Behind The Red Curtain | YiZhan ✓

43-Guilty Not Guilty?

He was weak and fragile as a child. Leaned only on his father whom he disliked the mere touch of, fed only on the food placed on his plate. As soon as someone would start raising their voice at him, tears would break loose and flood the grounds like a deep lake. 

Many would now say that he was much different, strong and determined, a man that can stand his ground. Yet only he himself knew that he was still far from being described by such big words. 

It was like that too when he was not so new to the industry, yet had newly signed his name under the company. And Duyi being Duyi, every year, he would make all his idols go on a show to let the viewers see them as a family. And he had just happened to have joined then. 

It had been too stressful to be in a new environment with people he had just met. And pretending to be close with them was going to be another story. So he had drunken one too many bottles that day, but what was supposed to be hydrating had ended up being the complete opposite instead. 

Yibo had seen him struggle on his seat for a while and decided to talk at the end. "Hey- do you need to use the restroom?" Zhan felt his shirt being pulled, so he glanced at his waist before meeting the latter's gaze. "I... shouldn't. I fear i will be late..." 

But Yibo shook his head and stood up, pulling Zhan by the hem of his shirt. "Come." He knew no one would dare say a thing if Yibo were there. So he had ended up letting him help. 

But just as they were going to enter the restroom, they had heard a sudden laugh come from inside. It was the voice of a middle aged old man, and a slightly younger one. "Can you believe Duyi's boys? They are all worse than the other. No wonder the fame didn't go up to their heads!" 

"So you say sir... but they do seem to be better rehearsed this year than the last at least." Yibo furrowed his brows as he held Zhan's wrist softly. "Would you look at the producer... hah! There really is no respect in this industry..." Zhan sighed, later shushing him with a slight blow on his finger. 

"But hey, i must say... i really didn't expect for Xiao Zhan to come under his wing. After the way he was treated at his old company, this might as well be luxury for him. If only his talents were as good to define that..." 

"Right.. got the spoon handed to his mouth. But one would be dumb to think that he will get treated any better in here.." 

"Tsk.. tsk... that's why celebrities have no manners these days. None of them know of any dignity. He might as well leave for once and for all, than to let such kindness be shown. After all, it doesn't seem like he will be giving it back any time soon..." Yibo clenched his fists at that, ready to charge. "Oh i will show you dignity-" 

But Zhan was quick to stop him there, slowly shaking his head despite his expression showing just how hurt he had been. It wold've been satisfactory to let Yibo loose and let him do the mocking talking he would always do, but back then, it had seemed more mature to just let it go. 

"Let them be. Those who talk will always talk." And so was the world. It was cruel. Yet he couldn't have known just how much worse it could be if the tv producer hadn't fainted that day. 

He could still remember the exact image of him laying on the ground whilst white foam came out of his mouth. A sight so disturbing, yet it had been enough to make his lips curl up in satisfaction. 

"It is not evil to seek revenge or compensation for the wrong doings of the other side, wether it be theft or even murder. Hence, no one should forbid themselves of the act of satisfaction, thus, acting human."