, but I think you’re escaping.”
“And now I think I was right.”
“Maybe she understands people better, but I understand you better.”
The girl looked at him quietly, smiling softly.
“You…”
Pu Tong couldn’t speak.
“Listen to me, Pu Tong.”
She adjusted her blanket, accidentally revealing a glimpse of her collarbone.
“Even though I don’t know what you’re afraid of, or what you’ve been through…”
“I want to tell you this—you are not alone anymore.”
“You still have me… and Lin Yuxi, and Xuenai. We’re your friends. No matter what happens, we’ll be here.”
Pu Tong avoided her gaze. Her bright eyes made his heart race.
Yes… he was no longer alone.
He had family, friends, teachers, and even fans who liked him.
When had he gained so much without realizing it?
Wasn’t he already much happier than before?
Why was he still running away?
“You really are talented,” she continued. “You can influence many people. If you hide it all away, isn’t that a waste?”
Pu Tong suddenly thought of a line from Spider-Man:
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Of course, that idea was extreme, a product of heroic ideology—but there was also a Chinese saying:
“When capable, help the world.”
He carried knowledge from another world. A song could save someone; a story could heal someone. If he buried it all just for himself, wouldn’t that be selfish?
He had once survived through music himself. There were probably many people like his past self.
“No one can choose for you,” she said softly. “But if one day you’re no longer afraid… then use your ability to make the world a better place.”
Make the world better?
“Thank you,” Pu Tong said softly.
“You’re welcome. People help each other and heal each other.”
Pu Tong nodded, then noticed her collarbone again.
“Um… you—”
She noticed his gaze, looked down, and quickly pulled her collar tighter.
“W-what did you see?!”
“Nothing. You’re too flat.”
“Get lost!”
They looked at each other again, slightly awkward.
“Anyway, thank you. You really helped me understand a lot,” he said.
“Then… good night?” she asked, waiting for him to hang up first.
“Good night…”
He ended the call and lay flat on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
She must be someone sent by heaven to help him.
He closed his eyes, but her voice lingered in his mind.
And at some point, he fell asleep.
In his dream… she was there.
(End of Chapter)
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