Please, Love Me Again

Chapter 41: Do I Look I Fear Someone?

Overwhelmed with the tension between them, the four did not realise that somebody suddenly opened the door. In order to know the situation inside, he kept silent surreptitiously. He was watching them as he leaned against the door frame, crossed arms over his chest as if having a photo shoot.

As he had had enough of the situation, he clicked his tongue playfully. Letting everyone hear his cool and cheerful voice. "How about you lick my shoes and I will pay you triple the price of everything."

Everyone looked over. When their eyes caught a sight of him who looked so awesome and admirable even doing nothing, none of them was unable to stop from gaping. The first reason was because of surprise. The second reason was because what they saw at the moment was like a miracle. He never expected to see the King of Dance, The God of Wealth, the International Idol, and The National Youth Face personally.

It was like a dream for everyone.

He was the role model of everyone, especially for those who were pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry.

The man was literally good-looking, young, and looking so friendly. And these attributes were enlightened when he dressed formally. At the moment, he wore a black coat on top of white sleeves and blue custom-made slacks. His hair was combed neat and exquisite, adding the pleasant features of his beautiful face.

"Oh My God! You are that- that‐ Allen, right? The King of Dance? The God of Wealth? The—" Xindy Apostol clamored in joy.

The man stood up properly and fixed the collar of his coat. He then inserted his hands inside his pockets as he raised his brow elegantly. As he sauntered towards them, he spoke, voice having a trace of cheerfulness and playfulness. "Yes, sweetie. I am Allen. The one and only."

"Oh My God!" Xindy Apostol jumped like a monkey who just got her freedom back, completely forgetting the etiquette as a woman."This is unbelievable! I must be dreaming?"

"Little Xin, watch your behavior." Alyssa Curtis reprimanded her softly. "You're acting as if you're not a woman."

Allen grinned at Alyssa Curtis even throwing her a playful wink. "Miss Curtis, long time no see."

Alysda Curtis rolled her eyes as she hugged herself, refusing to talk with him. "But beautiful."

"You're still the same. Still stubborn." Allen kept the bright smile on his lips.

"Are you really Allen?" Edo Padilla asked, eyes popped wide in disbelief.

Allen's smile immediately disappeared upon hearing the assistant voice. Throwing a cold sideways glance, he asked, "And who are you?"

Edo Padilla dashed in front of him and grinned like a fool. "I am Edo Padilla, Brother Joseph's assistant. Mr. Allen, I am your die hard fan. Can I have an honor to photograph with you?"

"Of course you can." Allen replied. "But after one condition."

"What is it? You can tell me your condition. I am your fan. I will never complain."

"Really? Then great. I want you both to lick on my shoes."

"What?" Edo Padilla exclaimed in disbelief. As he recovered from shock, he faked a laugh, pretending he never believed what he just said. "You can't be serious, right?"

"Weren't you a fan of me?" Allen raised a brow. "You should know when I joke or when I'm serious."

"You- you can't be like this." Edo Padilla paled. "I am your fan. You should not embarrass me like this. Do you know that if I expose this to people, your life will be doomed. Don't you know I'm filming?"

"I know. But who cares?" Allen smirked. "I never cared about such a thing in my entire life. Most importantly, I hate being threatened the most. Since you can't do it, then get lost. I'm not interested in talking with a person like you."

Allen waved the assistant aside and faced Joseph Raval. With an arrogant gaze, he spoke, "And you? Why are you silent? Aren't you so great just now? What? You can't do it too? I can pay no matter how much you ask. You lick my shoes and I will pay you triple for everything. Oh, you probably think I'm stingy. Then I will pay you five times more than you offer. How about that? I am generous enough, right?"

Joseph Raval's face turned scarlet. Not sure if it was due to embarrassment or anger. His fists balled on his sides, smiling stiffly. "Allen, I admit I admired you because of your success. But you can't bully me like this."

"Is that already bullying?" Allen pretended he was surprised. Then his expression turned cold and sharp. "Is this how you exactly bully them? You guys are something huh." Allen smirked. "Since you said I'm bullying you, then let me do it for real. I never allow slandering."

With that said, Allen picked up a cup of coffee, poured the content over Joseph Raval's head and tugged his torn clothes completely off his body.

Joseph Raval's expression was so sour. But he didn't retaliate. He let Allen do as he pleased.

"Hmm." Allen put his fingers on his chin as he nodded. Like he was thinking something. "This seems satisfying. Now, remove your pants."

