“Hugs and applause for you, Clare."

"I can't believe how unfairly you have been treated, Clare. There are far too many bullies out there, especially those targeting someone as innocent as you."

Most of these comments seemed pretty standard.

However, Maria began to notice a few peculiar comments that made her realize that fans would go to any extent to protect their idol.

“Oh, I'm baffled. Why do Maria's fans seem to harbor such a dislike for Clare? Don't they realize that having Clare at the concert would boost Mia's popularity?"

"You're right! Clare graduated from one of the country's top music academies and won the first prize in a national competition regarding the Ancient Zither! Only with Clare's approval can Mia's music gain credibility in the professional circle."

“Mia is a writer, isn't she? Why did she suddenly decide to venture into composing soundtracks for movies? Or is this just a side gig for her? Honestly, without the backing of a genuine artist like Clare, Mia's work might not reach its full potential."

As Maria delved into those comments, her eyes darting across the screen, she was abruptly jolted out of her virtual reverie. She had sensed something reaching toward her. From the corner of her eye, she saw it was a hand.

The hand reached out, its fingers extending like graceful tendrils, and delicately covered her head. The touch was surprisingly tender, evoking a sensation of warmth and protection.

“still awake?"

In the midst of the stillness that enveloped the night, Anthony's voice resonated through the air.

Anthony's voice carried a soothing cadence similar to a midnight music program. It was a unique blend of steadiness and hoarseness, creating a captivating allure that was hard to resist.

In stark contrast to the professional and emotionless tone typically associated with anchors, Anthony's words resonated with an overwhelming surge of affection for Maria.

Anthony's question, though succinct, seemingly had a barrage of emotions and worries behind it. He seemed to be saying, “It's so late in the night. Why are you still awake? Do you want me to worry about you all night?" "I... My eyes just refuse to sleep," Maria confessed, her voice barely audible.

"You can't fall asleep?" Anthony asked.

It was no secret that Maria suffered from narcolepsy, so Anthony understood she had an irregular sleeping schedule. Still, he couldn't help but worry after finding her awake this late at night.

Anthony kept silent for a while, his brow furrowing as he pondered the best way to help Maria. His fingers tapped nervously on the table, a subtle sign of his inner turmoil.

“Maybe I will feel sleepy later. But before that, I would like to surf the Internet for a bit longer. I hope you won't mind," she continued, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Maria blinked her big, innocent eyes at him, their long lashes fluttering like delicate wings. Her gaze held a hint of vulnerability as if she were silently pleading for his permission.

Anthony cast a look at his watch, his eyes narrowing as he observed the hands ticking away the minutes. The late hour was evident.

“I will give you ten more minutes. Or perhaps, we should get under the covers together?" he continued, his words trailing off as a playful smile danced upon his lips.

Maria's body tensed, she swallowed hard, and her eyes widened as she quickly nodded in agreement.

A minute ago, Maria had been happily resting on the bed, the softness of the mattress lulling her, with her phone connecting her to the world. However, now, she only had ten more minutes to enjoy all that.

Ten minutes later.