Zhang Wei had been squatting for so long that his legs were numb, but the adrenaline coursing through his veins kept him from caring. His mind was already racing with thoughts of becoming the top paparazzo, dreaming of the fame and recognition that would surely follow.
The news he had stumbled upon was explosive: a clean-cut top celebrity, who was famously uninterested in women, had a secret girlfriend. If he leaked this, the entire internet would go wild.
Patiently, Zhang Wei waited for the couple to finish their cake and dinner and leave the restaurant. As he watched Owen gently drape a coat over the woman's shoulders, a sly smile crept across Zhang Wei's face. Such photos would leave Owen with no way to explain himself.
Once the two had completely left, Zhang Wei, who had been hiding all this time, carefully crawled out from his hiding spot. His legs were so stiff from crouching that he nearly fell as he stood, but he didn't care. He only had one priority: to protect his camera at all costs.
When he confirmed that the camera was safe and sound, Zhang Wei breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he did, he heard the footsteps of a server approaching outside the door, which scared him into quickly scrambling out through a window.
Meanwhile, Owen was driving Zuri back to school, completely unaware that they were being followed.
"Are you adjusting well to school?" Owen asked.
"It's alright," Zuri replied.
"How are things with your roommates? If things aren't going well, we could move you out. I just remembered, I have a place near your school. It's only a ten-minute walk," Owen suggested casually.
If Isaac had heard this, he would have wanted to throttle Owen for his extravagance. Owen had bought that property at double the market price, furnished it with the best and most eco-friendly materials, and made sure every detail was perfect, all under Isaac's painstaking supervision.
"No need, school is fine," Zuri declined.
Though property in the capital was expensive, Zuri could still afford to buy a place if she wanted.
Owen didn't push further and changed the topic. "After graduation, do you plan to join a company or start your own design studio?"
"I haven't thought about it. I'll decide when the time comes."
Hearing her response made Owen feel a pang of disappointment. It was clear that Zuri still hadn't fully accepted him.
Owen was heartbroken but didn't show it on his face.
In truth, Zuri wasn't avoiding the question. She genuinely hadn't thought about it. She had chosen to study design because of a memory of Little Siyuan, who used to collect discarded chalk and draw clothes on the ground, telling her with his childlike voice, "Sister Zuri, when I grow up, I'll make you the prettiest clothes. Let's see who dares to mock your clothes then."
Thinking of Little Siyuan brought a wave of sadness over Zuri. She struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.
Owen noticed the sudden change in her mood and immediately grew concerned.
Did he say something wrong?
Owen began to reflect on his words.
"Zuri, I was just making conversation. Don't take it to heart."
"Okay," Zuri murmured.
Her quietness made Owen uneasy and anxious.
Just as Owen was about to think of something to lighten the mood, he caught sight of a car in the rearview mirror, realizing they were being followed by a paparazzo.
"Zuri, we're being tailed by a paparazzo."
The car had been following them since they entered the city, which was definitely suspicious.
The sudden revelation pulled Zuri out of her sorrowful thoughts.
Looking through the rearview mirror, she noticed the suspicious car trailing them.
"Sit tight. I'll shake them off," Owen said confidently, as he was well-practiced in losing paparazzi.
"Wait," Zuri interrupted.
"What's wrong?" Owen asked.
"When did they start following us?" Zuri asked, getting to the heart of the issue.
If the paparazzo had only picked up Owen's car midway, it was one thing. But if they had been following them since the restaurant, it could mean trouble.
Owen realized this too. "That car has been following us since we left the outskirts. There's only one road into the city, so I didn't think much of it at first."
But now, it seemed likely that the paparazzo had gotten photos of Zuri.
This could not be tolerated.
"Try to lure them to a secluded place and trap them," Zuri suggested.
She wasn't familiar with the streets of the capital, so she had to rely on Owen.
"No problem."
"Don't let them catch on," Zuri reminded him.
"Got it."
With a plan in place, Owen began subtly allowing the trailing car to catch up, then headed towards a hotel. Heading to a remote area would raise suspicions, but going to a hotel would likely make the paparazzo eager to follow.
Zhang Wei, following closely behind, was careful not to lose sight of Owen. When he realized that Owen was heading towards the famous Haotian Hotel, he grew even more excited.
If he could capture photos of them entering the hotel together and leaving the next morning, Owen's reputation would be in shambles.
Owen drove into the hotel's underground parking lot, noticed the car following him in, and continued driving confidently.
"Stay in the car. I'll handle this," Owen told Zuri.
"Alright."
At this point, it was best for Zuri not to show herself. Protecting her privacy was crucial, and there was also a chance that the paparazzo didn't recognize her. Getting out would only expose her.
Owen intentionally led the paparazzo to the second basement level and parked in a secluded corner.
Zhang Wei, readying his camera, had followed them all the way down. Just as he prepared to start taking photos, he heard a knock on his window.
Looking up, Zhang Wei saw Owen standing outside his car, smiling at him.
Zhang Wei silently lowered his camera, forcing a bright smile. "Hello, Mr. Owen."
"Step out. We need to talk," Owen said.
Zhang Wei instinctively wanted to roll up his window, but Owen, still smiling, added, "The exits are already sealed."
The message was clear—there was no escape.
Zhang Wei had no choice but to turn off his engine and roll down the window. "Mr. Owen, what can I do for you? If it's about the photos, I haven't taken any yet. You caught me before I could start."
"Oh, really?" Owen replied skeptically.
"If you don't believe me, you can check," Zhang Wei offered, handing over his camera with an earnest expression that made him seem trustworthy. But Owen wasn't convinced.
Owen took the camera and began inspecting it. True to Zhang Wei's word, there were no photos of Owen or anything related to him.
Owen handed the camera back.
"See? Nothing," Zhang Wei said with a smile.
Suddenly, Owen opened Zhang Wei's car door, startling him.
Without a word, Owen began searching the car.
"This is the only camera I have!" Zhang Wei shouted in panic.
Owen ignored him and continued his search.