Even if things go wrong, Zheng Hao's concert must go on, and the fans' cheers and applause continue to echo.
Su Ci watched as the red line indicating Zheng Hao's life still appeared on his wrist. She couldn't understand why the danger had passed, yet he was still in mortal peril.
She summoned Fu Gui. "The life-threatening danger for Zheng Hao should be over, but why is his life still showing a red line?"
Fu Gui's voice, usually calm, was unusually excited. **Master, you still need to save him; he's still in danger.**
Su Ci frowned. "So, he's still going to die?"
Fu Gui responded: **He's going to have a car accident.**
Su Ci was speechless. So, even if Zheng Hao survived the concert, he was still going to die after the show.
She really didn't know how to comment on that.
Fu Gui sensed that its master wasn't too happy, so it quickly added: **Master, if Zheng Hao dies twice and you save him, you'll get two golden cotton candies!**
Fu Gui's tone was filled with excitement. If its master got the golden cotton candies, one for itself and one for Lu Zhe—perfect.
Su Ci was surprised. "Two?"
Fu Gui replied: **Yes!**
Just a moment ago, Su Ci was still annoyed by Zheng Hao being a troublemaker. But after hearing Fu Gui's words, her gaze toward Zheng Hao on stage completely changed. She liked the idea of getting something in return for her efforts. Saving him once and getting a golden cotton candy seemed fair.
Lu Zhe, who had little interest in the performance above, often kept his gaze on Su Ci. Seeing the girl's expression change constantly, he was a bit puzzled. "What happened?"
The stage lights reflected on Su Ci's face, and her eyes sparkled. "I suddenly found something good."
Lu Zhe chuckled. "What's that?"
Su Ci turned to look at him, her mischievous little eyes gleaming. "I'll tell you after the concert."
The concert lasted two and a half hours. Before it even ended, Su ZhiYuan got up and left, and the female friend sitting beside him followed suit.
Su Ci, seeing her brother leave surrounded by people, finally straightened up. Hopefully, he hadn't seen her.
As the concert was nearing its end, Su Ci took Lu Zhe's hand and stood up, heading toward the backstage.
The manager was very respectful. "Miss Su, are you leaving?"
There was a backstage passage leading to the parking lot. Su Ci thought for a moment and instructed the manager, "My car is in the parking lot. After the concert, have Zheng Hao get in my car."
"Miss Su, there are many reporters outside. I'm afraid..." The manager hesitated.
Su Ci insisted. "It's fine. Do as I say. I'll take Zheng Hao away."
The manager, who dared not disobey the young lady of the Su family, quickly agreed.
The concert ended with the fans' cheers and applause.
Zheng Hao returned to the backstage, completely exhausted, and slumped onto the couch in the makeup room, his mind blank.
He was still wearing his performance outfit, his face still made up, too tired to move.
At that moment, his agent, Li Qi, came to inform him to go out for a group photo.
Zheng Hao, forced to continue working, went through the group photo session. Afterward, the manager found him and his agent.
The manager relayed Su Ci's instructions. "There are too many fans outside. When you leave, Zheng Hao, you'll take a different car. Miss Su has arranged it, and it's already waiting in the parking lot. Li Qi, you take the assistants and leave in the van. We'll take care of sending Zheng Hao back."
Zheng Hao was a bit confused. "Su Ci is sending me back?"
The agent was also surprised. "Miss Su?"
If it weren't for Su Ci's strong insistence that Zheng Hao take precautions, he might have fallen from the lift platform during the concert. Not only would the concert have been ruined, but Zheng Hao would have been in serious danger.
Hearing Su Ci's name now, both Zheng Hao and his agent felt a deep sense of gratitude toward her.
Especially Zheng Hao. Before the incident, he had resented Su Ci's meddling. But when he was on stage, lying there after the accident, hearing the fans' screams, the only thing that came to his mind was Su Ci's command to use a safety wire.
No one knew better than him the feeling of brushing against death in that moment.
He lay there, his limbs numb, his mind filled with gratitude toward Su Ci.
She had saved his life.
Now, hearing that Su Ci had arranged for him to take her car, he was surprised but not opposed.