Edo Padilla rushed in between them. "Mr. Allen, what did you do? I am your fan but you can't insult and humiliate us like this. You are clearly bullying us just because you're rich. You're destroying your reputation for me."

Allen chuckled, voice was sarcastic. "I can now confirm that you're not only a bully but also a liar. So now, what does it feel to become the victim of bullying?"

"I don't know what you are talking about!"

"Not? Oh I almost forgot. Joseph Raval, you have not removed my pants yet. Take that off now and give it to me."

Joseph Raval's countenance became extremely ugly, shaking in anger. "You dare to humiliate me?"

"Auh!" Allen nodded. "You're not going to take them off by yourself, right? Then let me help you."

Allen walked over and tugged Joseph Raval's pants forcefully. Since his pants were only made of thin fabric, it was easily torn and only his underwear was left to him, exposing his well-built body.

"Mr. Allen, you have gone too far!" Edo Padilla shouted. "The people love you so much. We and Brother Joseph, your fans, supported you unconditionally. But what did you do? How could you treat us like this? It seemed that I idolised the wrong person. I was wrong about you!"

"What?" Allen pretended he did not hear anything. He leaned in, asking for the assistant to repeat what he said.

Edo Padilla saw that someone popped up in the doorway and his face brightened up when he realised who the person was. He sprinted over the door and yelled, pointing at Allen. "Good thing you came. Look at what this man did! You have to give justice for us!"

Xander Villaruel glanced at the assistant and then at Allen coldly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Why did you not call your manager or the director over?"

"This— I forgot. Besides, at first I thought the problem was not serious and so I did not disturb anyone. And now you're here. You should settle this fairly. I need an answer for this." He pointed at Joseph Raval angrily. "Look at how pathetic Brother Joseph is. He is the national idol and people like him so much and treated him with love and respect, but this strange man suddenly intruded and humiliated Brother Joseph. He actually stripped Brother Joseph's clothes. This is an insult to his career! He doesn't deserve this."

Allen stared intently at the person who was called Brother Xander. At first he was cautious over the man but the familiar feeling that he felt towards Xander Villaruel grew and grew stronger until he confirmed his doubts. He grinned at Xander Villaruel and waved his hand on him. "Hi, Brother Xander. Nice to meet you."

Xander Villaruel just spared him a stare and then looked at other people, especially at Alyssa Curtis.

"Brother Xander, don't believe that man." Xindy Apostol spoke. "They were the ones who started this. Mr. Allen just helped us out."

Xander Villaruel glanced at Edo Padilla. "Is that true?"

"Nonsense! It's Alyssa Curtis who ruined Brother Joseph clothes." Edo Padilla refuted. "They bullied us. It was just justifiable to avenge ourselves. Manager Villaruel, you have to give an explanation about this. Otherwise, I will post this on the Internet. We don't let you just bully us without taking the consequences."

Xander Villaruel still refused to speak. He only observed the situation silently.

"Why are you not speaking?" Edo Padilla gritted his teeth. "Don't tell me you're supporting such behavior?"

"Enough troubling he-him!" Allen almost spilled the beans. Good thing he managed to stop himself on time. Otherwise, someone's secret would be exposed. "Manager Villaruel is not my manager, there's no need to trouble him. Besides, do I look like I fear someone? That's ridiculous! Damn, this is the first time I humiliate or insult someone. I suddenly realised it's actually satisfying. Feels good." Allen caught sight of Joseph Raval was rooted on the floor. "Hey monkey. Stood in front of the camera and film yourself. I'd like to watch that if I'm bored. I already feel that your nude video is entertaining."

Joseph Raval abruptly picked a cup of coffee and smashed it on the floor. "You jerk, enough talking. Let's just fight!"

Allen jumped backward, hugging himself, faking fear. "Oh My God, I'm so scared."

Xander Villaruel stood upright and turned his back at them. Slightly looking over, he spoke in a cold tone. "You three, come with me."

"Wait right there!" Edo Padilla stopped them, blocking his arm. "You're leaving us just like that?"

"Hey, rotten chatterbox, are you not done?" Allen spoke. "Oh, did I just neglect your presence too much? I think you need some playtime too."

"You— you're insane." Edo Padilla curved his lips downward. Then he looked at Xander Villaruel. "Manager Villaruel, will you just close your mouth? Despite what your artist and that man did, you're not going to do something. Aren't you too biased? Manager Villaruel, you might not know. I filmed the entire thing. Are you not afraid that I will post this on the Internet and ruin all of you?"

