Chapter Text
🏁
Xiao Zhan wants to die. Not literally, because save for the usual inconveniences, he is actually pretty happy with his life, it’s just that right now, facing his newest task, none of it sounds as compelling as it usually does.
“Why me?” He leans back in his chair and looks at Lulu with a miserable expression, hoping it might actually get him somewhere.
The thing is, Xiao Zhan has an incredibly impressive work ethic, and he always takes his job seriously. Frankly, he is a perfectionist to the point it is often more of a curse than a blessing. He’s not the kind to complain about the assigned tasks, it’s just that the current topic he has to work on could not possibly be further from his interests. Frankly, sending him to a coal mine to learn about the in-depth process of it all would probably be easier for him.
Lulu sighs and leans forward in her seat, her hands linked over the table between them. “Zhanzhan, I’m choosing you because you are my best guy. I know racing doesn’t speak to you, but the kind of articles I can already envision with your beautiful photos and your skilled writing are too good to miss out on.”
Work for one of your best friends, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.
Xiao Zhan lets out a long sigh and runs a hand through his hair, defeated. Truth be told, usually he does love working for Lulu’s magazine; Pulse is admittedly one of the biggest ones out there at the moment. Her reach is amazing within the country and the wide variety of topics she chooses make it so people keep picking it up – all from different walks of life. She dreamed big, and she actually made it. Aside from the positives of working for a publication as big as hers, getting to do it with his best friend from university is a big plus. There were some people who had warned him initially, that it could potentially ruin their friendship, but Xiao Zhan always waved them off.
Now, as he stares at the papers in front of him, he begins to doubt himself – at least a little bit, mostly just to be stubborn.
He knows fuckall about car racing. His articles are usually always vibrant and interesting; travel, people, gastronomy, music, culture and art with the occasional techy stuff. Watching people zoom around on a circuit and endangering themselves with crowds screaming all around is just not his cup of tea. The idea of being stationed there for an extended period of time to take pictures, document rounds and practices and then write about all the nitty-gritty details and some self-proclaimed daredevil’s long-term goals is about as compelling as getting a tooth pulled.
“Look, all your expenses will be covered. You will get to travel around Asia for the upcoming GT season and probably write the best article anyone has ever seen on car racing at the end of it, after World Challenge Asia is over. And I will be grateful to you forever.”
Xiao Zhan chews on his bottom lip, because despite all his complaints, he knows it is a good opportunity, and – unfortunately – he does love Lulu a lot, and does want to do his best at everything, no matter what gets thrown at him. He also owes her a lot, for believing in him and recognizing his talents after he decided his graphic designer degree was just not doing it for him. It’s just that –
“Why not send Yuan-ge? He’s also very good, and the guy has a motorbike racing background.”
Lulu raises her eyes towards the ceiling before responding. “Yuan-ge is getting married this spring, I can’t just send him on a small vacation every few weeks for five months and force him away from home before his married life can even begin.”
When Xiao Zhan frowns and pushes his dark-rimmed glasses higher up his nose so he can massage the bridge of it, Lulu continues, her eyes getting that dangerous glint. “And before you ask, Ying Yi is expecting, Kai is already a family man, and Meilin is needed at the office. You’re the only single and available guy at my disposal among the most skilled ones, Zhanzhan.”
Oh, here we go again. Xiao Zhan snorts, then lifts his chin slightly. “Hey, I have a daughter.”
“And Jianguo can stay with me each time while you’re out there working on an incredible writeup.”
When Xiao Zhan shakes his head with a sigh, Lulu tilts her head. “More than anything, you really are my most talented writer and photographer. I need you for this job.”
Xiao Zhan’s shoulders sag, giving in. He knew he was never going to let her down in the end, but at least she let him complain a little.
“Alright. Fine.”
The way Lulu lights up should be illegal, especially while he’s made to suffer like this. “Attaboy!”
“When do I start?”
🏁
Xiao Zhan is heading for the Shanghai circuit just a week later, which is convenient – it’s at home base, so he can stay at his own apartment as the practices amp up before the championship. This way, he can start to immerse himself in this completely new world semi-comfortably before heading for the first stop, which will be in Malaysia two weeks from now.
Xiao Zhan is actually pretty excited about the traveling part of his new task, which is helpful in the face of deep-diving into a topic that falls so far from his usual interests.
Lulu instructed him to observe some practice runs and take a few photos of the two Chinese representatives, who will be the focus of his big article. As with everything else, Lulu decided to create something bigger than a simple one-page report. Xiao Zhan will write about the championship from start to finish, documenting the path of the country’s two racers and compiling it all into a special edition of the magazine when the season wraps up. It is a big job, and the drive within Xiao Zhan to do what he always does – strive for perfection, that is – comes as a very welcome addition, too.
He sighs and steadies himself with the perfectly polite smile he has in place when it comes to business as he slips past the gate, flashing his press badge to the security. He lowers the cap on his head once he is inside, and pulls the mask up over his nose, all ready to get to work – and grimace about it, if needed, just to himself.
The noise is intense as soon as he gets close to the grandstands, grateful he didn’t forget to pack earplugs. They might really come in handy.
The Shanghai International Circuit is impressive and grand, even for someone so out of his depth as Xiao Zhan, when it comes to motorsports. It will also serve as the last stop during the championship, bringing it right back home in about five months. For now, though, the place is relatively low-key, with only personnel hanging around, and the drivers who are here to do some practice. Glancing around at the size of this circuit, Xiao Zhan can only guess how insane it all gets during actual races.
Making use of the fact that this day is calmer, Xiao Zhan tries to get himself used to the shift in energy in here, and the general environment. He goes lower on the bleachers, but not too close to the track to still have a good vantage point as he brings his camera into focus. The two ‘national treasures’ he is here to photograph and later meticulously follow are 35 years old Fong Minghao and 25 years old Wang Yibo. Separate teams, with one driving a midnight blue Porsche with lightning designs at number 41 and a pretty extensive career, while the other drives a sleek black Audi with a green bamboo snake design at number 85, and he’s more of a newcomer but his talent is swiftly turning heads. Xiao Zhan did at least some of his homework, alright.
He snaps a few shots of car number 41 as they get it ready, along with Fong as he is in deep discussion with his team and his Australian driving partner, who only goes by Mac. As he moves to take a few pictures of car number 85 though, his hands flex around his camera a little. Wang Yibo is leaning against the Audi, helmet already on his head, closing the visor just as Xiao Zhan’s camera focuses on him. There is something about that leisure stance that pulls his focus in a way he can’t exactly put his finger on, but it is reminiscent of all the times he finds something intriguing to snap photos of, spurring his artist side on to capture the moment, even if it is something he didn’t quite foresee.
He didn’t expect that to happen today, and here, of all places. But, well… the innate coolness and confidence this guy emanates, mixed with that something special that makes even the most ordinary-seeming photographs catching is exactly what Xiao Zhan tends to look for while checking the perimeters for inspiration. In any room, any environment.
Intrigued, he subconsciously moves a little lower on the stands, even closer to the track, like being pulled by an unseen force. He is locked in as driver 85 gets inside his car after exchanging a thumbs-up with his team. If he recalls correctly, his driving partner is Chinese too, but moved to the UK some years back.
As the practice runs begin and driver 41 takes off too, Xiao Zhan lowers the camera to be able to better keep track of the whole thing. The engines roar and the cars are practically flying, taking hairpin turns with the kind of precision that gives Xiao Zhan anxiety even as a simple spectator. The experience of driver 41 is notable; he seems to be methodical and perhaps even follows an established way to keep inching ahead, which you only really gain after years of practice. Driver 85 is not to be underestimated, though; he seems to take more risks, but not at the expense of safety. He races a little bit bolder, sharper, all the while being in complete control and exuding confidence like he is aware he’s good. It seems like a trick in itself; his challenging style can intimidate the opponent, making them forget about their own methods to try and push him back. It makes sense that he made it this far this fast.
Xiao Zhan hums to himself, mentally taking notes already. There is a part of him that still can’t believe he’s actually getting sucked into this, but there is something surprisingly intriguing about… well, not necessarily the race itself, but the people taking part, their thought processes and ways to handle their competition. That finally seems a lot more like Xiao Zhan’s usual topic of interest.
He takes a few photos during the practice runs, which ends with car 41 coming first by just two seconds, according to the screens. The drivers shake hands and Xiao Zhan follows number 41 with his camera as he breaks out in a bright grin once his helmet is off, getting pats on the shoulder from his team. He is undeniably skilled, but Xiao Zhan had found that he was a lot more compelled by the style of his opponent.
As he moves his camera to find number 85, helmet already off and tracksuit half hanging off by his waist, Xiao Zhan’s breath hitches a little. Wang Yibo’s hair is in a wild disarray of curls, somehow still stylishly bouncing in the wind, and around the prettiest side profile Xiao Zhan’s ever seen outside of TV. His hair is mostly in his eyes, and the angle isn’t perfect to see him clearly, but he is all tall lines and soft edges, his cheeks delightfully rounding as he grins at something someone says. Xiao Zhan snaps a picture of the moment reflexively, his fingers moving before his brain.
Right then, he huffs and has to lean away from the lens a little, blinking his eyes a few times before slowly refocusing the camera. Huh. Said camera evidently loves this guy, whether or not he is fully visible, because something about his aura as he walks ahead; all broad shoulders, slim waist and long legs are still compelling.
Xiao Zhan knows instantly that Wang Yibo will make an incredible subject for his photos, both on the track and outside of it. He was already drawn to his style and way of racing before he even saw his face and learned that apparently, he doesn’t only attract eyes on the circuit and is just… wildly attractive by default.
And truly, that part doesn’t even really matter. Nor that Xiao Zhan is but a man, at the end of the day. A very gay man, with a general appreciation for beauty. He’s just here to do his job; and it’s always helpful when inspiration sprouts in his mind, let alone in multiple senses.
🏁
By the next day, when Xiao Zhan is back on the circuit observing the drivers’ training, it’s after a long night spent looking them up. Well, he did search them both up on Baidu – which is not at all strange, in fact, doing his homework a bit more extensively on them both is quite important – but it’s useless to deny that he spent most of his time reading about Wang Yibo.
As it turns out, he is indeed very handsome, and not just from the side. But more than that, he is very goal-focused and uninterested in the glam part of racing. Apparently, nobody can really score an interview with him, and he’s been dubbed an ice prince. Xiao Zhan wonders just how true that statement actually is. All he knows is that the smile he saw on the track yesterday was warmer than the sun.
With this another type of curiosity fueling him though, Xiao Zhan already feels a little bit more interested in his project. He knows that the drivers’ personality and their layers shouldn’t be that important for his job aside from how it directly affects them on the track, but it can’t be helped. Once he is invested in something, Xiao Zhan does all he can to see it through – which is apparently a point of commonality he has with Wang Yibo.
He realizes something pretty problematic through the day, though; taking notes and pictures of Fong Minghao ends up feeling a lot like a chore he originally imagined this job to be, while shifting over to Wang Yibo comes with such an eager curiosity it is impossible to miss or deny.
