Part 60：What a coincidence today.
Here's a more casual, internet-savvy version of the translation:
The news that Song was coming hit like a bombshell, leaving everyone in the room both shocked and excited.
Benyuan's eyes went wide in surprise, his excitement obvious.
"Song's coming too?"
Liu Yuan nodded with a smile. "What a coincidence today."
Even though everyone in the entertainment industry has their own level of fame, not everyone's on the same tier. It's like being a ping-pong player: some are in the provincial team, some make it to the national team, and then there are those who represent the country in international competitions.
Song's one of those at the top of the food chain.
Some people make it big through capital, others through fan support, and some just have the right connections. Song's got it all.
People like him are rarely seen.
Even if they're at the same event, they wouldn't get the same treatment, wouldn't be in the same segment, or even sit together. There's almost no overlap.
While everyone else was hyped about meeting Song, only Zoe felt like she made a huge mistake. She should've never agreed to come to this late-night meal.
She never thought she'd run into Song here.
Zoe had considered apologizing to him in person before, but after the initial rush of feelings, she didn't have the guts to just go up and do it anymore.
Now, the thought of seeing him again was making her stomach do flips.
What if Song saw her and made a scene?
Zoe was seriously worried—Song was still mad.
There were so many people around, and if anyone caught wind of it, rumors would spread, and she'd be dealing with another round of mocking from his fans.
Half an hour later, Song showed up.
He was wearing a casual baseball cap and simple, trendy clothes, looking like a college student.
Everyone in the private room got up to greet him.
Liu Yuan walked over to Song, gave him a hug, and introduced everyone with a smile.
After Song acknowledged everyone, it was finally Zoe's turn.
Liu Yuan grinned. "No need for introductions, this is Xiao."
Zoe just wanted to disappear.
She awkwardly bit her lip, trying to gather the courage to force a smile. "Hey!"
Song's dark eyes locked onto Zoe's for a full two seconds.
Those two seconds felt like forever, and Zoe's heart started racing.
Then, suddenly, Song smiled like nothing ever happened between them. "You're here too."
Zoe nodded. "I'm here to record for 'The Charm of Competition' today."
Liu Yuan laughed. "Alright, now that everyone's met, let's sit down and eat, yeah?"
Zoe let out a silent sigh of relief, avoiding Song's gaze as she sat down.
"By the way, should we sing later?" Liu Yuan asked. "If we're doing karaoke, I'll go book a room."
"Go, go, go!" Benyuan raised his hand first, then turned to Song. "Song, you coming? Haven't heard you sing in forever, let's go!"
Benyuan was basically a superfan of Song.
Song nodded. "Sure."
Once Song said he was in, everyone else agreed too.
Who wouldn't want to be friends with Song?
Zoe's apologetic voice suddenly popped up, totally out of place. "Liu, sorry, I've got work early tomorrow."
Liu Yuan nodded understandingly. "No problem, we'll do it another time."
Zoe smiled, grateful.
She was already uncomfortable being in the same room as Song, and if they went to sing together, she might as well call it a night.
Zoe mentally breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, Benyuan made a disappointed sound. "I've never heard you sing! I thought tonight was the night!"
Zoe smiled. "There will definitely be a chance in the future."
Then, Song's gaze landed on her again. He asked, "What work?"
"Huh?" Zoe froze.
Song asked again, "What work do you have tomorrow morning?"
Zoe quickly came up with an excuse. "…I've got a commercial shoot."
Complete lie.
Song nodded and didn't ask any more questions.
Zoe was a bit confused. Why was he asking about her work?
Her mind started racing, wondering if she should take the chance to apologize to him in person.
At the dinner table, Benyuan told jokes, making everyone laugh.
Zoe laughed along, but she wasn't really paying attention to what Benyuan was saying.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
She looked down at it.
It was a message from Song: "Is this your idea of an apology?"
Zoe stared at her phone in shock.
Song, though, was laughing with the group, holding his phone in one hand and not even looking at her.
What did this mean?
Zoe replied with a question mark.
She stared at Song, trying to figure out what he was getting at.
Song smiled but then suddenly looked down at his phone. His smile stayed, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
After a brief pause, he typed something and put his phone face down on the table.
Zoe checked the message.
Song: "Why aren't you going to sing? Don't want to see me?"
Zoe's fingers froze up all of a sudden.