Chapter 61

After hanging up, Ling Yao held the phone, still warm from his own warmth, his expression gradually replaced by a determined seriousness. He sat there quietly for a few minutes, then stood up and knocked on the door of the assistant's room next door.

Assistant Xiao Chen was still awake, checking tomorrow's schedule. He was a little surprised to see Ling Yao: "Brother Yao? Haven't rested yet? Is there something wrong?"

Ling Yao walked in, closed the door, took a deep breath, and looked directly at the staff member who had followed him since his trainee days and was one of the few people who could speak his mind. "Xiao Chen, there's something... I need you to keep it a secret for me. Make sure it's done well."

Seeing his serious expression, Xiao Chen immediately put down what he was holding and said, "Go ahead."

"On the day of the awards ceremony," Ling Yao lowered his voice, each word spoken clearly and weightily, "I have a very important friend coming from China to watch. I've reserved a ticket for him in the inner ring."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen's eyes widened instantly, he took a deep breath, and almost blurted out: "Brother Yao! This... this is too risky! He just debuted, there are so many eyes watching him! What if he gets caught in the photo..."

"I know," Ling Yao interrupted, his brow furrowed, but his tone remarkably firm. "I know the risks. That's why I came to you. I don't trust anyone else." He looked at Xiao Chen with a rare pleading look in his eyes. "He's very important to me... I don't want to miss this moment. Please, Xiao Chen, help me think of a way to ensure his safety. No one can find out."

Xiao Chen saw the undeniable seriousness in Ling Yao's eyes, knowing full well that once this usually stern captain made up his mind, nothing could change it. He sighed, scratched his head, and quickly got back to work. "Tickets are easy. The backstage area is crowded, so I won't stand out among the staff and media. The key is travel and accommodation..."

He pondered for a moment and said quickly, "How about this? I'll pick him up in person that day, using the company's spare car to keep a low profile. We can't book a hotel near the event venue; it's full of fans and paparazzi. I'll find a high-end hotel with strict security and good privacy, far from the venue. It doesn't matter. I'll be in charge of transportation."

Ling Yao listened carefully, nodded, and added: "You must not use his information when booking a room in your name." "Choose the best suite in the hotel, on a higher floor, and one that is quieter. He likes quiet. The expenses should be paid from my personal account, not the company's account." He wanted to give Su Rui the best, but he must not leave any clues.

"Understood." Xiao Chen took note. "I'll also plan the route for that day in advance, avoiding all possible fan gathering spots and media outlets. Don't worry, as long as he tries not to act alone, there shouldn't be any problems."

"Thank you." Ling Yao breathed a sigh of relief and patted Xiao Chen's shoulder heavily. "I'll remember this favor."

"Ah, why are you being so polite to me?" Xiao Chen shook his head, his face filled with worry, but he couldn't bear to refuse. "You... you better be careful too. Manage your expression properly, and don't keep glancing in that direction when you're at the scene."

"I know." Ling Yao nodded, his eyes becoming sharp and calm again, "I will pay attention."

Only after all this was arranged did Ling Yao finally feel relieved. He returned to his room, picked up his phone again, and sent a message to Su Rui, his tone much more relaxed: "Tickets and accommodation are all taken care of. Someone will contact you to pick you up when the time comes. Don't worry, everything is arranged. Just come."

Su Rui quickly replied: [Okay! I will be careful and not cause you any trouble.]

Putting his phone down, Ling Yao walked to the window and gazed at the dazzling nightscape of Country J. The tension and anticipation of the awards ceremony remained, but now, there was a hidden, warm anticipation. He knew the road ahead was fraught with danger, but he was willing to take the risk, just to reserve a unique place for the most important person in the starry sky that belonged to him.