Another week has gone by, and the only highlight in their mundane life was, — Fei Du 'permitted' to resume work, come Monday morning.

— Which did not make Luo Wenzhou a very happy man.

He was terribly sullen after dropping Fei Du off at his new office, on his way to the Bureau. 

Even Lang Qiao dared not ask her 'Emperor Father' about their 'subsidised' breakfast that morning.

Only Tao Ran, who has seen the good, the bad sides of Luo Wenzhou was bold enough to enter his office,
— "You had gunpowder for breakfast or what? You're even more combustible than hydrogen... What gives?"

Failing miserably to restrain his petulant young master disposition from showing, he sneered at his partner as he slammed files around the table irritably, — "FeiDuwenttowork," he grumbled unintelligibly, — but his long-term friend understood him, nonetheless.

Snorting disbelievingly, Tao Ran shook his head lightly, — "Lao Luo, your possessiveness is really beyond help now... What next? — Lock Fei Du up at home all day like Luo Yiguo?"

The Captain pointedly ignored the remark, — "You tell me, — how many presidents of conglomerates do you know, whose life is this frequently at stake? Prior to this, there was Zhang Chunling, Fan Siyuan after his life... now that we've put those behind, — in comes a Hua Jintao!... Life of the stinking rich just stinks, doesn't it?!" he remarked offhandedly.

"Says the one who isn't worry about money himself," scoffed the regular 9-5 mortgage slave, sarcastically.

"I get paid as much as you do, — so, stuff it..." the Captain bit back, — knowing very well his friend was only trying to lighten his foul mood.

"Come on... Instead of taking jabs at me, let's go harass the 'children'... I better be hearing some progress today, or else, somebody's head will roll..." Luo Wenzhou said, raising from his seat.

"Aye aye, Captain..."

Fifteen minutes to lunch time.

Stomachs could be heard growling, but Captain Luo wasn't about to let the team go even a minute earlier.
Some were stuck to their desk watching surveillance feed for hours on end, others were on the line chasing the Network Security guys for traces of digital footprints.

Lang Qiao alternated her attention between her screen and the far-off clock on the wall in front of her, counting the seconds passing by. They were already deprived of breakfast, not even cilantro buns! — If they didn't eat something soon, they would be burning acid through their stomach!

'Why is life of a public servant so wretched?!' Lang Qiao bemoaned internally.

But just as she was about to resign to the fate of the thirteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds left on the clock, — 'Messiah' appeared at their department door in all its lavish glory. 

Her face practically lit up like a child on Christmas Day, exclaiming with faux tears and all, — "President Fei!!"

Alerted by the 'Princess Royal's' amazing vocals, everyone literally paused to look up.

Luo Wenzhou, — whose head was buried in the paperwork before him, — looked up too, in time to see his little debonair President entering the office.

"Fei Du...?" Surprised by the other's sudden appearance, the Captain scrambled to his feet and hurried a few steps forward, before keeping himself in check and slowed to a pretentious stride towards the growing crowd gathering around his young President.

Catching a glimpse of the approaching man, Fei Du sent him a smiling gaze, before turning his attention to the members of the criminal investigation team, — "To thank you all for your continuous hard work, I came by to send relief..." he said, turning to signal the people behind him to bring forth the 'relief'.

Trays and trays of scrumptious hotel grade food arranged before them like an exclusive buffet line, — eliciting eyes widening awe from Luo Wenzhou's people.

Creeping behind them, Captain Luo whacked not too lightly, on the back of several dumbfounded heads in his way, — "Hungry ghosts, the lot of you, — like you haven't seen food since your past life..."

"Boss..." Lang Qiao whined, but already stuffing her face with the bite-sized sandwiches, — "... have pity on your minions, Boss... It's almost lunch, — and we're starving...!"

"Go go go..." he shooed, — which the team took as permission to dig in.

And not even a minute later, — "Boss! Traffic and Network Security asked if they can come bum a meal..." one of the boys asked.

"Boss! Economics begging to come as well...!" another chipped in.

"What are we? — The cafeteria?!!" Luo Wenzhou shouted back at them testily.

"Don't mind him," Fei Du interrupted affably, — "Tell them all to come. We have more than enough for everyone..."

Glaring directly at the young President, — "You! — In my office, now!" the Captain bellowed, storming back into his office.

Everyone had sympathy in their eyes as Fei Du walked past them, but the young President didn't seem to be affected by the outburst, — smiling as he entered the room, which was promptly slammed shut behind him. Even the shades were drawn down.

Backing the younger man against the edge of his old desk and bracketing his small frame between his own powerful arms, — Luo Wenzhou's towering form compelled Fei Du's willowy physique to curve pliantly beneath him, — "You sure have balls of steel to undermine my authority right in front of me, no... President Fei...?"

One of Fei Du's hand quickly caught onto the lapel of the Captain's coat to stabilise his precarious state, — "A little inappropriate, non Captain Luo?... After all, this is an office, — your office, to be specific..." the young President riposted, — while the unoccupied hand suggestively walked its fingers up the officer's neckline.

'Minx...' Luo Wenzhou cussed in his head, as he grabbed hold of the provocative hand, — "What are you doing here at the Bureau? — And don't give me the lunch delivery bullshit..." he asked bluntly.

"...Shixiong didn't seem too happy seeing me to work this morning... so, I thought you might enjoy my presence at lunch..."

"Fei Du..." Luo Wenzhou ground his name mutedly.

Discreetly resting a placating hand on the man's chest, away from any prying eyes, — "All right, all right... I'll talk..." the younger man ceded, straightening his stance and walked towards the door.

Peeking his head outside to search the mass, — "Miao Miao...? The file, please..." he called out, when he spotted his faithful assistant over at Lang Qiao desk, chatting.

