Chapter 8: A Shooting Star
A deep, husky voice broke the air, carrying that unmistakable gentleness unique to Meng Chao: "What do you feel like eating?"
"Huh?" The world suddenly came back into focus. Lin Qin stared blankly at Meng Chao, not fully catching what he had just said.
Meng Chao squinted slightly, studying Lin Qin. Then his gaze shifted to the chaotic and noisy surroundings. Understanding dawned on him. He stepped closer to Lin Qin—not touching him, but just close enough for his tall frame to provide a sense of security.
"I'm saying, as long as I'm here, you're fine." Meng Chao smiled, his voice gentle and calm.
As long as I'm here.
Those four words hit Lin Qin straight in the heart, exploding with an uncontainable joy that rippled through his entire being. All the external noise seemed to vanish as if someone had pressed the mute button. Fear dissolved into nothingness.
Lin Qin tilted his head upward, looking intently at Meng Chao. "Thank you, Brother Chao."
Meng Chao's smile deepened, his eyes bending into crescents. He pushed the shopping cart, strolling with Lin Qin toward the vegetable aisle.
As the crowd of onlookers grew larger, the two decided to make it quick. Within half an hour, they had piled the shopping cart high and headed to the checkout counter. Emerging from the supermarket, squeezing through the throng that had formed, it felt like they'd just fought a battle.
Once inside the car, the two exchanged a glance and shared a knowing smile, an unspoken bond forming between them.
But the car had barely driven a short distance down the road when something felt off.
The first to speak was the filming PD. "Mr. Meng, Mr. Lin, I think we're being followed by private fans."
"I know." Meng Chao glanced at the rearview mirror. Several cars trailed closely behind theirs—no doubt sasaeng fans aiming to follow them home and discover their address.
The greatest fear of many celebrities was sasaeng fans, especially ones who followed in cars. So selfish, so reckless, completely ignoring traffic laws and safety.
Lin Qin turned to look back. Several cars hugged their rear bumper, showing no signs of backing off. His eyebrows furrowed slightly before he glanced toward Meng Chao, silently hoping the man wouldn't be affected and would focus solely on driving.
It was as though Meng Chao read Lin Qin's mind. He turned slightly, offering him a small reassuring smile, instantly calming Lin Qin's turmoil.
"Inform the production crew to pull over somewhere nearby. I'll deal with these sasaeng fans." Meng Chao instructed the filming PD in the back, his lips curving into a slight, disdainful smirk.
"Lin Qin, hold on tight," Meng Chao reminded.
Lin Qin, faintly guessing what Meng Chao intended to do, obediently fastened his seatbelt and held on firmly.
Meng Chao stepped hard on the gas pedal, and the car shot forward, accelerating almost instantly.
Despite surrounding traffic, Meng Chao's driving skills were nothing short of extraordinary. Under the cloak of night, the vehicle weaved and danced like a dragon through the sea of cars.
Unconsciously, Lin Qin turned his head to watch Meng Chao.
His dark eyes were locked intently on the road ahead. Long, slender fingers gripped the steering wheel, veins prominent on the back of his hands. His pale skin contrasted with the power emanating from those strong hands. His back was taut, like a bow pulled to its limit, exuding sheer strength.
Lin Qin stared, slightly dazed, his mind and heart entirely occupied by Meng Chao.
When the car finally slowed down, Meng Chao turned his head. His gaze locked with Lin Qin's gleaming eyes, which were brimming with emotion. Caught in that moment, Lin Qin's feelings overflowed, fully exposed and captured by Meng Chao.
A knowing smile spread across Meng Chao's face—unruly and radiant, yet his dark eyes held a profound depth, gleaming with flickering light.
Lin Qin snapped out of it like waking from a dream. He hurriedly looked away from Meng Chao's bold, compelling gaze, lowering his head as his heartbeat spiraled out of control in his chest.
"Mr. Meng, you're so cool!" The filming PD, recovering from the exhilarating car chase, couldn't help complimenting with enthusiasm. "I had no idea Mr. Meng's driving skills were this incredible."
It was a stark contrast—Meng Chao, who usually appeared scholarly and composed, was unexpectedly aggressive and dazzling behind the wheel.
Meng Chao gave a modest smile. "I learned a bit in the past."
That wildness seemed like a fleeting bloom, here one moment, gone the next.
The filming PD pressed further. "Was it during the filming of *The Chase* that you learned racing?"
*The Chase* starred Meng Chao as the lead, portraying a race car driver. His character in the movie was dubbed the Car God, with scenes of him racing exuding sheer testosterone, an enduring cinematic classic.
Though some believed those scenes relied heavily on CGI, today's events made it clear—Meng Chao had done much of it himself, without stunt doubles or visual effects.
So much for the myths of showbiz. Not only did Meng Chao possess talent above his peers, but he also worked harder and was more dedicated than most.
Meng Chao murmured a simple "Mm," dismissing the matter casually as though it wasn't worth discussing.
But the corners of his eyes shifted subtly toward Lin Qin. In mere moments, Lin Qin's face had flushed red again.
Meng Chao chuckled softly, clearly enjoying himself.
The rest of the drive back to the villa was smooth. The sasaeng fans had long been left in the dust, unable to keep up.
Half an hour later, after Meng Chao and Lin Qin arrived back at the villa, the rest of the production crew trickled in. Seeing Meng Chao, they gave him a collective thumbs-up. They had witnessed his driving moves earlier; it was nothing short of brilliant.
To this, Meng Chao responded with an understated, polite smile—utterly different from the unrestrained charisma he exhibited during the chase.
Night crept deeper.
Lin Qin organized all the groceries into the fridge, carefully sorting everything into its proper place. Closing the fridge door, he turned and found Meng Chao standing nearby, watching him.
Lin Qin hesitated for a moment before summoning his courage and walking toward Meng Chao.
"Brother Chao." He stopped at Meng Chao's side, his voice soft as he called out.
"The moonlight is beautiful tonight." Meng Chao suddenly spoke, tilting his head slightly to gaze through the villa's skylight. The night sky stretched vast and deep, adorned with twinkling stars.
Lin Qin looked up as well, just in time to catch a streak of light cutting across the heavens.
"A shooting star!" Lin Qin exclaimed in surprise, dashing out to the garden, eyes fixed on the sky.
Meng Chao followed leisurely, but his gaze never left Lin Qin.
Then Lin Qin turned and pointed toward the sky with a radiant smile. "Brother Chao, look! A shooting star!"
His large eyes brimmed with joy, brighter than the stars themselves.
Meng Chao quickened his steps, crossing into the garden to stand beside Lin Qin. Together, they looked up.
In the midnight blue expanse, a cascade of shooting stars painted radiant streaks across the skies, blazing trails of light that burned brightly before fading.
Magnificent and fleeting.
Lin Qin gazed at the celestial display, watching the stars fall one by one, awe mingling with quiet wonder. Stealing a glance at Meng Chao, his heart raced when their eyes met—Meng Chao's gaze was steeped in a gentle, lingering warmth.
A fierce blush spread across Lin Qin's face. He immediately looked away, turning his focus back to the endless horizon. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, Meng Chao's gaze—far too tender, far too deep—etched itself indelibly into his soul.
…
You stand on the bridge watching the scenery, and the people watching the scenery stand above, watching you.
Never had he imagined time could freeze, suspended forever in a moment like this.