Amateur talent show? Top mentors are my students.

He Xu stood at the door, looking at the smiling white woman in front of him, his mind blank for a moment.

He turned his head to look at Jiang Yanbai, his eyes filled with a very clear question mark: Why didn't you tell me?

Jiang Yanbai's expression was a mix of guilt and helplessness, clearly indicating that he had only just remembered this matter.

Before he could even speak, his mother stepped forward and warmly opened her arms to He Xu—

"Oh——you must be He Xu! River has told me so much about you! Come, let mommy give you a hug——

(Oh—you must be He Xu! River told me so much about you! Come here, let Mommy give you a hug—)

Before He Xu could back away, he was enveloped in a warm, stew-scented hug.

He stood there frozen, his back ramrod straight.

Jiang Yanbai's mother's hug wasn't very strong, but the natural and unwavering intimacy left him completely at a loss for how to react.

He lived for twenty-four years, and the number of times he was hugged by his elders could be counted on one hand.

Moreover, each time there was a certain distance in the politeness, completely different from the open and warm feeling before me.

"Hello, ma'am." he said, his voice a little dry.

Jiang Yanbai's mother released him, took a half step back, and put her hands on his shoulders, looking him up and down.

Her gaze lingered on his pale face for a moment, then she said with concern, "You don't look well. River just called to say you got injured during training—come in and sit down, don't stand."

Before He Xu could say "no need," she had already gently pushed him two steps toward the living room.

As he was forced to move, a sharp pulling sensation came from his side. He instinctively paused and pressed his hand against the wound.

Jiang Yanbai's mother immediately noticed the movement and frowned: "Oh my god, darling—are you badly injured? River was very vague on the phone, only saying that you were injured during training, but he didn't explain the specifics—"

"It's nothing, just a bump," He Xu said. "I'll be fine after a few days of rest."

Jiang Yanbai's mother glanced at him but didn't press further. She simply said, "Then come in and sit down. I'll pour you a glass of hot water and get you an ice pack, okay?"

He Xu opened his mouth, as if to say, "No need to trouble yourself."

But her tone carried an irresistible enthusiasm, as if she had already tacitly agreed that he would accept.

He paused for a moment, then said, "...Thank you, ma'am."

When he sat down on the living room sofa, he moved very slowly, testing the reaction of his waist with each movement.

Jiang Yanbai's mother had already strode into the kitchen. He could hear the sounds of cabinets opening and closing, water running, mixed with the lighthearted tune she was humming as she worked.

Jiang Yanbai followed him in and sat down on the armrest of the sofa next to He Xu. He lowered his voice and said, "...I forgot to tell you my mom is here. She arrived yesterday and said she'll be staying here for two weeks—"

"You forgot?" He Xu turned his head to look at him.

"I didn't expect you to come back—" Jiang Yanbai shrugged, his expression showing a hint of innocence.

He Xu took a deep breath and was about to say something when Jiang Yanbai's mother came out of the kitchen with a cup of hot water and an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

She placed the water glass on the coffee table in front of He Xu and handed him an ice pack: "Put this on first, it will relieve the pain. Hot water with honey is also good for your throat—River said you just had vocal cord surgery not long ago, so you should drink more warm water."

When He Xu took the ice pack, his fingertips touched the warm back of her hand, and he paused slightly: "...Thank you."

"You're welcome. You can just call me Rachel—no need for 'Madam,' it sounds too formal." She sat down on the single sofa opposite her, her hands resting on her knees, exuding a self-assured and comfortable relaxation.

"River told me a lot about you. He said you're a great dancer, that you choreographed for him, and that you're currently filming a Hollywood movie—"

He Xu gently pressed the ice pack against his side, and the coolness seeped into his skin through the towel, easing the persistent burning pain somewhat.

He didn't respond, nor did he know how to respond.

Rachel's gaze fell on his face, filled with a gentle curiosity.

It's like they're sizing up a cat that's just been brought home and isn't quite brave enough to get close to people yet.

But she didn't press the matter; instead, she changed the subject: "Are you hungry? I made stewed beef, it should be ready soon. Shall we have dinner together?"

He Xu's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the ice pack.

He was indeed hungry.

He hadn't eaten anything since noon, and his stomach was empty. The coolness of the ice pack seeped from his waist down to his abdomen, making him feel that empty discomfort even more clearly.

But he shook his head: "...No, I'm a little tired and want to go back to my room to rest first."

He said this in a calm tone, without any intention of refusing, but rather as if stating a fact—he was indeed tired and needed to be alone.

Rachel looked at him, her eyes showing neither disappointment nor insistence, but simply nodded gently: "Of course, you should rest well. If you get hungry, you can come down anytime; there's always something to eat in the kitchen."

He Xu nodded, took the ice pack from his side and placed it on the coffee table, then slowly stood up, supporting himself on the sofa armrest.

The movements were still very slow, and with each movement, the eyebrows would furrow slightly.

Jiang Yanbai stood up as well: "I'll take you upstairs."

"No need, I can walk by myself."

"I know you can walk by yourself," Jiang Yanbai said, "but it won't be a problem for me to take you up."

He Xu glanced at him and did not refuse again.

He slowly walked towards the stairs, feeling the reaction in his waist with each step. When he reached the third step, he turned his head and glanced towards the living room.

Rachel picked up an ice pack and walked briskly back to the kitchen.

The sound of the pot lid being lifted came from the kitchen, and the aroma of stew mixed with steam wafted out, spreading a warm and homey scent throughout the living room.

He Xu withdrew his gaze and continued walking upwards.

Jiang Yanbai followed behind him.

When they reached the corner of the stairs, He Xu stopped to catch his breath and glanced at Jiang Yanbai: "...The dishes your mom cooked smell pretty good."

Jiang Yanbai leaned against the stair railing, arms crossed: "Yes, her stewed beef is really delicious."

He Xu paused for a moment, then said, "...Go down and have dinner with her. It's rare for her to come see you, so don't worry about me."

Jiang Yanbai looked at him but didn't answer immediately. After a few seconds, he said, "I'll serve you a bowl later."

He Xu looked at Jiang Yanbai's somewhat stubborn face and remained silent for a moment: "...Okay, then take less, I can't eat too much."

He continued upstairs, entered his room, and closed the door very quietly.

The room was dark, with the lights off and the curtains drawn.

He walked to the bedside, slowly sat down, and the moment his shoulders relaxed, it felt as if his bones had been removed, and his back slumped into the mattress.