The sun was just starting to rise as Zi prepared for his shift at the bar. He smiled to himself, looking at Xián.
The sun was just starting to rise as Zi prepared for his shift at the bar. He smiled to himself, thinking of Xián, who was still sleeping beside him. As he got dressed, he leaned over and gently kissed Xián's cheek. "Good morning, Lǎo gōng," he whispered.
Xián stirred, opening his eyes sleepily. "Good morning, Bǎo bèi," he replied
*****
Zi was working his usual shift at the bar when a middle-aged man walked in, exuding an air of authority. The man scanned the bar, his eyes locking onto Zi behind the counter. Zi felt a shiver run down his spine as the man stormed up to the bar.
"I'm here to speak to the manager," the man demanded, his voice firm.
The manager was called over, and a heated conversation ensued. Zi watched in horror as the man threatened to ruin the bar's reputation and accused him of being a bad influence on someone.
The situation escalated quickly, and the manager, under pressure, reluctantly let Zi go on the spot. "You're fired, Zi. I don't want any trouble with this man."
Zi was stunned. He had never expected things to go this far. As he packed up his belongings and left the bar, he wondered who this man was and what his connection was to him.
Only when the man handed him a business card did Zi realize who he might be: Xián's father. The card read "Xián's Family" with a single name and a title.
Zi's mind reeled as he tried to process what had just happened. What did Xián's father want from him? And how would Xián react when he found out?
*****
As Zi walked away from the bar, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The confrontation with Xián's father still lingered in his mind. Suddenly, a white van screeched to a halt beside him, and several men jumped out.
Before Zi could react, they grabbed him, covering his head with a hood. He struggled and kicked, but they were too strong. The men tossed him into the van, and it sped away.
Zi's heart racing, he tried to calm himself down. Where were they taking him?
The van eventually stopped, and the men dragged Zi out. He was thrown onto a smooth floor, and the hood was removed. Zi found himself in a luxurious room, with Mr. Wèi sitting on a couch, watching him.
"Welcome" Mr. Wèi said, his voice cold and calculating.
Zi's eyes narrowed. "What do you want from me?.
Mr. Wèi smiled at him and said, Sit down.
*****
Zi sat across from Mr. Wèi,.
Mr. Wèi's eyes seemed to bore into his soul as he spoke.
"You're wondering why I had you fired, aren't you?" Mr. Wèi's voice was low and gravelly.
Zi nodded, his mind racing. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
Mr. Wèi leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Zi's. "I'm Xián's father, Wèi. And I've been watching you, studying you. I know all about your relationship with my son."
Zi's eyes widened in shock. "You're...Xián's father?"
Mr. Wèi nodded. "Yes, I am. And as his father, it's my duty to protect him from people like you."
Zi felt a surge of defensiveness. "People like me?
Mr. Wèi's expression turned cold. "I mean people who would take advantage of him, use him for their own gain. You're not good enough for my son. And now, you'll do as I say".
Zi's eyes widened in shock as Mr. Wèi slid a briefcase filled with cash across the table. "One million NT dollars. Take it, and walk away from my son."
Zi felt a mix of emotions: disgust, anger, and desperation. "You think you can buy me off that easily?" he asked, his voice shaking with rage.
Mr. Wèi leaned back in his chair, a calculating glint in his eye. "I'm not asking you to do anything complicated. Just leave Xián alone. He's better off without someone like you."
Zi's heart ached at the thought of leaving Xián, but the offer of money was tempting. He thought about all the struggles he and Xián had faced, all the times they'd had to scrape by. One million NT dollars could change his life and his Mother...
And Suddenly...
Xián stormed into the room, his eyes blazing with anger. "Father, can you stop playing God?" he demanded, his voice firm.
Mr. Wèi's expression remained calm, but a hint of annoyance flickered in his eyes. "Xián, what are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Xián said, his gaze darting between his father and Zi. "Leave him alone. He's not some pawn in your game."
Mr. Wèi's smile returned, cold and calculating. "I'm just looking out for your best interests, Xián. This...person isn't good for you."
Xián's face twisted in frustration. "You don't know what's good for me, Father. You never have."
Zi's eyes widened in shock as Xián strode over to him, his expression determined. Without a word, Xián grasped Zi's hand and pulled him toward the door.
"This is your house, not my life," Xián said, his voice firm, as he led Zi out of the house.
Zi's mind reeled as he followed Xián, unsure of what was happening. They walked in silence, the tension between them palpable.
Once they were outside, Xián turned to Zi and said, "I'm sorry. I had no idea he would go that far."
Zi's eyes locked onto Xián's, filled with a mix of emotions.
Xián's expression softened, and he pulled Zi into a gentle hug. "You're safe now. You're with me."
*****
Xián's phone rang, breaking the intensity of the moment. He glanced at the screen, and a warm smile spread across his face.
"It's Xìn Xuān," he said, answering the call. "Hey, what's up?"
"Hey, Xián! I'm back from Thailand," Xìn Xuān said on the other end. "Want to meet up and catch up on everything? I've got some crazy stories to share."
Xián's expression lit up with interest. "Definitely! When were you thinking?"
Xián grinned, despite the lingering tension. "Hey, Xìn. I'm at my father's house. Can you pick me up?"
Xìn Xuān chuckled on the other end of the line. "Oh, so you don't know how to drive now? Need me to pick you up?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement.
Xián rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Just come to my father's house, okay? And don't make fun of me."
Xìn Xuān laughed. "Alright, alright. I'll be there soon. Can't wait to hear all about what's been going on in your life.
"Okay, exactly. I'm near your family house," Xìn Xuān said, his voice still laced with amusement. "I'll be there in a minute."
Xián glanced at Zi, who was standing beside him, and nodded slightly. "See you soon," he said before hanging up the phone.