𝑰 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐎-𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 [𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 𝐗 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄]

-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍-

•´¯'•. . .•´¯'•

Zhongli hadn't experienced so much controversy for a long time. About fifteen years ago, he experienced something similar when he was rumored to be secretly dating another actress who was accused of drugs and alcohol abuse. Some wondered if Zhongli was going to be under the same influence and the pressure got so bad, his manager took him for a trip to relieve the stress. They were in China at the time, but went to Russia, but by then, the depression and loneliness Zhongli was experiencing was so strong and dangerous, he didn't feel any better even in another country. Maybe the constant flying around just was another thing to add to Zhongli's list of mental drainage. And because at the time he was only fifteen years old and still a minor, he had even less freedom and was more closed off to the world. Whether it be following what his managers told him to do, or going where they wanted him to go, Zhongli didn't get a say on anything. He just put up the works perfectly and effortlessly and that's all he could do.

Gazing down at the bottom of the bridge, Zhongli sort've mindlessly stared down into the cold rushing river below. He could hear the water hitting rocks and he wondered how strong the impact would be if a human fell into the bone-chilling depths below; how long could someone survive or would they die on impact? Maybe it was impossible for Zhongli to survive seeing as he couldn't swim.

He tucked up his face mask a bit just as he heard the snow crunch as if someone was walking closer, so Zhongli instinctively turned around and saw a younger boy, around six or seven staring at him.

The boy had wavy ginger hair and the most prettiest little bright blue eyes Zhongli had ever seen. The boy was wearing a navy blue coat and a thick red scarf. He was staring at Zhongli so intensely the actor was worried for a moment he might be recognized by the child, and that would blow his cover if the media found out where Zhongli went.

"E-Erm.."

"What are you doing?" The boy asked curiously, ignoring Zhongli's nervousness which faded when the boy didn't seem to know who he was. Zhongli crossed his arms over his chest and let out a shakey exhale which could be seen in the cold weather.

But before Zhongli could explain what he was doing alone outside on a bridge so late at night, the boy got closer and kept asking questions.

"Are you cold? You're just wearing a coat, I bet that's why. Are you from here?"

Zhongli, a bit taken back by a kids curiosity shook his head.

"I'm on... vacation." Zhongli answered calmly.

"Don't people usually go somewhere warm for vacation?"

"I—" and once again Zhongli couldn't answer because the boy was now pulling out a magazine and pointing at the front cover.

"My favorite actor Zhongli-" he gave an extra special tap with his finger on Zhongli's face that was displayed on the picture of the magazine. "-hates the cold. He said it himself. That's why I'm going to move somewhere warmer when I grow up so we can work together."

Zhongli's eyes widened slightly. "Work together? With Zhongli?"

"Yep! When I grow up, I'm going to become an amazing actor just like him. He's the best!" The child continued on, getting excited as he did. "No one is as great as acting as Zhongli and I'm going to be as great at him!" Each word came straight from the heart, and it was such innocence that the real Zhongli couldn't help but smile a bit under his mask as the kid seemed so happy.