Zheng Hao agreed.
After the manager left, Zheng Hao returned to the makeup room.
"Are you really going to get in Su Ci's car?" Li Qi followed him in and closed the door behind him. "There are reporters everywhere. If they catch you getting into her car, do you know what that means?"
"I'll be careful," Zheng Hao said, leaning tiredly against the couch. "I owe her my life. At least I should thank her in person."
Li Qi nodded. "You should indeed thank Miss Su. If it weren't for her strong insistence that you take safety measures, I can't imagine what would have happened if you had fallen from the three-meter-high lift platform."
"But you can thank her at another time. Your fans are still waiting outside." Li Qi didn't agree.
Zheng Hao was silent for a moment. "Li Qi, didn't you tell me that we can't disobey Miss Su?"
Li Qi was momentarily speechless, then glared at him.
"Have someone buy some milk tea and snacks for them. Tell them to go home and be careful on the road," Zheng Hao said, heading to the makeup table to start removing his makeup.
"I know how to handle it," Li Qi said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "But this Miss Su came to your concert, was worried about your accident, insisted on safety measures, and now, after the concert, she's arranged for you to leave in her car. Do you think she might be..."
Zheng Hao paused while removing his makeup. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Li Qi in the mirror. "Li Qi, what are you trying to say?"
Li Qi smiled. "Miss Su isn't just your fan; she likes you, doesn't she? Otherwise, why would she care so much about you?"
There were many girls who liked Zheng Hao, and a large crowd of them were waiting outside the door. Su Ci, with her noble background, was still just a young girl. It was normal for her to like Zheng Hao.
Zheng Hao's heart skipped a beat. If it were any other girl, he would have just laughed it off. But hearing Li Qi's words now, he felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation.
Li Qi, who had been with Zheng Hao for a long time, saw the expression on his face and knew what he was thinking.
Li Qi had to remind Zheng Hao, "You need to think carefully. Miss Su comes from a prestigious family, and your career is just taking off. You should know what kind of fatal blow a relationship would be for an idol."
Zheng Hao wiped the eyeliner from his eyes. "Li Qi, you're overthinking."
After Li Qi left, Zheng Hao had already removed his makeup. He changed out of his performance clothes, wearing a black hoodie and jeans, looking clean and refreshing, like a boy just out of school. He slung a black backpack over his shoulder.
He put on a mask and a black fisherman's hat, then left the makeup room.
"Be careful not to get caught by the reporters," Li Qi reminded Zheng Hao again. "I won't escort you over; I don't want to be recognized."
Zheng Hao pulled his hat lower. "Mm."
He went through the backstage passage to the parking lot.
Zheng Hao spotted the black car the manager had mentioned at a glance. He checked the license plate and walked over.
Regarding Su Ci, apart from the initial "amazement" when they first met, he also felt a deep sense of gratitude toward her. Now that she had suddenly offered to take him home, he couldn't help but think more about it.
Other fans, he could easily refuse, but Su Ci had saved his life and was beautiful. It was hard to deny that such a girl was hard to resist.
Zheng Hao was caught in a dilemma.
In the car, Su Ci and Lu Zhe were already waiting for Zheng Hao to come out.
Bored of waiting, Su Ci began playing with Lu Zhe's fingers.
The boy's hands were large, with distinct knuckles, and though there were some calluses, they didn't detract from the hands' slender beauty.
Su Ci pinched and rubbed Lu Zhe's fingers from time to time, counting the time.
When Zheng Hao was on stage, she only saw the red line on his wrist but didn't see the countdown. But Fu Gui had told her there was only an hour left.
From the end of the concert to now, she and Lu Zhe had been waiting for nearly forty minutes.
That meant Zheng Hao's life was down to just twenty minutes.
Su Ci was getting impatient. As she was about to call the person in charge again, her gaze inadvertently caught sight of a tall figure walking towards them outside the car.
Su Ci lowered the car window and confirmed it was Zheng Hao. "Over here."
Seeing the girl's face in the car window, Zheng Hao's gaze lingered for a moment as he quickened his pace.
There was an inexplicable feeling of joy stirring in his heart.
