When I Look At You

Stalker King is Back: Wang Yibo Behind the Scene

"Where are you going this early?" Yuno ask while rubbing his sleepy eyes. He is in pajama when I rang his doorbell.

"I'm off somewhere."

Yuno grunted in protest. "Count me out. I'm sleepy." He's about to shut the door but i'm quick to stop it from closing. "What? Its your fault i'm like this. You made me worry about you yesterday that I stayed at the stupid signage' from 9 to 11. " He glared back at me as I entered his unit.

"Hey! It's not my fault you stayed in that stupid signage. Who told you to wait in that 'Stupid Signage'." I never said anything about waiting in that place.

"Didn't we took picture in that pikachu poster? I thought you meant 'meeting place' in that action of yours." He insisted.

"Goodness, Yuno. You're the i***t. I took that selfie because I feel like taking it. Not like what you had assumed." Just where did his brain go? Beside's its not my fault he's stupid. "I did sent you a message to not wait for me anymore."

"What text message are you talking about?" I saw him reached for his phone. "This message? What kind of message is this?."

Frowning at his frustrated remark I grab his phone just to see a series of incomprehensible text. I checked the sender to confirm if it was sent by me and was confused when I saw my name in it.

"See? Only the '9' was readable so I thought i'll be waiting for you at 9pm." Yuno said as I started opening my phone to check what had been sent to him yesterday. And maybe i'm too frustrated while subconsciously typing thus this result. I thought I clearly sent a message for him to not wait for me anymore. Maybe due to my foul mood everything else became blurry.

"I even called this hotel just to know if you were already back. And you didn't even bothered texting me." Yuno ranted nonstop.

I didn't bother checking my messages and missed calls during my time with Xiao Zhan and my phone ran out9f battery just as we decided to stop stargazing.

"Ok. I'm sorry." I just shrug it off. What's done is done. Its ireversible.

"Your heartless apology made it worse." He said scowling. "You can't fool me twice." He grunted and throw himself at the sofa. "You go solo not gonna be your man in waiting today."

"I already said sorry, don't I."

Now that I think about it, last night when i'm about to enter my room I saw Yuno came out from the elevator in sinister mood. But I didn't pay any heed about it and shut my door thinking he's just in a foul mood. It never occured to me that i'm the one who caused it.

"Whatever, dude. Still not coming." Did he just rolled his eyes? Again?.

"Look I just want to borrow that weird wig of yours. I don't need you coming." Yuno has a passion on wigs. He has tons of those in different colors, lengths and styles probably for different occasions.

"Wait! What?!" Eyes almost popping out from their socket Yuno exclaimed in surprise. "Why?" disbelief is written all over his face and this time he stood up.

"Just give it to me. I know you brought some with you." Impatience was conveyed from me. "Don't ask anymore." I shoot a warning glare at Yuno who's about to open his mouth to probably ask further.

I watch as he absentmindedly went to one of his luggage. He picked up a small cardboard box and walk back to where I am seated.

"Thanks." I snatched it immediately and headed out of his unit before Yuno can regain himself. He knew I was not a person who would wear such accessory hence his reaction to my sudden request.

I ran back to my room and put on the ridiculous curly wig partnered with nerdy glasses which I brought with me for disguise purposes. The tanning powder I got from my assistant was very helpful. Applied a generous amount of it on my neck.

ALAA! Wang Yibo is unrecognizable.

One last look at the mirror, i'm set to yet another stalking adventure. Picking up my phone and wallet I exited my unit with high spirits. I did not look like a person who's sleep deprived the whole night due to yesterday's excitement. Not to mention I got bad stomach due to the foods I consumed. Luckily I brought some of my favorite tea that help alleviate the pain of the bad stomach ache.

