RUAN
It was the early evening; the Koo's grand hall glittered with chandeliers and the hum of soft classic music. Guests in designer gowns and tuxedo mingled and champagne glasses clinked in delicate hands.
The soft buzz of conversations and clinking glasses filled the elegant ballroom. Guests in sparkling gowns and tailored suits flowed in, greeted by warm lights.
The Koo family were hosting a charity gala to raise funds for their foundation. One of the rich, prestigious families in Lianhua city. They owned the Koo corporation. They also invested in organisations and institutions like schools, and one of them was Ruan's school.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the MC announced. The buzzes faded, all eyes and ears were on the stage now. "Good evening everyone and welcome to the 12th Annual Charity Gala! We're so honoured to have each of you here tonight. Your presence supports an incredible cause."
Polite round of applause raised and not so long they settled before the Mc could take over again.
"To begin the evening, it's my pleasure to invite someone who has been a pillar in this community, not only as a philanthropist, but as someone whose quite efforts have changed countless lives. Please join me in welcoming the founder of the Koo Group and tonight's host, Mr. Eric Koo."
Another round of applause swelled as Eric Koo, poised in a dark suit with understated confidence, he arose from his seat and walked to the stage.
"...Tonight is not just about raising funds. It's about building a future, one where compassion is not just an idea, but an action we take together," Eric talked all paused and sincere.
He took a brief pause before he continued.
Ruan on the other side slouched against the edge of a marble pillar, scanning the crowd with a bored gaze. Every toast, every bow, every forced laugh felt like chains tightening around him. His father's aides tracked his every move, and he knew the moment he tried to slip away would be the moment trouble found him.
Ruan's phone chimed, "We are at the May club waiting for you. Are you up to it tonight, you know you cannot miss this?!" his friend, Kev, sent a text.
He bit his lip in disappointment. He faced left and right to see if he had a chance to escape. But none. His father's aides had eyes on him and there is no way he could go.
"Nah, bro! Dad's got all his eyes on me. Can't move an inch" he replied.
He wanted something that would cheer him up and not sit and listen to his father yap on things that was not part of his concern so he decided to take his leave and look for a stroll.
Behind the counter, a young man in a neat but plain uniform quietly arranged coats. His posture was stiff, his face serious, completely out of place in this glittering world. An idea stroke his mind .
With a grin, he approached the counter and leaned on it casually. "Tension is a killer you know. You are pretty intense for a coat check guy, huh?"
"It's a job," Akari, the coat check guy replied barely looking up.
Ruan leaned in a bit closer, "Not many take it this seriously."
"Maybe not sir."
Ruan chuckled softly, "You're not like the others, huh?"
"Don't assume sir." He answered shortly.
"I like a little mystery," Ruan said with a smirk.
The coat check guy seemed not much of a talker and was not ready to chat with some rich spoiled kid. So he nodded slightly and turned away.
"If you are done observing, I have actual work to do...sir," he said sternly.
Ruan smirked. This man really piqued his interest. He did not stop, "Touchy. You always this charming, or is it just me?"
"Do you need something?" Akari asked flatly.
Ruan smiled. Finally they were talking he thought.
"Actually, yeah. I'm on a mission. Desperate one," his tone dropped into mock secrecy.
Still unimpressed, he asked, "What kind of mission?"
Ruan smiled brightly. He was really enjoying himself because things were going his way.
"Escape. From this gilded prison," he gestured loosely to the chandeliered ballroom. "My dad's aides are watching me like I'm some state secret. I need a clean exit, preferably without getting tackled by a bodyguard. You feel me?"
The man's brows arched, "So you want me to help you sneak out of your own father's charity gala?"
Ruan nodded, "Exactly. And on top of that..." he leaned and whispered, "... in exchange for external gratitude. Or money. I'm flexible like that."
Akari squinted at him, "And you thought the coat check guy was your best bet?" He asked cool.
Ruan grinned. "You are by the door. You've got that mildly annoyed but low-key rebellious vibe. I figured you'd get it."
Akari sighed, "I'm sorry to break it out to you but your idea is terrible. Now if you'd let me go on with my work please ...sir."
Ruan bit his lip, scratching his forehead. He didn't think it would be this hard, well not if money is involved.
Just then, Akari bent down to retrieve a coat that had slipped. Ruan leaned over the counter slightly to peek at what he was doing , just as Akari was straightening, their faces collided in a sudden , clumsy bump...lips brushing in a split second of absolute stillness.
No way! Ruan's mind thought as their lips still pressed on each other.
In a short second they drew apart each one rubbing on their lips and clearing their throats. Both of them trying to blend in what had just happened.
"Well..." Ruan started, clearing his throat. "Okay...not how I planned that," he chucked awkwardly.
Akari grabbed a blank tag from the counter and started scribbling. One could tell he was in a panic. His face was stern.
"Can you leave now?!" Akari snarled. "What if somebody could have seen us? What do you think could have happened to me? I could've lost my job!" He said low and bitter.
Ruan was speechless; he was at guilty, yes. But the guy was making a big deal out of it. It was just an accident, nothing much. And just before Ruan could say anything, somebody interrupted.
"Is everything okay over there?" It was one of the security guys.
They both fixed their faces. Ruan turned to the security guy with a grin placed in his face. Upon seeing him, the guard bowed.
"Oh, it's you second master?" the security said.
Ruan smiled and nodded.
"Well, is everything alright?" the security guy asked.
"Worry out," Ruan nodded.
"If you want I can escort you back second master, "the security guy offered.
Ruan took a glance at Akari, he seemed pissed. He knew if he kept on insisting, he could add fuel to the flames. Right now, there was only one option left and that was to quit. So he had no choice to agree to the security guy.