Very quickly she walked over to hand him a black file, — "Everything is in there," she informed succinctly.
Fei Du made a small sound of acknowledgment, before returning into the room.

Seated by his desk, Captain Luo waited impatiently for his little lover to continue as he wordlessly received and flipped through the file.

"In the file, you'll find details of everyone who is known to be close with Hua Jintao..." Fei Du started, which earned a very questioning glare from the Captain, —

"I didn't tell you anything about the case. How did you know I was looking for people close to him?"

A very conceit grin met the Captain's glare, — "There are very little things in the upper echelon that I don't know of, Captain... Somewhere along the grapevine, I came to know of your boys asking around for Hua Jintao's close associates... 
Ge, I'm kind of sad that you didn't come to me first about the matter..."

'If you weren't so busy being frail and weak at the time, you would have been on very top of our list of people to ask!' Luo Wenzhou bit back in his head.

Fei Du might not have heard the words, but he knew them without being heard.

His grin melted into a heartwarming smile, — "Thank you, Ge... for watching over me all the time..."

It never ceased to amaze the older man how this little President could say such corny things in public without even raising a blush, — as he hid his own awkwardness behind the file, — "So... so, this is your list?" he stammered slightly.

Fei Du chuckled soundlessly, but very quickly sobered up as he got straight into the matter at hand, — "This is the narrowed down list. But I suggest you don't waste your time going through all of them. My two cents on the matter, — pay close attention to Liu Anyi..."

Luo Wenzhou regarded Fei Du for a moment with a raised brow, before searching the file for the name mentioned.

Liu Anyi, — nineteen; fresh out of school; hardly even qualified to join the working class, but was already Hua Jintao's personal assistant.

Someone of such suspicious background, — how she hadn't turn up on their radar by now, was an utter mystery.

"Who is she?" the Captain asked; a simple question, but Fei Du knew he wasn't asking what was already written in her file.

"She used to be a waitress at a bar we used to frequent. One day, she got into trouble with an unruly guest. Hua Jintao, like a prince in shining armour came to her rescue... I know, it sounds like the start of a soap opera... So, I'll keep it short; — because she lost her job at the bar, Hua Jintao hired her as his assistant.

But without the proper qualifications, she was actually more of his nanny... Her job everyday was to make sure he gets his drunkard ass chauffeured safely home, make sure he survives the hangover to be presentable enough the next day, caters his meals... — you get the drift..."

"But she's not the girlfriend you mentioned....?"

"No, that's model-actress-wannabe Sung Yanli... Liu Anyi is many times better than her..."

"You know them personally?"

Fei Du didn't take the question personally, knowing that it's not Captain Luo's intention to probe into his past transgression, — "Acquaintance by association; — one came to drink with him, the other came to fetch him after drinks..."

"And why Liu Anyi?" Luo Wenzhou asked, and not bothering with Sung Yanli since Fei Du had already made clear why it would not be her.

"Despite her insignificant role, Liu Anyi is very loyal to Hua Jintao from the time he had saved her. If there is anyone out there willing to do anything for Hua Jintao, — it would be her..."

"And you didn't bother telling me all this until now, is because — ?"

Even hearing the sharp edge in his tone, Fei Du remained unflustered, — "Because I didn't know, and you didn't ask... I only found out about it this morning when I was going through the morning gossips... Even then, I came immediately to you with all that I know..." he answered straightforwardly, blinking his 'innocent' eyes at the other.

Luo Wenzhou wanted so badly to smack the theatrics out of the younger man, if he weren't his beloved person.

Without saying another word to Fei Du, the Captain rose from his seat and stuck his head out the door to call out his deputy, — "Tao Ran, — in here for a minute, please?"

The Deputy very considerately trotted over to the office with an assortment of pastries for the two stuck in the office, before the 'pack of hungry wolves' got to all that was served.

Placing the plate between them on the desk, "Saved you guys some..." Tao Ran said, before Luo Wenzhou passed the file for his perusal.

"Did you come across a Liu Anyi when you were interviewing Hua Jintao's fair-weather friends?" the Captain asked.

Flipping through the pages, — "...Not that I can recall..." Tao Ran replied, shaking his head.

Perplexed by his partner's reply, Luo Wenzhou returned his attention back to Fei Du, — "Tao Ran has interviewed your bunch of rich young masters, — but why haven't they mentioned Liu Anyi, if she was that close to Hua Jintao?"

"If you are born with a silver spoon, would you remember someone else's subordinate?" Fei Du replied with nonchalant rhetoric, — "Moreover, she only appears after everyone's too sloshed to even recognise their own mother... I reckon she might have an inferiority complex as well. Even if she was in the room together with the lot of them, they wouldn't have realised she was there all along; her presence was never very noteworthy, — but if you looked carefully, you'll find her in amongst the shadow, close to Hua Jintao..."

"Anything else you can tell us about her? Like where she lives? Or anything like that?" Tao Ran chipped in.

"She's not a very sociable kind, so can't say that I know the information first-hand... Although I could get Lu Jia look her up, I think it's more appropriate for you guys to get to the bottom of it. I don't want to appear to be stalking some maiden's privacy..."

'How rare of President Fei to speak of propriety...' the Captain thought dryly to himself, before shifting his attention to his Deputy, —

"Tao Ran, dig up what you can," he instructed curtly.

"Got it,"

"Oh, yes..." Fei Du started, fishing into his long overcoat for a small stack of very designer-looking invitations, — "I have here, — the invitations to the Fei Group's land acquisition signing ceremony in Yunhai, two weeks from now. There's one for everyone in the criminal investigation team and Director Lu..."

