Chapter 11: 10. Casual Shooting

After everything that had happened—the terrifying stalker incident, the shocking discovery in Vein’s penthouse, and the strange but undeniable sense of security that followed—Xia Fei was finally able to return to work. For the first time in weeks, he felt something close to normalcy as he stepped back into the familiar chaos of the photoshoot studio.

It was a relief, honestly. Being back under the bright lights, surrounded by stylists and photographers barking instructions, felt like slipping into an old routine. No more being locked away in Vein’s extravagant penthouse, no more tense conversations about secrets hidden behind locked doors. He was free to breathe again—at least, that’s what he told himself.

The previous night had left him feeling... different. After Vein’s unexpected visit to his tiny apartment, they had ended up talking for hours, something Xia Fei never imagined would happen between them.

They’d talked about work—how much had piled up in his absence—about his studies, and even their personal interests. For once, Vein didn’t feel like the overbearing boss or the dangerous figure Xia Fei had once feared. They had talked like... acquaintances. Maybe even friends.

"Just like a boss and his worker, huh?" Xia Fei had joked, leaning back on his bed with a lazy grin.

Vein had smirked in response. "Sure, if you want to see it that way."

The way he’d said it had sent an odd flutter through Xia Fei’s chest, but he quickly brushed it off.

Now, standing under the studio’s glaring lights, Xia Fei focused on the task at hand. The camera flashes, the rapid-fire clicks, the stylists adjusting his hair—it was all second nature. But then... he felt it.

A pair of eyes locked onto him.

Glancing to the side, Xia Fei’s eyes landed on Vein, leaning casually against the entrance of the studio, watching him with a piercing gaze. His presence was commanding as always, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

Xia Fei swallowed, trying to refocus, but something about being watched by him made his movements feel unnatural. He shifted awkwardly, fumbling through a pose he could normally do in his sleep. The photographer paused, looking up with a raised brow.

"Xia Fei? Everything okay?"

Xia Fei forced a smile, adjusting his stance. "Yeah, sorry, just spaced out for a second."

But it happened again. Every time he felt Vein's stare, his heartbeat picked up, his hands felt less steady.

Damn it, Xia Fei thought, frustrated with himself. Why am I getting distracted?

---

By the time the shoot wrapped up, Xia Fei was mentally exhausted. He was just about to pack up when the doors to the studio burst open, and a swarm of fangirls flooded inside.

"Xia Fei!"

"Can we get a picture with you?"

"You’re amazing!"

Xia Fei blinked in surprise, his usual calm smile settling onto his face. He’d dealt with fans before, but after weeks of isolation, it was overwhelming to be surrounded again.

He signed a few autographs, shook a few hands, but then a particularly eager girl stepped forward, her cheeks flushed as she held out her phone. "Um... can I get your number?"

Xia Fei froze, unsure how to handle it without letting her down. Before he could respond, however, a firm hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Sorry," Vein’s smooth voice cut through the crowd. "He’s a professional. He’s not allowed to give out personal information."

The girl’s expression fell, disappointment clear in her eyes, but she stepped back without arguing.

Xia Fei barely had a moment to process before Vein’s arm slid around his waist, tugging him close and guiding him firmly through the crowd.

"Excuse us," Vein said coolly, leading Xia Fei out of the studio and into the fresh air.

Once outside, Xia Fei exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Man, they’re getting bolder," he muttered.

Vein finally let go of him, standing beside him with a composed expression. "You should be more careful."

Xia Fei rolled his eyes. "I can handle myself, you know."

Vein smirked. "Sure you can."

Despite himself, Xia Fei let out a small laugh. "Still... thanks for stepping in back there. I didn't know how to turn her down without feeling like a jerk."

Vein’s gaze softened just a fraction. "That’s what I’m here for."

Something about the way he said it made Xia Fei’s stomach do that annoying little flip again. He quickly looked away, hoping Vein wouldn’t notice.

"Tch. Whatever," Xia Fei mumbled. "Let’s just go."

Vein chuckled, falling into step beside him, and for the first time in a long time, Xia Fei felt like things were starting to return to normal. Or at least, as normal as they could get when Vein was involved.

As Xia Fei and Vein stepped out of the studio into the cool evening air, Xia Fei took a deep breath, feeling relieved to be away from the chaos inside. The streets were quieter now, the sun dipping below the horizon, leaving the city bathed in a warm orange glow.

Just as Xia Fei was about to suggest heading home, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our favorite rising star and his ever-watchful shadow.”

Xia Fei turned to see Liu Xiao leaning casually against a nearby streetlamp, dressed in his usual sharp yet laid-back style, a sly grin tugging at his lips. His eyes flicked between Xia Fei and Vein with unmistakable amusement.