The pressure to do a perfect job weighs on him a little harder as this fact clicks, but as the day goes on and he sees them both more from afar, prepping and practicing, he realizes that it’s because if he wants this article to be perfect, he should focus only on one of them – whoever might catch the audience’s interest more. And frankly, it seems that all signs should point to Wang Yibo.
He is mulling over that as he gets ready to leave the circuit for the day, too distracted with putting his camera away when he accidentally bumps into someone.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” he rushes to say, reflexively reaching out to offer help when the man groans and flinches away. That makes Xiao Zhan pause too, uncertain.
“Whatever,” the man grumbles while patting down his clothes as though Xiao Zhan is filthy, and yeah, okay. Screw being kind. “You shouldn’t be here, by the way. There is a staff exit by the upper corridor.”
“Ah,” Xiao Zhan nods – he actually didn’t realize that, and feels a little out of place now, whether this man is an ass or not. “Sorry about that.”
“If you wanted to sneak in an interview or photos behind the scenes, don’t bother,” the man adds and now Xiao Zhan is actually stumped. “Yibo doesn’t give interviews.”
Xiao Zhan blinks down at the man, the puzzle pieces slowly slotting into place – oh, he must be someone from Wang Yibo’s team, then.
“I wasn’t trying to–” he starts with a frown, but the man shakes his head without showing any interest in what he has to say.
“Fucking press,” he mutters as he walks off.
Wow. Talk about being a prick…
Xiao Zhan rolls his eyes and turns on his heels to locate the staff exit, his mind running a mile a minute. If people working for Yibo are this rude, does that have anything to do with the whole ‘ice prince’ moniker? More than that, is Yibo like this guy, too? A total… snob?
He worries his lower lip before yanking his mask up, maybe a little bit too generous and definitely overly biased when thinking that assumption doesn’t feel right.
🏁
The rest of the first week goes by relatively smoothly. Xiao Zhan avoids snarky team members and sticks to the staff entrance and exit each day, slowly familiarizing himself with a previously completely foreign process. He keeps taking notes and watches the test runs with growing intrigue, his main focus inevitably going back to driver 85 each time, overwhelmingly so.
Next to his appeal as a racer, the way he seems to grab everyone’s attention when he’s on the track – Xiao Zhan saw it firsthand when he was at the lounge and people’s eyes were glued to the screens and kept whispering amongst themselves – he can’t stop wondering about the kind of person he might be under the guise of the cold, strictly goal-oriented exterior. It’s clear that he is smart and daring, and by now Xiao Zhan also knows that his smile is heart-shaped and lights up his whole face after each improved timing. He also managed to pick up on some mannerisms, a few more surprising than the rest.
Wang Yibo seems like he can barely sit still, always needing to do something with himself, especially when he is excited and the emotions are heightened. He saw him nibbling at his thumb and shaking his leg while sitting countless times, and he also noted that he often talks with his hands, gesturing wide and large. When someone explains something to him, he nods rapidly and gives them all his attention. He doesn’t seem like a snob. He seems like an overachiever, sure, but a very diligent and… humble one. He seems dedicated to his craft, taking people’s advice and showing respect to his seniors, as well as to people with more experience.
It makes him wonder, a lot more than he probably should dwell over a detail like that.
After the last day of the first week wraps too, Xiao Zhan heads back to the office to provide Lulu with an update and let her know how he’s faring, or if he has any suggestions regarding the article. But even before he has the chance to really get into it, Lulu is smirking a little bit too knowingly for his liking as she clicks through the photos he sent her earlier.
“What?” he asks, fully accepting his fate and leaning back in his chair.
“You know I love your photos so much and I could never criticize them,” she starts, just as Xiao Zhan slowly folds his arms over his chest.
“Yeah?”
“And that I am still very glad you decided to take on this task at all.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice,” he interjects mildly.
She waves him off. “But I must point out just one thing.”
He raises a brow, already knowing what it is going to be about before she even continues, but not making an attempt to address it first.
Lulu inclines her head towards the computer screen next to her. “Most of these pictures are of Wang Yibo.”
Xiao Zhan just nods slowly, until Lulu’s smile – alarmingly – grows.
“Wang Yibo and his car. Not much of Fong Minghao at all. You know… the other Chinese racer who is also very much in the competition.”
Xiao Zhan sighs and leans forward slightly. “Alright, listen, I have a pretty good reason for that.”
“Oh, I am sure. Does it maybe have something to do with the fact that you probably developed a little crush on Mr. Ice Prince and Pro Racer Wang Yibo?”
“I – hold on, what?!” he splutters before giving her his infamous Glare.
Lulu just chuckles before quickly continuing. “I wouldn’t blame you, to be fair! You wouldn’t be the first one to fall victim to his charm, just take a single look at Weibo.”
“Lulu, you are being ridiculous.” When he only gets a doubtful eyebrow raise in response, he huffs and goes on. “I photographed him so much because he is utterly captivating on the track! He has a style and approach that demands people’s attention, like we are all extras in his movie. Maybe the added mystery factor, thanks to him avoiding publicity aside from the competitions, also aids that. I have an inkling that if I focus only on him – which is something I wanted to discuss with you today, by the way – this article could be so much bigger.”
Lulu’s expression remains slightly uncertain, but she does look over the photos once more. Xiao Zhan likes that about her a lot; she places a lot of value on his opinions, especially when it comes to work.
“I suppose… I see what you mean. But more than that, I’m going to trust your instincts.” Her eyes return to his, a touch more serious this time. “You’ve never let me down before, so if you tell me that you could make something bigger and better if you turn it into a special focus article, I’ll believe you.”
“Thank you.”
“But if we are going to go down that road and make him the focus point, I’ll have to contact Wang Yibo’s team and let them know we want to write about his journey, and if they’d be open to it. I know they are pretty stringent with interviews and media, so I’d rather cover my bases first.”
Xiao Zhan grimaces, recalling the last time he had a run in with someone from Wang Yibo’s team. He knows Lulu is right, though. It’s entirely possible they’d decline the whole thing altogether, even if Pulse is not actually asking for an interview. What’s most alarming though, is that Xiao Zhan is suddenly worried about being immediately disliked by the guy, even without any interactions. He pushes that thought down very swiftly.
“Sounds good.”
“Alright. Then I’ll let you know first thing I have an answer. Until then, though, please try focusing on them both a little bit longer.”
Xiao Zhan nods as he stands, getting ready to leave when Lulu’s playful little smile comes back.
“What?” he groans, almost afraid to ask.
“Nothing. I just hope you know there is actually nothing embarrassing about finding a cool, handsome racer cute.”
Xiao Zhan rolls his eyes with feeling, before continuing to the door. “Goodbye!”
He ignores the chuckles behind him.
🏁
Lulu gets back to him two days later, giving him the green light. Apparently, Wang Yibo’s team doesn’t mind the article as long as it doesn’t turn into fodder and sticks to professionalism, which is understandable and would be his own goal, too. Xiao Zhan is almost surprised they agreed to it to begin with – although, as expected, they are not keen on doing interviews, and would prefer to avoid them.
Xiao Zhan sighs to himself as he gets back to his apartment that night, his thoughts spinning. With the project officially Wang Yibo-focused and set into motion, he figures he can start packing for the trip ahead, too. It’s good that he can follow his gut and write in a way he believes will be successful and more meaningful, but he also knows it is almost inevitable to set up at least one interview in the next few months. And that is being generous.
He ignores the shifting of something uneasy and nervous in the pit of his stomach as the second week of the rehearsals commences and sorts most of his things at home that he wants to bring along to Malaysia so he won’t have to worry about too many errands at once by the end of it. But instead of going to sleep on the very last night, he gets to work on his laptop, in bed, doing a real deep-dive this time.
About races in general, about this specific competition, about every possible detail he should familiarize himself with now that it is about to start in earnest – terms, history, specifics – and as much as he can gather about Wang Yibo’s own racing history, mindful of unverified sources with the scarce amounts of legitimate interviews he finds.
All Xiao Zhan can think about is that now that the plan is set, he wants to give his all. He wants to dedicate himself to it and do the kind of job that would please even someone like Wang Yibo – er, or his team, whatever.
It’s only when he is blinking into the sunlight breaking through the blinds that he realizes he’s stayed up all night – which in itself is not surprising, he is severely insomniac – and it hits him just how invested he’s gotten. He rubs his eyes under the glasses and clears his throat, taking in the multiple tabs open, the lengthy notes on his screen, as well as some papers scattered about around him when he started actually writing down some key details, and new ideas he will want to focus on.
“Oh god,” he croaks, reaching blindly for his bottle of water. “How did I get here?”
🏁
Xiao Zhan flies out to Malaysia for the first stop the same time Wang Yibo’s team does – five days early, so they can have time for everything. There will be two practice runs, and this time frame also involves media briefing, and now that Xiao Zhan is officially set as a photographer and writer who focuses solely on Yibo, he has a small appointment with the team, too. He isn’t really sure what to expect from that.
There will be practice runs, a qualifying round, and then two 1-hour sprint races over the weekend. Xiao Zhan is so much more prepared this time, even learning all he could about the Sepang track itself in advance; it is famous for its sweeping corners and unusual layout, often offering even more of a challenge due to unpredictable weather. He finds himself to be… almost excited to see it all unfold. Which is mildly alarming, despite it coming in handy.
The first day he uses for unpacking in his hotel room and taking a walk around the city – it’s great, it almost feels like a holiday within his job, and the rush of being somewhere new adds to his inspiration and gets his creative juices flowing. He sits down at a café, trying local treats and walks the streets to take some photos for his private collection, too.
By the time he gets back to his hotel room, he recognizes that he is filled with a strange sense of longing he can’t put his finger on. Maybe it’s the fact he’s here alone, having too much time to think and no one to share his musings with. Xiao Zhan is perfectly content with the kind of life he’s leading, but sometimes Those thoughts still haunt the peripherals of his mind, so often spoken by his mother and Lulu; ‘when are you going to find someone?’
He likes it better when he can’t think about how undoubtedly lonely it gets sometimes, since working late hours and sharing his apartment with a silly, playful cat all helps mitigate that. He very, very heavily tries not to tie this thought process to his newest project, and a certain overly impressive racer with flowy curls and a blinding, heart-shaped smile, looking offensively good on all his photographs.
Fuck, maybe he’s really been alone for too long.
With a shake of his head, he squashes the thought. This isn’t why he’s here – and it doesn’t matter how impressive or handsome Wang Yibo is, he is solely going to focus on him within the context of this competition. Like work. Nothing more.
🏁
Wang Yibo’s team, UNO Racing, reaches out to him the very next day, and Xiao Zhan almost sends his breakfast down the wrong pipe as he picks up his phone and sees the e-mail. The media team – including the head of the whole team – wants to meet in the afternoon to talk about the article in more detail and exchange introductions. He didn’t expect it to happen so fast, but then again maybe it’s better to just get it over with.
With how infamously strict they are and how reluctant they were to give this project the go-ahead until Lulu charmed them with her power and impressive history of putting out great articles, Xiao Zhan is not looking forward to the briefing. Then again, it’s part of the job. He manages to swallow properly before writing back, letting them know he’ll be there and thanking them once more for the opportunity. He’s always been good with formalities, at least.
