They Dumped Me—Now They’re Reincarnated and Obsessed? - Chapter 18

Yan Ze debuted as a singer after winning a talent show. Later, thanks to his good looks and refined aura, he gradually transitioned into acting, taking the path of a traffic-driven idol.

He didn’t have formal training in acting—he was well aware he was selling his face. Though netizens often criticized his performances, Yan Ze never had the time to return to school for professional training.

In the entertainment industry, staying relevant and visible is everything. For an idol like him, going back to study acting during a career upswing would have been career suicide.

Still, Yan Ze was self-aware. He knew he needed to build a reputation and real work to his name. So, whenever he could act himself, he would. He insisted on doing scenes in person and saw every opportunity as practice. While there hadn’t been a qualitative leap in his skills, he had still gained a lot—facial control, physical coordination, and most importantly, camera awareness.

Even more impressively, he hadn’t neglected his voice training. He’d released two albums that were fairly well received within the industry.

So, when this seasoned idol picked up the microphone in a KTV full of high schoolers, it was no surprise—he completely crushed them.

Mei Jian had underestimated him. Before walking in, he hadn’t thought much of it. But once Yan Yaru and Chen Chang had both finished singing and Feng Fei handed the mic to Yan Ze, Mei Jian’s scalp tightened.

He could already sense the tide turning.

Xie Tingxue had been distracted the entire time, feeling guilty for wasting study hours on karaoke.

But the moment Yan Ze took the mic, she looked up.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the instant his fingertips touched the microphone, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone in the room felt it.

It was like when a true reader touches a book—they can tell its quality on instinct alone.

Yan Ze let out a soft chuckle into the mic, and for a second, it felt like the whole room held its breath.

The song was a simple, overplayed one—Chen Chang had deliberately picked it. He wanted to see how the remaining boys would perform, so he chose a forgettable melody and passed the mic along.

But from the moment Yan Ze laughed, Chen Chang’s hairs stood on end. He knew—Yan Ze was about to steal the spotlight again.

Yan Yaru’s eyes lit up. She stared at Yan Ze, completely entranced.

Chen Chang, unwilling to be outdone, grabbed the backup mic, intending to jump in at the right moment.

But all that scheming shattered the instant Yan Ze began to sing.

The moment he opened his mouth, Chen Chang froze. He stood still for a long time before quietly putting the mic down. He didn’t even bother struggling anymore.

Fortunately, everyone’s attention was on Yan Ze. No one noticed Chen Chang’s failed attempt.

Feng Fei was equally stunned.

He’d gone singing with Yan Ze before and knew the guy could sing—but this was different. The texture of his voice had changed. Even the feeling of the performance was different.

And it was just a simple song!

Mei Jian was torn between admiration and resentment.

“What a sneaky little cheater.”

It wasn’t just his voice—Yan Ze’s posture, expressions, and presence were all finely tuned from years in front of the camera.

And—

Mei Jian moved to sit next to Xie Tingxue and looked at Yan Ze from her perspective. He immediately realized: Yan Ze was using tricks.

The angle he chose to face her was his most photogenic. With the lighting just right, every subtle expression he made came across as effortlessly charismatic.

Truly a screen star—he didn’t miss a single detail.

Mei Jian waved a hand in front of Xie Tingxue’s face.

She didn’t even blink. Her eyes were fixed on Yan Ze. It was obvious—she was completely stunned.

Mei Jian gave up. There was no competing here. This was Yan Ze’s domain.

Yan Ze turned slightly, tilted his head, and gave Xie Tingxue a quick wink.

It was cheeky, but not greasy. Under the shimmer of lights, his eyes sparkled like stars. But as his gaze shifted from her to Mei Jian, that warmth turned into a clear challenge.

That smug expression!

Mei Jian muttered,

“…Childish.”

Xie Tingxue leaned back as if trying to flee his charm. When Yan Ze turned to smile at her, she nearly forgot how to breathe.

Mei Jian gently supported her back, sighing internally.

Why didn’t I stop them from coming to the KTV?

He was here to study, not to watch his rival dominate the room.

As the song ended, everyone had their own thoughts.

Feng Fei and Yan Yaru clapped like crazy.

Chen Chang forced out a sour compliment.

Mei Jian said nothing.

And Xie Tingxue? After a long pause, she let out a quiet “Wow,” softly applauded, and her eyes sparkled.

Yan Ze put down the mic with a calm smile and offered a casual yet graceful gentleman’s bow.

Mei Jian could tell—if he weren’t here, Yan Ze would’ve grabbed Xie Tingxue’s hand and kissed the back of it.

Yan Ze leaned closer and murmured,

“Blessing you, your highness.”

His voice was rich and velvety, smooth as silk.

Only Mei Jian understood what he said—the other students were clueless.

“……”

Xie Tingxue stared at Yan Ze, lips curved in a dazzling smile, her ears burning red.

He smiled and asked,

“Did you like it?”

Yan Yaru screamed,

“It was amazing!!”

Xie Tingxue wasn’t close enough to be that loud, so she shyly echoed,

“It was really good.”

Her quiet, bashful compliment—half-hidden behind the others—made Yan Ze laugh.

He turned to Mei Jian.

“Professor Mei, want to give it a try?”

Mei Jian smiled and declined,

“No thanks, I can’t compete.”