Xiao Zhan and I called it a day quarter to eleven already after eating hotpot at a restaurant near the hotel. I ate too much spicy dishes which made my throat and stomach hurt that caused my entire night active with going back and fort to the comfort room. Xiao Zhan made it impossible to refuse the foods with his phoenix eyes and encouraging smiles. And I on the other hand was like a lovesick puppy following his every request and desires. Gone was the high and mighty lion of the modern generation.

We exchanged numbers before we separated near our doors. Lucky me, he's already inside his room before Yuno appeared. Its not like i'm hiding but entertaining dozens of curious inquiries is not very appealing right now.

In fact, i'd rather keep Xiao Zhan to myself than ruin our good friendship because of unhealthy gossips. I have been surrounded with different scandals and bad issues during my entire showbiz career though none of these were true. And as much as possible I want to spare him of the things that might ruin him just because he's associated with me. Haters might destroy his carreer just to get to me. Its not the first time they'd do that if ever but this time i'd fight if they'll ever touch Xiao Zhan, that's for sure.

Xiao Zhan had informed me yesterday that they will continue documenting the everyday struggle of working population here in ChongQing so I decided to watch from afar, for no reason. I just want to see him working and to be near his team is a bad idea. They would be distracted for one but my presence might create speculations and wrong impressions.

To avoid all sort of things from happening, I just keep my distance and wear disguises. Paparazzies might be lurking around so its better to be cautious all the time.

Currently, my destination is the main street of Chonqing. Xiao Zhan's crew will focus on street performers like Yangyang before he became my assistant. Yangyang used to perform on the streets with his violin. He's good at playing the instrument but one day he got scammed and ended up applying for the assistant position in our company. I personally selected him as my assistant due to his excellent work performance.

Upon arriving at the place I saw people crowding a man playing with a musical instrument and by his side is a girl dancing. My eyes scanned the area immediately. A few moments of surveying, I spotted Xiao Zhan standing not far from the crowd with a cup of coffee on his hands. I simple walk towards where he's located and found an empty table to sit on.

I ordered something to munch while eavesdropping Xiao Zhan and an elderly woman talking. I can clearly hear their chatting from where i'm seated.

"You look familiar. I think I saw your face somewhere before." The old lady said while giving Xiao Zhan a curious look.

Xiao Zhan chuckled with amusement to what the lady have said. "I have a common face, Madam. Its not that surprising that you've mistaken me with someone else." He replied with gentle and respectful tone.

'Common face, my foot." I disagreed. Anyone can have a common face but not Xiao Zhan. He is one of the people who possessed admirable facial features and undisputed attractiveness. His angelic face and towering height were his visible assets.

"I'm sure a face like that can't be classified as common, Young man." still studying Xiao Zhan the woman said with conviction. "Your eyes were too bright and innocent to be mistaken for someone else. Anyway, see you around "

As the old lady left, I saw the smile of flattery formed on Xiao Zhan's lips as he continued sipping his coffee.

After an hour or two, the crew transfered to another location. They filmed until its almost lunch time. I have waited this long and that's a first time boredom hadn't bothered my system. I hate waiting but I came this far just to see a man enjoying his work. And I would this this until they'll finish their work if it means I would see those smiles that have captured me from the very first beginning.

"Xiao Zhan, we're almost done with this project so I am thinking of having a drink later." said a man i'm betting is the director because he's the one giving instructions all through out the filming session.

Right now, i'm well hidden but close enough to hear their conversations. We're at a restaurant having lunch. While they're having a full meal of hotpot i'm with a salad and a fruit juice. My stomach has not yet recovered from the turture yesterday.

"Sure! I know a decent but lively wine house located around here." Xiao Zhan said in between his meal.

"We're not gonna refuse such good offer. Chonqing has the most delicious wine according to folks around here." said a chubby girl while drinking water.

Everyone cheered joyfully including Xiao Zhan. He is exceptionally radiant today. He was always younger for his age but today his youthful glow is very visible.