“Thank you so much for coming,” the man introducing himself as Liu Haikuan, the head of Yibo’s team says as he reaches out to shake his hand.
Xiao Zhan bows his head as accepts it, sending him his most polite smile. Incidentally, he seems to be the friendliest and gentlest-seeming person in the room, which at least puts him at ease, somewhat. “The pleasure is mine. I’m Xiao Zhan. I hope we can work well together.”
He doesn’t miss the slight snort coming from the man’s left, immediately recognizing the rude prick he had a run-in with at the Shanghai track. Lovely he’s here, too. Of course. Aside from the media team, Wang Yibo’s driving partner is also present. Wang Yibo himself is very evidently not here, but that part doesn’t really surprise Xiao Zhan given what he’s learned about him thus far.
Liu Haikuan clears his throat and smiles almost apologetically, successfully reclaiming his attention. “As you may be aware, we don’t usually engage with the media, especially when it comes to such a big project. But I want you to know that the team really appreciates your consideration. I hope you don’t mind telling us a little bit more about your ideas regarding the article.”
“Of course!” Xiao Zhan nods and reaches inside his bag to grab some of his photos. This part – vouching for Lulu, as well as for his own work – is something he happily does. He ignores the fact that he can feel that one guy’s eyes staring holes into his skin as he straightens up and addresses mainly Liu Haikuan, his eyes often straying to the other three men in the room politely. Towards the jerk, not so much, but he figures that’s fine.
“I can confidently say that my boss is doing a phenomenal job within the industry. Her magazine has been continuously praised and is treated like a gem. The thing is that we aren’t looking for fodder and gossip, we are not here to twist words and the truth in hopes of more clicks and sales. We prefer real stories. Of people, of things that deserve to get attention.”
He sees Liu Haikuan’s eyes gain the intrigue he’s been hoping for, so he chooses this opportunity to show off some of his photos of Wang Yibo and his car, displaying them on the desk.
“Originally, the plan was for me to write about both Chinese racers this season, but after watching the practice runs back in Shanghai, it felt to me like it would be a waste not to put the focus on Wang Yibo.” Xiao Zhan knows this might sound like he is just trying to butter them up, but he is determined to showcase how genuine he is about it. As he speaks, he gestures towards the photos in passing. “He is obviously very talented, but so is everyone at this stage. There is just something about him, and about how adamant he is to follow his passion in his own way that gets people talking. It’s like… people’s eyes are instantly drawn to him, and perhaps one might say that the fact there is an air of mystery about him due to the lack of interviews plays a significant part in this, but I would say there is something deeper there. And I’d like to put it at center stage in my article.”
He glances up, meeting curious, dare he say almost impressed looks. He keeps himself from a triumphant smile that tries to fight its way out and clears his throat instead. “I believe if I was allowed… I could really do something great for him.”
Liu Haikuan nods slowly before offering his hand once more, and this time Xiao Zhan can’t keep his smile away. “In that case, it would be an honor working with you.”
“The pleasure would be mine, truly,” Xiao Zhan responds as he shakes the man’s hand, bowing his head slightly.
“He’s not going to do interviews, though,” a familiarly irate voice cuts in. Xiao Zhan doesn’t even have to look to know it came from that asshole, but he does anyway, trying to school his expression into nothing but a polite smile, still.
Judging by Liu Haikuan’s sigh, the comment was not welcome – Xiao Zhan has to wonder if being so rude in his presence means this guy is somehow personally close to Wang Yibo, enough that he can afford to be rude around the head of UNO Racing, or if he simply doesn’t care.
“Yichen, please.” Liu Haikuan’s voice sounds exasperated, which tells Xiao Zhan that at the very least, this is a recurring situation.
He clears his throat, trying to sound as pleasant as he can regardless of what he thinks. “We wouldn’t push. My personal opinion is that an interview at the end of all this would do a lot for the article, but this is a mere suggestion.”
“I agree,” Yibo’s driving partner chimes in from the side – Ji Li, if he remembers right. “I mean, it is reasonable. It would definitely give Yibo and our races more attention in general, which is honestly a good thing. Especially if what he says is true, and it is actually good press.”
Xiao Zhan nods rapidly. “Not to mention we wouldn’t publish anything of a hypothetical interview without checking with you first.”
The insufferable guy – Yichen, apparently – snorts, but Xiao Zhan keeps his attention on Liu Haikuan. He knows that in the end, he has the final say.
Thankfully, the man smiles and nods, taking one last glance at the photos displayed in front of him. “I agree as well. It would be about time for Yibo to get his name out there a little bit more. Thank you, Xiao Zhan. We will keep in touch regarding the details.”
“Thank you,” he says, making sure to nod towards everyone in the room. “I hope I can be of help.”
He goes back to his hotel room with springs in his step that day, texting Lulu as soon as he’s inside, a smile stuck to his face. It’s been a while since he’s felt this excited about a project – insane to think he was dreading this one the most.
🏁
Xiao Zhan is not usually one for bars – or any loud places around random, tipsy strangers for that matter – but after the first day spent at the practice run on Sepang track, he feels like he needs a break. There’s been heavy rain the previous night and so the skids and spin-outs were a pretty constant occurrence. Xiao Zhan was thus met with the cruel recognition that he now worries for the star racer, and is rooting for him on a more personal level.
Simply because now my next few months are dedicated to the article about him, is what he tells himself.
Nothing serious happened and Wang Yibo still did a pretty good job with a decent time, but alas. Maybe what Xiao Zhan actually needs right now is a reality check and perhaps to punish himself a little by doing something he doesn’t normally do. Like being at a crowded place, sitting on a barstool and eyeing a drink he knows he is too much of a lightweight not to feel later.
But to an extent it helps; the loud music and the buzz of the place surging around him like an entity on its own at least distracts him enough, quiets his mind.
“Hey, you’re not from around here,” a female voice cuts in from his side, trying to speak over the music with a somewhat tentative English. The moment, thus, comes to an instant halt.
Oh.
He blinks at her, smiling a little carefully. “No, I’m not. I’m from China.” He knows that look; he is undoubtedly being hit on, which is genuinely flattering. She seems confident yet careful, her hair styled nicely, face immaculate, and she’s wearing nicely done make-up, her lipstick most definitely NARS – Xiao Zhan would know, because he wrote about them before. She’s obviously a catch, bless her. It’s just too bad Xiao Zhan is not interested in women.
“Ohh, China!” She immediately switches to Mandarin right there, her accent barely noticeable. “And are you here on your own?”
Right, the tricky part. “Oh no, I’m actually here with my wife,” he says, subtly covering his hand with the other to hide the obvious fact he is wearing no ring. He doesn’t mind being upfront about his interests, but learned long ago that the truth doesn’t often go over well enough – especially with strangers. It’s just easier this way. “She’s in the bathroom, ah… we are on our honeymoon.”
He doesn’t know what kind of freshly married couple would choose a bar to hang out at on their honeymoon instead of something more romantic, but he isn’t going to think too hard on that.
The woman’s expression falls with the slightest hint of disappointment before she fixes him with another smile. “Oh… I see. I’m sorry, my bad! Your wife is very lucky. Enjoy your time here!”
He exhales deeply once she walks back to her friends. Whether she believed him or not, at least that’s one bullet dodged. Maybe choosing this place really wasn’t such a bright idea.
It’s when he hears actual, perfect Mandarin from some distance away that makes him pause and decide that yes, this was, in fact, a horrible idea. Because as he glances to the side to spot the source of the voices a few tables over, his heart drops to his stomach so violently he feels the barstool tilt with him a little.
He spots a few familiar faces he met the other day, including Ji Li, but most alarmingly, there is Wang Yibo, evidently complaining about having to be here.
Xiao Zhan can’t make everything out thanks to the music and the various voices around him, but Wang Yibo’s exasperated “You guys are such assholes!” cuts through the space with ease. It’s said without malice, and the others around him laugh good-naturedly.
But Xiao Zhan can’t really look away from him, is the problem. It’s his first time seeing him in regular clothes, his curly hair rich and flowy, not affected by wearing a helmet and a racing suit all day. He can’t stop wondering if touching it would be as soft as it looks. Something about those curls framing his face and dark eyes is stealing the air from his lungs – oh, he really is absurdly goodlooking, isn’t he?
But then something happens.
Those dark eyes stray from the table and look through the room in passing, locking directly onto his.
Xiao Zhan instantly feels winded; his breath catches so abruptly his lips part with it, and for a few agonizingly long seconds, he simply can’t look away.
This is not something he’s ever experienced before, this insane… pull. It’s like there is fire burning under his skin everywhere, like he could lose himself in those eyes if he wasn’t careful. He’s sitting down, not moving, but he feels the invisible tug forward.
It’s when his eyes begin to sting and he inevitably blinks that he snaps out of it with a hiss and swivels his head away, staring straight down at his drink again. It’s ridiculous, but his heart is racing like he just ran a marathon.
“Fucking hell,” he mumbles to himself, rubbing a hand along his cheek and essentially hiding. It feels like even his face is burning, and altogether like he just put his finger into an electric socket.
He knows it’s not at all a good idea, but he still can’t stop himself from looking again. He glances to the side once more, careful, trying not to be too obvious.
And some sort of shaky exhale escapes him when he realizes that Wang Yibo is still very much looking at him, meeting his eyes readily – almost like he was waiting for it – and. Oh, fuck, that’s a tiny smile at the edges of his lips.
Oh, this is… very bad, so extremely not good. Xiao Zhan tears his eyes away and feels something close to panic rising within his chest that overpowers the dizzying recognition that Wang Yibo is somehow into this. Into him? Is like him?
He can’t think about that, because he is supposed to write a grand article about Wang Yibo, and eye-fucking the guy in a bar while he has no idea who Xiao Zhan actually is, is just asking for a disaster. He reaches into his pocket hastily to leave the money for his drink on the counter – he didn’t even really touch it, and yet he feels beyond dizzy – and heads for the exit as fast as humanly possible.
He passes Wang Yibo’s table with his eyes trained straight ahead, one hand coming up to shield his face and mask it as simply messing with his hair, and when he pushes the doors open, he inhales the outside air like a starving man, hoping it clears his thoughts and gets rid of this liquid hot feeling in his veins.
He gets back to his hotel in record speed, barely even aware of his surroundings.
🏁
On the second and last day of practice, Xiao Zhan is in a state. Today, he is nothing but an observer before the first official race day takes place tomorrow. Sure, he’s still technically here on the job, camera in hand and his notepad hidden in his bag, but he decided to just watch as any fan would, without thinking too hard about what tomorrow will bring.
The weather is much better today, and so far, the forecast for tomorrow is mostly ideal, with only a few showers listed for the late afternoon. But by that point, the qualifier race should be done with at least. Xiao Zhan would definitely appreciate it if it held out until after everything concludes, so he doesn’t have to worry more than necessary. Even if he knows he shouldn’t worry at all, period.