Luo Wenzhou's brow knitted with utter confusion, as he reached to accept the card.

Yunhai, although located in the same province, — was a seaside county in the next city bordering Yan City. So technically, it sat outside of the Municipal Bureau's jurisdiction.

While Fei Group's businesses were not exclusive to Yan City, this was the first he has ever known of their ventures outside of the city.

More importantly, Luo Wenzhou never involves himself in any of Fei Du's business dealings. 
So, why would he send them invitations all of a sudden?

Taking one himself, Tao Ran too looked at Fei Du with perplexity, — "I can understand that you're inviting Lao Luo as your plus one... but why the lot of us...?" he asked.

To which, Fei Du only smiled enigmatically, — "The more, the merrier..."

Neither the Captain nor his Deputy was buying that bullshit, — but just couldn't put their fingers on it!

And Luo Wenzhou especially hated the smile on his face that never reaches his eyes; almost as though the rich brat were mocking them!

"Right..." Fei Du straightened his coat as he got up from the seat across his older lover, — "I'll leave you good officers to work, while I get back to mine..."

Noticing the untouched plate of food, — "Fei Du, aren't you having some before leaving?" Tao Ran asked.

Turning back at the door with a tender smile, — "I'm good, Tao Ran-ge... I have a lunchbox waiting for me in the car..." the young President said, staring meaningfully at the Captain.

Because only Luo Wenzhou caught his drift.

Fei Du was already a picky eater before, — but now, he was just impossible to feed, far worst than Luo Yiguo! Unless it was out of social necessity to partake food outside, — he almost never eat out these days, eating only the food exclusively prepared by the Captain for him at home.

So, yes — if there was anyone to be blamed for the young President's fussy indulgence, 

— Then blame it on Luo Wenzhou.

Fei Du handed the remaining invitations to Lang Qiao to distribute among the boys, as he cheerily took his leave with Miao Miao following close behind.

Captain Luo's mood took a turn for the better after President Fei's impromptu visit, — came out of his office with Tao Ran to survey the carnage. Every bit of food served seemed to have vanished in the short time they were in there!

"Boss! Deputy Tao! — We saved you some here!" One of the boys called out, waving them over to the small congregation surrounding a six-seater discussion table.

Just as the both of them walked past Xiao Haiyang's desk, they noticed the bespectacled officer attentively studying the invitation, — "...where have I seen this address before...?" he could be heard mumbling to himself.

Not an uncommon remark from the eidetic memory officer, so Luo Wenzhou paid no heed to it, — as they made their way to the table.

But before they could even take a seat, Xiao Haiyang shot up from his seat abruptly, "This address!!" he burst aloud as though he made a revolutionary discovery, — "Captain Luo! This address — !!!"

Luo Wenzhou turned in time to see Officer Xiao rush headlong for him with the invitation and a file in hand, — "Captain! This address is the same as a property that used to belong to Hua Jintao's late mother!" the bespectacled officer blurted out in a hurry.

Inhaling sharply, Luo Wenzhou's expression darkened thunderously as he snatched the papers out of his subordinate's hand to verify his claim.

True enough as mentioned, the address on the ostentatious invitation corresponded with an address on the list of personal assets by people close to Hua Jintao; — a property formerly owned by the late Madam Hua.

Without another word, the Captain seized the nearest desk phone off its cradle, — "Stop Fei Du's car from leaving!" he demanded tersely without any explanation, before slamming it back down.

Luo Wenzhou was literally emitting murderous aura as he stormed out of the office.

Running after their fuming leader, — "Lao Luo!" Tao Ran's voice rang along the hallways, but it was as though Luo Wenzhou did not hear him, leaving him trailing far behind. The Captain's ground-eating strides marched straight for the entrance, where the boys from the front gate narrowly managed to stop Fei Du's company car from leaving the compound.

'— Already...?' the impish President mused to himself.

But his amusement was short-lived, 

— Not when there was a livid Captain charging like a freight train without brakes, stomping furiously to the rear passenger door, forcefully throwing it wide open, and practically hauling the dignified young President out of backseat.

Quickly realising his little farce had unexpectedly lit an inferno in Luo Wenzhou, Fei Du panicked internally, as he tried to wheedle his way out of the mess of his own doing, — 
"Shixiong... I can explain — !"

But the Captain was not having it, as he wordlessly threw the younger man like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder, outright ignoring the medley of pleas and protests and charged back into the Bureau, where he bullishly appropriated an unoccupied interrogation room. Shy of strapping the young President onto the steel Tiger Chair like any other convicts, he was already feeling plenty generous when he tossed the younger man not-too-lightly onto the hardly comfortable interrogator's chair.

Turning on his heels to Tao Ran, who was only a few steps behind him, — "Don't let anyone come close to this and the observation room. Turn the recordings off and then leave. I have a President to murder and I don't want witnesses..." Luo Wenzhou instructed menacingly, before slamming the door and locking up behind him for good measure.

Interrogation rooms were all heavily soundproofed, so no amount of screaming or shouting was going to escape the four walls.

Stood still, with his back against the door, in the shadow corner of the room, — "Tell me, Fei Du... does it feed some sick perversion of yours to make a sport out of me?" his voice was kept very low, but the accusatorial tone was unmistakable.

Clambering to sit upright as dignifiedly as his self-esteem would allow, — "Shixiong... it's not like that..." the younger man defended.

