Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

After they packed up for the movie shooting for the day, Chyou and Yating were supposed to head to the location for their commercial shooting next.

"Well, you don't need my good luck but good luck anyway," Yin chuckled.

"Thanks! I will do my best~"

They waved goodbye and Yin left for the day. Yating, who stood at a distance, walked up to her. "Hey."

"Hey!"

Chyou turned and chirped at him but then remembered her promise to Yin to only keep a professional relationship with Yating.

Yating's hands were inwardly sweating in his pockets. "I am really sorry for last night. I shouldn't have meddled in your matters."

Her eyes slightly widened. "Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong. In fact I am glad about the confrontation. Yin and I got a chance to have an open and honest conversation today. We talked a lot and decided what we have to do next."

"Yeah, I could see that. It seems that you have sorted things out," he smiled. "I was worried."

She shook her head. "It's all fine now."

Chyou gave it a thought and felt he should know what they had discussed, at least the drugs part.

"I suggested to Yin that we start some rehabilitation activities. There are therapies and treatments that would help him with his addiction. If we sincerely give it our all, nothing is impossible," she hopefully said.

"Did he agree to it?"

"Yes!"

Yating brightened. "Cool, cool. I am genuinely happy for you."

Though at the back of his mind, he still wondered what Yin thought about him. The latter had accused him last night that he acted as if he was Chyou's boyfriend. He didn't know if that ever came in the fight or conversation with Chyou.

He wanted to ask but hesitated.

Chyou hesitated similarly. She wasn't sure how to explain this 'professional relationship' to him.

No, no I cannot even mention that to him! Wouldn't it be too hurtful? I mean I am not breaking our friendship but it would surely look that way right?

Chyou's driver arrived at that moment, breaking that awkward atmosphere.

"Mam, the car broke down unfortunately. I have called in for a mechanic."

"Oh. No problem. You can directly bring the car home after it's repaired."

"Yes, Mam. But how will you go to your next set's location?"

"Ah that's not a problem," Yating said, "She can come with me. We are heading the same way."

Chyou looked away.

Does taking a ride with him fall under professional relationship? I don't know if Yin will like it.

"Chyou?" He poked her shoulder.

"Huh? Oh yes!"

"Cool. Let's get going."

No, wait I didn't mean to agree! She sobbed.

—

On their way to the set, the air in the car was extremely silent. Yating furrowed his brows thoughtfully as he looked at Chyou.

Strange. I didn't think Chyou to be a silent rider.

Chyou wasn't that type. She was feeling it was really hard to reign in her urge to talk to him. But this openness and comfort with Yating was what affected Yin and made him insecure.

"Are you cold?" Yating blinked. "You are trembling."

It's because I want to talk but there is nothing to talk professionally with you and all the other things would break my promise!

"I am not cold at all," she chirped.

But that didn't feel like her usual chirpy self.

Yating asked the question he had been meaning to ask, "Are you sure you aren't mad at me? Today at the set too, I felt you looked a little distant."

She stiffened.

"R-really? I thought everything was like usual," she laughed with a little sweat forming on her forehead.

Yating narrowed his eyes.

My instincts say something is wrong. She is looking too fidgety.

His thoughts automatically went to his and Yin's confrontation last night.

Did he say anything along those lines which is making her act so cautious towards me right now?

Chyou peeked at him and pursed her lips. Compared to last night, Yating seemed to be doing okay.

Should I ask him why he looked so pale last night? I can definitely ask that much, right?

But maybe I shouldn't remind him if he is doing okay now…

Both lost in their own thoughts, they didn't realize when they reached the set. They got down and walked in silence.

The director greeted them with a smile. "Hey. Go get ready. We will start in a few minutes. And Mr. Gu. We need your best shot today."

His brow twitched. "Don't believe in me so much."

"Hahaha."

Chyou looked around and asked, "What is going on? There are so many refreshments coming in."

The director replied. "Oh well, my team was really exhausted with back to back shootings so we ordered for some drinks.

A server appeared from behind Chyou. "Mam, would you like something to drink?"

Yating turned and froze and so did the server after meeting his gaze. Chyou's eyes widened. "Oh you are the same person from last night."

The director grinned. "Yup I really liked the food over there so I ordered from the same restaurant."

Chyou looked back and as faintly expected, Yating's expression didn't look so good once again. It was the same with Li Dong, who kept averting his gaze from Yating's.

"Ex…Excuse me."

Yating hurriedly walked inside, his expression turning whiter and paler.

The director tilted his head. "So dedicated towards the shooting that he doesn't even want to have a drink?"

Chyou was now sure that something was definitely wrong and it was related to the man serving her drinks. They knew each other and certainly not in a friendly way.

"I will be back!" Chyou hurriedly followed after Yating.

—

Yating gasped for air as he remained standing in front of the mirror. It felt as if his chest would burst at any moment. There were a plethora of questions in his mind that all swirled like a giant mess of a storm.

Dong…

He heard a knock on the door followed by Chyou's voice. "Yating. Are you okay? Can you please open the door?"

"Y-Yeah, I am fine. I am coming out in a minute."

Yating softly slapped his cheeks and exhaled a deep breath. He opened the door with a smile. "Hey."

Chyou suspiciously frowned. "No hey back. You look like a train ran over you. It was the same last night."

He stiffened.

"I am worried. You and that server know each other, right?"

After a long time, Yating answered. "He is my high school friend, Li Dong who...fell from the third floor and almost lost his life because of me."