His eyes zero in on Wang Yibo’s frame near their pit stop as soon as he appears, thoughts drifting despite his best efforts. The truth is, he feels incredibly off-balance since that encounter the previous night, mind addled. Now that he’s removed from the moment, it feels ludicrous that he could barely breathe when their eyes locked on each other. It has to be an over-exaggeration, caused by all his worries and stress and… maybe even the fact he’s in a new country, a new environment, generally overthinking everything since he took on this specific job and watching one too many races Wang Yibo participated in, feeling awed despite it being so far-removed from his usual interests.
He leans close to the railing, just in time to catch Wang Yibo throwing his head back laughing, and he subconsciously smiles along. Xiao Zhan is so used to being able to read situations and people, but for the first time, he can’t fully pick apart why he is so mystified by a person. So… mesmerized, even.
He knows it really, really isn’t just because the guy is attractive.
It’s within the way he acts, decides things and commits to them, being so bold and yet calculated on the track. Even the way he carries himself is somehow different. And Xiao Zhan is, unfortunately, hopelessly intrigued.
He isn’t even sure how it happens. All he knows is that as the practice commences, he follows the car with his eyes and sometimes forgets to blink, indicated by the stinging in his eyes. He fixes his glasses and then uses his camera to zoom in when the car arrives at the pit stop for a switch and Wang Yibo gets rid of the helmet and shakes his wild mane of hair out. He keeps his eyes on him as he casts his eyes at the monitors and gets some pats on the back for a better time than yesterday. He did good. It was good.
And then instead of taking professional notes, Xiao Zhan yanks out a piece of paper and starts writing for his own sake – something private, even if it is addressed to Wang Yibo. Something to hopefully set his mind straight.
It’s been a habit since he was in high school; whenever he stumbles upon a situation he can’t properly solve, he writes it out of his system. Back in school, they were about uncertainties regarding his future plans, accepting his identity, or an unfortunate crush on a very straight friend. Later, pep talks to help himself through a stressful period, work dilemmas and the like. He can’t quite believe he is now writing about Wang Yibo, but this method never failed him before. If this is what he instinctively needs to push himself through whatever craziness he’d found himself in, then so be it. At least he should be able to get himself back on track afterwards.
His pen slides across the paper as the characters take form, and he glances up sometimes, Wang Yibo’s profile or back visible from where he is sitting. He didn’t realize how much this guy has been affecting him until the sentences grow and his honesty seeps into the paper, undeniable. Very much there, staring him in the face. But heavens, it really helps. So, he goes on.
‘Dear Yibo, Racer 85, The Guy Who Haunts All My Thoughts,
You are greatly upsetting, and yet we haven’t even exchanged a single word.
When I got this job, I thought it would be the most dreadful and miserable experience, simply because this whole thing couldn’t be further from my usual scene. But now here I am, thinking about rules and statistics and how You will fare when all of this truly takes off tomorrow, every waking hour. Sometimes even at night, instead of sleeping. You are unknowingly feeding my insomnia, stealing my sanity, pulling me towards you like a magnet.
You have no idea who I am. That’s probably the most absurd part of this all. My job is to write something great about you, something that will actually be notable and significant. To photograph you like it’s just another task. But did you know that my camera panned to you instantly, and the lens loved you before I even had a say in it? There is something special about you I’m not sure I can actually capture, no matter how talented everyone says I am. I don’t think this detail, in particular, is something that fits into a camera.
To make matters even more complicated though, you saw me at a bar. Your eyes locked on mine and I swear all the clocks in the world started spinning backwards and forward at the same time. It felt like being electrocuted, like something inevitable got set into motion that very moment.
I know this makes it sound like I am ruined for life. That I have lost my mind. And heavens, maybe I have. But you have entranced me in a way that is incredibly cruel, and I need to put it down into a letter I will never give you to get myself some respite.
Maybe one day, we will meet properly. Maybe I get that interview approved, and maybe you will look at me the same way you did at the bar, and maybe I will allow myself to get lost in it a little bit longer.
Regardless, you are amazing. I can’t help but root for you now, completely invested. I hope you achieve everything you set your mind to and continue to shine with this brightness I’ve never seen around anyone else. I do not believe you are the ‘ice prince’ they try to make you out to be. I think you’re closer to the sun, beneath it all.
You’re great. And gorgeous. And I’m really, really upset with you for that.
(never truly) Yours, XZ.’
Xiao Zhan stares at the finished letter with a mild pinch between his brows, then folds and puts it away amongst his notes. He refuses to read through it now that it is ready. He is just going to wait for it all to get better now. It always does.
🏁
The championship’s first qualifier race arrives in a blink, and Xiao Zhan is instantly overwhelmed. This time, the stadium is packed with people – if he thought these places to be loud before, it was nothing compared to what it’s like now. Thankfully, thanks to being media staff, he gets to have his own spot, somewhat away from the screams and hoots of fans of all ages and their flags.
After this, only the 60-minute sprint races are left, and that will mark the end of the Malaysia leg. Following that, after treating himself to one big sightseeing day, Xiao Zhan will head back home until the next month, when it all continues in Indonesia. If Wang Yibo qualifies, that is. But Xiao Zhan can’t imagine that not happening.
He’s fully prepared this morning; notes, voice recorder and camera ready to do the best job he can. The weather seems to be treating them kindly; not a single cloud is present, which puts him at ease, too. It should all be in Wang Yibo’s favor, but if Xiao Zhan’s terribly superstitious self mumbles a quiet little prayer beforehand, then that is nobody’s business but his own.
He does amazing; Xiao Zhan captures the key moments of car 85’s smooth turns and the moment it claims second position overall. Wang Yibo’s enthusiastic cheers as he receives pats and hugs from the team, as the crowd loses it for him. The sparkle in his eyes and a completely breathtaking shot of him right by his car, helmet already off, smile huge and lovely.
Wang Yibo started the hour with gaining just enough momentum to stay ahead, but not pushing and taking too many risks until the last three laps, where he bypassed several cars and managed to defend his position. He went for the kill, just like the snake on his mascot would, when threatened. It was an utterly new sort of experience, seeing a full race like this in all its glory, and Xiao Zhan leaves the event high on adrenaline he isn’t sure what to do with. He knows there are plenty of things he wants to note down before the hour-long sprint races roll around. He knows he might not get a lot of sleep these days.
🏁
Wang Yibo’s sprint race starts off considerably unluckier than the qualifiers. The weather is gloomy and foggy in the early morning, and it starts to drizzle when Xiao Zhan gets to the circuit. By the time the race begins in earnest, although fans and cheers around him are undeterred, the sky is practically coming down and the track is slippery and angry. Xiao Zhan’s leg can’t stop bouncing as he sticks to watching car 85 as much as possible – as much as he can see. His prayers jump in numbers today.
The number of cars having a minor accident today is kind of overwhelming, or perhaps it’s really just because Xiao Zhan is still so new at this that this stuns him so much. He also wonders just how awful of a person he is if he feels relieved every time it isn’t Wang Yibo’s car.
But his peace doesn’t last long enough. On the very last lap, another car spins out and rams into car 85 with enough force to send Wang Yibo’s Audi off the track with it, spin two times and narrowly miss slamming into the barrier.
Xiao Zhan’s heart grows so cold suddenly that he can feel the blood draw from his limbs for a moment.
“Shit, fuck!” He doesn’t lower the camera, but only so he can zoom in far enough and make sure Wang Yibo is okay. Xiao Zhan can only resume breathing normally once he sees the engines rev up harder, the car’s wheels spitting mud as Wang Yibo backs out of the grass and gets back on the track.
He was doing really well, despite the awful weather, but this will definitely set him back. One of the wheels is janky, the rear end of the car is damaged from the collision and there is a bit of smoke. Just lovely. Maybe Xiao Zhan should ask Lulu for health insurance too, in case he suffers a heart attack on duty.
Wang Yibo ends up finishing today’s round in fifth place thanks to the accident, but thankfully, thanks to yesterday’s high position, he is still doing very well. Xiao Zhan is happy for him – and for the article, although part of him isn’t ready for the stressful part of even more of this next month.
He also realizes that in the midst of all of this, he didn’t even pay much attention to the other Chinese representative. He glances at the board and confirms that they are still in the competition at least, then begins to pile out of the arena amongst the other press people.
He smiles when his phone buzzes in his pocket, with Lulu’s name lighting up on the screen. He has no doubt she followed along too, or at least tuned in for the news.
“Hey, boss,” he greets with a grin. His mood is surprisingly good despite the mini heart attack earlier. Maybe it’s the adrenaline.
“Hey, yourself. Congratulations on your article still going strong!”
“Thanks,” he smiles, passing someone with a huge video camera on their shoulder. “I almost had a panic attack right at the end though.”
“M-hm, that’s partly why I called,” Lulu starts. “I want to get his thoughts especially after that ordeal, so I set up an interview.”
Xiao Zhan stops short, thinking he’d heard wrong – it is pretty noisy around him still. And yet his pulse picks up instantly, his voice barely coming out. “What?”
“The most ideal thing for me was always an interview in the beginning and in the end. Actually no, that’s a lie,” she cuts herself off, as though Xiao Zhan is not experiencing his second heart attack within 20 minutes. “The most ideal outcome would be to interview him after each round, but we have to make the most of what we get. So, we’ll stick with a first and last round interview, because this is already more than we can hope for with them.”
“Wait, but…” Xiao Zhan swallows, shaking his head and stopping against the wall to the side so people can still come and go around him. “I don’t get it. I thought we’ll get the one at the end and that’s it. He isn’t going to –”
“I already talked to his team,” Lulu says, cutting him off. Now the world really is spinning. “You’re set for an interview in 10 minutes.”
“What?!”
“They must’ve really liked you, since they decided to trust my judgement. Well done, Zhanzhan!”
“Wait, hold on,” he lets out something like a wheeze, mildly hysterical. The idea of meeting Wang Yibo face to face so soon is not computing, not even a little bit. Not to mention – “I don’t even have questions prepared! How am I supposed to conduct an interview with the guy who barely gives any, completely unprepared?”
“Oh, Zhanzhan, please. I trust you. I know you know exactly what to ask, and how. You always do.”
“I really am flattered, Lulu, but I –”
“You’ve got this. Just do as you always do, and make the most of this opportunity.”
Xiao Zhan groans, staring at the ceiling, but then hums anyway. He knows Lulu is right, and that she took a chance because she believes in him. It’s never been a misplaced belief before, and Xiao Zhan indeed has a bunch of things on the mind right now – all perfect for an interview. It’s just… well. Maybe he himself needed more preparation for this, and in a sense that has nothing to do with good journalism. He chases the thought away.
“Alright. I’ll get back to you.”
“Thank you, you’re my favorite employee.”
Xiao Zhan snorts before he hangs up, but not without fondness. He stares at the text message he receives with the place he has to go and meet Wang Yibo’s team, and heads that direction, pulling up his mask and trying to steel himself, focusing on nothing but the job at hand.
He hears them before he sees them, and it instantly makes him halt his steps, somewhat uncertain.
“I just don’t understand why this is necessary,” someone says, sounding considerably irritated. Xiao Zhan has a pretty good guess who that voice belongs to, cementing it with the follow-up. “You know I never do these things. Do we really have to start now?”
“Yibo, I can assure you they seem very promising. This publication is more than a mere rumor-mill filled with sensationalists. I mentioned them before, and you agreed – it’s about time we get your name out there more.” Xiao Zhan is pretty sure this second voice belongs to Liu Haikuan.