Xia Fei groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Liu Xiao... what are you doing here?”

Liu Xiao shrugged. “Heard you were back at work. Thought I’d swing by and see how you’re holding up after all that... excitement.” His gaze shifted pointedly to Vein, who remained silent but watchful.

Xia Fei sighed. “I’m fine, thanks. Just trying to get back to normal.”

Liu Xiao smirked. “Normal? With him around?” He gestured toward Vein, whose eyes narrowed slightly in response. “Good luck with that.”

Before Xia Fei could respond, Liu Xiao clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Come on, you two look like you could use a drink. My treat.”

Xia Fei hesitated, glancing at Vein, who didn’t seem particularly thrilled at the idea. But something in him welcomed the distraction. “Fine. Just one drink.”

---

The bar they ended up at was a cozy little place tucked into a quiet corner of the city, dimly lit with warm ambient lighting and a steady hum of soft music. They found a booth in the back, away from prying eyes, and Xia Fei sank into the seat with a relieved sigh.

Liu Xiao wasted no time ordering drinks, flashing the bartender a charming smile before turning his attention back to Xia Fei. “So,” he started, swirling his glass, “how’s life treating you, Xia Fei? Been enjoying your newfound... freedom?”

Xia Fei shot him a half-hearted glare. “I was doing just fine until you showed up.”

Liu Xiao chuckled. “Oh, come on. I’m here to check on you. I heard you’ve been holed up in Vein’s penthouse for a while. How was it? Luxurious?”

Xia Fei let out a sigh. “It was... fine. Not exactly my style, though.”

Vein, who had been silent until now, spoke in a calm but firm tone. “It was necessary for his safety.”

Liu Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Right, of course. Safety. Because nothing says safety like being locked up in a multi-million-dollar penthouse with a guy who has... let’s say, interesting hobbies.”

Xia Fei nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he shot a nervous glance at Vein, who was now watching Liu Xiao with a cool, unreadable expression.

“Liu Xiao,” Xia Fei muttered, lowering his voice, “can you not?”

Liu Xiao chuckled and leaned back. “Relax. I’m just messing with you.” His gaze softened slightly. “But seriously, Xia Fei. Are you okay?”

Xia Fei blinked at the sincerity in his tone. He wasn’t used to Liu Xiao being serious, but something about the way he asked made him pause.

He glanced down at his drink. “I... yeah. I guess I am. It’s been... a lot, but I’m handling it.”

Liu Xiao nodded knowingly, then glanced at Vein. “And you? Everything going according to plan?”

Vein met his gaze without hesitation. “There’s no plan. Only necessary actions.”

Xia Fei rolled his eyes. “Great. You two and your cryptic conversations.”

Liu Xiao grinned. “Can’t help it. It’s part of the job.” He took a sip of his drink before suddenly smirking at Xia Fei. “So... how’s the fangirls treating you? I hear you’re quite the heartthrob these days.”

Xia Fei groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Don’t remind me.”

Vein, however, didn’t seem amused. “They’re nothing but a distraction,” he said bluntly.

Liu Xiao snorted. “Oh, protective, are we?”

Xia Fei shot Vein an annoyed look. “It’s not a big deal. It’s part of the job.”

“But it could be dangerous,” Vein countered smoothly, swirling his drink without looking up.

Liu Xiao chuckled. “You’re really not subtle at all, are you?”

Xia Fei waved a hand. “Don’t encourage him.”

Liu Xiao leaned closer, lowering his voice with a teasing smirk. “Come on, Xia Fei. You’re telling me none of those cute fans caught your eye?”

Xia Fei let out a long sigh. “I’m not interested in that kind of stuff.”

“Oh?” Liu Xiao grinned. “So why’d you accept his flowers then?”

Xia Fei stiffened, cheeks heating up slightly as he avoided Vein’s gaze. How did Liu Xiao know in the first place?

“Because he owed me, that’s all.”

Vein, smirking slightly, tilted his head. “If that’s what you want to tell yourself.”

Xia Fei groaned again, covering his face with his hands. “I need another drink.”

Liu Xiao laughed, raising his glass. “To Xia Fei, our humble rising star, and his very... attentive boss.”

Vein simply raised his glass in response, but Xia Fei could feel his unwavering gaze on him the entire time.

---

As the night dragged on, Xia Fei found himself loosening up a bit, laughing at Liu Xiao’s stories and even letting Vein’s usual overprotectiveness slide. But deep down, he knew this was just a temporary distraction.

Because eventually, he’d have to face the truth about his complicated relationship with Vein... and the secrets that still lingered between them.