Zheng Hao pulled his cap lower, glanced around to ensure there were no cameras, and walked to the other side of the car, opening the door.
Just as he was about to sit down, his expression froze beneath his mask.
The smile in his eyes halted as Zheng Hao stared in bewilderment at the handsome young man inside the car.
Su Ci poked her head out from beside Lu Zhe, "Get in."
Lu Zhe gave Zheng Hao a cool glance.
Zheng Hao quickly regained his composure and sat down.
As the door closed, an awkward atmosphere seemed to fill the car.
"Miss Su." Zheng Hao quickly collected his thoughts and removed his mask.
Su Ci glanced at Zheng Hao's hand holding the mask, noticing that his life value showing beneath his sleeve had only 18 minutes remaining.
Su Ci looked away and smiled at Zheng Hao, "Congratulations on successfully completing your concert."
There was a complex look in Zheng Hao's eyes. Su Ci wasn't quite what he and his manager had imagined. He pushed aside his scattered thoughts and replied with sincere gratitude, "I should thank you for the concert's success."
"If you hadn't insisted on using safety wires for my backflip, I probably would have fallen from the lifting platform when that mistake happened," Zheng Hao was willful but not ungrateful. "You saved my life."
Su Ci didn't act modest - she had indeed saved Zheng Hao, though not just once, but twice.
She accepted his gratitude, "I hope you won't be so stubborn in the future. Pursuing perfection is good, but safety should come first. I might be able to save you once or twice, but there's no guarantee I can save you a third time."
Zheng Hao agreed, truly frightened by that moment of error.
Though he hadn't suffered any consequences, he had learned his lesson.
Listening to their conversation, Lu Zhe realized that Su Ci had saved Zheng Hao's life.
Lu Zhe unconsciously glanced at Su Ci. After so many instances, he had noticed that she had saved quite a few people.
Little Joy, that female company employee, an elderly grandmother, a high school girl, her brother, Li Chen Yu, and now Zheng Hao - these were just the ones he knew about. There might be many more he didn't know of.
Lu Zhe's lips curved into a slight smile; his darling had such a pure and kind heart.
...
After Zheng Hao left, his manager and several assistants exited through the main entrance, with one of them dressed to look like Zheng Hao.
"Zheng Hao!"
"Ahh, Zheng Hao!"
"Zheng Hao, your performance today was amazing!"
"Zheng Hao, keep going, I'll always support you!"
"Hao Hao, make sure to rest well!"
...
The fans who hadn't left yet rushed forward frantically.
Security guards protected Zheng Hao's double as he got into the car.
The manager waved to the fans, "Zheng Hao needs to rest now. Thank you all for coming tonight. Everyone should go home and rest well - it's late, and it's not safe to return too late."
The manager got into the car.
"Hao Hao, this is a gift for you!"
"Zheng Hao, I'll always support you!"
"Zheng Hao, you were so handsome tonight!"
"Hao Hao..."
Manager: "Everyone should go home now, stop taking photos. Watch your hands, I'm closing the door."
The manager closed the door, shutting out the fans' clamor.
"Old Wu, let's go," the manager signaled the driver to start driving.
The car started moving, with fans still banging on the doors, seemingly wanting to stick to the car.
Old Wu looked in the rearview mirror and unconsciously shook his head - nowadays, young fans were more fanatical than anyone when it came to following celebrities.
The car started moving, with some fans even running after it until they were finally left behind as the car drove away.
The double removed his mask and cap, finally breathing a sigh of relief. He had been worried that a fan might reach over and pull off his mask.
The manager, clearly used to such scenes, smiled at the two assistants, "You all worked hard today. Zheng Hao has no schedule tomorrow, so everyone can have a good rest."
At this moment, Old Wu in the driver's seat glanced in the rearview mirror, "Brother Qi, there's a car following us."
Li Qi turned around and looked out the window, confirming that a black car was indeed following them, and quite closely.
The manager looked back, "Old Wu, shake them off."
One of the assistants spoke up, "Brother Qi, they don't seem like paparazzi."
Following this closely wasn't typical of reporters.
The manager frowned, "Must be sasaeng fans."
