"Oh, long time no see."
Annie tilted her head with a smile. "First time meeting in the real world, isn't it, Family Head?"
In Penacony's reality, Anming reunited with Annie. Despite his packed schedule as Family Head, he'd carved out time for her—his dream-world friend and musical kindred spirit.
They stood slightly apart on the bridge, Annie leaning against the railing as streams of neon-lit vehicles streaked below like shooting stars.
"Anming, I'm leaving."
Annie suddenly gazed at the sky and murmured, "I've realized something these past few days. Something very simple."
Anming studied her face—her eyes now carried relief and lightness.
"I'm not the protagonist of any movie, nor can I be your leading lady." Annie propped her chin on her hand with a soft laugh. "Today's the day Miss Robin returns to Penacony, isn't it?"
"For you to spare time just to see me like this—I'm truly honored." Her smile deepened, though a quiet sigh escaped her lips. "Thank you."
People like her were never meant to soar through the same skies.
"This world has many birds—some born on cliffs, others caged as pets from birth, and some who never even glimpse the sky."
"What I mean is... you and I were never from the same world to begin with."
"What if I could bring that sky to you?"
If Annie wished, Anming—as Oak Family Head—could make it happen.
"Are you an idiot?" Annie laughed, though tears glimmered at the corners of her eyes. "The Anming I knew was someone who talked about changing the world."
"There are countless people like me—and even more who suffer worse. The world's sorrow can never be fully erased. You can't save everyone."
She stepped closer to him and said softly, "You've already helped me so much." As she met his unchanging gaze, she smiled inwardly.
He'd given her respect and helped her through hardships.
"This world is actually quite beautiful. Don't wear yourself out."
"That's... my line to you."
An inexplicable weight pressed on Anming's chest. Though Annie stood right before him, she felt farther away than ever.
Annie shook her head lightly. "I quit my job."
"No more work."
With a silent chuckle, she unclasped a necklace—its silver chain like moonlit gossamer, dangling a delicate key.
"What's this?"
"A gift."
Annie smiled. "I left something for you there."
Raindrops began to fall, streaking across the city's luminous billboards in prismatic hues.
"Goodbye."
This time, her smile was genuine. For this moment at least, she was truly happy.
All her sorrows, joys, and pains would dissolve into the rain.
"Goodbye."
Anming watched Annie step into the downpour, her slight frame now unburdened—like a bird finally set free.
The key in his palm belonged to her tiny apartment in the Golden Hour.
The rain continued.
A suspicious figure in a heavy trench coat lurked beneath a bus stop awning, clutching a black umbrella and glancing around furtively.
Passersby instinctively edged away from the masked stranger, half-expecting a serial killer.
"Robin is set to return to Penacony soon. Her recent charity event on Carolin VI concluded successfully, with her Hope Foundation pledging continued aid for disaster relief."
"Additionally, insider sources hint at an upcoming third solo single, potentially securing a historic top-three sweep on the Galactic Music Charts."
"The IPC has further—"
The interstellar news broadcast mingled with the rain's rhythm, while nearby screens looped footage of Robin's breathtaking beauty.
The mysterious figure slipped into a secluded corner and removed their mask—revealing a face even more stunning than on-screen, with rosy lips pursed in a pout.
"Stupid Anming, awful Anming. I sent my location ages ago."
Robin glared at her phone—the "read" receipt on her message was 34 minutes old. Since becoming Family Head, Anming barely had time to text.
Waiting hours for his replies had become routine. If the public knew the superstar Robin was left on read, jaws would drop.
She'd sneaked off her ship to avoid swarming fans, arranging this secret meetup with Anming in advance. A proper port arrival would've trapped her in an impassable crowd. Over the years, she'd mastered escape tactics like some undercover agent.
"Superstar."
"Care for an escort?"
A familiar voice. Robin whirled to find Anming behind her, holding a bouquet with an amused smile.
"Hmph... keeping a superstar waiting. The great Family Head sure knows how to make an impression."
Her feigned annoyance melted as she hugged him. "Missed you."
Anming wrapped his arm around her slender waist, breathing in her signature scent—fresh and clean. Fame hadn't changed her.
"How was the event?"
"Hah?"
Robin shot him a glare. "You're really asking about work now?"
Anming chuckled awkwardly, offering the flowers. "Dinner's ready. Sunday's waiting at home."
"Oh—"
Robin turned on her heel with an exaggerated huff. His evasiveness was infuriating. Did she need to teach him how to flirt?
Then warmth enveloped her hand—Anming laced his fingers through hers.
"I missed you too, my little bird."
A blush bloomed across her cheeks, her meticulously applied makeup powerless against this surge of joy. Her heart was an open book.
"So our mighty Family Head can flirt."
When she turned back, her eyes shimmered with tender affection.