The Actor's Bodyguard

1. A Job Offer

A handsome brunette sat across his childhood friend in a museum cafe. He crossed his long legs and folded his arms on his chest, scrutinizing his friend. "It should be important as you came all the way to my workplace," he said softly, his voice was low key and calming.

The other fidgeted on his seat, feeling very conscious under his friend's eagle eyes. Although he was three years older than the brunette, he felt like a small kid who was about to say something sured to anger his parents.

"A museum security? Are you really satisfied with this job, Cheng Hao?" he asked at the end with a neutral tone, trying not to annoy or upset his friend. Cheng Hao used to be a very popular bodyguard until that unfortunate incident which took place a year ago. After that incident, Cheng Hao left his profession and at the moment he was working as a security guard in the Natural History Museum for a month.

"It is not that bad, Li Jun," he leaned on the table, "but you are not here to ask me about my job, right?"

Li Jun gave out a stressed chuckle, he didn't know how but each time Cheng Hao managed to read him like an open book. He took a deep breath and said "I have a job offer for you."

Cheng Hao raised his eyebrows with suspicion, "what kind of job is that?" Li Jun was a celebrity agent, so that job must have been related to the show business which Cheng Hao hated the most.

"One of the actors I am managing needs a bodyguard," Li Jun said in one breath as he knew Cheng Hao was sure to interrupt him.

"No way," Cheng Hao made X with his arms, creating a double negative.

"Listen to me first before you decide," Li Jun tried to convince him. He even did some puppy eyes.

"Be quick, I need to go back to work in ten minutes," Cheng Hao gave in as his friend looked kind of desperate.

"The actor is Luo Hua, he is a rising star in..." Li Jun stopped abruptly as he didn't know how to continue.

"In?" Cheng Hao asked impatiently.

"BL sector," Li Jun whispered.

"What is BL?" Cheng Hao didn't understand anything as well as why Li Jun was whispering.

"He is acting with boys, playing gay," Li Jun explained again by whispering. Although BL dramas and movies were getting more and more popular, the topic was still sensitive in China.

Hearing the explanation, Cheng Hao was taken aback, "I didn't know you were in that sector."

Li Jun rubbed his nape, "it has so much potential, but this is not our topic," he said in a serious manner, "the BL sector is quite hectic and there are lots of people against it as well as crazy fans. Lu Hua is the limelight already and he keeps getting anonymous letters and disturbing gifts. As he will be shooting a new BL drama starting from next week, he needs a bodyguard for his safety."

"Then find him one, though I think you are exaggerating the situation" was Cheng Hao's answer.

Li Jun already expected that answer, but he was determined to change his mind, "come on, you know that I can't trust anyone but you. The filming will last only for two months and if you are right, there won't be a lot of work for you, only coming and going with him. He is really nice, so I am sure you will like him. Also, it pays really well, so you don't have to think about the money anymore."

"Does it really pay that well?" Cheng Hao wasn't interested in any of the reasons but money. Since his mother was in hospital for her cancer treatment, he badly needed money.

"Yes."

"Only for two months, then I am free?"

"Yes."