“I agreed to one interview, since you guys were very insistent. One, at the end of my journey. But today, especially after what just went down, can I just be –”
Xiao Zhan clears his throat and rounds the corner, meeting several eyes at once, except for Wang Yibo’s, who has his back to him. He’d been right; Liu Haikuan is there, giving him an apologetic look, and so is Ji Li, then another guy whose name he can’t remember, and that rude guy. Yichen.
Xiao Zhan swiftly ignores him. “Hi, I’m sorry to interrupt.”
“Yibo, Xiao Zhan is already here,” Li Haikuan says, his tone ingratiating. It makes Xiao Zhan feel strangely familiar; they seem more like friends than work partners for sure. Kind of like Lulu and himself. “I’ve read some of his work and seen his photos. You can trust me on this one.”
Oh. Xiao Zhan can’t help but feel a little honored about that, but he pushes it aside for now, especially when Wang Yibo turns around and Xiao Zhan gets a perfectly clear view of his soured mood – except when Xiao Zhan pulls his mask down below his chin, his pulse acting up in a very foolish way, Wang Yibo’s expression completely shifts.
There is recognition in his eyes as they round before a stunned blink, and the intensity of them is back like it never left, causing a shiver to run down on Xiao Zhan’s spine. He recognizes him from the bar, Xiao Zhan knows, trying to find his words as his brain stumbles over itself. He really didn’t expect he’d have to meet him in person so soon, before he can even come up with an… explanation of sorts, should he need one.
Whatever electricity stirred between them at the bar, now Wang Yibo knows Xiao Zhan knew exactly who he was. Shit, maybe he even thinks he went there following after him, hoping for some scoop. He clears his throat and forces himself to talk before he causes himself even more distress.
“I’m sorry that this is so sudden. My boss, Xuan Lu thought it would be beneficial to do an interview at the start and the end of this,” he begins, his eyes shifting to Wang Yibo and directly addressing him, even if the air instantly feels heavier. “I understand that today had enough surprises already, though. If you don’t want to do this, we wouldn’t ever push. But please know that, from a professional standpoint, I believe I could really help you in a way that is meaningful, if you let me.”
Liu Haikuan sighs in the fracture of a moment in which Wang Yibo stays silent, still assessing him. He genuinely looks as though he is going through… something. Disbelief, surprise, and… curiosity?
“I’m sorry, Xiao Zhan. Today’s been long, so maybe it’s best if we –”
“I’ll do it,” Yibo says, interrupting Liu Haikuan and causing Xiao Zhan’s breath to catch.
What?
“What?” Yichen’s eyebrows rise up so high it could be comical if Xiao Zhan really paid attention, his voice close to a hiss.
“You will?” Liu Haikuan, however, sounds ecstatic.
Wang Yibo hums and nods, seemingly uncaring of the shock of the people around him. “I guess you’re right, Haikuan-ge. It’s reasonable. So, I’ll do it.”
Xiao Zhan smiles, his heart rate picking up – a bunch of potential questions already beginning to circulate in his head. Now he’ll just have to try and order them around before he actually sits down with him.
His smile wavers when Wang Yibo steps forward – even closer, showcasing that he’s tall just as he thought, almost as tall as him, and somehow smells great after a race, too. Absurd.
“I’m Wang Yibo. Nice to meet you.”
He offers a hand, and for a second Xiao Zhan blinks down at it like an idiot. His hand is lovely. Rather big.
“I’m, uh, Xiao Zhan,” he says quickly, bringing his smile back and shaking it, ignoring the spark of electricity that travels all the way up his arm, and how nicely his hand fits in Wang Yibo’s. Fuck, he needs to get a grip. “The pleasure is mine.”
Wang Yibo’s touch lingers, just like his gaze does, or maybe Xiao Zhan is just losing his mind. It’s debatable. All he knows is that whatever pull he felt at the bar is now back tenfold, a constant ticklish sensation at the back of his spine. It even deflates the exasperated sigh coming from Yichen.
“Where should we go? Does our team’s hospitality area work? That’s usually our base of operations.”
Xiao Zhan nods quickly, stunned by the sudden eagerness. “Yes, sounds great.”
He is led there by Wang Yibo and Liu Haikuan, and the whole time he is trying to mentally order his questions – it’s a hard task, with his brain being so uncharacteristically scrambled. When he glances to the side and spots Liu Haikuan smiling to himself faintly, he’s even more confused.
They are left alone when they actually reach the room, and Xiao Zhan tries to tune out the wild thrumming of his heart in his ears, because quite frankly it’s getting ridiculous. Wang Yibo sits on the couch, and Xiao Zhan brings over a chair to take his seat in front of him. Right, easy. He’s done this before – countless times.
Xiao Zhan wants to appear as professional as one can be, but at the same time, inexplicably… he wants to be genuine with him. That is probably the reason why he lets a small chuckle slip as he takes out his voice recorder.
“I’m going to be honest; I didn’t expect this would happen today, let alone that you’d say yes. So, unlike how I usually operate, I don’t have anything planned in advance. I’ll have to wing it on the spot.”
He knows Lulu would probably smack his head with a stack of papers for admitting that to someone who barely gives interviews, but she also keeps saying he is right to listen to his intuition. It seems to work now, because… oh, god. That’s a small smile at the edge of Wang Yibo’s lips, his eyes still so intense on his own, but somehow playful, too. Xiao Zhan is sweating under his collar.
“I don’t mind. At least it’s going to be authentic this way,” he says, then tilts his head just slightly. “And you said you could do it, right? Help me with this.”
“Right.” Xiao Zhan nods, feeling a little lightheaded when Yibo leans back in his seat a little, the smile still playing at the edges of his lips.
“Good. Then I trust you with it, Xiao-laoshi.”
Oh, god. His tone is – he is – just. Fuck… Xiao Zhan is in so much trouble.
He tries his best not to get hung up on the fact that it seems like Wang Yibo is being decidedly flirty with him, or at least more playful than what this occasion would warrant, and focuses on proving he can indeed trust him.
When Xiao Zhan turns on the voice recorder and lifts his eyes to Wang Yibo, he is pure professionalism, even despite the ridiculous tingles everywhere on his skin. He controls his voice – smooth, but gentle to make sure Wang Yibo stays comfortable.
“A lot of people tend to dub you as ‘an ice prince’, which I’m sure you’re aware of. They have this idea that you’re rejecting interviews and don’t do as much media briefing as the others because you are disinterested or even too proud. But I think differently.” He pauses and tilts his head, mentally going through every little proof and moment he noted about Wang Yibo the past month. “I believe it has nothing to do with pride. From what I’ve gathered, you are incredibly passionate about the sport and want to put your all into it, always eager to listen to your seniors, not wanting to get caught up in the glamour of it. You’d rather use the time to focus on practice and bettering yourself. How right am I with that assumption?”
Wang Yibo blinks, sits up a little bit straighter, and Xiao Zhan knows he did a good job. He surprised him again, and definitely in a good way. “I would say that is pretty spot-on, yes.”
Xiao Zhan controls the smile that wants to break through and nods. “Ah, I don’t want to seem like I’m putting words in your mouth, though. Did anything specific happen that perhaps made you more wary of it all?”
“I think it’s funny you say that, because in my experience, ‘putting words in my mouth’ is usually the goal. Nothing too drastic happened, but right around the time I debuted in the sport, I gave an interview, and my voice got lost between the lines.” Xiao Zhan nods, his attention unwavering. “Basically, they wanted something that would generate a lot of clicks, so my words got twisted. It was nothing too bad, but I still ended up looking like a snobby newcomer. I guess you could say I’ve been… cautious, since. I really just want to give my all, and prefer people to talk about what I manage to put down. Not how I look, who I’m with, and what I do in my free time. I think when it comes to racing, none of that should matter.”
Xiao Zhan smiles a little, understanding. Wang Yibo is blunt, honest, but he doesn’t have any attitude whatsoever. He’s just someone who is passionate about his craft and wants to do well in it, but people can misinterpret it as soon as he doesn’t schmooze, especially since he is good-looking. He gets that – and he is glad that despite the whole ‘ice prince’ moniker stuck to him, he is being recognized as a wildly talented racer. It is pretty hard to miss.
“I appreciate you agreeing to this now,” he says, because even if he said that already, he wants to cement it, how much it means to him. “Can you tell me how you feel about this championship?”
“It’s a great honor. Back when I started, I just wanted to follow my dreams and see how far I can go with it, doing a few races here and there, mostly as part of a team. I think it’s important to pace yourself well and not take on too much when you might not be ready. I would like to gradually take on more and more challenges. This championship is one of them.” His eyes stray aside for a moment, seemingly envisioning something Xiao Zhan can’t see. “I remember being a child and wishing I could take part in the WCA. I guess it’s… still settling a little, that I’m here.”
The instant enthusiasm Wang Yibo radiates when talking about something that really interests him is extremely gripping, and it makes something stir within Xiao Zhan. Makes him want to witness it more, hear him talk more.
“Can you tell me what your favorite part about racing is?”
It works wonders; Wang Yibo lights up visibly, using his hands to run his point home – it makes Xiao Zhan smile, unable to hold it. He has the most absurd thought about wishing he could listen to him ramble about all his interests for hours on end.
“It has to be the adrenaline. I can’t compare the rush of it to anything else. You have to stay sharp and focus, because it all often comes down to split-second decisions, and you have to know your car, and yourself. But there is also the competition aspect of it. I’m also a pretty competitive person, not so much against other people necessarily, but against myself. I don’t want to use others as bench marks; I want to keep outdoing myself. And… uh…” He pauses and blinks, seeming like he lost his train of thought all of a sudden – and it takes Xiao Zhan a second to realize he ended up smiling wider than he realized. Probably around the time Wang Yibo started making big gestures. The idea that he managed to distract him with his smile is making something warm gather in the pit of his stomach, which he tries his best to ignore. Wang Yibo evidently notices him noticing, because he clears his throat and his gaze refocuses. “Yeah, so, I think these play a key part in it.”
Xiao Zhan nods, playing it cool despite the look in Wang Yibo’s eyes, so clearly trying to read him, too. He feels seriously hot, and hopes he isn’t sweating too visibly. “And how are you feeling today, now that you’re through to the next round?”
There you go. He is so professional, nobody could tell he’s having a crisis inside.
Wang Yibo shrugs one shoulder, starting to lightly bounce one of his legs. He must still be somewhat affected. “I’m happy, of course, although today posed a bigger challenge. But you always have to be prepared for things not going your way here, often because of outside factors. Some of those you can more or less expect, like the weather, or less obvious ones, like other racers accidentally clipping your car or worse. The small accident today got to me a little, so this is something I’m still working on. Hopefully in the next round I can make up for it. Or at least deal with a possible accident easier.”
He hums, the response giving him a way to continue with something else he’d been wondering about. “Doesn’t the fact that they can happen freak you out? I’m pretty new at learning about car races in depth, but I imagine I wouldn’t make a great driver. I’d probably focus too much on taking every corner safely and then end up coming last.”