But the Captain's silhouette stepped out of the shadows and into the light like a predatory hunter on prowl, timely interrupted him, —

"Like what, Fei Du? — Like you're not taking matters into your own fucking hand again? Like you're not carelessly subjecting yourself as a bait, endangering your fucking life for the umpteenth time? Like you're not taking my fucking heart and stomp it under your feet?!!... I don't know what I've mistaken here, Fei Du — because it sounds exactly just that to me!" Luo Wenzhou derided scornfully, drawing the rendered silent President up to his nose, —

"You know how you used to say that manual strangulation to death was a sadistic pleasure...? — I'm now very inclined to try the theory out on you..." he added hoarsely as he deliberately wrapped a hand precariously around the younger man's delicate neck.

Although he held motionless, his breathing remained unchanging, — the deep-seated fear could still be seen reflected within the depths of the peach blossom eyes, — "Ge..."

Fei Du knew for a fact that no matter how angry Luo Wenzhou got, he would never, — never intentionally hurt him; his hand never even closed in, — just the feeling of his calloused fingers around his neck, against the throbbing carotid artery...

But the psychological damage done by Fei Chengyu was not something he could just forget overnight; it would probably take a lifetime for him to be rid of it...

Luo Wenzhou cussed colourfully under his breath, as he softened his hold, stroking his thumb soothingly down Fei Du's throat, — "... must you challenge my tolerance each time, Fei Du...?"

His anger was unwilling to back down, — but the lover of his own choice, if he didn't love him, who will?

Sinking down on his haunches in front of his little lover, — "Fei Du... this is your last and only chance... So, think carefully before you talk..." The Captain's voice might have retained its edge, but his touch said otherwise, — as he gently caressed the other's face until he was calm enough to speak again.

Taking the hand on his face into his own hands, Fei Du planted a kiss in the centre of his palm before slowly started his narration, — "That— that address in Yunhai... used to belong to Hua Jintao's late mother... His mother, in her younger days was an heiress from a well-to-do family in Yunhai... Only child in the family, so she was quite lavishly spoilt by her parents. When she came to age, she was gifted a villa on this particular plot of land...

But the family business encountered a downfall in the later years... They had to sell off some assets to keep the company afloat, but that only gave them momentary reprieve... so, in a very roundabout way, — she ended up marrying Hua Zhong, a rising businessman at that time, but a man fifteen years her senior, — just to sustain her family's business. So, yes — it was a marriage of convenience, and Hua Jintao was the byproduct of the loveless marriage...

Anyway, digressing... The plot of land, — it never got sold back when the family was in need of funds. In fact, she kept it in her name, even after marrying Hua Zhong. But about a year before she died of cancer, the land was suddenly transferred to a person by the name of Li Qing. And this Li Qing then sold the land almost immediately after the transferral..."

Luo Wenzhou's remaining free hand propped his head against his knee, as he shook it lightly in annoyed absurdity, — "You didn't seem like you had this much dirt on Hua Jintao when I asked earlier... Any particular reason why you kept this from me in the first place, President Fei?"

Fei Du only skirted around the question, not daring to tell Luo Wenzhou straight up that he always had 'dirt' on people around him, —

"That's not the entire story yet, Shixiong... 
This Li Qing is a very interesting character in this whole tall tale... She is actually Hua Jintao's half-sister of the same mother, but a different father; approximately ten years his senior. She was an illegitimate child Hua Jintao's mother had in her younger years. The father, — unknown, to-date...

Li Qing was given up for adoption immediately after she was born. So technically, she didn't know the late Madam Hua was her 'mother' until the unexpected ownership of the land. But she didn't want the belated 'motherly love'... hence, she had the villa grazed to the ground and auctioned the land, not long after she died.

Hua Jintao, who still probably doesn't know that Li Qing is his half-sister, — was furious with his mother for giving away her prized possession to an absolute 'stranger'. So, he tried to buy back the land... But Li Qing, whom I suspect holds resentment for Hua Jintao, — mandated that the land was not to be sold to Hua Jintao. Of course, he could have gotten anyone to buy the land on his behalf, but then the whole 'tragedy' happened, — and now, he had no 'friends' to help him out anymore..."

"So, you bought the land knowing exactly how much he wanted back that piece of property. You're betting on Hua Jintao's appearance during the signing ceremony..." the Captain concluded impassively, —

"... And when did you put this grand scheme into motion?"

Locking his eyes straight into the older man's own, — 

"...When he dared involve others in his personal grudge against me... When his thoughtlessness caused you harm... I could forgive him time and time again, if he kept it just between the two of us. But the minute he touches anyone around me, more so you, — that, I cannot forgive..." Fei Du declared with absolutely no hint of remorse.

Luo Wenzhou could feel an onslaught of migraine heading his way, as he groaned in utter defeat, — "Fei Du... you have no idea how much I want to throw your ass in jail right now, just so I can fucking keep you safe and out of harm's way... but for the life of me, I can't seem to find the right charges to slap you with..."

"Shixiong..."

"Don't 'Shixiong' me..." the Captain cuts him off brusquely, rising back on his two feet before slumping into the chair next to the young President.

It took Luo Wenzhou a long while to reconcile the warring thoughts in his head; 

On one end, he wanted to keep Fei Du locked up forever and never letting him out of his sight, — 

While the other, couldn't help but wanting to agree to go along with the President's crazy idea!

Because why wait for the other to attack when they could take the initiative to lure them out in the first place?

In the end, — with a pounding headache, Captain Luo conceded reluctantly to Fei Du's plan.

Now, somebody please teach him how to survive Director Lu's wrath for audacity to agree with this preposterous plan...

-.-.-.-///-.-.-.-

Yunhai, two weeks later.

The signing ceremony was arranged to be held in an opulent 5-star hotel ballroom, in approximately two hours' time. And the setup was quite an elaborate one too, — for both Fei Du's accomplished PR team and Luo Wenzhou's elite task force.

Because it was an intercity operation, Director Luo had personally took charge of leading the team in the background, — while the criminal investigation team on the ground, perfectly integrated themselves amongst Fei Du's staffs and guests for the evening.

