Empire Entertainment Company.
Wen Lin accompanied his little prince to the venue of his second job.
Upon arriving in the room where the advertisement will take place, they've seen all the staff in the venue including the director all standing up in silence.[GN1] After observing them for a few more seconds, Wen Lin noticed that they were all wearing nervously expressions on their faces.
Some veterans like the director and assistants were still okay. They only took a silent stand but the ordinary staff like the cameraman, makeup artists, and others were trembling unconsciously with their heads lowered unable to lift it up for some reason.
Looking at the only man seat at the center, Xia Ying understood the reason for this weird atmosphere.
It was because of that man. Wang Tian. The owner and CEO of Empire. He is even a well-known director who has said that most of his works, especially movies, had received endless titles and praises from all over the world. Thought directing is his hobby and could only make a few at sporadic schedules. When he's bored he even does some photoshoots and acts as an actor in the other director's works.
Horror Tale is one of these few movies he chose to act in, but he had never worked with amateur artists. This is why Hu Tian and Fei Lan were chosen as leads for Horror Tale.
Normally this arrogant man wouldn't lower himself to work with artists who weren't well known like Xia Ying but for some reason, he even made changes to make sure he could work with Xia Ying in this advertisement for perfume.
The name of the perfume they would endorse is called Everlasting. It was changed at the last minute.
In the first place, the perfume that Xia Ying is supposed to advertise is called Beauty. He only needs to make sure that in the short video, he would be the most beautiful person which will attract customers to buy the product. He only needs to act alone.
Since the plan was changed he was given a partner adding the meaning of cosmos and the name of the perfume. Xia Ying needed to act like lovers in love with his partner.
After all, in the language of flowers, Cosmos means beauty, order, peace, modesty, and wholeness but on a romantic side, it carries the meaning as it tells your partner that the two of you will walk together through life. Hand in hand. An everlasting love.
Once Wang Tian saw him, this was supposed to be a cold man wearing an indulging smile on his face.
Wang Tian spoke, "You're finally here."
Of course, as Xia Ying expected his agent, Wen Lin, wasn't informed about who his partner was. This agent of his must have thought that his little prince would only need to shoot a short video with a first or second-rate artist like their little prince. Wang Tian the big boss of their company suddenly appearing here shocked him to his core that he froze.
Wen Lin murmured while stuttering, "B-B-Boss?!" then he froze standing.
Xia Ying's cold temperament didn't even change when he saw Wang Tian, but his eyes showed a short glint of interest and mirth. He likes it when others play short games like this. He is the type that hates boredom and likes destructive things the most.
Meeting a man in this boring world that will give him entertainment makes him happy. But at the same time, he is not willing to lose easily towards the other man.
Xia Ying decided to take this playing longer as he felt the protagonist of this world seems to be a bit easy for him to play with. After all, it only took one acting for the slag gong to move his emotions from the scheming shou to himself.
Xia Ying was planning to return right away to the system space as soon as he finished his tasks. After all, he thought that there would be nothing in this small world that could give him entertainment.
But now something made him happy. He found someone that might entertain him. Though he needed to test it more as to whether wasting time towards this man will give him enough entertainment that will make him stay in this world.
Xia Ying spoke, "Why are you here?"
He said to Wang Tian but others could feel caution within his tone. But Wang Tian is something else within those silver orbs.
Wang Tian noticed that this little devil was willing to play with him. He could read much as he stared within those silver irises of his. Which sometimes sparkles when he sees something interesting. He knew that the little devil noticed the meaning of his gestures.
After all, he is a man that stood in peak, appearing in an advertisement to shoot a mere video that lasts for a few seconds is weird enough. He knows that he is doing this to take Xia Ying's attention.
And Xia Ying knows that as well. Which is why this playful little devil is willing to play around with him. It all started at their first meeting. When he saw Xia Ying that day in that hotel, this man's figure started to haunt his dreams for no reason. At first, he didn't care, meeting him in that audition room was the last straw.
When their eyes met for the first time, Wang Tian felt that this man should be his. He should capture him before he escapes. He couldn't understand why he thought of that. But it gave him a weird feeling that this man should be his and his alone.