Yan Ze grinned.

“So rational, Professor Mei. Sometimes admitting defeat is the smartest move.”

He didn’t overdo it. One performance was enough. He passed the mic to Xie Tingxue.

“Pick a song.”

Xie Tingxue shook her head frantically.

“No, no, I’m good.”

“Don’t be shy,” Yan Ze coaxed.

“I know your voice isn’t bad.”

He wasn’t sure if Mei Jian had ever heard her sing, but he had.

Xie Tingxue liked to lie on her bed, holding a book above her head, humming while reading. Sometimes it was a soft English tune, sometimes a track from his own album.

More often than not, he’d fallen asleep to her quiet singing.

Her voice ten years ago must’ve been even more youthful and tender.

Mei Jian added his encouragement,

“Go ahead, just sing one.”

Yan Yaru grabbed the mic.

“If you don’t want to go solo, I’ll sing with you!”

Feng Fei chimed in helpfully,

“What do you girls want to sing? I’ll queue it up.”

Yan Yaru said,

“I want to sing the last one. Push it to the front for me!”

Yan Ze cut in,

“No, sing That Time.”

Yan Yaru frowned.

“The girl’s part is too low. I can’t sing that one!”

Yan Ze was firm.

“You can. That’s the one.”

Xie Tingxue sang in a lower register than most girls—her voice sat comfortably in the mezzo-soprano range. When she tried to sing in higher keys, it would float unsteadily. Yan Ze knew exactly what suited her, so he picked a song with a contralto part that matched her tone: “Time.”

Mei Jian propped his chin up, quietly waiting.

Feng Fei, naturally following Yan Ze’s cue, pinned the song to the top of the playlist.

Yan Yaru pouted, clearly unhappy about the choice.

Once Xie Tingxue began to sing, both boys grew visibly serious.

Yan Ze smiled serenely, sat down beside Mei Jian, and said brightly,

“Judging by your face, I’m guessing this is your first time hearing her sing?”

Then he couldn’t resist showing off:

“I hear it all the time.”

Mei Jian let out a quiet “hmph” and replied airily,

“When I got my first paycheck years ago, I bought a stereo system and a bunch of duet CDs—mostly love songs.”

He knew exactly how to get under Yan Ze’s skin. He didn’t need to spell it out—he was confident Yan Ze understood.

You say you’ve heard her sing often? Well, back when Tingxue and I were dating, we used to sing love duets at home. I’ve been listening to her for years.

Yan Ze: “…”

The temperature between them plummeted.

Seemingly unimpressed by Xie Tingxue’s singing—or maybe just impatient—Yan Yaru picked up a mic and jumped in, singing along before the duet section even arrived.

Yan Ze, holding his green tea mid-air, turned to Mei Jian.

“Professor Mei, drink with me?”

Mei Jian smiled faintly and clinked glasses.

Then Yan Ze said in a low voice,

“Let’s be honest: this time, I’m going to be her first love.”

“Go ahead,” Mei Jian replied. “The rules of nature—I can’t interfere. You’re free to try and win her over with your charm, just as I’ll do my best to correct the mistakes of our past life. In the end, the choice will be hers.”

“Fair enough,” Yan Ze nodded. “I’m not underhanded. I won’t play dirty. And I hope you won’t stoop too low either.”

Mei Jian said flatly,

“Likewise.”

After finishing her song, Xie Tingxue set the mic down and stepped outside to get some air.

The air in the KTV room was stuffy. She felt a little dizzy. After splashing her face with cold water in the restroom, she let out a long breath and leaned close to the mirror, studying her reflection.

Her lips were pale, but a faint blush had crept into her cheeks.

Just then, Yan Ze’s smiling reflection appeared behind her in the mirror.

He walked up, catching her gaze in the glass, and greeted her gently,

“Hey. You feeling okay? Something wrong?”

Xie Tingxue turned around, bracing herself against the sink, and shook her head.

She found it strange. Had Yan Ze been watching her the whole time? How had he known she wasn’t feeling well?

Yan Ze said warmly,

“You sing beautifully.”

She blushed and shook her head shyly. Even though she was trying to compliment him, she avoided his eyes.

“Your singing was better…”

He laughed softly, his peach blossom eyes bright and clear. He stood tall, wearing a crisp white shirt, looking dazzling as ever.

Xie Tingxue lowered her head, unsure what to say next. Strangely, though, she didn’t want to leave.

The white shirt drew closer until she was enveloped in a warm embrace. Her eyes widened slightly, her mind going blank.

A faint mint scent. His arms, gentle but protective.

Yan Ze held her lightly, respectfully, whispering near her ear:

“The knight will return to save the princess.”

Xie Tingxue, dazed:

“Huh?”

He let her go and took a few steps back, flashing a bright, charming smile—red lips, white teeth, and eyes like sunshine.

“I’m writing a story,” he said, tilting his head. “A story about a bear knight and a bunny princess. When it’s finished, I want you to be my very first reader.”

Xie Tingxue blinked, and before she realized it, the words slipped out:

“Okay…”

His smile was warm and infectious, and before she knew it, she was smiling too.

But in the very next second, her smile froze.

A boy with a buzz cut stormed in behind Yan Ze, tossing a cigarette to the ground and stomping it out. He gripped a beer bottle and swung it viciously toward the back of Yan Ze’s head.