Only Luo Wenzhou himself was exclusively stationed by Fei Du's side.

But the young President vehemently opposed to the idea of masquerading the Captain as his bodyguard,
— "Ge... The only reason why I'm keeping a low profile is because of the consideration for our work differences, — nothing else. I cannot abide hearing someone say that I'm receiving favouritism because you're a highly ranked government officer, or say things like you're receiving bribes because I'm a rich businessman.

Otherwise, I have no qualms going public with our relationship, — I'm not ashamed to call you my significant other..."

So, — that was how Fei Du successfully convinced Luo Wenzhou to attend covertly as his plus one.

Lounging in the suite prepared for his personal use, Fei Du was casually playing Patapon on his near-vintage PSP console, while waiting for Luo Wenzhou to change his outfit. 

Heaven forbid, his beloved older lover was going to attend the black-tie event in his usual garb!

Fortunately the young President had the foresight to prepare a bespoke suit on his behalf. The tailor was presently in the room with him, to make last minute alterations.

Fei Du only lifted his head from the game when he heard the bedroom door creak open, as the master tailor stepped out with his assistants, — "President Fei, — all done," the elderly man informed, before quickly taking his leave.

Discarding his game on the coffee table, the young President leisurely made his way to the room, — where he was immediately rendered dumbfounded by the breathtaking sight before him.

For as long as Fei Du has known him, he has only seen Luo Wenzhou dressed up a handful of times, and mostly in his formal uniform for work-related events. But this was probably the first time realisation sank in that the normally rakish officer could look this devastatingly handsome, — decked out in a snug black turtleneck under a crisp white shirt and a light tan double-breasted fitted jacket, outlining his athletic form, plus a matching pair of trousers that highlighted his long legs;

— Not very formal, but most definitely defining.

The young President was all of a sudden overpowered by greed and possessiveness, — not wanting to share this side of the Captain with the world...

His stride, from casual languidness turned predatory, entering the room, "Ge..." Fei Du started as he got close enough to Luo Wenzhou, who was standing by the side of the floor-to-ceiling window, peeking behind the sheers to check the surroundings, —

"... If it wasn't imperative to get the 'nuisance' out of the way, — I would gladly turn this pointless signing ceremony into our engagement party, — if not our wedding ceremony, instead..." he purred suggestively, nestling himself against the Captain's sturdy physique.

Luo Wenzhou, who was originally on the edge with restlessness, — blinked stupidly for a good moment trying to register what the little Fei Du-shaped feline had just said, — before affording himself a small private moment for the both of them, as he wrapped an arm around the younger man's waist to flush his lithe body even closer against his own, — "... But you still owe me the two chicken eggs..." he whispered titillatingly back into the other's ear.

Unprepared for the sudden allusive acceptance, Fei Du could only swallowed dryly as his weakened legs threatened to give way under him, if not for the Captain holding him, — "I'll — I'll get the jewellers to come by for a fitting first thing tomorrow..."

Lightly slapping on his risqué lover's lean ass, Luo Wenzhou drew the gap between their face closer, until he could hear the other's soft escalated breathing, — "Get through today... and we'll settle all your 'outstanding debts' tomorrow..." the Captain 'promised', lowering his head to capture Fei Du's lips in a deep, breathtaking kiss.

For a lust hazed moment there, Fei Du wanted to forget about their mission today, forget where they were, what they were supposed to do, — as he clawed wantonly at Luo Wenzhou's new suit.

But such quixotic thought only lasted for that one short moment, before a soft knock on the door inopportunely interrupted them, —

"President Fei... It's about time..." his assistant, Miao Miao reminded politely.

Luo Wenzhou cussed silently under his breath, — "After this is done and over with, I will personally ensure that you are not to get out of bed until you've repaid all your trouble's worth, President Fei..."

Stifling back a laugh, — "All right, Shixiong ... I'll hold you to your promise..." the young President agreed readily, as he forcibly freed himself from the older man, with much reluctance.

Nevertheless, he still took the time to smoothen out Luo Wenzhou's attire and straightened his own black-on-grey ensemble, before demonstrating first-hand his uncanny ability to put on the lordly persona of President Fei within the mere blink of an eye.

Stepping out of the room, Fei Du paused long enough for Miao Miao to drape a long black overcoat over his shoulders, as he made his way down to the ballroom with Luo Wenzhou's immediate presence, closely behind him.

-.-.-.-///-.-.-.-

Mingling with guests of all walks of life was like second nature to Fei Du; an art honed and perfected so well, — no one would ever know that the President actually preferred staying in, to wasting time rubbing shoulders with pretentious sods who were only there for his fame and money.

Only Captain Luo, who was watching the young President like a hawk, — could sense his carefully concealed impatience.

"Lao Luo... you might want to tone down the intensity of your territorial glare..." Tao Ran mocked light-heartedly. Stood next to his captain by the tall cocktail table off in a corner but still within close proximity of the young President, — the Deputy, too was dressed smartly in a pressed navy suit, passing off as another esteemed guest of President Fei.

Knowing that he was letting his apprehension show, Luo Wenzhou exhaled deeply to recompose himself, —"Any signs?" he asked, speaking lowly into the inconspicuous earpiece.

"None..."

"Nope..."

"No signs yet..." — came a chorus of answers from his members, stationed at every corner of the room.

"Keep looking..." the Captain needlessly reminded.

With only two minutes on the clock before Fei Du was scheduled to take the stage, Luo Wenzhou's maddening disquietude became even more unceasing, — as he fought back the urge to ditch their plan and steal Fei Du away from this imminent danger.

