The headline caught his eye first. ''Ruan of one4all apologizes for recent scandal'' followed by a censored word: Orgy party.
Jax's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the screen. Ruan? The Ruan he knew? ''what the hell?'' he stood up, gasping in shock. ''you want me to manage someone as problematic as Ruan?''
Regina nodded. ''it was Ruan who picked you himself. Jax, he specifically requested for you.''
Jax's eyes narrowed in confusion. ''how does he even know me?''
Regina shrugged her shoulders and stared at him with curiosity. ''The question should be how you know him? Have you met before?''
He shook his head in response. ''I don't know him personally. I only know him as a member of one4all. He is also known for his notorious lifestyle and for always getting his members in trouble with scandals.'' Jax's mind wandered back to when he was a fan of one4all's. He remembered listening to their debut album on repeat, knowing most of the songs by heart, but as Ruan's scandal started making headlines, he lost interest, just like many other fans. He drifted away, and his busy job left him little time to keep up with them.
Now, as he stood in his living room staring at Regina, he couldn't believe that, of all people, he had been chosen as Ruan's manager. The question still lingered in his mind as to why he was picked. He didn't recall meeting Ruan one-on-one unless he was picked randomly. Nothing Ruan could see made him think he was right for the job.
''Jax!'' Regina shouted his name, breaking into his thoughts and pulling him out.''Are you with me?''
He nodded. ''yes, I am with you. I don't get it. why me?''
''I have no idea Jax. His company didn't give us any specific reasons why he chose you and…'' Her phone started ringing just before she could finish. ''Excuse me,'' she said to him before picking up the call and listening intently as she paced around the room. ''Alright, sir,'' she said, then removed the phone from her ear and turned towards Jax. ''That was the higher-ups, Jax. They need your answer now.''
''And what the hurry?''
Regina's eyes locked onto him as she looked at him. '' They are willing to do anything to have you, Jax, and the company will also give you anything you want once the six months are over. A hefty bonus, a promotion, you name it. But you can't reject this offer.''
Jax eyed her but didn't say anything. Hearing her beg him like that made him feel triumphant. Who would have thought that he, who had his promotion rejected, was being scouted by a big celebrity?
''Jax, they are scheduling the meeting in two hours according to the higher-ups and want you there. I will be waiting for you inside my car while you dress up, but please,'' she said, moving closer to him and collecting the folder in his hand. ''Remember that this is another chance for you. Losing a big celebrity like Ruan would have severe consequences for the company. We can't afford that to happen. Please get ready in thirty minutes.''
''And what if I don't want this?'' Jax asked, wanting to hear if they would beg more for him.
Regina lowered her head and sighed. ''The company wouldn't force you, but I want you to consider that this kind of offer only happens once in a lifetime,'' she told him and gently squeezed his shoulder. ''I will be in my car waiting for you,'' she said again and walked out of the house.
" Oh goodness!" Jax sighed, feeling the weight of the decision on his shoulders. He fell onto the couch only to stand up again, his mind racing anxiously. He thought about the offers he had seen, the money, the benefits, the chance to pay off his debts. He thought about how he would have to spend six months with Ruan, monitoring and caring for him during his Rehab. It would be daunting, especially considering Ruan's notorious reputation, but Jax knew that was his only chance to make money. It was only for six months; after that, he would be free and have all the benefits he deserved.
''I can do this,'' he assured himself, then turned towards the bottles on the ground. He began to clean his room, and once he was done, he headed to his bathroom, bathed, and changed into a brown shirt and black trousers. ''I can do this,'' he assured himself again as he stood in the mirror, brushing his messy curls from his forehead. He sighed and touched his chest, hoping he had made the right decision. Taking a deep breath, he headed out of the door. Once he came out of his apartment, he spotted Regina's sleek Ferrari parked on the opposite side, and he walked to the passenger's side and knocked on the window. She smiled at him as she opened the door. ''Thank you for giving it a chance, Jax,'' she said, her eyes shining with gratitude. ''you won't regret it.''
Jax entered the passenger's seat and buckled the seat belt. ''I better not regret it.''
Regina chuckled and started the engine, driving through the streets in silence. None of them exchanged any words until they arrived at the company. They both stepped out of the car and headed straight into the company. ''Remember to remain calm,'' Regina reminded him as they walked past the security desk.
Jax looked around, searching for a sign of security, but he was nowhere to be found. He thought he could be busy and looked away as they entered the elevator. ''Don't worry, Regina. I am calm,'' he assured her, but he wasn't. Instead, his heart was racing so fast, like it was about to burst from anticipation. He sighed as he watched the elevator doors start to close, but then suddenly, a hand shot through the opening, and someone slipped in.
The man was dressed in all black, from his hoodie to his sleek glass shoes. Even his cologne was unmistakable, a subtle, expensive scent that commanded attention. Two burly men dressed in suits followed him into the elevator, with another middle-aged man joining them.
Jax's curiosity was piqued as he eyed the man who had just walked in. He couldn't help but wonder who the man was. As if the man could feel Jax's burning gaze, he slowly turned to face him, his eyes hidden behind his glasses. Then, in a smooth, deliberate motion, the man removed his glasses, and their eyes met. He then smiled brightly at him.
Jax's eyes widened in shock as he took in the familiar face. Ruan, the rockstar, had picked him as his manager, but that did not make Jax stare at him. He was also shocked by the beautiful obsidian eyes that he had imprinted on his head. How could he forget the eyes he had seen on the morning of the promotion that made him curious about the man under the mask? Even though there were similar eyes to his, he couldn't forget how he found the eyes unique and how he was still wearing the wristwatch he had on him the morning he picked him up.
Ruan was the man he had saved that morning of his promotion, and he knew why it all made sense now that he suddenly picked him.