Wang Yibo smiles this time and oh, that… that is something else, face to face, having it directed at nobody but him.
“I think it’s normal to feel a little nervous before races, and ideally, you’d want to avoid any problems on the track, but it can also serve as a tool to sharpen your senses and focus. You remain alert the whole time, you get to be in charge of those quick decisions I mentioned. You learn to be safe while doing something that can be very dangerous. I think the more you face it, the easier it gets. Your mentality gets stronger, too. And having a great team helps. I always put safety first, though, even if it might not seem like it. You don’t get very far if you are too reckless and end up hurting your car or yourself.” When Xiao Zhan blinks, Wang Yibo tilts his head and lets a smirk shine through, which is just impossibly rude. “But, on the other hand, you also wouldn’t gain anything if you were too scared of the road to the finish line.”
Oh. Wow.
“Ah. Very wise,” he manages to say with a small laugh, tugging on one of his earlobes instinctively. Suddenly, he’s desperate for this interview to end, because it feels like the invisible force pulling him towards this guy might snap at any moment. He’s genuinely never felt this before, it’s ridiculous. “What track or destination would you say you’re most curious or excited about?”
“Oh, that’s a good question,” Wang Yibo hums, thinking for a moment. “Maybe the two races in Japan. Both tracks will require a lot of precision and technical driving, which will be very challenging. The fact that they will take part right before the final stop only adds to that. I feel like it will be a very exciting and high-stakes time.”
Xiao Zhan nods, stopping the voice-recorder. “I think that’s about it, for now. Thank you, really, for agreeing to this.”
“No trouble, I…” Wang Yibo pauses to smile once again. “I enjoyed this one, actually.”
Xiao Zhan’s surprise must be visible on his face, because Wang Yibo grins as he speaks, all teeth. Too lovely – and couldn’t possibly be farther from ‘ice prince’. On the contrary, it makes him feel positively warm. “I mean, your questions all had to do with racing, none of that superficial stuff. It went by in a blink, too.”
Before he can even come up with a response, Wang Yibo tilts his head. “I saw you at the bar.”
Xiao Zhan blinks, not having expected him to actually bring that up, but then again, maybe it was inevitable. He has goosebumps everywhere and his pulse is going haywire, but he is ignoring all of that.
“I promise I wasn’t there to take pictures of you or get some juicy story out of it!” He finds it is very important to clear that up.
But Wang Yibo just shakes his head, like that thought didn’t even cross his mind. “I mean, yeah, you ran off as soon as you saw me.”
Xiao Zhan snorts, which he then tries to cover up with clearing his throat. “I just needed to turn my brain off and figured if I do something I never usually do, that would help. That’s why I was there. I didn’t expect to run into you.”
Wang Yibo nods, something in his eyes telling Xiao Zhan that he can relate. “My teammates here pretty much forced me out, said I was practicing too hard and forgetting how to have fun.”
Xiao Zhan notes that with a hum, finding it humoring how similar their situations ended up being, but then Wang Yibo follows up with something else that throws him. “I was going to go over and talk to you.”
Xiao Zhan blinks, and he knows he shouldn’t ask. He absolutely shouldn’t, since he thinks he knows the answer already, and acknowledging it wouldn’t do him any good, but he can’t help it. “Why?”
He can see it in Wang Yibo’s eyes, in the way he looks at him as he shrugs and leans forward a little, that this is indeed a dangerous game. Too bad that Xiao Zhan is too damn excited by it and engages openly.
“I was compelled to….” It seems Yibo wants to say something more, but then decides to follow it up with another curve ball. “I guess I’ll see you in Indonesia next month?”
Oh. Oh, pause.
“Wait, you mean –” It’s extremely rude, really, the way Wang Yibo’s smile grows the longer it takes for Xiao Zhan to get the words out. “You’d be willing to give an interview again?”
“Well, would you be the one to do it?”
Xiao Zhan leans back in his seat a little, stunned, his skin tingling all over. Is Wang Yibo seriously implying that as long as it’s him conducting the interviews, he’d give one after every round? Lulu is going to lose her mind. And Xiao Zhan might die.
“I… yes, it would be me.”
“Great. Then we’ll check in after the Indonesia race.”
Holy fuck.
“Great,” he repeats, somewhat weak, then clears his throat as he stands. “Thank you for your time, Wang Yibo.”
“Just Yibo is fine.”
Xiao Zhan smiles pleasantly, trying not to pay attention to the obvious way Yibo’s eyes travel down the length of his body, how he absently wets his lips like Xiao Zhan is a full-course meal –
Fuck, he needs to get out of here before he explodes.
“Oh, and show me your photos next time,” Yibo adds, thankfully distracting the rising panic in Xiao Zhan’s chest, due to absurd attraction levels.
“Ah?”
“Haikuan-ge said your photos of me are really good,” Yibo clarifies, his smile softer. “Can I see them next time?”
Xiao Zhan brightens in an instant, nodding. “Of course. I’d be able to take even better ones with the next races, if you wouldn’t mind letting me a bit closer to where you guys are.”
Yibo stands now too, eyes almost as enthusiastic as they were while talking about racing. “Sure, consider it done. You can join us at our pit stop.”
Xiao Zhan grins, feeling thrilled with this development, even if he knows that being in close proximity with Yibo during this whole process will just make this ridiculous attraction even more potent. Part of him is even curious about that, even if he really shouldn’t be.
“Awesome. I’ll see you next month, then.”
He holds his hand out, and tries to mask the quiver up his spine when Yibo’s hand lingers after a handshake that feels a lot more like a simple touch. “I’ll see you then.”
He can’t even imagine what he’s in for.
🏁
No month has ever passed as slowly as this one, Xiao Zhan is certain of it – even if the reason behind it should still be highly alarming. He wants to see Yibo again; wants to watch him on the track even if it gives him anxiety, wants to see if he imagined the electric air between them. The more time passes, the more he thinks he was exaggerating the sparks he felt, but perhaps that’s wishful thinking. He doesn’t know where it would lead him, if they met again and it would still be there, very much existent.
He spent the past month arranging what he had from the previous contest, did some smaller jobs for Lulu, who is of course ecstatic about getting so many interviews from Yibo and only teased him moderately about it. He also tried (and failed) not to think too much about his main project, and the person in its focus. He’s 31 years old, it’s completely nonsensical to feel this much like a teenager and think so much about a 25-year-old pro racer – even if said pro racer looked at him like he was a five-course meal.
Xiao Zhan doesn’t get to Indonesia in time for the practice runs due to some extra work he has to cover at the office, but he makes it for the qualifying round. The track here, Mandalika, is probably one of the craziest ones Xiao Zhan’s ever seen when it comes to location. It’s in the middle of Lombok Island, and the atmosphere is wildly different from what he’s experienced before, with turquoise waters being just around the corner. It sure looks impressive, even if somehow also strangely out of place. The water keeps calling him though; this place is hot, and humid to the point Xiao Zhan kind of struggles to cope, grateful for every wind gust that comes from the water’s direction.
This track needs a specialized setup due to it being prone to high-degradation thanks to said heat. He comes prepared, like last time, but now wholly starstruck that he gets to join the team in the pit stop.
He stands near Ji Li, who greets him with a smile, and pretends he didn’t see Yichen rolling his eyes the moment he appeared. He leans closer to Ji Li instead, voice lowered.
“Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Of course!” It really is a blessing that Yibo’s driving partner is so friendly and open. He isn’t sure what he’d do if every member here looked at him like he has the plague.
“What is his real problem?” Xiao Zhan half tilts his head towards where Yichen is standing, hoping he doesn’t cross a line with this question.
Luckily, it seems he has nothing to worry about. Ji Li grins, all teeth, and shakes his head. “Oh, don’t mind him. He always acts like he has a stick up his butt around any media person, but it’s nothing personal. He just took it very seriously when Yibo had that incident with one journalist.” He glances at him. “He told you about that, right?”
Xiao Zhan nods.
“Yeah, so… he doesn’t really trust anyone, even if Yibo says it’s fine. He’s just overprotective, if you ask me.” Ji Li shrugs, then leans even closer, conspiring. “It’s probably because he is very into Yibo.”
Oh.
Xiao Zhan blinks, unable to help himself as he glances back towards Yichen. He hovers near the door, tight-lipped, arms crossed and obviously seething, not even looking their way. Xiao Zhan’s only impression of him is that he’s a very unpleasant person, which he knows might not be true around people he likes, but somehow, he still doesn’t like the fact that he has a thing for Yibo. Which – he knows that is stupid. It’s none of his business. It’s just that based on what he did see of him, Yibo deserves better. He is objectively good-looking, he supposes, but his personality makes him come off as rather unattractive.
“I see,” he says, turning back to Ji Li. “Thanks.”
He doesn’t feel comfortable enough to ask about whether Yibo feels the same. He isn’t sure he’d like to know, either.
What matters is that now he gets to focus his attention on why he’s actually here, on where his focus should be; Yibo enters the pit stop and greets everyone, looking bright and confident, but also humble in a way that Xiao Zhan finds endearing. When his eyes settle on him, that godforsaken pull is back under his skin, and he is forced to accept that no, he did not exaggerate it the first time.
“Xiao-laoshi,” Yibo greets with a grin. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thank you for having me,” he responds, the words tickling something inside him. It’s an insane step-up, to have Yibo be glad he is here. “Can I take a few photos before the race starts?”
“Yeah, naturally.”
He follows Yibo to the car that is already parked outside the pit stop, and gets to work. He instructs Yibo to walk towards and lean against the car, look off to the side, but he is an exceptionally good model – as he has been, unknowingly – and doesn’t need much guidance. Xiao Zhan can already tell these pictures are going to turn out great.
They don’t get a lot of time to talk, but it’s okay. Yibo sends him a smile with a nod that very embarrassingly makes him feel a little weak in the knees. They will talk later – if nothing else, during the interview he promised, once the sprint races also commence.
Xiao Zhan didn’t have any real doubt, but he is still ecstatic when Yibo makes it in the qualifier round, jumping up instantly, and even engaging in a half-hug with Ji Li, who started it off today. He is still anxious throughout the race, but Yibo does well the whole time, finishing off at second place with what seems like an ease despite the heat on the track.
He goes back to his hotel feeling buoyant, and partly also a little bit giddy. He can’t help it, no matter how much he knows he should be wary. Maybe it’s okay to at least feel this way… Yibo is amazing, after all. There is no harm in feeling awed by him, especially if he keeps it to himself.
It’s hard to ignore, though. The next two days, he does his best to take some more great shots and make notes on things that stand out to him; Yibo’s times, improving fast, his skilled turns and ability to make those split-second decisions he mentioned in his interview when it really counts. He ends up avoiding a potential collision cleanly during his hour-long sprint, and Xiao Zhan lets out such a choked sound he is glad for the noise all around them.
But the problem is just that he also notices… other things, a lot less to do with work; Yibo’s gaze lingering on him when getting ready. Yibo’s eyes seek him the moment he steps out of the car and takes his helmet off. That rude half-smirk Xiao Zhan has a personal vendetta against, because it makes him want to do unspeakable things to him. The constant eye contact whenever they are in the same vicinity. It seems every time Xiao Zhan loses the game and looks away first, Yibo starts smirking.
