"Mr. Wang… thank you," Song Meiqi said softly as she stood beside Wang Zi Rui, the elevator rising floor by floor. The shifting numbers cast a faint glint across his sharp features.
Wang Zi Rui glanced at her, his gaze dropping to meet hers. A faint curve touched the corner of his lips.
"You're not calling me big sister anymore?" he asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.
Song Meiqi was taken aback. A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she remembered her drunken words back in Province A.
She let out a small, nervous chuckle, suddenly worried he might hold it against her—after all, she had said things she shouldn't have.
"Please don't take it seriously… I was drunk," she said softly. "I drank too much and started talking nonsense. But… I really do admire you."
Her eyes shimmered slightly as she tried to sound sincere.
But Wang Zi Rui's gaze darkened slightly. He stepped closer.
"Then… why are you nervous?" he asked quietly, closing the distance between them.
Song Meiqi's breath hitched. Startled, she stepped back—once, then again—until her back met the cold metal wall of the elevator.
Her eyes trembled as she looked up at him. For a moment, she was caught in the depth of his gaze—dark and unreadable.
"Mr. Wang… I won't—tell—" she mumbled.
Then a low chuckle escaped him.
Wang Zi Rui had always been composed and distant. Yet in that moment, something in his expression softened as he let out a quiet laugh.
Song Meiqi froze.
Her heart skipped a beat—not out of fear, but because of that fleeting change in him. The faint curve of his lips, the brief warmth in his usually cold expression—it was unfairly striking.
"Ms. Song, you don't need to be nervous," he said, his voice low and steady once more. "I was just teasing you."
His gaze lingered for a moment before he added quietly, "I wanted to cheer you up a little… since we've already shared such a rare bond."
At his words, Song Meiqi stared at him, as if trying to confirm whether this was really the same Mr. Wang she knew.
Then her tense expression softened. She lowered her head slightly and let out a small laugh.
Across from her, Wang Zi Rui noticed the change in her expression and a faint smile touched his lips. He didn't want her to keep crying over a man who didn't deserve her.
Just then, a sharp pain shot through his head. He stumbled forward, pressing a hand against the elevator wall for support.
Song Meiqi's eyes widened. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," he said through gritted teeth as the pain worsened.
But she noticed the sweat forming at his temples. "You don't look okay," she said, worry creeping into her voice.
"I'm alright." His voice sounded distant.
Still, she didn't believe him. She reached out and placed her hand on his forehead.
Almost instantly, her brows tightened.
"You have a fever."
At that moment, the elevator doors opened.
Wang Zi Rui caught her wrist and gently pushed her hand away. "Ms. Song, you've arrived."
Song Meiqi glanced at the open doors, then back at him. Her wrist still lingered with the warmth of his touch. She hesitated.
"Mr. Wang," she said softly, "you really don't look well. Why don't I call someone for you?"
Wang Zi Rui frowned slightly. Clearly, she wasn't listening.
"No. You should go," he said firmly.
Meiqi knitted her brows, unwilling to leave, but his tone left no room for argument.
Just as she was about to step out, a loud thud echoed behind her.
She froze.
Slowly turning back, her eyes widened.
Wang Zi Rui had collapsed.
…
The next day, as the clock struck noon…
The plane landed at M. City Airport. Moments later, five beautiful girls emerged from the arrival gates, only for a wave of people to rush toward them.
Ten bodyguards quickly formed a protective barrier, separating them from the crowd. Fans pushed forward, phones raised, desperate to capture photos despite the chaos.
Everbloom had come to M. City for a brand promotional event. As ambassadors, they were invited not only to promote the brand but also to hold a fan meeting. It was their first official appearance since the end of their concert tour, which was why fans were especially excited.
Song Meiqi frowned slightly. She disliked this part of her job—the lack of boundaries, the loss of privacy. Flashing cameras and pushing crowds made her feel increasingly uncomfortable.
She lowered her head, enduring it until she finally reached the team van.
Moments later, Manager Li went over their schedule.
"After this, we'll return to H. City on an 8 PM flight and rest for a day before heading to Country J."
Her gaze swept across them.
"Any questions?"
Xuiying glanced at the members. "No," she answered for them.
Manager Li nodded and leaned back.
Song Meiqi slipped on her earphones, trying to conserve her energy for the packed schedule ahead, when her phone suddenly lit up.
Her brows tightened.
A message appeared from an unfamiliar username. She swiped it open, her eyes tracing each word as she read:
"Thank you for taking care of me last night. I owe you, Ms. Song." The message was from Wang Zi Rui himself.
A small smile crept onto her face as she typed a quick reply: "Then let's grab another drink… when you're feeling better."
She turned her phone off and leaned her head against the window, slowly closing her eyes. Soft music filled her ears, and the faint smile on her lips faded into calm silence.
…
Elsewhere near Everbloom's hotel…
"Xiao Zhu… what do you think?" the man asked, his voice uneven as he limped on a broken leg, struggling to turn around properly.
He wore a white shirt printed with Everbloom merch, a rose-coloured jacket layered on top, and loose black baggy pants that made him look oddly childish rather than stylish. A grin stayed planted across his face, clearly excited.
Opposite him stood Xiao Zhu—a stark contrast in presence. Dressed in all black, he carried a quiet charisma as his gaze slowly sized the man up, a faint smile curving his lips.
"Elder brother, you look amazing," he said calmly, his tone indifferent, as if he didn't truly mean it.
The man let out a short laugh, then hesitated. "Do you think Meiqi would love me?" His voice trembled with sudden nervous anticipation.
"Of course," he replied evenly. "You're my elder brother. Any woman would love you."
The man let out a soft giggle, already lost in thoughts of him and Meiqi together.
"Now, let's go. The event will start soon."
As Xiao Zhu spoke, his smile curved a little deeper, stretching wider across his face, while his gaze remained cold and unmoving beneath it.