(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon) 

Since leaving the Seoul Arts Center, Gwenval had remained silent. His gaze was lost in the flashing city lights, moving in rhythm with the car. He was still thinking about what had happened this evening and about Nienrao Ashlay. In the musician’s eyes, he was a rather peculiar young man who left him wondering what he was really planning.

“Another suitor?” asked Gwenval’s friend, breaking the silence.

“Hmm… More or less.” he replied vaguely.

“What do you mean, “more or less”?”

“He offered to help me catch the person threatening me…in exchange for dinner with me.”

Gwenval’s friend burst out laughing so hard he nearly cried. The musician kept his head turned toward the window.

But suddenly, the driver realized something.

“Wait! If he offered to help you, that means something happened. Are you okay? Were you hurt?”

Worried, he shifted his gaze between the road and Gwenval.

“I'm fine, Kaelan.” he assured, turning toward his friend.

The musician then recounted in detail what had happened earlier. Kaelan was astonished at how events had unfolded, but also relieved that nothing serious had happened.

He was the only person aware of what Gwenval was currently going through. Unfortunately, due to work, he had to stay in England for most of the month. He had just returned to South Korea when he came to pick Gwenval up.

“What if it's a trap? After all, none of the previous attacks had any effect. The culprit might have changed tactics.”

“I’m staying on my guard, don’t worry. Whether he wants to hurt me or help me, I want to see how far he’s willing to go.”

Earlier, he seemed extremely determined and confident that he could sort everything out in a week. Honestly, I’d like to believe him.

“You still don’t want to call you-know-who?”

“…as a last resort…” Gwenval sighed.

Noticing his friend’s tension, Kaelan decided to change the subject. He smiled and adopted a more casual tone.

“Anyway, it’s the first time someone has made advances toward you like that. A bouquet of flowers? Romantic words? Gifts? Nope! “I’ll prove my worth by ending the source of your torment!”” Kae declared theatrically.

“Kae…”

Gwenval's cheeks took on a faint blush. Thinking back on it, Ashlay had indeed behaved rather chivalrously toward him.

“I caught a glimpse of him earlier. Handsome, tall, broad-shouldered. You’d think he was a celebrity… Do you plan on giving him a chance, or will he be just another victim of your beauty?”

“You talk as if you aren’t the type to have everyone at your feet.” Gwenval retorted sarcastically.

Kaelan smiled mischievously. His androgynous appearance and almost fairy-like charm had always attracted a lot of attention.

Gwenval turned his gaze back to the window.

“… I'd like to stay focused on what's important for now.”

I’m probably just a distraction for him…

Everyone would agree that Ashlay was undeniably attractive. But that wasn't enough to win over the pianist, who mostly saw him as a wealthy heir trying to spice up his life. Who knew what he truly wanted? Driven by curiosity, however, he was willing to spend the coming week in Ashlay’s company.

Half an hour later, Kaelan parked in the lot of a luxurious residential building. Shortly after, Gwenval received a text from Ashlay: [“Meeting tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Jade Shielding.”], followed by the address.

“Jade Shielding? The cybersecurity and bodyguard company?” Kaelan remarked. “Not bad. That’s one of the best companies in the field.”

It wasn't surprising that Ashlay knew of such a company, but Gwenval was puzzled. Wouldn't he be drawing too much attention to himself by contacting them?

Jade Shielding, a company that specializes in corporate cybersecurity. It has rapidly established itself in the Chinese and Korean markets over the past six years. Its CEO, Bai Hao Ming, is also known for his exceptionally high IQ. The company's secondary activity is personal protection for celebrities, politicians, and other influential figures…

According to photos found online, Hao Ming and Ashlay seemed to have known each other for quite some time.

Gwenval simply replied: [ “Thanks. See you tomorrow.”], to Ashlay.

“I can go with you.” Kaelan offered.

Gwenval shook his head.

“That won't be necessary. Besides, I don't have much to fear going to a cybersecurity company, don't you think?”

“Hmm… Fine, but call me at the slightest problem.”

“Of course… Good thing I have a friend like you to come to my rescue if needed.” Gwenval said with a smile. “By the way, Kae, you've got something here…”

Gwenval traced an invisible line along his own neck with his finger. Kaelan quickly glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. Sure enough, there was a smear of ultramarine paint on his neck.

“You could have told me sooner, Gwen!” Kaelan exclaimed, embarrassed.

He grabbed a small bottle of solvent and some cotton from the glove compartment and began wiping the paint away.

The two ended up chatting in the car about anything and everything for another twenty minutes. Later, the musician invited his friend to spend the night at his place.

