Behind The Red Curtain | YiZhan ✓

90-Where Their Hearts Belong

Summer. It was a tough season now that climate change was affecting it with all its might. Hence one of the reasons for many hiding at the sun's presence, enjoying their time indoors or at suburb countries with more clouds. 

And Zhan would've prefer'ed it so too, yet there he was at the beach, filming his last scene in a drama. He just wanted it to be over with as quickly as possible, before going back home to snuggle under the cold breeze of his air conditioner. 

"And CUT!" With those last words, a loud wave of clapping came after. "Congrats on finishing the drama! I hope the schedule wasn't too tough." Zhan smiled forcefully, his emotions barely showing. "No, not at all...." 

One of the co-actors wrapped his arm around his neck and pulled him in. "So now that the shooting is finished... any plans for the summer?" The female lead, who was two steps before Zhan subtly tucked her hair behind her ear, before giving them a long sigh. "Sadly I must work... although I am free in two days time..." 

Her eyes then glanced at Zhan, to which the latter remained unresponsive at. "Well, I will definitely be at home... sleeping." His co-actor grinned, now pulling him away from sight. "You know, I will never understand why you don't give a chance to such beauties. Are your standards that high, or just horribly low?" 

Zhan simply shook his head, followed by a chuckle. "I'm just not interested. There is nothing wrong with wanting peace." His friend made a complicated expression. "You say so yet whenever I invite you out for drinks, you never come. I doubt you're that busy... you must have at least one special person in your life." 

Zhan knew of his games and suspicions, yet that wasn't enough to make him give in for an explanation. "Nothing will come out of prying into someone else's private life." 

"Hmph... you will regret saying that when you're left all alone one day! Well whatever, I have others to annoy now. But do answer when I call? This talk isn't over yet!" With that he ran away, leaving the latter all to himself. With a calm expression, Zhan made his way in to the van and changed out of his clothes before heading out. He saw his new manager at the end of the road, waiting by the car. "You look uncomfortable." 

The younger man shook his head despite his hair sticking to his forehead in thick, wet strands. "Nothing of it! It's my job anyways..." Zhan smiled, shaking his head. "You could've went to a cafe nearby if you arrived so early. Be more comfortable. Please." The latter then couldn't help but nod obediently as they entered the car and drove away. 

It had been a little less than a week since Fengge had hired him a new manager. They had to do various background checks on him to determine his liability for such a job, especially after what had happened with his last manager. He was mostly hired due to his easy-going personality. Fengge was twisted in a way, saying that he would be easy to control, adding to the fact that he had a sick grandma lying in a hospital with a huge dept on his back, left from his late father. 

Zhan felt sorry for the boy, but made nothing of it. Everyone had their own struggles, and made use of others in order to fulfil their own needs. This was a give and take on both sides, so both payed it no mind and did as they saw fit to themselves. 

"Should I take you home?" Zhan was about to respond with a yes, but then got a phone-call from the one and only. "Are you still on set?" 

Zhan smiled. "No... I just left. Where are you?" Yibo paused, later speaking in a playful tone. "Oh nowhere... just some place." Zhan could almost hear him smiling. "Really? Is that place maybe by the beach?" Yibo chuckled. "Sharp ears. Can you hear the water hitting the shore?"