I wonder what's making him this happy. Nevertheless, I like this Xiao Zhan better. His laughters to the silly jokes of the people around him was like a drop of honey. Sweet and slowly melting inside my heart replacing the bitterness it housed for a very long time.

His radiance and carefree soul etched an impression of happiness and contentment. He made me feel that no difficulties and challenges would break him. Seeing all these from him, I ended up wishing that his wholehearted laughters would never fade so as his bright innocent smiles.

"Let's call it a day, folks. Those who would like to try the famous 'Taste of Chongqing' follow me." The director called the crew to pack their filming materials.

Its already half past six when finally they're done. This stalking was a bit hilarious, well in my part as an observer. I saw some silly habbits of Xiao Zhan which made this day somewhat eventful from my point of view.

One time while waiting for his part, he subconsciously chewed the pen he's holding.

During a short break, he wrapped his entire face in a scarf with only his nose visible in an attempt to hide from the glaring sun. His assistant almost had a heart attack from Xiao Zhan's scaring.

Xiao Zhan pulling his hair upwards to make horn was as hilarious. I scooffed while watching him doing this during his retouch and change hairdo.

And finally, him skipping and dancing while crossing the street after they change location. While on a discussion with the assistant, he made dancing gestures which resulted in chaos when he slipped and fall on the ground. I almost jump for him during that incident. It took a lot of effort just to control myself for going in to check if he's okay.

These silliness of him entertained me while watching from a distance. Simple actions but those were enough to take away the uneasiness I felt from those people who keep staring at me maybe due to curiousity of my disguise appearance.

"Let's go. Where are we going now, Xiao Zhan?" Almost all of the crew wanted to have a good time and now waiting for Xiao Zhan to lead the way.

"Just follow the director's car. I'll be directing him there." He and the director rode the same car while the rest rode the cars intended for them to use during the duration of their project.

They cheered happily and set to follow the director's car.

While I was supposed to be heading home right now, I found myself hailing a cab to follow Xiao Zhan's crew. I can't be at the hotel resting when the person I know with a very low alcohol tolerance is out there drinking in a pub without anyone to supervise. Uneasy and desturbed knowing about this my instinct to follow and protect kicked in thus me following them.

After a 30 minute long drive outside the main road of Chongqing, we arrived at a seemingly exclusive area with a single stand alone building structure standing in the middle of the place. No close neighborhood was in sight even a nearby cafe or a gasoline station was nowhere to be found. Maybe this is a private property which is only serving to exclusive costumers.

Stepping out of the cab, I saw their cars parked at the parallell vehicle parking area of the building.

My eyes was met with the old building structures and designs. I saw pictures of ancient houses in magazines and televisions way back before showbiz and this building is the epitomy of them. The brick fences surrounding it with oil lamps hanging on them, the wide doorway with an ancient lock and a round metal knocker hanging in it and wooden walls with hanged torch like lightings and the circular windows adorning each wall successfully conveyed the theme of this building. The owner must've been very thorough in planning this that it came out very detailed and trully ancient-y.

My wandering eyes rested on the lone balcony situated just above the large door with a dim lighting. For an unknown reason, I felt a sudden surge of pain and loneliness in my heart as I continued looking at it. Ignoring the strange aching of my chest, my feet entered the door without any idea what's gonna happen inside.

Inside was surprisingly solemn and welcoming without the usual noise and smell of a bar. Tables depicted those in ancient china, low that occupants need to squat on the floor to use them. And comfortable cushions were laid for costumers to sit on. Every table has tea cups and ceramic wine jug just like the props we were using when filming ancient movies. This place made me think i've travelled back in time.

I occupied a table at the far end of the place to avoid any contact and attention from others. I let my eyes wander in hopes of spotting Xiao Zhan somewhere around here.

"Do you have any desired drink, sir?" A waiter approached my table with a pen and an order slip by his hands. Looking at this person made me realize this tavern is ancient themed with a mixture of modern style in it. A melting pot for both modern and ancient world.