Tao Ran didn't need a sixth sense to know how tensed his partner was at the moment, — because he was no better himself. Fei Du grew up before his eyes, was like a little brother he never had, — so, his concern and worry for him was only second to Luo Wenzhou's.

The volatile tension around them only increased by tens of fold, when Lu Jia finally strode over to their table with pseudo geniality written all over him, but words carrying underlying seriousness, — "It's time..."

-.-.-.-///-.-.-.-

"... Now, we would like to invite President of Fei Group of Companies, Mr. Fei Du and Managing Director of China Construction Bank, Mr. Ding Minyu to the stage to complete the signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the land acquisition of Lot 467..." announced the MC.

Luo Wenzhou, whose hand held Fei Du's discreetly under the younger man's long overcoat, gave the interlocking fingers one last lingering squeeze before he was forced to let go.

This was the only segment in the plan that Luo Wenzhou could not be within Fei Du's immediate reach. 
And it was also during this short period of time, they expect Hua Jintao to make his appearance.

But how? And when? — They haven't the slightest clue.

— Which frustrated the hell out of the Captain immeasurably!

"Someone please tell me that they've got their eyes on the motherfucker already..." he cursed lowly into the earpiece.

"Negative..." — again the same depressing reply he has gotten the whole evening.

Luo Wenzhou really hoped that this was a good sign that their vigilance was so impregnable that Hua Jintao had no opportunity to attack.

But life truly was a bitch.

"Fei Du... Fei-ye... President Fei..." came Hua Jintao's voice out of the blue from the surrounding speakers.

The ballroom instantly became alive with confused murmurs and chaotic cries.

Instinctively reaching for his gun holster beneath his jacket, the Captain's keen eyes scanned frantically at every corner for signs of the suspect; — as did every other criminal investigator on the ground and Director Lu's surveillance team on the camera screens off-site...

But Hua Jintao was just nowhere to be found!

Remembering the wireless microphone has a transmission range up to 500 feet, — "Search the vicinity within 500 feet radius!" Tao Ran stifled a bark through the earpiece.

The security team outside of the ballroom immediately snapped to his command, while the team already infiltrated amongst the guest remained undercover.

Luo Wenzhou too, was compelled to stay in character; — which was a fucking bitter pill to swallow, as he forcibly suppressed his raging need to run to Fei Du this very instant.

Comparatively, the young President was the embodiment of composure, — not a hair out of place, while the whole world around him panicked. His expression remained impassive as he looked straight ahead as though Hua Jintao himself was right in front of him.

"... You're one fucking cold-hearted bastard, aren't you President Fei?... You have already ruined my life, my business... And now, you want to rob me of this too?... Have you no fucking conscience?!" the voice continued angrily as emotions got increasingly volatile.

But it hardly fazed Fei Du, — "The moment you involved an innocent, — there was no sentiments left between you and I to talk about anymore..." he retorted back openly, without a care if the other was going to be offended by his blatancy.

Sardonic laughter filled the tense air around them, — "What was I even thinking? Why did I even harbour expectations that you'd have a kindred soul for people you once called friends?! ...I was a fool... No, — I still am the fool — the biggest one at it, too... For a person who was willing to exploit a friend to bring down the friend's family, a person who sought to enrich his own pocket first at another's misfortune, — I was a fool to think that you were human... No... you're not human... You're nothing, — but a fucking devil in human disguise!!"

Luo Wenzhou's fist clenched tightly with restrained fury, wanting nothing better than to pound the ignorant son of a bitch into a fucking pulp! The guy ran his bloody mouth without even knowing half the truth about the matter he spoke of!

Yet, Fei Du was still infuriatingly calm and collected, unperturbed by the inaccuracy of his accusation, —
"You must have a serious misconception of me, Hua Jintao. I have never claimed to be a saint...

But what irony, Jintao. You judge others without first taking a good look at yourself...

Tell me, — what do you call this tantrums fit you're having here? — Your way of seeking retributions from me? ...By slandering my reputation in public? By holding innocent lives hostage against me?

...Jintao, ah Jintao... you call me the devil, — but who between the both of us, is the villain one here?"

"Shut up!!! You made me do it!! You forced my hands!!!" Hua Jintao bellowed, like some unreasonable child.

"How convenient of you to blame all the wrong-doings on me...," Fei Du scoffed disbelievingly, — "Well, since I'm the devil and you're the saint, — I'll turn a blind eye on your benevolence then... You let everyone else in the room go, and I will stay behind to settle the score with you... After all, your beef is with me, — not them..."

Struck livid by the unanticipated suggestion, — "Fei Du!!!" Luo Wenzhou shouted irrepressibly. 
This was not part of their fucking plan, goddamnit!

However, his bullish lover only subtly held up a hand to stop him from approaching; the depth of his eyes seemed to be conveying unspoken words of reassurance.
But all of it was a load full of shit to the Captain!

Time and time again Fei Du had pulled this stunt on him, — and time and time again he was forced to agonise over the younger man's lack of regard for his own life!

When there was no answer, — "I'll take your lack of reply as a tacit agreement, then..." Fei Du said, as he wordlessly signalled to Luo Wenzhou to lead the guests out to safety.

Still holding the President's gaze with a seething glare, — "Tao Ran, make sure everyone gets out..." the Captain hissed surlily through gritted teeth, leaving no room for his deputy to argue; — while he himself remained unmoving through the throng of people rushing to escape.

His firm stance sent a clear message to the one on stage that leaving him alone to face this, — was not an option.