No one else is allowed to have him. No one can. Only him could do so. Wang Tian doesn't understand where this obsession came from.
But he knew that this Xia Ying isn't the original Xia Ying who first came to his company to work in. The former Xia Ying is a boring, blinded by love and stupidly lovestruck man.
That Xia Ying is so stupid that Lu Ziyun could openly use him as his former Bai Yue Guang's substitute.
[A/n: White moonlight (Bai Yue Guang): a person (crush/love interest) you can only gaze upon but actually cannot have.]
But that Xia Ying in that hotel is different. Everything is different. Not only his personality. His aura and the atmosphere around him completely change.
This Xia Ying is good at wearing the original Xia Ying's cold mask but behind that mask is a playful little devil. Those silver eyes that used to only show a martyr lover to his love are gone.
Now within those irises with the shade of moonlight, only indifference for everything that didn't interest him and arrogance of looking down even towards the heavens itself, is present. A mischievous devil who could decide life and death with a blink of an eye.
This is the Xia Ying before him now.
For someone like him who had everything in this world in his hand, Xia Ying is like an oasis that will ease his boredom and emptiness. He is that tiny spark of hope in the darkness. Someone that appeared for him to capture.
Like a mischievous fairy jumping around him teasing his awareness. Taking on all of his attention. Only then he knew that he had been waiting for this person to appear in this life. This man was his.
Wang Tian's smile widened as he approached Xia Ying and held his hands. "Me. I came here to shoot the advertisement video with you. I'm your partner (the only one)." He then looked straight within those silver eyes which now show apparent mirth and interest.
"Is that so?" replied coldly Xia Ying but his eyes showed different emotions.
The two stared at each other's eyes leaving those around him stunned and bewildered. They were shocked to see their arrogant emperor acting like that with someone. Much less they've never expected for Xia Ying who is supposed to be a subordinate showed no fear with someone like Wang Tian, who is supposed to be his boss suddenly grabbing his hand and flirting so openly towards him. But for some reason, they felt that they were being spoon-fed by an annoying food called dog food.
[A/n: Dog food. This neologism refers to the self-pity of single people (humorously dubbed "single dogs") triggered by the public displays of affection by couples online or offline.]
Within the crowd, only the eldest noticed that between Wang Tian and Xia Ying is a relationship that hasn't been solidified yet. This old director noticed that instead of love, the thing between these two is only playing but slightly interested in each other. Though he also knew that this kind of playing always ended in one thing, he didn't stop others from thinking ambiguously.
Then he could only make a ground for these two to play around freely. Remembering that these two are about to shoot for a perfume advertisement with the meaning of everlasting love then he must make sure they would play the roles of sticky lovers instead.
Upon making his decision, the director began his plan.
Clap*
"Cough* Okay. Before we begin let me explain the new script to the artists. Sire Wang. Xia Ying. Please come over."
After the director explained the new script to the two. Wang Tian's smile widens. Obviously, he likes the changes in the script. Beside him, the old direction sighed in relief while Xia Ying looked at them, both of them like watching a play but staring at them with an entertained smile. He seems to not care about the content of the new script.
Xia Ying said to Wang Tian, "Are you happy with the script?" he asked nonchalantly.
"I am. Because I can get hugs and kisses." Replied Wang Tian without any shame.
Lightly narrowing his eyes at Wang Tian, "Good. Be happy now. Next time you break into my jobs without a reasonable purpose I'm going to ignore you." Said Xia Ying as he walked away.
Hearing that he'll be ignored next time he abused his authority. Wang Tian could only follow Xia Ying to coax him.
"Ah! Wait. Let's talk, Ying'er~" said Wang Tian while going after his beloved.
The old director was a bit surprised with the sudden change in personality of Xia Ying but thinking how he got Wang Tian's attention means that his cold demeanor from before seems to be an act and that this was his real personality. With this Xia Ying's sudden changes would be easily accepted by other people. Especially towards those at director level and above.
The shoot for the advertisement was done before the sun completely set. As for the contents of the shoot, it will be shown as soon as it is finished editing. The company of the perfume was extremely satisfied with the result and within just 3 days the advertisement which showed Wang Tian and Xia Ying spread in all monitors locally and internationally.
