Rebirth of a Superstar
Author: Shitu Zhi Yao
The Queen of the Music Scene
On the sixth of August, at midnight, when the clock struck twelve, many people in the capital would typically be found in bars, discos, or coffee shops, or perhaps strolling through the night market. Some would already be asleep, chasing dreams and seeking what they’ve always desired from the Duke of Zhou. But tonight, many would find themselves unable to sleep. For this evening, from 8 PM to midnight, marked the farewell concert of Mo Xue, the most popular female singer in the country and a name known internationally!
Mo Xue, at the age of 28, debuted at 16 and has now been in the industry for over a decade. She shot to fame with her debut song “Peach Blossom Debt,” earning her the title of the year’s most popular newcomer. Over the years, her singing improved, and when she ventured into the acting world, her performances were impeccable, soon making her the brightest star in the entertainment circle, reaching the peak of her career!
Many were puzzled. Why would Mo Xue, at the height of her career, choose to retire from the entertainment industry? What were the real reasons behind this decision? Given the tight-lipped nature of her management company and Mo Xue’s own silence on the matter, the media, unable to uncover the truth, focused all their efforts on her farewell concert.
From 8 PM to midnight, a full five hours, Mo Xue sang all her classic hits from her over ten-year career. The concert was charged with an electric atmosphere from the start. As the final encore approached, the concert reached a fever pitch with screams that crescendoed, deafening the audience. Countless fans shouted and cried, pouring out their passion and fervor, hoping to keep this queen of the music scene. However, Mo Xue did not waver in her decision to retire from the stage. After her last song, she bid a perfect farewell to her fans with a smile. As the fans were still immersed in the melancholy atmosphere, she quickly left the venue with an escort, driving away into the night. Thus, the legendary queen of the music scene disappeared from the entertainment world, fading entirely from the public eye.
On the sixth of September, in another late night, in a secluded yet luxuriously decorated private villa, an elderly man with white whiskers, around 60 years old, sat calmly in a rocking chair. He looked at the elegant and charming woman standing before him and said, “Xiao Xue, have you really decided to leave ‘The Dark’? Is your mind made up with no room for negotiation?” The old man spoke softly, his aura of authority naturally emanating, like a blade that hides its sharpness, ready to strike unexpectedly.
The woman, addressed as Xiao Xue, had eyes as serene as still water, her expression unchanged. She replied softly, “Yes, Master Long, after this last mission, I will leave ‘The Dark.’ I will seal all memories related to ‘The Dark’ according to protocol and will not betray it.”
Master Long, hearing this, simply said, “Hmm, after this last mission, it will be exactly 1000 people, meeting the condition for your departure, right?” His tone was calm as if discussing something trivial. Yet, his calmness made Xiao Xue tense, unconsciously making a subtle defensive move.
Master Long glanced at her and said, “Your last mission’s details are in the bag on the table. Go, my child, and good luck… goodbye.” He turned his rocking chair away, giving her his back. She picked up the bag from the table, turned, and closed the door behind her.
Just as she stepped out of the villa, preparing to enter her car, a deep, melodious male voice called out from behind her. “Mo Xue.”
Mo Xue, the woman’s name. This was no coincidence; this woman, radiating an air of cold determination, was indeed the queen of the music scene who had captivated countless hearts on screen! Mo Xue! And she was also a killer from the international assassin organization ‘The Dark.’ Known in the industry by the nickname “Asura Dark Snow,” she was known for her flawless kill record.
Orphaned since the age of three, she had been involved with ‘The Dark’ from that time. At five, she started her ‘business,’ which meant killing. In this dark world, if she didn’t kill, she would be killed. To survive, she had to become ruthless!
There was an ironclad rule in ‘The Dark’: to leave, one must kill 1000 people. A daunting number, with many losing their lives in the attempt. But Mo Xue had persevered, and after this last mission, she could regain her freedom! The desire for freedom overshadowed the subtle unease in Mo Xue’s soul and the speculation she deliberately ignored, like the fact that no one who left ‘The Dark’ had ever truly escaped alive.
Hearing the familiar call, Mo Xue did not turn around, saying calmly, “Yin, you don’t need to say anything. My decision is final. You should know how long I’ve waited for this day.”
Yin, Mo Xue’s childhood teammate, a man of striking beauty, silent and unable to express his emotions. For him, besides the assassin organization, there was only Mo Xue. She was his teammate, and the woman he loved deeply but could never voice. Since learning of Mo Xue’s intention to leave ‘The Dark,’ his heart had never been at peace. Now, hearing her words, he felt even more uneasy. He stepped out from the shadows, his handsome yet emotionless face, his tall, muscular frame, and his deep, dark eyes that only flickered with emotion when looking at Mo Xue.
Mo Xue still did not turn around. She opened the car door and as she got in, she said, “Yes, even if it costs me my life, I won’t let go of this chance. Yin, you should understand how important freedom is to me. Take care!” With that, she quickly closed the door, started the engine, and drove away.
Watching Mo Xue’s car disappear from the villa, Yin whispered softly, “Mo Xue, do you really not regret this? For that elusive freedom, are you willing to risk your life? Do you know that no one who leaves ‘The Dark’ ever lives? They… all died… and you won’t be an exception!”
The sound of Yin was low, yet it carried a sense of oppression. Glancing up at the second-floor window, he turned and got into his car, then left the villa. On the second floor, Long Ye squinted his eyes slightly and said indifferently, “Ying, follow him. If Yin interferes with this operation, kill him without mercy! Also, make sure Mo Xue leaves without pain… After all, she was the best child I personally raised…” His voice was filled with a mix of regret and sorrow as if he was deeply saddened by Mo Xue’s fate. After Long Ye spoke, a cold, emotionless male voice came from the darkness, “Yes, Long Ye.” Upon receiving this response, Long Ye gave a faint smile, though it was filled with cruelty, murmuring to himself, “Mo Xue, only the dead won’t betray… My child… it’s really time to say goodbye…” As he finished speaking, he closed his eyes for a brief rest.
