Jax paced in front of the private jet belonging to Ruan's company, his eyes fixed on his watch for what felt like the hundredth time.
He had been checking the time ever since he was informed to arrive thirty minutes early before the plane took off, but it had been over an hour, and there was still no sign of Ruan. He felt frustrated that he had to wait that long when they had already set a time for the meeting.
He had barely gotten any sleep ever since he got the offer to become Ruan's manager because he had to learn everything about him within a few days.
Even though he wanted to complain that the time was too short, he couldn't because he had already signed the contract.
More like he had already signed his life away.
Exactly one hour and thirty minutes later, a black van arrived in front of the jet, and Ruan emerged from the black van in his iconic style, unmistakable even in casual attire. Jax had seen him dressed like that multiple times, so he immediately recognized him when he saw the brown Nike sneakers, black joggers, and white hoodie that covered most of his face.
Jax instantly locked eyes with Ruan as he approached the jet with guards around him, who swiftly carried his luggage and headed into the jet. He frowned just as Ruan walked past him.
He expected that Ruan would say something, explaining why he was suddenly late, but he simply walked past him, his eyes fixed ahead, and climbed the jet stairs without saying a word.
"Wha..."
He wanted to say something, but he followed after him, wondering what was happening to him and why he didn't exchange any words with him.
He entered and sat on the opposite side of the luxurious cabin, trying to catch Ruan's eyes.
"Hey, what's going on?" he asked, attempting to break their silence and figure out why Ruan wasn't talking to him.
Ruan didn't respond. Instead, he slipped on a sleek headset, his eyes fixed on the screen before him.
"I am..."
Jax tried to say something else, but one of the guards approached him and handed him a sleek black bag.
"What is this?"
"From the CEO, sir," the guard in front of him responded, his voice low and his face expressionless.
Jax took the bag, confusion etched across his face.
"This is?" he asked and looked toward Ruan, but Ruan didn't look back at him. His eyes were closed.
"The CEO's instruction, sir," the guard replied, stretching his hand forward. "Please surrender your phone, computer, and any other personal devices. The bag already has everything you need."
Jax's eyes widened in surprise because he never expected to hear that. It was not what he had been told, but he understood why they were doing it. They still didn't trust him and thought he would record everything on the island with his phone and perhaps share it with the world.
But Jax was not like that.
He would never betray their trust, but he didn't like how they didn't even trust him enough to travel to the island with his own devices. He opened his mouth to ask for more explanation, but the captain's voice interrupted him.
"Gentlemen, we are preparing for takeoff. Please fasten your seat belts."
One of the hostesses approached them and exchanged words with the guards, who nodded in response before slowly turning toward Jax.
"Please, sir, do hand over your devices."
Jax looked toward Ruan, hoping that he would say something to support him, but Ruan's eyes were still closed, and he didn't seem interested in their discussion.
Heaving a deep sigh, Jax handed over his devices to the guard, and the guard bowed before exiting the jet.
He wondered what was happening and why he suddenly felt like he was under their control. He rummaged through the bag, his fingers closing around a sleek, boxed iPhone 15 Pro and a laptop, which he didn't bother checking.
He sighed and wondered what to do with the phone.
The hostess, a poised woman, walked over to him with a smile and reminded him to stow his bag in the overhead compartment. Jax complied, securing the bag before fastening his seat belt.
The captain's voice came over the intercom once more.
"Gentlemen, we are headed to Azura Island, Calonia City. My name is James, and I can assure you that it is going to be a smooth ten-hour flight, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight."
Jax took a deep breath and gazed out the window as the plane descended the runway. He couldn't help but think about how different this experience was from his usual economy flights. The luxury jet's plush seats and ample legroom made him feel like royalty.
There was no noise since it was only him and Ruan traveling.
Once the plane was airborne, Jax turned his attention back to Ruan. His headset was gone this time, but Ruan's eyes were closed, and his chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, making him look like he had fallen asleep.
Jax couldn't help but wonder what was happening behind those closed eyelids.
"Why are you staring at me like that, Jax?" Ruan asked with his eyes closed.
Jax's eyes widened, and he almost gasped out loud, wondering how Ruan knew he was staring at him when his eyes were still closed.
"I wasn't staring," Jax said quickly.
Ruan's lips curled into a smile as his eyes fluttered open. He turned his head toward Jax, and his gaze locked onto his.
As their eyes met, Jax felt a strange, tingling sensation in his chest. It was as if his heart had skipped a beat before suddenly racing as though he had just finished a marathon.
Ruan's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He tried to look away but couldn't, as if he were being held captive.
"Do you have anything to say to me, Jax?"
Ruan's voice was low and husky, but it made Jax's heart race again.
"I..." he stuttered, unable to say anything.
How could he say anything when Ruan's eyes were fixed on him?
Ruan sighed and broke the staring competition, looking away.
"If you have nothing to say to me, stop staring at me," he said, closing his eyes again.
"Excuse me?"
Jax's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger igniting within him. Ruan had made it sound as if he was staring at him because he wanted to.
"You're the one to talk," he said. "I arrived here one hour and thirty minutes before you did."
Ruan didn't respond, his eyes still closed.
"You..."
Jax sighed as his frustration grew. He had a lot to say to him, but he knew they were not alone, and he had to choose his words carefully and speak like a professional.
"You ignored me when you walked in, acting like I wasn't even there."
"And?"
Ruan retorted, his eyes fluttering open again.
"Do I have to say anything to you? Is that part of your job as my manager, Jax? I know you were asked to keep track of my every move and act like my babysitter, but I don't need you doing that!"
"That is not what I am trying to say. I just want to know why you came late because I care about..."
Ruan cut him off, a low, husky chuckle escaping his lips.
"You care about me?" he repeated, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Care when you are being paid to come on the trip with me?"
He turned to face Jax and chuckled again.
"Don't pretend with me, Jax. We both know why you are here. It's about the benefits, the perks, and the access to the luxurious lifestyle. You are just like the others, pretending to care when you don't."