Old Wu began to speed up, but the car beside them accelerated too. Old Wu turned, and the other car followed, sticking to them like glue.
Meanwhile, in Su Ci's car.
She had already instructed the driver to drive slowly, emphasizing safety first.
The black car moved steadily through the night.
Su Ci kept watching the time, counting down.
Three minutes.
Two minutes.
One minute.
Su Ci pressed her lips together, watching as the time changed from thirty seconds to a countdown of ten seconds, five seconds. Her gaze moved past Lu Zhe to Zheng Hao's hand playing with his phone, where she saw his life value on his wrist change from a red line to six yellow squares.
It worked.
Receiving two golden cotton candies at once, Su Ci couldn't help but smile, her eyes curving with joy.
Zheng Hao seemed to sense something and looked up at Su Ci, seeing her smiling at him. Even in the car's dim light, she was beautiful and captivating.
Zheng Hao's heart suddenly began to race.
He had to admit, Su Ci's beauty was unmatched even in the entertainment industry.
Lu Zhe's body shifted, blocking Zheng Hao's view. He looked down, his dark eyes gazing intently at Su Ci as his large hand stroked her head, "Do you want some water?"
Su Ci licked her slightly dry lips. She had been tense since the concert and hadn't drunk water for a while. She was indeed thirsty, so she nodded.
Lu Zhe unscrewed the mineral water bottle. Instead of handing it to her as usual, he brought the bottle directly to her lips.
Su Ci took small sips from the bottle he held.
Their intimate interaction made Zheng Hao look away. He could tell that Su Ci and this young man had a special relationship.
His and his manager's previous assumptions about Su Ci had been mere fantasy.
Zheng Hao felt a bit uncomfortable, and at that moment, his phone rang.
It was one of his assistants calling.
Zheng Hao answered the phone.
He heard a chaotic noise, "Hello? Why are you calling?"
After a while, the assistant's voice finally came through, weak and tearful with urgency, "Brother Hao, we've had a car accident. Brother Qi and the driver are seriously injured. The paramedics have arrived and are taking them for emergency treatment."
The assistant helplessly said, "Brother Hao, please come quickly."
Hearing the assistant's words, Zheng Hao sat up straight in shock, his eyes full of disbelief, "Which hospital are you at?"
The assistant told him the hospital name.
Su Ci had already guessed what happened from Zheng Hao's words.
She hadn't expected that while Zheng Hao had escaped disaster, the accident still occurred. However, she hadn't noticed anyone with a red life value backstage today.
After hanging up, Zheng Hao looked at Su Ci, "My manager and assistants have been in an accident. Could you take me to the hospital?"
"Alright," Su Ci agreed.
She had seen the life values of Zheng Hao's manager and assistants; she remembered they were all yellow squares.
They wouldn't be in life-threatening danger.
Zheng Hao looked gratefully at Su Ci, "Thank you."
Su Ci had saved his life again. If he hadn't gotten into her car, would he have been among those lying in the hospital now?
The car stopped at the hospital entrance.
Zheng Hao put on his mask and cap, "I'm here, thank you both."
Zheng Hao gave Su Ci one last meaningful look. She had saved him twice today.
Su Ci was truly his guardian angel.
Su Ci nodded, "Be careful."
Su Ci had already called her brother to inform him about the manager's accident. Since they were employees of her family's company, they would naturally send people to help.
Then, the car drove to the Su family's home.
"Come down with me," Su Ci held Lu Zhe's hand.
Lu Zhe followed her out of the car, "What is it?"
"I have something nice for you." Mindful of the driver and security guard nearby, Su Ci led Lu Zhe by the hand towards the iron gate.
"Tuantuan," Lu Zhe stopped, "Your family is all home, it's late. You should go rest."
Every time she said she had something nice for him, he knew she wanted to kiss him.
It was already very late, not really the best time.
He bent down and gave her a quick kiss on her small lips, "I'll watch you go in."
Su Ci licked her lips and shook her head, "Not like that."
She wanted to give him the golden cotton candy.
Her enchanting gaze fixed on him, "Come with me, just for a moment." She held onto his hand, refusing to let go.
