Chapter 18: You’re Number’s Assistant, Huh?

Chapter 18: You're Number's Assistant, Huh?

With a clatter, the empty mineral water bottle found its way into the trash.

The two bottles did little to douse his inner frustration. Shen Yao took a deep breath.

He couldn't grasp why he was so irritated. It was just a piece of clothing, was it such a big deal?

Maybe it wasn’t. But if it had been him approaching Ying Li at the airport, would Ying Li be wearing his clothes now...?

As he pondered, it struck him as odd: why was he so fixated on who's clothes Ying Li wore?

Backstage, there was a rest area for the staff. When Ying Li arrived, it was already bustling with people chattering about various topics, creating a cacophonous atmosphere.

He put on his headphones and chose an unoccupied spot to relax and listen to music, deciding to wait until after everyone had finished with their makeup before heading to the main venue.

As the first song concluded, the door to the lounge was gently pushed open. A man wearing a red cap and work uniform entered, looking apologetic. "Excuse the interruption," he began, "Is anyone available to help us move some items?"

The once noisy crowd hushed for a brief moment. Everyone glanced towards the door before turning back to continue their interrupted conversations, rekindling the liveliness in the lounge.

Receiving no response, the staff member stood awkwardly at the entrance, uttering once more, "Sorry for the disturbance."

Just as the door was about to close, Ying Li removed his headphones, standing up to offer, "I can help."

"I'll come too," a young man sitting across from Ying Li chimed in.

The man seeking assistance was a member of the stage crew.

Last year, the station discarded a bunch of old equipment, which had been accumulating in the warehouse. Today, a sudden directive was issued to clear out the warehouse. The truck driver transporting the equipment was pressed for time and was constantly urging them. With the major awards show taking place, every available hand was busy. With limited options, the stage crew member ventured into the lounge, hopeful yet uncertain.

The entertainment industry is notorious for its highs and lows. When a celebrity rises to prominence, their surrounding staff often feel superior, treating the lesser-known crew members dismissively, if not outright ignorantly. The idea of seeking assistance from such people was near unthinkable.

The stage crew member hadn't held much hope, yet he was pleasantly surprised to find two willing helpers.

He led Ying Li and the young man to the warehouse, pointing at the boxes on the floor, "Just move these to the truck outside the entrance."

A red pickup truck was parked outside the warehouse's main door. Given its size, it couldn't be driven in, making manual labor the only option for moving the items. Some had already been transported.

The crew member handed them a pair of gloves, "Here, wear these. We wouldn't want your hands to get dirty."

Accepting the gloves, Ying Li responded, "Thank you."

The crew member paused, then smiled, "It's I who should be thanking you both."

With gloves on, Ying Li got to work. He bent down to lift the nearest box, which was filled with audio equipment and quite heavy.

Including the driver, the four of them made over a dozen trips before they finished moving all the equipment.

"It's the energy of you young folks," the driver remarked, rubbing his back as he sat on the warehouse steps, "I'm getting old, and it's taking its toll."

Noticing the driver's discomfort, Ying Li inquired, "Is your back bothering you?"

"Yes, it's an old ailment," the driver admitted, "I worked my body too hard when I was young, trying to earn more. You should take care of yourselves now, or you'll end up suffering like me in old age."

The driver appeared to be in his fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and calloused hands. A set of cushions lay on his truck seat, hinting at his long-haul journeys.

Ying Li handed the last box to the crew member, offering, "If you don't mind, I can give you a massage."

The driver looked up, his deep-set eyes genuine and unassuming. "Why would I mind? It's my clothes that are dirty, I'd be worried about soiling your hands."

Removing his gloves, Ying Li approached and said, "It's okay. Let me help you out."

Ying Li squatted beside the driver, rolling up his sleeves to the elbow, and after flexing his fingers for a moment, began massaging the driver's back.

After a while, the driver, gritting his teeth, remarked, "You look rather slender, but your hands are surprisingly strong."

At first, the massage was somewhat painful for the driver, but soon a warm sensation spread from his back throughout his body, as if all his meridians had been unblocked, bringing a profound sense of relief.

Ying Li chuckled, "Bear with it a little. If you often suffer from back pain, massaging these pressure points can help alleviate the discomfort."

The driver tilted his head, his tone laced with undisguised admiration, "Your technique is quite professional. Did you receive formal training?"

Ying Li replied, "My dad is around your age and often complains of back pain. I learned by watching my mom massage him over the years."

"It feels so good," the driver exhaled deeply in satisfaction, "By the way, there's an event happening here today, quite a lively affair. You two should check it out."

The young man who had accompanied Ying Li joined them, taking a seat beside them. "We're actually staff here," he informed.

The driver expressed mild surprise, "You work here?"

The young man nodded in affirmation.

Turning to look at Ying Li, the driver remarked, "How old are you both to already be working?"

The young man seemed to be in his early twenties, but Ying Li appeared even younger, making the driver wonder if he had even graduated high school.

Applying a bit more pressure, Ying Li also massaged the driver's shoulders, "I'll be graduating from university next year. I'm currently interning."

The driver inquired, "Which university?"

Ying Li responded, "South City University."

The driver expressed his surprise with a whistle, "That's a prestigious institution!"

The young man too looked amazed, widening his eyes slightly, "You're from South City University?"

"Yes."

The young man was about to say something when the crew member jumped off the truck, shouting to them, "Driver, everything's loaded up. Can you check it over?"

"Right away," the driver responded, then turned to thank Ying Li, admiring the young man's kind-heartedness.

Ying Li stood up, replying, "You're welcome."

"Thanks for your hard work," the crew member handed them each a bottle of mineral water. "The station is so busy today, and we're short-staffed. Without your help, who knows how long it would have taken just the two of us to load all this."

Ying Li unscrewed the bottle cap and took a sip, "No need to thank us. Anything else we can assist with?"

"No, that's all. We're truly grateful."

Once the inspection was complete, the crew member climbed into the passenger seat. The driver hit the gas, and the truck rumbled away.

It was already half past seven, and the Music Awards ceremony was about to start. The two began to head back.

They weren't familiar with each other, so even though they walked side by side, a polite social distance separated them.

After some walking, the young man suddenly inquired, "Are you an assistant too?"

From the moment Ying Li entered, he had caught his attention. There was something remarkably distinguished about Ying Li's demeanor.

Ying Li sat across from him, headphones on, peaceful and calm, as if an invisible barrier shielded him from the noisy lounge.

Initially, Ying Li had been wearing a mask while moving items. However, as it got hotter, he removed it. When the young man stole a glance, he was instantly captivated.

Ying Li sported a head of fluffy yet smooth black hair that looked great without any styling. His eyes sparkled, his smile infectious, teeth white and lips rosy. He was even more striking than any of the celebrities the young man had seen.

Ying Li nodded, "Yes."

The young man then asked, "May I know who you're assisting?"

Turning to face him, Ying Li met the young man's gaze, answering, "I work for Number."

The young man paused, seemingly caught off guard by Ying Li's sudden look, their eyes locking.

Ying Li's eyes were distinct, the irises a shade lighter than most, a soft brown. Under the hallway lights, they shimmered with a crystal-clear depth.

With just a fleeting glance, he quickly looked away, feeling a warmth rise to his cheeks.

"So you're Number's assistant..."

Author's Note:

Keep an eye on this man, Xiao Ying. A heartthrob to many, he now plays the role of a nanny for the top boy band, unaware that he's stepped right into their trap. How can one lamb satiate five wolves? To uncover the tale, follow and favorite this author – that's me!!! (Proudly)