Tao Ran waited by the grand double doors until the last person has safely absconded, leaving only Fei Du and Luo Wenzhou in the extensive space. The Deputy looked hesitantly at his captain one last time, seeking reaffirmation. He wasn't any more comfortable with this arrangement than Luo Wenzhou was with Fei Du's improvisation. He wanted to stay with them, but the speaking glance in the Captain's eyes was enough to convey a message only long-term partners with mutual understanding such as themselves would understand, —

'Go around the back. Back-of-house route,' it seemed to say.

Nodding comprehendingly, Tao Ran closed the doors behind him and led a part of the team away, while the remainder stayed to guard the entrance.

Inside, — Luo Wenzhou kept his eyes on Fei Du for as long as he could, before tearing away reluctantly, — hiding himself behind the service area in the shadows.

Only after Fei Du was convinced that the Captain was hidden out of sight, — did he then return his attention to the mental game he was 'playing' with Hua Jintao. In all honesty, he still wanted to give Hua Jintao the opportunity to repent and be forgiven; he didn't want to turn this into a bloody fight for one's life.

Fighting for his life once, was more than enough, — thank you.

So, if he could talk the man out of his foolishness, — he would exhaust all the psychological tricks he has up his sleeves, if he have to.

"Jintao... your turn... Want to show your face so that we can settle this face-to-face?" the President spoke to the 'empty' space.

The surrounding remained deafeningly silent for a good minute before a connecting door to the ballroom from the room next door, opened into the space.

Hua Jintao, now a shell of his former self, — walked out with nervous agitation, holding a gun aimed shakily in Fei Du's direction.

Seeing that he was armed, the young President frowned with obvious displeasure.

How was Fei Du going to help someone who wouldn't help himself? Already the charges against him were piling up, — and with this, he was inadvertently going to be slapped with another one for possession of illegal arms...

"Put the gun away, — and I'll turn a blind eye... You're not doing anyone any favours by wielding it..." Fei Du said, with weary exasperation.

Captain Luo nearly pulled out his own one out of the holster when he heard the young President mentioned a gun, but held himself back for the umpteenth time this evening, when he inwardly realised Fei Du's intentions.

"No — !" Hua Jintao brusquely rebuffed, as he crept closer to Fei Du.

"And then, what Jintao? Shoot me with it?" the President taunted vexedly, — "Do you even know what you're doing right now? ... You already stupidly alerted the police when you sent the bomb to my office... Need you an additional charge for possession of illegal arms? Or attempted murder?...

You said that you've already lost everything; do you need to lose your freedom as well, just to take me down?"

The former criminal psychology graduate knew that he has gotten to the other when the trembling hands holding the gun drooped a little at his words. Fei Du knew that with a bit more convincing, he should be able to save the entire scenario from spiralling into an irreversible abyss.

"Jintao..." he spoke again without derision this time, lowering his voice into a persuasive tone as though cajoling a petulant child, — "...There is no need for aggression. So long as you're willing to talk to me, — I'm willing to hear you out..."

"No — no... You're an evil incarnate..." the other negated, refusing to be wheedled into submission, — "You prey on your friends! You'll rest at nothing until you've ruined all your friend's lives!"

These words somehow left a dent on Fei Du's iron walls around his heart, but he was careful not to let it show, — "If I tell you that the matter is more complicated than it seems, — would you believe me?"

"It doesn't matter whether I believe it or not, — it's a fact that Donglai-ge and Zhou Huaixin were both casualties of your actions!"

'Yes, they were...' — Fei Du concurred internally.

He thought he had an upper hand, but the guilt he had always carried, seemed to compound further with Hua Jintao's every accusation.

"You don't even know half of it..." the young President whispered, — not knowing if he had said it for the other to hear, or was he just mumbling to himself.

"Why, Fei-ye?! How could you be so cruel to us...?" Hua Jintao cried. 

But to Fei Du, his voice seemed to overlap with Zhang Donglai's and Zhou Huaixin's voices, demanding the same of him.

Covertly listening in on them, Luo Wenzhou seized with fear when Fei Du fell silent for a very long time.

But when the young President finally spoke again, there was bitter frost in his every bite back, —

"You ask, — how could I be so cruel? But you don't even know the first thing about cruelty...You think you're demanding justice here? — Kid, you don't even know the meaning of justice... What you're seeking for right now is not justice, — but self-gratification. You think Donglai or Huaixin will thank you for speaking up on their behalf? — Then obviously you don't know enough..."

Burnt by Fei Du's scolding, Hua Jintao was robbed of words to say.

Just as silence fell between them, Fei Du's phone sang 'You Raise Me Up' resoundingly throughout the room, with an incoming call. Hua Jintao panicked for a moment, raising the gun again at Fei Du, — but the young President unperturbedly answered the call, —

"Hello... yea, he's right here... I'll put you on speaker then..." he said to the other person on the line, before putting the phone on the table, in front of the microphone.

「 Jintao, you brat! — You there? 」— came Zhang Donglai's blaring voice over the speakers.

"Donglai-ge?!" Hua Jintao was surprised to say the least.

「 Oh, you are there... Now, care to explain what the fuck are you doing?!」

"Donglai-ge..." the former heir bawled, launching into a complaint like some disgruntled kid at school, — "Fei-ye... Fei-ye... ruined my life, just like he did with you!!!"

「 Fei Du... Is this kid for real? ... Oi, Jintao! You don't go lumping what had happened to me with what has happened to you. You don't even fucking understand what happened... My family's downfall is a consequence of my family own's actions. Fei Du had nothing to do with it... And as for you, — Fei Du has already briefed me earlier... Brat, — how old are you? You still blaming him for your own actions?... Dude, — you think you're still a toddler, where your mom still wipes your ass clean for you?!... Own up to your own fucking deed, damn it! He didn't do anything! He didn't fucking hold a gun to your head, forcing you to do something you didn't want to do. You did it to yourself, goddamnit! 」the former young master Zhang rebuked sharply with no reservations.