The short video was playing on the monitor. The first scene is the meeting between Wang Tian and Xia Ying. Xia Ying accidentally fell from the stairs when he lost his balance. The one who saved him is Wang Tian.
With Xia Ying whose eyes were close waiting for the pain of the fall, was caught within Wang Tian's arms. Wang Tian smells a mellow fragrance of flora and mint.
Wang Tian's inner words, 'Hm… This scent… where have I smelled it before.'
He unconsciously got closer to Xia Ying trying to get closer to that fragrance that took his attention.
At the same time, Xia Ying slowly opened his eyes to be welcomed with Wang Tian's face getting closer. His exquisite beautiful face showed coldness and his cheeks showed a blush while his calmness was completely gone. He pushed Wang Tian's face with both his hands, and he struggled to get down.
Seeing that Wang Tian could only let him down but he saw his cerise appearance. Xia Ying's original coolness is gone. He could only see his bright red cheeks and eyes a bit teary looking like an adorable bullied beauty.
Xia Ying exclaimed while stuttering, "P…P-Pervert!" Then he ran away leaving Wang Tian stunned.
Hahaha~
Taking a short moment before Wang Tian's laughter resounded in the hallway making Xia Ying run even faster. A scene cut took place. This time Wang Tian is walking outside the school building thinking about something when he passes through a garden field with cosmos flowers. He grabbed one unconsciously.
Thinking this scent is familiar with Xia Ying's scent, made him wonder if the little one got it from here. He put the strand of flower in his clothes' front pocket.
He entered the garden walking around only to be welcomed by the beautiful scenery of Xia Ying sleeping defenseless between the bushes of white cosmos flowers. He looked like a sleeping fairy with his smooth looking white skin. His short blonde glitters under the sunlight giving him a sacred aura as if he is some kind of angel that had fallen on earth. His long eyelashes flutter like butterfly wings as the wind touches his face. Wang Tian felt his breath was taken away and he couldn't help by getting closer and closer. Until their lips touched.
After stealing one kiss, Wang Tian felt embarrassed with himself. He wanted to run away but feels that it's bad to leave the little one there only to get cold. He carried him to the infirmary as there were no teachers inside so he tucked him properly in bed.
Staring at that beautiful face for a few short seconds and then remembering the cosmos flower on his chest. He smiled while looking at it and put it in Xia Ying's hand before leaving him to sleep peacefully.
After a while, Xia Ying woke up and was bewildered by the cosmos flower in his hand. Seeing that he was inside the infirmary made him think that someone brought him here thinking that he fainted.
For some reason, Xia Ying smiles while looking at the cosmos flower in his hands.
Afterward scenes of Xia Ying receiving cosmos flowers every day but unable to catch the one who left a cosmos flower on his desk every time cycled.
He tried asking his classmates whom it came from but all he received as an answer was a knowing smile that made him angry. In the end, he decided to catch the man. One afternoon after class he pretended to sleep on his desk.
As he expected, a set of footsteps slowly approached him. For some reason, he smelled the scent of flowers coming from that pair of footsteps. He knows this smell very well. It was the scent of cosmos that he received every day.
Once he felt a hand reaching out closer to him as well as that familiar scent, he grabbed it and caught the wrist of that person who always gifts him flowers. Once he opened his eyes he was welcomed by the captivating handsome face of Wang Tian.
He looked stunned for a moment as he stared at him then looked at the flower near him.
It was the same white cosmos flower.
Wang Tian took back his hand together with the flower on his hand. He averted his eyes while taking peeks on Xia Ying's face.
Xia Ying on the other hand stared at him solely making him embarrassed. There's a short silence between them.
"That cosmos flower. Are you the one who gifts it to me?" asked Xia Ying.
Wang Tian answered, "Yes."
"Why?" asked Xia Ying.
Wang Tian, "It has the same scent as you."
"Name?"
"Wang Tian."
"Xia Ying."
Then silence once again.
Xia Ying looked at the flower in his hand and then on Wang Tian's handsome face. "Do you… like me?"
"…I love you." Replied Wang Tian but this time he didn't avert his eyes but stared straight at those pair of silver eyes.