Xander Villaruel cast him a cold sidelong glance as he mumbled flatly. "Post it."

Edo Padilla and others' jaws dropped in surprise because of his response.

Edo Padilla's eyes popped wide. "You really don't care about that? Do you think I'm just scaring you? I will definitely post this on the Internet."

"Enough talking. Go ahead." After uttering such two short words without caring about the consequences, Xander Villaruel left with the three others following silently behind him like a tail.

When they were gone, Edo Padilla spurned his foot in hatred on the floor, pointing as he complained at Joseph Raval who was still stunned because of the sudden pace of the event. "Brother Joseph, look at them. They are so arrogant. Hmm, they really think I won't dare to expose just because that man, Allen, is rich? Just wait and see."

Saying that, Edo Padilla went through his phone. He did something on his phone and after carrying out his goal, he smiled like a winner as he mumbled inwardly, "Let's see if you can still act so arrogant if your fans hate you."

On their way back to Xander Villaruel's office, Allen couldn't stop laughing. Sometimes he praised Xander Villaruel unreservedly.

To anyone in the room, the way he interacted with Xander Villaruel was like they had known each other for so many years and they were a very close acquaintance.

Xander Villaruel was cold and distant but the other man could easily joke or play around with him without being reprimanded or embarrassed.

"Manager Villaruel, you're so cool." Allen gave Xander Villaruel a two thumbs up, looking so proud. "You look so incredible when you behave like a badass woman. Seriously. I now suddenly want to see you like this everyday— wait! You seem like this everyday. It's just I found something different—the aura and the looks. Do you guys think so too?"

No one answered. They were just looking at him as if he was performing a comedy show, especially Xindy Apostol who just coughed in order to convey her worthless reply. And even though she was curious as she sensed that the two had a deep relationship like Alyssa Curtis and Allen, she kept her mouth shut, afraid to offend or provoke anyone.

She knew them and associated with them everyday but she was aware she could not cross the boundary given her identity.

Xander Villaruel did not comment a single thing even until they reached his office.

"Enough with your noise!" Finally Alyssa Curtis spoke on behalf of everyone, rolling her eyes at him to indicate her annoyance towards all the nonsense of the man. "Have you not had enough? You have been nagging and bragging nonstop since you arrived. Don't you feel exhausted? Because we did. We are exhausted just by seeing your thick face."

Allen smirked, unaffected. "Miss Curtis, why do I feel some sourness in the air? Not over with me yet? I'm sorry, I am not available for you."

"In your dreams! What have I done to make you think that way? I think you're just paranoid."

Xindy Apostol's gaze travelled from one person to another, looking intrigued. Finally, she could no longer contain her curiosity and she mustered her courage to boldly ask, "Sister Alyssa, do you know Mister Allen privately? What does he mean with his words?"

"Don't mind him. He has some problem with his head." Alyssa Curtis answered.

"You really won't dare to admit our past relationship?" Allen shook his head. "Ouch, you're hurting my ego. I admit I know you but you don't? Just fine. I don't mind how you treat me anyway."

Xander Villaruel sat on his table as others found their respective spot to sit comfortably. And he stared at Allen—cold and sharp. In order to get the other man's attention, Xander Villaruel tapped his index fingertip on the table.

"Why are you here?" Xander Villaruel asked as they gave him their attention. "You are supposed not to be here."

Allen crossed his legs. He observed Xander Villaruel for a moment as he pursed his lips tightly. After that moment, tilting his head, he spoke as he wore a weird smile, eyes glistening, "Manager Villaruel, I think you got me wrong. Did no one inform you about me?"

Xander Villaruel's brows were slightly knitted together. Not only because of how Allen looks at him but also because of the underlying meaning behind the other man's words. "Do I have to know something?"

"It seems my guess is right. You are still kept in the dark about such important news." Allen put down his legs properly and grinned, "That's great. It can be considered a little surprise for me."

"Are you that idle?" Xander Villaruel raised a brow. "Why don't you leave and do your own work? You are not invited here, do you know that? I'm not interested in that surprise of you. We are busy."

"How heartless." Allen rose up and sauntered towards the unoccupied seat opposite to Xander Villaruel. He braced his arms on the table and leaned forward, staring at the cold man closely. "Has no one told you that I belong to you now?"

"Excuse me?"

"What I mean is that I already changed into a new manager and the one that they gave to me is you. How is it? Are you surprised? Are you happy?"

"Do I really have to feel happy or surprised?"

