Chapter 4

Id done some dumb things before but sneaking out with no bodyguards and without telling Bo where I was going, was right up there. Though it had been surprisingly easy to sneak past them, and the journalists waiting outside my hotel. No doubt they were all a bit bored because I never normally did something like this, and without an entourage following me, I could just blend into the crowds as a normal person.

Or that was the theory, I was certainly counting on the buzz of a busy city and the fact that nobody expected a famous pop star to sit by herself in a random bar to fly under the radar. It was a calculated gamble but it seemed to be working.

Hopefully, Chiguo wouldnt keep me waiting long. I was already feeling incredibly self-conscious sitting here by myself. As much as Id been telling my manager that I wanted some time as Mei and not Mimi, now I was out in the world, I was starting to worry about how that was going to play out. All it was going to take was one person recognising me, and everything was going to fall apart. And that was without all of the things that could go wrong with my date. There was a chance that Chiguo already knew who I was, that he didnt look anything like his profile picture, or that he was just a creepy guy who had been lying to me.

The door swung open and I could only see a sliver of the man walking in, but even without seeing his face, I knew it was Chiguo. There was something about the way he walked, it matched the confidence of a man with a fantastic body. He stepped into view and my heartbeat quickened.

He didnt just look like his picture, he looked better. That never happened, not even for celebrities. And he was here because of me. His gaze locked onto mine and a little smile drew his perfect lips up. He came towards me, giving me ample time to admire him.

Hi, Im Chiguo, he said in a deep voice that matched perfectly with the way Id been imagining him talking to me. Mei, I presume?

I nodded, nerves fluttering through me. Nice to meet you.

His smile broadened even more as he sat down in front of me. Youre even more beautiful than your picture.

Youre only saying that because you can see my full face now, I replied, deflecting the compliment even if it was making me glow. Flirting in real life was so different than from behind a screen.

Chiguo chuckled softly. No, youre really beautiful. You have a lovely voice too. Very melodic. Do you sing?

My eyes widened but I squashed the panic threatening to bubble up. Sometimes.

I bet it sounds wonderful, like a nightingale.

I didnt know what to do with his train of compliments. Even though I felt flattered, I expected more than just shallow remarks from Chiguo. But then maybe, that was my problem. I shouldnt be expecting too much from a date with a stranger from Jinx.

He leaned in slightly, his voice a little lower. You know, Im kind of relieved.

Why is that?

I worried that you would show up with only half a face, he said, his eyes shimmering with amusement.

His silly remark made me chuckle and brought my hand up to cover my mouth. Now that was the Chiguo that Id been chatting with.

And I was worried you would show up without a shirt, I replied, trying not to think about it too much. I was already distracted enough by how handsome he was, I didnt need to think about what was underneath his clothes.

A playful glint appeared in his eyes. Disappointed?

Terribly.

Well, we can rectify that later, if you like, he said, his voice dropping into a smoulder.

Heat rushed to my face and I didnt know what to do with myself. It was so unlike me to interact with a guy like this but then again, when did I have the opportunity to do so? Most of the men I met were celebrities with their own troubles and busy schedules, fans who wanted Mimi, or people I had to work with. None of those were good for dating or even for fun.

But Chiguo... He was handsome and available and seemed to like me for me. That was more than I could say for most people.

A server stopped by the table to take his order and I could tell from her adoring face that she would love his attention.

He barely looked at her, his gaze fixated on me. What do you want to drink?

A virgin Lions Tail, please. If Id been in a closed environment, Id have gone for something alcoholic but I didnt dare out in public and certainly not while I was on a date with a stranger. Although weirdly, Chiguo didnt feel like a stranger. Maybe it was just because wed been chatting almost non-stop since we matched on Jinx, but that didnt feel quite right by way of an explanation.

Ill have a beer, he said, only politely smiling at the server.

She looked disappointed and left pouting. She hadnt even given me a second look, which was an unexpected but welcome side effect of being out with Chiguo.

Have you been here before? he asked.

I dont think so. Im never in one place for very long. Im only in the city for one more night.

He gave me a curious look. How come?

I travel a lot for my job. It makes blowing off steam hard, I said, deliberately choosing my words to carry a second meaning. After the conversations wed had, I knew he would catch it.

He cleared his throat, seemingly affected. Is that why you decided to go on Jinx?

Yes, I suppose so. What about you?

Boredom. Ive had my job for a while and lets just say that my position has become redundant over the years, he said.

I was curious about what he did but it was better for me to steer the conversation away from jobs. Luckily, the server returned with our drinks. Just in case, I looked down while she set the drinks on our table, but I shouldnt have worried. Her attention was fully on Chiguo.

He thanked her politely and instantly returned his gaze to me, his eyes warm and deep as they looked at me as if I was the most fascinating thing hed ever seen. I didnt expect to feel this attracted to him either but I was excited to see where the night would bring us.

Chiguo took a sip from his drink and set his glass down. I brought something for you.

A gift?

Of sorts. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small whistle. You promised me a blow.

I burst into inelegant laughter and covered my mouth to avoid glares from other people. This was definitely not what I expected but I loved that hed prepared for our date. It was endearing and pretty clever.

I thought youd like that, Chiguo said, looking pleased with himself. He presented it to me with both hands like it was a grand official gift of sorts.

Youre so funny. I think Ill blow it later, its not something I like to do in public, I joked while accepting it. My face was hurting from all the smiling I was doing, which was unexpected but welcome after the stressful weeks Id had.

I look forward to it. Chiguo leaned forward on the table, winking. Something cracked and he almost slid off his chair with a shriek that ruined the suave persona he was portraying.

I felt bad for laughing and reached out to him. Are you okay? What happened.

I think one of the legs moved. He stood up to sit on the other chair.

Or you could sit next to me? I proposed before Id fully thought it through.

A big grin grew on his face as he joined me in the booth, his leg brushing against mine as he settled. It was intimate to have him closer and I felt surprisingly at ease with him considering this was our first meeting. I felt brave and placed my hand just above his knee, my heart racing as it did.

I hoped I was right in that he had no idea who I was, otherwise, I was going to be making a huge fool out of myself and it would be all over the internet by the end of the night.

Looking for another flute? he asked, grinning widely.

Maybe, I teased. I didnt know what it was about him that was making me so bold but I could see the influence my presence was having on him and my confidence was certainly growing. I shuffled a little closer, enjoying the proximity.

Chiguo chuckled.

A gust of cold air came in when the door opened and a handful of women entered the bar. I felt their gazes on me and one of them leaned in to whisper something in the others ear. Worry stirred inside me that theyd recognised me and my playful mood instantly fell away.

I reached down for my bag so I could leave. I didnt want to cut my date with Chiguo short but Id definitely taken too much of a risk coming here. Luckily, there was a side entrance that I could go through so I didnt have to go past the group of women.

Chiguo looked understandably confused as he got up too. Im sorry...

Its not that, I— There was no way to explain what was happening without revealing who I was. It was a shame that I had to cut our time short, except that maybe we didnt have to. Would you like to come back to my hotel?

His eyes instantly took on a sparkle. Yes, definitely.

It was a big risk asking him back but I wasnt ready for our night to end just yet.