Luo Wenzhou had no idea when Fei Du had made this arrangement with Zhang Donglai, — but for the first time ever, he was in all agreement with the former prodigal son. 

Perhaps the life-altering experience did do him some good...

"Donglai-ge..."

「 Don't 'Donglai-ge' me! ... Jintao, you're old enough to live with the consequences of your own actions. Don't be a fucking brat! ... Also, you ingrate, — haven't you realised by now that even up till this very moment, Fei Du is still trying to help you? ...You really don't know your fucking foes from your fucking friends...」

Like an admonished child, Hua Jintao was quietened, self-reflecting on his own actions, — as the hand holding the gun slowly lowered until it fell against his side, and the arm dropped silently to the ground.

Fei Du exhaled with heavy relief as he picked up his phone again to his ears, — "Donglai... thank you..."

「 Fei Du, — in spite of the past misgivings, I know that it's not your doing... How can I hold a grudge at someone, who was equally a victim as I was?... I don't know when I'll see you next, but until then, — take care...」Zhang Donglai left those parting words and then, hung up.

Reining in his turbulent emotions, Fei Du unhurriedly moved from the stage towards the Young Master Hua, and wordlessly took him into his arms, — embracing the frightened 'child' in him as he lets go of all the fear and frustration in a good hearty cry.

Captain Luo secretly applauded President Fei's negotiation skills, managing to disarm a suspect with mere words alone, — and was in utter relief that this had turned out better than he expected it to, as he rose from his hiding place and stealthily move towards them.

Fei Du looked up in time to see Luo Wenzhou approaching, as he softly whispered, — "... Escort him out... But don't cuff him... Don't worry, he won't resist anymore..."

The Captain nodded in concession, as he took over the snivelling brat to lead him away.

President Fei did not follow immediately, — instead took a moment to himself to breathe in deeply, now that he could put this all behind him.

However, he wasn't even half way across, when the unmistakable sound of gun firing rang deafeningly across the ballroom, —

"BANG!!!"

Alarmed, Luo Wenzhou harshly pressed Hua Jintao down to the ground and reflexively reached for his own gun, as he searched for the source of gunshot, —

Only to catch Fei Du's eyes widened with unconcealed shock, — as blood, richer than red Bordeaux bloomed like a Black Baccara Rose unfolding from his chest. There was only a fleeting moment of pain reflected on his delicate feature, before he fell to his knees on the carpeted floor...

"FEI DU — !!!"

Luo Wenzhou couldn't care less if Hua Jintao took the opportunity to escape, mainly because he knew that his people were right outside these double doors. But all thoughts, — any thoughts for that matter! — were unhesitatingly tossed far from his mind as he ran at breakneck speed towards the fallen President.

Sinking to his own knees, Luo Wenzhou cradled Fei Du in his own trembling arms as he fearfully surveyed the injury. His young lover was bleeding so profusely, that in the short few seconds he had him in his arms, — his hands, his dapper outfit were all tainted by the younger man's blood. And on the ground, grew a pool of liquid crimson with such frightful exponential, that it was terrifying to even think it was humanly possible for a person to lose this much blood.

Putting pressure heavily on the wound, — "Fei Du...? Baobei'r... Don't scare Ge, ah... Don't do this to me again... Fei Du... Fei Du! Look at me, goddamnit...! Look at me, Fei Du — !!!" the older man begged desperately.

The young President fought with much difficulty to keep his drifting focus on the Captain, — "S— stop her... Don— don't let ... let her die..." he seemed to struggle to say, as he gasped laboriously for breath with every word said.

The Captain has been in enough gunfights to recognise the signs of a sucking chest wound.

"Baobei'r... don't talk... save your breath..."

But the younger man didn't listen, as he grabbed the other's arm with all the remaining strength left in him, — "...s— stop... her... don't... let her... die..." Fei Du repeated himself again, before coughing out copious amount of blood.

"Fei Du!!!" Luo Wenzhou was too wrought up with distress to comprehend his words,
— Until he looked up from Fei Du to see Tao Ran bursting through the service entrance, apprehending the young lady with the gun Hua Jintao discarded in her hands, with time-honed efficiency.

Luo Wenzhou was acutely stabbed by anguish in his already battered heart. 

Even being shot at, Fei Du's first thought was to make sure his 'assailant' didn't die by suicide. Maybe because he knew, that the one who shot him could only be Liu Anyi, — and she mustn't die, no matter what.

Or else, Hua Jintao would have to live forever with the guilt of two persons' lives taken in his name; — and that lily-livered young master would not be able to live with it...

'Fei Du... you fucking care for others; — but who fucking cares for you?!' Luo Wenzhou thought tormentedly, as the hot tears filling his eyes, threatened to fall.

He was angry at his lover, — terribly, terribly angry...

Yet, his love for him wasn't ready to let him go...

"We've got her, Fei Du... Don't worry, ah... Just stay with me, Fei Du... Don't sleep..." the officer coaxed helplessly.

His deputy came running helter-skelter over after handing over Liu Anyi to another fellow officer's care, — "Wenzhou! Fei Du! ...Hang in there...! The paramedics are on their way..." Tao Ran reassured, but nothing could hide the anxiety that was written all over his face, either.

"Baobei'r... hang in there, ah..." Luo Wenzhou plead despairingly.

But the light in Fei Du's peach blossom eyes were rapidly dimming by the seconds.

Just before darkness could staked claimed on him, Fei Du endeavoured to take one last look at his heartbroken lover and forced a smile despite the pain, —

"... Ge... 'm sorry... 

...an — and... I love... you — "

"FEI DU — !!!"

-.-.-.-///-.-.-.-