"A shot of tequilla." Hoping they're serving these kinds of drinks and I need a shot while waiting. "By the way, a group of people had entered a while ago. Do you happen to know where they chose to sit?"

The waiter thought for a moment. "Ah! Sir Xiao Zhan. They're at the VIP room. Would you like me to guide you there, sir?"

"No. Just give me the direction." Hearing the waiter say 'Sir Xiao Zhan' I presumed he's a regular here for the servers to be this familiar with him.

How often would a person with very low alcohol tolerance visit a drinking pub? Close to none but for Xiao Zhan to have been here one too many times means something. Maybe he just wanted to enjoy the calmness and quiteness of this place.

"Just walk straight from here and then turn right. You'll find them at room 15." He patiently relayed the directions.

"Alright. I don't need anything more other than the tequilla. Thanks." I'm not planning to get drunk tonight. I just want a shot to gain more confidence just in case I have to show my face to him. I'm a cool and confident man but with Xiao Zhan I loose all my coolness and bravery.

"Ok, sir. Your tequilla will be here 5 minutes tops."

I just nodded and the waiter left. The alcohol arrived and I took a sip before I started retracing the waiter's direction to where Xiao Zhan might be.

I found no Xiao Zhan but his crew were there, noisy and all. I scanned the area for Xiao Zhan but even his silhouette is nowhere to be found. I got frustrated and turned away.

Worried about him, I thought of searching the whole area but stopped when I remembered he's familiar with this place to get lost. Maybe he stayed somewhere to avoid getting drunk. I'll just be wasting my time even if i'll look every corner of this tavern.

Giving up the idea, I sighed in disappointment. Instead of going back to my own table I decided to take my shot of tequilla somewhere to let off some steam. Scanning the area I spotted a door beside the washroom. Walking forward to it, I saw no label of prohibition so I proceed to look what's inside. Darkness met my eyes when I peeked behind the door.

My tequilla spilled when out of nowhere someone suddenly grab my hand and had me dragged all the way inside despite the darkness.

'Is there a thief even in a decent place like this?! Unbelievable!' I know my decision to continue trespassing this room was a bad idea. Look what happened, getting robbed. Well, about to be robbed in my case.

My frustration rose when the one responsible for the situation i'm in right now left me in the middle of this dimly lit room.

'Don't test my patience, you fool. I'm at my worst state and you'll be the receiving end if make any mistake.' Aside from my unlucky situation, being crazy by thinking threats was also happening and my wineglass was long down the floor.

"Look, whoever you are just take my money. Here!" I took out my wallet and extended my right hand even though I don't know which direction the abductor is located.

"There's cash and cards in it. 3321 that's my password." Anyway, I got more savings to burn later. I just got to close those cards as soon as i'll be back home.

No response came but I can feel the culprit's presence. Now i'm sure he's hiding in one of the dark corners of this forsaken room. Something was amissed. Evaluating the situation I found out what's lacking.

'Danger. .' The abscence of threat directed towards me, as a victim. I cannot feel any malicious intent of the culprit.

Is this person a fan and have recognized me even with this ridiculous disguise i'm wearing? And just wanted to have a closer look? But who would see anything in this kind of room?

"If you don't want anything else then I have to go. You're wasting my time." My steps halted when a hand touched my shoulder from the back.

"Please stay. I don't care about your money." That voice made my heart falter. The familiar warmth from that hand brought small shocks of electricity on my entire body. Taken aback, I stood frozen on my feet.

"I know perfectly who you are." He said with his grip tightened on my shoulder. He's not planning on letting go afraid I might run away from him.

'Imposible!'

"I'm glad you're here, Teacher Wang." He whispered with familiarity in his voice. Every hair on my body stood up while I shivered. He's close enough that his lips almost touched the tip of my ears when he whispered those words.

He moved inches away so I took that chance to steady my breathing and heartbeating to return back to normal.

"Xiao Zhan. . ."