By the time it is time for the second interview, Xiao Zhan can easily tell that Yibo is definitely interested in him, one way or another. And the most alarming thing about it all is the fact that Xiao Zhan knows Yibo would likely say yes to a hook-up, he sees it in the heated look in his gaze, every time. He could get it out of his system, really – maybe, since it’s been such a long time since he’s been with anyone, he could use it to regain his focus. He could get dicked down by a hot pro racer, no less, and call it a day. Except…
Except he is fond of the guy. He likes Yibo, or at least what he’s seen of him despite being so wildly different people, and that is the biggest problem. Emotional investment would lead to nothing good, yet here he is, getting butterflies when Yibo enters the room they hold the interview this time, and his heart races like it knows something Xiao Zhan doesn’t. Like this is normal.
Yibo takes his seat in front of him, same setup as the first time, except his eyes are a little bit brighter, his posture full of little tells – he feels more eager to do this, too.
“Hey. Congratulations, and thanks so much for doing this again,” Xiao Zhan says, the epitome of politeness. He’s proud of himself; it’s like nobody could tell he is freaking out inside. He also feels incredibly hot due to the high temperatures as is, and being around Yibo somehow makes it all feel worse.
Yibo smiles and tilts his head. “It’s nothing, Xiao-laoshi. I’ve been looking forward to this.”
Oh, he is good. A line like this sounds absolutely unheard of in the case of Wang Yibo – they both know that.
“Ah?”
“Does Xiao-laoshi believe in fated encounters, by the way?” Yibo asks with the nonchalance someone would use when asking about the weather.
Xiao Zhan makes a somewhat funny noise in the back of his throat, akin to a squeaky toy, his whole body now alarmingly hot – not having expected that at all. He can tell from Yibo’s little smirk that this has exactly been the desired effect. And the truth is, Xiao Zhan is kind of… into the cheeky way Yibo is so openly teasing him, radiating confidence while trying to flirt. Because that is exactly what this is. In a very endearing, clumsily romantic type of way.
“Well, I…” He shakes his head, this time unable to fight away a smile. He has to clear his throat, and is admittedly obsessed with the way Yibo’s smirk grows, knowing whatever he is trying to do is working. “I thought I’m supposed to be asking the questions here?”
It’s a nice save. Because Xiao Zhan is not going to let himself get carried away so easily and bite at the first signal, because he’s not actually a desperate fanboy, thank you very much. He is a professional, first and foremost. Now, if only the thrill in Yibo’s eyes didn’t become even more palpable with the challenge.
He sits up straighter, nodding immediately, all seriousness. “Of course, Xiao-laoshi. Then I will save my questions for after the interview.”
And, miraculously, they get through it just fine, without any blips or the hint of flirty undertones. Yibo answers all his questions – and this time he was better prepared with them – about the Mandalika track, his challenges and results here, and what he expects from the following stop. But just as expected, the question is aimed right back at him once he stops his voice recorder.
“So, can I get an answer now, too?” He sounds so eager, it is absurdly endearing. “Do you believe in it?”
Xiao Zhan huffs, shaking his head. “I guess… I don’t think it’s impossible. It probably comes down to how the specific person feels about it anyway, and how they will, looking back. But it’s not a bad concept.”
Yibo seems to be pleased enough with that answer. He doesn’t get stuck on it though, tilting his head slightly. “Did you bring your pictures?”
“Ah, yes.”
He reaches for his bag and stands, walking to the table and spreading them across it for Yibo to see – who joins him by his side, and which makes the air slightly crackle between them. Maybe he is really losing his mind.
But what matters is that Yibo gets lost in the pictures, and his expression turns… awed? It makes Xiao Zhan feel triumphant, even if he did collect his personal favorite shots of Yibo thus far. He knows he is good at it, but it’s always different to see the appreciation on someone else, let alone if the photo in question depicts them.
“Wow, you are really good,” Yibo says, picking up a photo Xiao Zhan took from one of the very first practice races he attended back in Shanghai. Yibo is beside the car, helmet off, and the sunlight hits the car and his curls just right. He looks focused, but excited.
“Thanks. I enjoy doing it.”
Yibo keeps browsing, going through every single picture Xiao Zhan has brought, the edges of his lips quirking a little with each and every one. “I can tell that you do. Your camera shows me a lot differently than every other picture I’ve seen of myself from others throughout the races. I am pretty sure that has to do with the photographer.”
He sends him a smile, a gentler one this time, but somehow more dangerous than all the previous ones combined.
“Ah, I’m glad you like them. I always try to create something that is personal and real, something that can make whoever looks at them feel like they got a glimpse into a real moment. Now that I’m stationed closer to you, they will be even better, I think.”
Yibo glances at the pictures again, voice gentle. “Thank you for showing them to me. I will definitely trust you with them.”
That means a lot, even aside from everything.
“Hey, by the way… when are you going back to China?”
For a moment, something ridiculously hopeful and uncalled for stirs in Xiao Zhan’s chest.
“Not until tomorrow night,” he says, voice a touch lower. “Why?”
“Aside from spending time around this circuit, this island is gorgeous, and we had some time to explore it before practices started. I… I think you’d love the beaches nearby. You could probably take some really excellent photos.”
Oh. That makes a lot more sense than whatever it was that Xiao Zhan hoped to hear. But he just nods, swatting that thought away. It’s nice that Yibo takes his possible interest into consideration, even if he didn’t actually suggest showing it to him himself. That would be silly. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll make sure not to leave without that.”
“I’ll see you in Thailand, then,” Yibo says with one last smile, and all Xiao Zhan can do is nod, as if he’s not in the process of getting swept under the wave of whatever this is, probably more ruthless than the ones happening on the shore, not too far from them.
🏁
“So, you want to travel a week ahead for reasons completely unrelated to Wang Yibo’s team also going earlier,” Lulu teases, and Xiao Zhan groans with feeling. She sees right through him, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to give in.
“It has to do with that, but not in the way you think. I want to scope out the place so I can write a better article at the end of it. Last month I missed the practice runs, so now I just want to be more present, if possible.”
“Uh-huh.” She starts typing away on her laptop regardless of her doubtful tone, most definitely securing his plane tickets. “I’m shocked you’re leaving your daughter fatherless so willingly now.”
“Aiyaaa! Jianguo loves you, that’s the only reason I’m trusting you with her. I don’t need the guilt.”
She blows him a kiss from behind the laptop then rolls her eyes fondly. He squints and sticks out his tongue at her in retaliation.
“Alright, Mr. Foresight. You’re set to go the day after tomorrow.”
Xiao Zhan nods as soon as the e-mail with the tickets lands on his phone. “Perfect.”
“And Zhanzhan?” she calls after him when he reaches for the door.
“Yeah?”
“You’re doing a splendid job so far.”
He grins, nodding with gratitude. He wouldn’t trade their dynamic for the world. “Thanks, Lulu.”
🏁
Thailand is plenty hot too, especially now that it’s June. Xiao Zhan visits the Chang circuit as soon as he arrives in Buriram, gets the basic layout from a personal perspective too – he was always more fan of the hands-on experience. He knows that the heat will be a potential challenge here too, and that the cars will need adequate break-cooling, which ties into demanding sharp attention and confidence from the drivers at every high-speed turn. Xiao Zhan laughs to himself when he considers just how well-informed he became on this topic.
He snaps a photo of the venue and spends the rest of the day settling into his hotel, then going for a walk at night, taking more photos, which he then proceeds to upload to Weibo with the title ‘Ready for work! 👀’ It is not entirely a sneaky plan to get Yibo to engage, but it definitely plays a part a little bit. Or maybe a lot. He followed Xiao Zhan on the app right after they said bye in Indonesia, then found him on WeChat – Xiao Zhan assumes it is because Liu Haikuan has his number so Yibo searched him up – and it made him feel… a way. Neither of them had reached out, but the contact is constantly burning a hole into his phone, or at least it feels like it. Maybe this will be the moment that changes.
And just as he predicted, once he is done with his shower, there are two new notifications on his phone from a certain Wang Yibo. First, he liked his post on Weibo, and then he actually took the bait and messaged him about it on WeChat. Xiao Zhan bites into his lip as he gets comfortable on his bed, not bothering to hide his smile.
[Wang Yibo]: journalist gege is here already, too??
Oh, wow. He wonders when exactly the shift from ‘Xiao-laoshi’ to ‘journalist gege’ happened, but he is alarmingly into the flirty tone of it. The concept of talking through text, not face to face, and especially with such an opening makes him a little bit braver, too.
[Xiao Zhan]: Yes! Didn’t want to miss a thing this time. Why is racer didi asking?
He tugs at his earlobe mindlessly when it gets a little too warm, letting a faint chuckle slip when the response comes so fast.
[Wang Yibo]: racer didi is asking because he is here too, starting practice tomorrow 😎
[Wang Yibo]: you should come by. join us since you’re unofficially a part of my team
Fuck. He’s really cute.
Xiao Zhan lets out a sigh that sounds every bit like giving in, perhaps inevitably. Maybe it’s okay to be a little reckless.
[Xiao Zhan]: Alright, I’ll be there.
Xiao Zhan arrives a little early the next day, but he always prefers that to being late. He is wearing ripped jeans and a sleeveless black top with an unbuttoned shirt. He learned the last time: just how hot he can get in this setting. And if he also chose his clothes with the knowledge that he looks good in this set, then nobody can actually call him out.
As he is walking down the corridor that Yibo said connects to the pit stop though, he – once again, and quite unfortunately – collides with Yichen, with enough force that his bag slides down his shoulder and some of his notes scatter all across the floor. It’s a good thing he has his camera securely hanging around his neck, or he’d probably consider suing this guy for damages. It also really is getting ridiculous now. Xiao Zhan has to wonder if this guy is doing it on purpose.
“Sorry,” he mumbles anyway, because he might have a quick temper, but he would never fold for any sort of childish bait.
To his surprise, Yichen crouches down too, helping him gather his notes. It doesn’t fix his attitude, though. “Whatever. What are you doing here anyway?”
“Wang-laoshi invited me,” he says, not feeling humored enough to tell him about the details. “You don’t have to be so worried about me harming his career or image, by the way. I really want to help.”
Yichen’s expression does something mildly disgusted before shoving the notes to his chest. “Yeah, I guess we’ll see about that.”
And with that, he leaves. Xiao Zhan shakes his head and puts everything back inside his bag, slightly fixing himself. He hopes that wherever Yichen is going, he isn’t planning to stick around much for today. He also remembers Ji Li’s words about how the guy has a thing for Yibo… and now Xiao Zhan hopes he will never, ever have it reciprocated. In fact, Yichen would probably implode if he knew how Yibo is addressing him, how he keeps giving him bedroom eyes. He smirks – he likes that visual a little too much.
But all of that unpleasant encounter gets forgotten as soon as he makes it to the pit stop. Yibo is there, and he turns as soon as he hears him enter, eyes bright.
“Xiao-laoshi! You’re here!”
He notes the way Yibo gives him the elevator eyes once more, his gaze taking him in from head to toe, and Xiao Zhan bites back a smile as he feels his skin tingling. It’s good to know he made the right call with his fit.
