Cheers and applause from the audience echoed throughout the hall, like the ripples of water rolling endlessly in the ocean. The last song had just been finished by the idol, Liam Wang. Shouts of "We want more!" echoed like storm waves, shaking the atmosphere. The fans, mesmerised by the famous soloist's charm and voice, were not willing for the concert to end so soon.
Liam Wang smiled and waved his hand. The stage lights shone on his face, which shone like a full moon in the night. Despite the urge to please his loyal fans, he knew-like a glittering party, every show must have an end. Despite the cheers for an encore, the audience had to accept the fact that the night had reached its climax.
"Congratulations, your concert was a blast. Your fans seem very satisfied," said Lily Tang, his faithful assistant, as she extended her hand. Her face was bright, though tired lines were beginning to show in her eyes.
"It's all thanks to the hard work of you and the team, Jie," Liam replied with a genuine smile, gripping tightly the hand of the woman who had been his pillar of support all this time. "I just performed. The rest is your magic."
"No matter how hard we work, without your fine performance, it's just another forgettable show," Lily said, her voice as warm as the morning sun.
Admittedly, the concert was indeed the result of a perfect synergy between a well-thought-out concept, stunning music, and Liam Wang's flawless performance. The 27-year-old has carved out a long journey in showbiz since the age of 15. More than a decade of experience has honed him, not only as a celebrity, but also as a strong adult.
After the concert, on the gentle drive back to the hotel, Liam sits on his haunches, his eyes closed. Exhaustion wraps around him like a thick fog on a cold morning. His two bodyguards sat quietly on the other side, ensuring safety without disturbing the star.
When they finally arrived at the hotel, Liam woke up from his brief slumber. With staggering steps, he entered the room, followed by Lily and his two personal bodyguards. Without saying much, he flopped down on the bed, as if the soft mattress was a long-awaited oasis in the middle of the desert.
"Take off his shoes," Lily ordered in a stern tone. One of the bodyguards immediately moved without arguing. They were used to the star's sometimes reckless behaviour, but always exuded an aura of genuine humanity.
Liam, who was usually full of charisma, was now just an ordinary, tired man. "No body's perfect, Jie," he muttered, like the mantra he often recited when reprimanded by his agency or Lily.
The night was getting late, and after the two bodyguards left, Liam woke up again, as if disturbed by something. The faint scent of coffee infiltrated his senses, drifting in as if calling out. Naked, he stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water fill the tub. The scent of her favourite soap floated in the air, soothing her like the gentle whisper of a twilight breeze.
However, the tranquillity did not last long. He jumped in surprise, her eyes wide open. The coffee scent that had been faint was now stronger, like an invisible presence lurking.
"Is it just my feelings, or is there someone here besides me?" she muttered softly. His instinct told, he should end his relaxing session soon. With his bathrobe wrapped around his body, he stepped out of the bathroom.
However, the room looked unchanged. Only clothes were scattered on the floor, like a silent witness to his restlessness. The scent of coffee that was piercing earlier was now gone. Liam approached his suitcase, intending to get some clothes. But his eyebrows knitted together. Something was missing.
"Damn it!" He exclaimed as he kicked the suitcase. The pain in his toe made him grimace. "Lei! Come to my room and bring Jie Lily!" He called his bodyguard, not wanting to face this situation alone.
Lily arrived in a hurry. Her usually calm face now looked worried. "Liam, what happened?" she asked, her voice like a calming stream of water.
"Someone broke in," Liam replied flatly, but the look in his eyes showed anxiety.
Lily wasted no time. "Check everything! Call Luke right now!" she ordered. His bodyguards mobilised immediately.
Meanwhile, Liam sat on the balcony, staring up at the dark night sky, accompanied by Lily who was busy on the phone. His heart felt heavy, like it was weighed down by an invisible shadow.
He recalled some of the previous incidents-the faint presence he often felt backstage or in the dressing room. The presence was never seen, but felt, gripping his soul like a dark shadow that refused to leave.
"Liam, we need to get back to Beijing right now. Luke and Oscar are waiting for you there," Lily said, her voice cutting through his reverie. However, Liam just shook his head, tired of fighting the current that kept haunting him.