___

The next morning, while Kaelan was still asleep, Gwenval finished getting ready for his meeting with Ashlay. He left a note for his friend and took a taxi to Jade Shielding.

The building was massive. Gwenval was impressed. He’d never imagined setting foot in such a place. In the lobby, a group of bodyguards were heading out while others stood watch by the entrance. Employees bustled around. Considering his current level of fame, the musician had no desire to reach the point where he’d constantly be surrounded by people dedicated solely to his protection. The thought made him uneasy and anxious.

At the reception desk, Gwenval explained the reason for his visit. The receptionist consulted the computer for a few moments. Once the verification was complete, she invited him to sit in one of the armchairs to the left of the lobby.

The musician thanked her and sat where indicated. He also texted Ashlay to let him know he had arrived.

Some curious onlookers recognized Gwenval and whispered about why he might be there.

“He's even more handsome in person!”

“Is he here to hire bodyguards?”

“Do you think I could get his autograph?”

“Who would dare hurt such a work of art?!”

“My parents would be thrilled if I brought home a son-in-law this gorgeous!”

The musician leaned on one armrest of the chair with his legs elegantly crossed. Sunlight gently caressed his skin and illuminated his green, jewel-like eyes. One could easily mistake him for a prince from a faraway land.

“You draw attention wherever you go, Mr. Altaha.” a male voice said from behind him.

Once face-to-face, Ashlay found himself captivated by the musician’s beauty once again. Since last night, he hadn’t stopped thinking about him. How to gain his trust? Do they share any passions ? All the questions one wonders when meeting someone they like.

Ashlay lingered a few more seconds in Gwenval’s gaze.

So sexy…

“Nienrao?”

Gwenval wondered if something was wrong when he noticed Ashlay seemed to have drifted into a sort of trance.

Suddenly, Ashlay remembered why they were there. He cleared his throat before speaking.

“This way. Follow me.”

“You can just talk to me casually.” Gwenval said as he stood up.

“Really?! Thanks, Gwen Gwen!”

Ashlay lit up like a child receiving a gold star at school over this simple permission. For Gwenval, it was simply more convenient. Since they weren't in a professional relationship and weren't far apart in age, formality seemed unnecessary.

Gwenval also realized that Ashlay would not give up the nickname he had given him and sighed inwardly.

They took the elevator to the 20th floor. During the ride, the pianist studied the young man before him. He was dressed more casually today in a beige jacket, trousers, and a white shirt with no tie. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his neck and part of his chest.

Without realizing it, Gwenval hadn’t taken his eyes off Ashlay from the third floor to the tenth.

“Did you get home safely last night? Nothing suspicious happened?” Ashlay asked suddenly.

“I got home fine. I’ve never received threats at my place. Security at my building is very strict.”

“Good. That’s reassuring.”

Ashlay wanted to ask about “the friend” who had picked up Gwenval yesterday, but he refrained.

The 20th floor was filled mostly with meeting rooms, where several groups were holding discussions. After a few meters, Ashlay and Gwenval reached a large double door.

There was a desk on each side, one occupied by a man and the other by a woman. Both stood when they saw them. They smiled, and the woman dialed a number.

“Mr. Nienrao has arrived…”

The person on the other end of the line said only three words before hanging up.

Then, the woman told Ashlay and Gwenval that they could go in.

The office was spacious. A long coffee table surrounded by sofas and armchairs dominated the space. At the far end stood a large desk with a computer, writing tools, and folders. An immense bookshelf covered the entire wall behind it. There was a breathtaking view of Seoul from the window.

Beautiful as it was, where was the boss? Ashlay didn’t seem concerned by that. He headed straight toward a door near the bookshelf. He entered a code on a digital keypad, then placed his right index finger on a fingerprint reader. A sound indicated that the door was unlocked.

Inside, the atmosphere was very different. The temperature was noticeably cooler. There were no windows. To the right were large black metal cabinets with digital locks. To the left were huge servers. In the middle were two L-shaped desks. One was equipped with three monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse. The other had electronic equipment and small soldering tools. A projector mounted on the ceiling was aimed at a white wall facing the desk with monitors.

“Hey, Hao Ming.” Ashlay called.

A few seconds later, a young man emerged from a room behind the white wall.

“Ní hǎo, Ash. Ní hǎo, Altaha xiān sheng” (Hello, Ash. Hello, Mr. Altaha).

Hao Ming stepped toward Gwenval and extended his hand. Though his face might have seemed cold, he smiled reassuringly. Gwenval shook his hand politely. The CEO glanced briefly at Ashlay, then looked back at Gwenval.

“Ash told me about your problem. Don’t worry. With our help, this whole matter will quickly become a distant memory.”