Another crack of thunder echoed, making Song Meiqi tense as she stared at the door just a few steps away.
She hesitated, waiting a moment—perhaps someone had just knocked by mistake.
But then it came again.
Louder. Harder.
A sharp, deliberate sound that echoed through the room like a warning.
Song Meiqi stiffened.
This wasn't a joke.
Someone was at the door—and in her gut, she knew. It could be the anonymous sender.
The messages, the threats… they hadn't stopped. And tonight, they'd crossed a line.
She was tired. Tired of being scared. Tired of feeling watched and helpless.
She had learned self-defense years ago—and now, it was time to remember it.
Her eyes scanned the room and landed on the lamp on the counter. Without hesitation, she grabbed it with both hands. Heavier than it looked, it gave her a sudden sense of control.
Heart pounding in her ears, sweat beginning to gather at her temples, she moved toward the door—slowly, cautiously—each step deliberate, her breath shallow.
She didn't know what—or who—was waiting on the other side.
But this time, she wouldn't face it powerless.
She stepped closer to the door, heart pounding, and peered through the peephole—the hallway was empty. Still. Silent.
Confused and on edge, she drew a breath, tightened her grip on the lamp, and swung the door open, bracing herself for what might come next.
But there was no one in front of her.
And as she glanced around, her eyes landed on a plain envelope lying on the ground.
She bent down to pick it up, then quickly shut the door behind her—double-checking the lock before backing away.
Envelope still in hand, she returned to the bed, the silence in the room now heavier than before.
Carefully, she opened it.
Inside were photographs—
Of her leaving her apartment.
Of her walking out of the company building.
And one… sipping coffee alone at her favorite café.
"What a creep," she muttered under her breath, her face twisting in disgust.
As her eyes moved over the photos again, a chill settled in her chest.
She remembered doing all of those things three weeks ago, during Everbloom's short break.
Her grip on the photos tightened.
"They've been following me for weeks," she realized, stomach twisting with dread.
Song Meiqi couldn't sleep at all.
Every time she closed her eyes, her mind spiraled—what if they came while she was sleeping?
Thunder rolled outside, low and restless, echoing through the hotel walls as she tossed and turned beneath the sheets.
Her eyes kept drifting toward the door, half-expecting another knock.
By the time the sky began to pale with morning light, she hadn't slept a wink.
She sat up slowly, the envelope still on the nightstand like a silent threat.
She couldn't ignore it anymore.
She needed to tell her manager.
Two days later, Everbloom returned to Country C as scheduled.
Song Meiqi sat on her familiar couch, hands loosely clasped. Across from her, Manager Li, a woman in her thirties, reported the situation.
"I gave the photos to the authorities and changed your number," she said gently. "I'll check in often, so try to rest. Okay?"
Song Meiqi gave a small nod, though deep down, unease still stirred in her chest.
"Maybe all of this is happening because of your relationship with Si Haoran," Manager Li said gently.
Her words made Meiqi look up, a flicker of realization crossing her face—as if something had just clicked.
Right. Whoever this person is, they said they felt betrayed, she thought.
"Then…" she hesitated, glancing at Manager Li. "What if Haoran and I go public with our relationship?"
Manager Li looked at her like she had lost her mind.
"Wouldn't that just make the stalker even more furious?" she asked, brows furrowed.
"I mean… if we do that, this person might actually show up," Meiqi said, as if the thought had lingered in her mind for a while.
Manager Li shook her head.
"Using yourself as bait for some who-knows-who is not worth your life," she said firmly. "Let the authorities handle this. Just focus on the concert." She leaves her no room to argue.
After Manager Li left, silence settled over the apartment once more.
Song Meiqi remained on the couch, letting out a soft sigh. Deep down, she wanted to go public with Haoran. But with his rising career as an actor, she knew—it wasn't the right time.
After a brief moment of silence, Song Meiqi picked up her phone and dialed the only person who can make her feel better—her uncle.
"This is Han Yichen. Who's speaking?" His voice was rough, yet carried a quiet warmth.
Meiqi smiled faintly, as if some of the weight in her chest had lifted.
"It's me, Uncle," she replied.
Recognizing her voice, Han Yichen let out a soft chuckle.
"Did you change your number? I almost didn't recognize it."
"Mm," Meiqi hummed in confirmation.
Then, they continued chatting for a while, catching up like they always used to.
"Oh, right!.. I almost forgot," Han Yichen suddenly exclaimed, as if something important had just struck him.
"Little Qi, are you free tomorrow night?"
"Mm. I'm on break," Meiqi replied, recalling her next flight wasn't for another two days.
"Perfect. Come with me to the GL Holdings anniversary celebration tomorrow." he said, his tone leaving little room for refusal.
Song Meiqi's brows drew together in quiet confusion.
The great GL Holdings? she thought.