"Of course!" Allen answered with a serious tone yet with a playful smile.

"And why?" Xander Villaruel met the other man's eyes fearlessly. His interactions and expressions remained cold and strict.

"Because from now on, we will be working together. How is that?" Allen grinned, as if he had said something so precious.

"Oh." Xander Villaruel flatly said. "Why did no one from above inform me before making this tricky decision? I hate to hold troublemaker artists."

"There's no need for telling you this because in fact I chose you myself. Besides, you are wrong. I am not a troublemaker. I'm always behaving. I promise you will never encounter problems when I'm around.

"That nonsense again? Why me?"

"Because we know each other. We can interact with each other much more normally and comfortably. So I am pretty sure our work will have a better result in the future." Allen gestured his head, looking so proud, seductive, and arrogant. "How is that? Did I just make the right choice?"

"Know each other?" Xander Villaruel frowned. "Do you mean I know you for your achievements in the entertainment industry? I never think that would be your advantage to enter under my team. Mister Allen, we are not familiar."

"Did we?" Allen drew in closer and stared at his eyes intently. "Why do I feel we have known each other since three years ago? You are like the certain person in this room. You both like to have the habit of denying a person. But don't worry. This thing won't anger me." He paused to breathe. "I remembered that I once told you we will meet each other soon this morning." He stood up and spread his arms, grinning. "Now, I am here in front of you. It's fine if you don't want to acknowledge our relationships. We have plenty of time."

He winked and then clicked his tongue.

"Don't drag other people if you want to flirt." Alyssa Curtis snorted. "I thought you had already changed. From the looks of it now, I guess I'm wrong. Extremely wrong."

Allen shut the woman a look. "Of course I have changed. But not entirely. But there is one thing I am pretty sure that I want you to know. My feelings for you did not change. I still don't like you. Like before and even in the future."

A sarcastic laugh thundered in the room from Alyssa Curtis's mouth. "Do you think I'm expecting you to like me all this time? You think too highly of yourself, Mister Allen."

"Am I?" Allen frowned, refusing to believe what he heard. He then nodded, giving up. "Alright then. It's good you are no longer not. I can't bear to make any woman cry over me, especially to a woman like you. It broke my heart."

"As if." Alyssa Curtis rolled her eyes. "Who did you deceive here? There's no other woman here except me and my assistant. You don't have to pretend you're a gentleman."

"I'm always a gentleman. You just didn't notice because you are always wanting to pull a fight with me."

"I'm too lazy to talk with a person like you. You should leave."

"I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. Just like what i've said, even if you don't wish to see me, we will be seeing or working together in the future. So sorry. I can just ask you to bear with me."

Xindy Apostol covered her mouth, suppressing her giggles. "Sister Song, so you really know each other in the past? No. You two have a deep memory in the past, right?"

"I just know him by coincidence. Nothing much." Alyssa Curtis replied, appearing so uninterested.

"Oh really? Why did he say you want him to fall for you before? Did you really fall for him before?" Xindy Apostol asked, curious. "Sister Song, so you also fell in love with him before? Then how about Brother—"

"Little Xin!" Song Yin called her name in a threatening tone. "Are you free? Since you are, why don't you buy us something to drink again? The one you bought earlier was thrown away. Oh right, bring me something to change. I don't feel comfortable with my clothes now."

Xindy Apostol lowered her head as she stood up, preparing to leave. "Yes, Sister Alyssa."

The moment the assistant left the room, Allen laughed. "Why did you send your assistant away in a hurry? Afraid to expose our relationship in the past? Am I that hideous?"

"You're thinking too much." Alyssa Curtis sneered. "We have no relationship before. You are just a despicable storm that passed by in my life. So there's nothing to fear."

Xander Villaruel knocked on the table, attracting the attention of the two who were bickering nonstop. "I'm still here. When will the two of you stop?"

Allen tidied his collar and smiled. "Manager Villaruel, you have to take care of me. Oh right. Let's celebrate later."

"Celebrate for what?"

"For being in the same team, for having me under your care, of course. We will be working together in the future so it's worth celebrating." He winked. "Right?"

Xander Villaruel steepled his fingers together and rested his chin on it. "Are we that close?"

Allen leaned in. Face suddenly became serious. "Are we not? Or you are just forcing me to declare to everyone in this room how we know each other? No. I don't like sharing my precious memories with any third party. So forget that idea."

"As if I'm interested." Alyssa Curtis snorted. "You can take those memories to your grave."