Lu Zhe's dark eyes fell on her porcelain-white fingers, his heart softening as he followed her inside.
Su Ci had already coerced the security guard to pretend he saw nothing.
Once again, the guard played dead, allowing his young mistress to openly lead the young man inside by the hand.
The lights were on in the villa, making it bright when viewed from outside.
Su Ci knew her parents and even her older brother were home. She didn't dare take Lu Zhe to the backyard, having been caught there once by her brother.
There was an artificial mountain in the front yard, with bamboo planted beside it.
Su Ci pulled Lu Zhe towards the artificial mountain and ducked behind it.
"Isn't this like having a secret affair?" Su Ci stood face to face with Lu Zhe, mischief dancing in her eyes.
Lu Zhe sighed, wondering how he'd gotten caught up in her playfulness.
The young man's eyes deepened as he asked, "Don't you find this troublesome?"
Being with him meant always hiding and sneaking around - wouldn't she feel wronged?
Su Ci shook her head, "I don't. Are you finding it troublesome?"
She glared at him fiercely, looking ready to bite him if he dared say yes.
Lu Zhe reached out to pinch her cheek, "No."
He was just worried about making things difficult for her.
Su Ci finally smiled, placing both hands on his shoulders and offering her beautiful red lips to Lu Zhe.
She blinked, her laughter melodious, "Kiss me properly, no half-hearted attempts."
In the moonlight, she looked like an alluring little sprite.
Lu Zhe's lips curved up, his expression indulgent, "Mm."
The space behind the artificial mountain was small, barely enough for two people.
Su Ci pressed close to Lu Zhe, and during their kiss, she passed a golden cotton candy to him.
She had gotten two pieces of cotton candy this time - one for Lu Zhe and one for Fu Gui, since Fu Gui could only see causes of death within three days now, which was too troublesome. She needed to help it level up.
As the golden cotton candy dissolved between Lu Zhe's lips, Su Ci's eyes curved into crescents as she playfully touched her tongue to his, teasing him.
Lu Zhe's eyes darkened.
He placed one hand on the back of her head, pulling her closer.
Su Ci's back pressed against the artificial mountain, the stones digging uncomfortably into her. After a while, she grew uncomfortable and pressed herself closer to Lu Zhe.
"Tuantuan."
Lu Zhe pulled back slightly, his dark eyes now like pools of ink. His bandaged hand gripped her waist as he spoke through gritted teeth, "Don't move around."
Su Ci couldn't bear even a bit of discomfort. Her dark eyes immediately accused him, "You're pressing me against the rocks, my back hurts."
Lu Zhe froze, "I'm sorry."
He took a breath and switched positions with her, letting his back rest against the mountain instead.
Su Ci smiled again, transforming back into a bewitching little sprite as she rose on her tiptoes to kiss him again.
Lu Zhe's hand tightened on the back of her head, his fingers accidentally catching the yellow ribbon in her ponytail.
The ribbon came loose.
As the girl's silky hair fell down, Lu Zhe's heart began to race in his chest, his fingers tingling.
This tingling was different from when he was ill - it was like a small current flowing from his fingertips throughout his body, bringing an indescribable comfort.
Lu Zhe kissed her deeply a few more times before releasing her.
His voice had lost all its usual coolness.
In the moonlight, the handsome young man's features were touched with desire as he steadied her waist, "Let's go back."
Having gotten her fill of pleasure, Su Ci nodded obediently, her soft hair falling down her back, looking like a little angel.
Lu Zhe picked up the yellow ribbon from the ground, the delicate strip barely hanging from his long fingers.
"Shall I tie it back for you?" Lu Zhe was curious how such a thin ribbon could hold her hair.
Su Ci shook her head and snatched the ribbon back, "Give me your hand."
Lu Zhe complied.
Su Ci wrapped the ribbon around Lu Zhe's wrist and tied it into a pretty bow. She smiled and nestled into his embrace, "Lu Zhe, you're my gift."
Lu Zhe's gaze fell on the bow, and he chuckled softly, "Mm."
In the moonlight, Lu Zhe heard his own unsteady heartbeat.
