Chapter 19: Li Xiaosheng

As soon as they arrived at the airport, the crowd of fans was already there, waving banners and screaming their names. Zach blinked in confusion and muttered, "How the heck do they always know where we're going?"

Mitchell, who was dragging his suitcase behind him, whispered back, "Well, I don't know. If you don't know, how am I supposed to know?"

Before Zach could respond, Grey suddenly appeared between them, throwing his arms around both their shoulders. "Uh-huh, what are you two whispering about?"

Mitchell turned to him. "Zach's bugging me about how the fans knew we were going to Qinghe."

Grey raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" He then pulled out his phone, scrolled for a second, and smirked. "Well, Zach… that might have something to do with you posting a picture this morning with the caption: Off to the mom's hometown! And oh—let's not forget the #Qinghe hashtag."

Zach's eyes widened. "Wait, I did that?"

Grey waved his phone in front of him. "What do you think this is? A fake post?"

Mitchell shook his head. "So you're telling me you didn't even realize you exposed our location?"

Zach scratched the back of his head. "Oops?"

Felix, who was a little ahead with Kelvin and Rika, sighed and looked over his shoulder. "Can you guys not cause problems for five minutes?"

Kelvin snorted. "Like that's possible."

Despite the little mishap, they greeted the fans warmly, taking quick pictures and signing a few things before they had to board their flight. The energy at the airport was buzzing, but soon, they were on the plane, settling into their seats.

The flight itself wasn't long—just about an hour and thirty minutes. Qinghe, Jiangxi, wasn't that far, but for Felix, it felt like he was heading straight toward everything he had tried to leave behind.

---

When they arrived in Qinghe, the first thing they did was check into the house the company had rented for them. It was a beautiful place—traditional-style architecture with a modern twist. The house had three rooms, which meant someone was getting lucky with a solo room, while the others had to share.

Naturally, they decided to settle it with the most sacred and holy method—rock-paper-scissors.

Mitchell won first. He cheered and immediately claimed his solo room, leaving the rest of them to fight for the remaining two.

The next winner was Kelvin. He didn't say much, just picked the room with the best ocean view and disappeared inside, leaving Felix, Zach, and Grey standing in the living room.

Zach and Grey turned to Felix at the same time and grinned.

Felix frowned. "What?"

Grey slung an arm over Zach's shoulder and said, "We're rooming together."

Felix blinked. "What? No! Play the damn game first!"

Zach shook his head. "Nah, we're good. You go stay with Kelvin."

Felix stiffened. "What? No way. That's not— I mean, why would I—"

Grey squinted at him. "Why do you sound so suspicious?"

Zach smirked. "Yeah, Felix, why so nervous? Got something to hide?"

Felix scoffed. "I—Shut up!"

But they just laughed and left him standing there, sulking. Now he had no choice but to room with Kelvin.

Felix was not happy. Thanks to Zach and Gray acting like two annoying little brothers, his brilliant plan of avoiding Kelvin had crashed and burned before it even started. He muttered under his breath as he dragged his suitcase towards the room Kelvin had picked.

It wasn't even a big suitcase, but at that moment, it felt like it weighed a hundred kilos. The wheels weren't cooperating, the stupid handle kept slipping, and Felix looked like he was fighting the damn thing.

And then—just as he was about to swear at it—someone took it from his hands.

Felix turned, ready to snap, but his eyes landed on Kelvin.

Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—"

Felix rolled his eyes dramatically. "What do you want to guess?"

Kelvin smirked. "They actually made you room with me, huh?"

Felix huffed, crossing his arms. That was answer enough.

Kelvin only chuckled. "Figures." He easily lifted the suitcase like it was nothing and started up the stairs.

Felix narrowed his eyes at his back. Show-off.

But then, when Felix rushed to hold the suitcase and assist Kelvin, his fingers accidentally brushed against Kelvin's as they both adjusted the grip on the suitcase. It was just a second. A brief, barely-there touch.

And yet, it sent a jolt straight through Felix's chest.

Kelvin must have felt something too, because he cleared his throat and suddenly looked way too focused on carrying luggage.

Trying to shake it off, Kelvin said, "Relax, the room has two beds. We're not gonna get into… anything."

Felix snorted. "Wow. That makes me feel so much better," he said, sarcasm dripping from every word.

Kelvin smirked. "Glad I could help."

Felix groaned. This trip was going to be hell.

___

The Qinghe town square had a quiet charm to it, but today, it was buzzing with activity. The stage was already being set up, lights were being tested, and staff members moved around, carrying equipment and setting things in place.

Rune had just arrived at the square after settling in the house, and Rika wasted no time in gathering them. "Alright, listen up," she said, clapping her hands. "The show starts at six in the evening, but we need everyone here by ten in the morning for practice and final run-throughs. No slacking."

The boys nodded, though Mitchell was already whispering something to Zach, who snickered. Rika ignored them. She was used to it.

As they interacted with the staff, most of whom were from their company, things felt familiar and easygoing. Felix, however, wandered off a little, making his way towards the stage. He wanted to get a good look at it.

But then—bam!

Someone bumped into him. Hard.

Props went tumbling to the ground, and Felix immediately crouched down to help pick them up.

And that's when he saw him.

His breath caught.

The guy in front of him was... ridiculously handsome.

Not just "good-looking for a staff member"—no, artist-level handsome. Felix knew most of the staff. This guy? He had never seen before.

For a second, Felix just stared, completely forgetting he was supposed to be helping. If this guy wasn't an idol, he should be. Hell, if Felix didn't know better, he'd think he just bumped into some A-list actor or something.

The guy looked up, his sharp, elegant features catching the light just right.

And then, he smiled.

Felix gulped.

Felix didn't know why, but something about this guy felt... off. Not in a bad way, but in a what's your deal? kind of way. Xiaosheng smiled at him, but it wasn't the usual friendly, awkward, oops, we bumped into each other kind of smile. No, it had layers—like there was something behind it. A secret? A hidden agenda? Felix shook the thought away. Maybe he was just overthinking. Maybe he just felt bad for making this guy's job harder.

Then Xiaosheng spoke, and—oh.

His voice was deep. Deep and smooth, like a song Felix would put on repeat. Damn. If there was one thing Felix had a weakness for, it was that kind of voice. But nope. Not today. Not with this guy.

Xiaosheng picked up the box, dusted it off, and was about to leave when Felix found himself blurting out, "Hey, I'm sorry. You... You are..."

Xiaosheng paused, turning back with an unreadable look. "What?"

Felix cleared his throat. "I mean, uh... what's your name?" He cringed at himself. That was such a weird way to ask.

Xiaosheng studied him for a second, then said, "Li Xiaosheng."

Felix nodded, forcing a small smile. "Okay. Uh, sorry again for bumping into you."

Xiaosheng smiled again. That same damn smile. The one that felt like it was hiding something.

Felix wasn't sure why, but he felt like he'd just met someone important.

Who was Li Xiaosheng?