Such a pure and straight gaze. Xia Ying couldn't help but blush being given a stare with eyes full of adoration and love. This time it was Xia Ying who reached out his hand towards him. Slightly confusing the man of his gesture.
"Give it to me. That flower… it's mine, right?" said Xia Ying.
Wang Tian gave him a helpless smile. He was intending to meet Xia Ying's hands to give him the flower only to see a slender white jade-like hand grab his tie and pull him over which made him almost fall on Xia Ying.
Good thing that he was able to stop his momentum as he stretched both his arms preventing him from falling on Xia Ying. But this action of his made him cage Xia Ying between his arms, the distance between his and Xia Ying's face is just a few centimeters.
Their eyes met and he could feel Xia Ying's breath on his face. It only took a while for him to fall in trance. Seeing that he is not doing anything Xia Ying reached out his hand and hugged his neck.
Xia Ying whispered. "Since you gave me gifts every day, how about receiving me as yours?" There's a daunting but playful smile on Xia Ying's beautiful face.
Being teased by his love, Wang Tian knew that Xia Ying gave him an answer to his confession. He gave him his love in exchange for his love. Then they've shared a long and passionate kiss.
The scene was cut once again.
This time Xia Ying is seated in front of a mirror and a table. On the table is a perfume called Everlasting that they are to endorse. The small bottle is a translucent black bottle.
The only design on it is an embodied white flower cosmos. Xia Ying was looking at it with gentle eyes as he placed a bouquet of cosmos flowers beside it. He is wearing a pure white suit making him look like a prince.
All of the sudden, Wang Tian who was wearing a pure black suit hugged him from behind putting his head on the crook of his neck. Intaking the familiar scent of cosmos.
Xia Ying put his hand over Wang Tian's hand which was placed on his waist. There's a pampering smile on his face, "A'Tian…" he calls softly.
"Um. It's time, Ying'er." Said Wang Tian as he moved his head and saw the small bottle of perfume.
Seeing it he couldn't help but smile as well. He knew that his beloved made a perfume out of those cosmos flowers he preserved from the gifts he gave him during their whole life.
Even when they were in a relationship, Wang Tian never forgot to give a stack of cosmos flowers to declare his love every day. In the end, his love was not willing to watch it wilt and made it into a perfume. He called this perfume 'Everlasting'.
That small bottle is the only proof of the love between them and now, it will last until the end of their lives.
He held his future wife's hand pulling him to that future where they will love each other forever.
The scene is their marriage.
Now their love will be eternal.
An everlasting love.
The video was cut short but as soon as this video was played those who saw it couldn't help but stop to watch.
In the end, the advertisement was perfect, and the perfume was a big hit. The first day the perfume was on shelves, it was made out of stock the very same day.
Xia Ying's reputation was highlighted because of this event. He and Wang Tian become the hottest search online but there are still some netizens that blacken Xia Ying's reputation because of the scandal of him, Lu Ziyun, and Xia Yang. But his new fans choose to believe in him. In the end, the result is that there's a big fight. With one side protecting Xia Ying and the other dissing him.
Of course, Wang Tian saw this as well. His face darkens at such a scene. Behind him, Secretary Yi is waiting for his orders patiently like he was used to it.
Secretary Yi already knew that he would have to clean up the media companies after seeing this. After all, he knew that their big boss had longed fallen for Xia Ying. There is no way this emperor will just watch his love being thrown with mud.
After all this emperor had longed started courting the little prince sending gifts at every moment he could.
Wang Tian ordered, "Yi. Clean this up. Moreover, make sure to fire those who dared to withhold that news of what happened in that hotel. Have someone clean up Ying'er's name. Tell all those companies that they have to do everything to clear up my (future) wife's name. Anyone who dares not to follow. Eliminate them."
"As you wish, Huangdi."
Secretary Yi accepted the orders without question. When the night news goes out. The news of what happened in that hotel was aired. Especially Xia Ying's interview. Secretary Yi controlled the media well by making sure that Xia Ying would look like the victim in the middle of the slag couple. The third-rate actor, Xia Yang, and the film emperor, Lu Ziyun.