“Yeah, sorry I’m a bit early,” he says as he walks over to where Yibo is standing, watching the monitors.
“Nonsense, you’re always welcome. Ji Li is practicing now.” He inclines his head towards the screen, and Xiao Zhan sees Ji Li’s car flying on the track. “I’m up afterwards.”
Xiao Zhan nods. “Feeling excited?”
“Always fun to try and familiarize yourself with a new track, yeah.” Xiao Zhan can tell from the corner of his vision that Yibo is looking at him again, so he yields and meets his gaze. “Was that a question off the record?”
Xiao Zhan huffs a laugh. “Yes, I figured we could talk while we wait, just between us. Although…” He pauses and raises a brow. “I understand if you’d rather not. I don’t want to be rude and assume.”
Something shifts in Yibo’s gaze, and it is once again that dangerous edge, that heady pull that makes Xiao Zhan want to… he doesn’t even know what. Maybe lean in closer and inhale that maddening scent coming from him. He is fairly certain it’s Chanel Bleu. Yibo has good taste.
… And evidently, he is a real menace.
“Well then, just between us…” he whispers, just as that half-smirk reappears. “You can be very rude to me, Xiao-laoshi.”
No matter what anyone says, Xiao Zhan will always deny the visible shiver going through him. He masks it by shaking his head and clicking his tongue, even if Yibo is obviously greatly entertained by his reaction.
“The youth have such a sharp tongue nowadays.”
Yibo laughs, and it is the first time Xiao Zhan is actually subjected to it; he tilts his head back and it is absolutely ridiculous sounding. Xiao Zhan instantly likes him even more. He notes that some other people in the room turn towards them at the lively sound of it, but thankfully they all seem amused, not at all like they’re against Xiao Zhan being here. Unlike Yichen would be, probably.
When Yibo stops laughing, he lightly nudges him with his shoulder. Xiao Zhan has no choice but to nudge back. “The youth, huh? Is 25 considered so young now?”
“Compared to me? Absolutely.”
“Wow, gege talks like he is in his 50s. No judgment if you are, but you should tell me your skincare routine then.”
Gege… there it is again. Xiao Zhan is so normal about this.
He rolls his eyes, but his smile seems to be stuck to his expression now, betraying him. “I’m 31, Yibo.”
Yibo does that thing again; sweeping him with his eyes once more, and it looks so, so boldly and unapologetically appreciative now Xiao Zhan starts sweating. Oh, so he likes that. Likes him being older. Xiao Zhan genuinely doesn’t even know how to begin processing all this; he just got here, and it is already so much worse, being in Yibo’s proximity. He supposes this is what talking one-on-one, without work in the way does. He knows he’s steadily falling deeper into a pit that might be difficult to get out of, but he can’t stop it. It is too thrilling.
“That’s not much older than 25 anyway, I knew you were exaggerating.” There is only silence for a moment before Yibo follows up with something else. He is surprisingly chatty, compared to what everyone online said about him. “I saw on Weibo that you have a cat. Where is she when you’re out here for work? Do you have someone look after her, or…?”
Xiao Zhan knows exactly why Yibo is asking. ‘Do you have someone’ is probably exactly what he wants to know. That’s a little dizzying to process.
“Actually, my boss looks after her.”
Yibo blinks. “Your boss?”
“Yeah, she’s my best friend. I know they always say not to work for your friend, but –”
“No, I get it. Sometimes it actually works. I’m the same with Haikuan-ge.”
Xiao Zhan smiles and nods. He figured it might be like that, before. “What do you think you would’ve chosen as a profession, if racing was off the table?”
He is genuinely curious. He wants to learn more, talk to him more, and Ji Li is almost at his last lap.
Yibo hums, pursing his lips in an adorable way as he thinks. “Maybe a dancer. Or dance teacher. I did it a lot as a hobby, all kinds of styles.”
God… of course he can move, too.
“And then I almost went into motorcycle racing instead.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I was really into it, but I never competed or anything. Had a minor accident… nothing too bad, don’t look at me like that.”
Xiao Zhan snorts, but fixes his expression.
“That’s where I met Haikuan-ge too, he is a very good rider. And he just so happened to have his own car racing team. Fated encounters, see?”
Xiao Zhan smiles, humming along.
“The rest is history. I’m here now.”
“You are.”
Yibo smiles at him, but then signals towards the monitors. “I better get ready to switch with him now.”
“Yeah, go on ahead. I’ll snap some pictures.”
Yibo gives him a thumbs-up, and Xiao Zhan gets to work. He remains floaty throughout, already looking forward to have a proper conversation with Yibo again. He hopes that maybe after this round concludes and before they move on to Japan the next month, they start talking through WeChat more, too, in-between. It wouldn’t be wise, but it is also something he wants way more than he should, to see what it could lead to. Maybe he’s really been single for way too long, but this, right now, feels so addictive.
🏁
The qualifiers here perhaps go the smoothest either of them has gone so far, with both Ji Li and Yibo gaining several points and finishing overall at first place. Yibo shows proof of his talents in various ways, always being sharp and bold but also incredibly conscious of his environment and of other cars. He knows when to pull back slightly, just to gain double the momentum at the next corner – safer, cleaner. Xiao Zhan begins to consider he is some sort of unreal being afterwards. What else is he supposed to think anyway, with all his talents he keeps learning about, adding onto it?
By the time the sprint races wrap on the weekend, Xiao Zhan is more than eager to have that interview – he barely had time to talk to Yibo one-on-one aside from that time when practices started. Someone is usually always nearby, which is fair. It’s not like they’re at a stage where he can just ask him to go somewhere private so he can hear him talk more, learn him more and connect, even if he knows Yibo would probably be delighted to go somewhere private with him for fun reasons. ‘You can be very rude to me, Xiao-laoshi’ is still ringing in his ears, stealing his sleep often.
Except just as he meets Yibo in front of the room they used as the team’s meeting spot aside from the pit stop here, Yichen marches up to them with an exasperated Liu Haikuan in tow, and that instantly makes him feel on edge.
“Yichen, is this really necessary?”
“Yes, Haikuan, it really is, and he should know.”
“Is something the matter?” Yibo asks now, frowning.
“Oh, something certainly is!” Yichen stops in front of them and squints at Xiao Zhan with so much venom it is almost impressive, even though he is addressing Yibo. “I think you might want to reconsider giving him another interview, and working with him altogether.”
Xiao Zhan raises a brow, having gotten quite enough of this guy. It’s one thing to be overly protective of Yibo and have doubts about what this article might do for him, and another to be so belittling in front of other people – especially when it’s Yibo and the team’s boss.
“I know you don’t trust me, but that doesn’t mean –”
“Oh, spare me. I have proof.”
“Proof of what, exactly?” Xiao Zhan asks. He can’t even imagine what he’s getting at, he is certain he didn’t do anything to deserve this circus.
“I really don’t think this is as significant as you are making it to be,” Liu Haikuan adds, massaging the bridge of his nose.
“Yichen, be clear. What is this about?” Yibo demands, evidently losing his patience with not getting actual answers. Xiao Zhan can’t blame him.
Yichen turns to him at that, and starts talking, this time without holding back at all. “Yibo, this guy is just a stalker. He’s totally infatuated with you, and that’s the whole reason he is doing this. He’s been lusting after you before you even met him, I’m sure he doesn’t give a damn about helping you out with some bullshit article, he just wants to get close to you!”
Xiao Zhan stands frozen for a second, completely dumbstruck. He’s expected a lot of things, but certainly not something so –
“Qian Yichen! Mind your tone!” Liu Haikuan warns, but Xiao Zhan cuts in, shaking his head and trying desperately to maintain his composure, voice cool and low.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you deny it?” Yichen asks as his eyes return to him, so disgustingly triumphant and excited, his tone challenging. “Then how do you explain this?”
He takes a folded letter from the pocket of his jeans, waving it in front of Xiao Zhan’s face with a sneer.
And just like that, Xiao Zhan’s stomach drops all the way down, his ears rapidly turning hot with panic and embarrassment. He recognizes it immediately, without even needing to open it; it’s the letter he wrote to Yibo back in Malaysia, before they officially met. When he wanted to put his feelings down onto paper, hoping he could hide them in his notebook and forget about them just as easily.
But more than embarrassment, he is rapidly getting angry – he hates seeing something so personal in this asshole’s hands, waving it around like it is not something sacred to him. He sets his jaw, his hands twitching as he is fighting against curling them into fists. “Where did you get that?”
Yichen just grins wider, and Xiao Zhan huffs, a memory coming back to him. “Of course. You did walk into me on purpose the last time, when my things fell. It was strange that you started helping me gather it all. You wanted dirt on me, didn’t you?”
He has the wildest urge to punch him when Yichen laughs to himself like the mockery of some sort of cartoonish villain. “And that I did!”
“Xiao Zhan… what’s going on?” Yibo’s voice behind him makes him jolt, and his nerves unfortunately come right back.
He turns back to him, expression a bit caught. This shouldn’t be happening like this, being forcibly exposed with his most hidden thoughts, right in front of the person they revolve around. “Yibo, I –”
“You should see it for yourself,” Yichen interjects, walking to Yibo and handing the letter to him. “It proves that even when he was at that bar in Malaysia, he was probably just following after you.”
Xiao Zhan rolls his eyes, because he knows for a fact that he wrote nothing that should lead anyone to reach that conclusion, only the opposite. And the thing is, Xiao Zhan should perhaps feel very humiliated, but he refuses to give this guy the satisfaction. He doesn’t look at Yibo when he opens it and starts reading with a frown, instead addressing Yichen once more.
“If you think you did something with this, good for you. I’m not going to be ashamed of what I wrote privately, for myself, when I was going through something personal. And if you don’t think you should be ashamed for choosing this method, then that’s none of my business. But I’m not going to just stand here and let you humiliate me.” The way Yichen looks back at him with clear displeasure makes him continue. “I have always wanted to be nothing but professional, so I gladly step down if I feel it can no longer happen. More than that, if Wang-laoshi or Liu-laoshi would prefer not to work with me after this, it is also completely understandable. Xuan Lu or someone else from the team can take my place for the last three rounds. I’ll take my leave for today, too. Excuse me for the inconvenience.”
He bows his head briefly and turns on his heel, not stopping to stick around for whatever might happen when Yibo finishes that letter, not even when he hears him call after him with a hurried “hold on – Xiao Zhan!”
He just wants to be quite literally anywhere else, before he says or does something he might regret later.
Once he is out of the building and the hot air hits his lungs again is when he realizes his heart is pounding, and his breathing is considerably elevated. He’s fuming – he’s fucking furious. And disappointed and worried, with some other mix of emotions swirling in there. He hails a taxi with a slightly trembling hand, and only breaks down once he is in his hotel room, grabbing his bag from his shoulder and throwing it with force.
“Fuck!”
He tries to control his breathing, even it out, but it’s hard. He genuinely has no idea what is going to happen now, and he can’t bring himself to try and figure it out right this moment either. He turns his phone off with a shaky inhale, then heads for the bathroom. Maybe if he stands under the water long enough, he will come up with an answer.