Reason 9: Xiao Zhan's a forgiving person.

Xiao Zhan sniffed and looked away from Wang Yibo. "I've had enough, it's even you who said that it's not working out... Then why do you have to suddenly show that you care?" he whispered and at that very moment, it almost made Yibo to rush forward and give this person in front of him a tight hug. "Is it very obvious that I haven't moved on yet? Is that your reason why you keep approaching and messing with my feelings?" He laughed bitterly and Wang Yibo couldn't even bring to say anything, again. He listened and watched. That's the only thing he's good at.

Xiao Zhan wipes his tears and nose with his sleeve and said, "Let's stop fighting now, okay?"

It was Wang Yibo's turn who wanted to cry. It's not because of what Xiao Zhan has said, it was because of the pained expression he showed. Xiao Zhan gave Wang Yibo a genuine smile but filled with sadness in it.

• • •

After the incident when Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were outside the building, they never talked during work even if they saw each other, they went to their separate ways. Zheng Fanxing was assigned to another building and didn't get to see Xiao Zhan anymore. Weeks went by fast and you couldn't even tell that the opening of the Galleria was close, just a week away.

Wang Yibo is once again early and started getting himself to work. He assisted and helped others to finish things quickly. It was really close the opening and it was also time for him to lose Xiao Zhan again. He will never have a reason to come see him again.

But Wang Yibo is at least glad that the tension between then has eased and they would even exchange greetings. Even if Xiao Zhan was the one getting hurt, he was still the one who tried to break the ice and told Yibo that they should stop fighting.

It's not that the actor wasn't assuming things, Xiao Zhan is just really a forgiving person. No matter how hurt he was, in the end, he'll forgive that person. But it seems like Yibo has abused it too much, it's not like he wanted to do it- He was left with no choice. He really wanted to give himself a beating.

When Xiao Zhan arrived, others also came and it was easier to get things done. They cooperated with the work to finish things faster. Everything was honestly going pretty well and smoothly. Wang Yibo didn't even had the time to check on Zhan since he also has his own job to finish.

Hours passed and Yibo took a short break as he walked around, looking at everyone's progress. He saw Meng Mei giving Xiao Zhan some chocolates and the said man thanked her with her cheeks flushing slightly. Well, even Yibo can't stop others from falling to the artist. Then a fellow crew member approached Xiao Zhan and told him something, pointing at the direction of stall 5.

Then Yibo realized, there was a huge painting there but it was covered with a thick black cloth. He saw Xiao Zhan went to that direction by himself and before Yibo could realized, he followed soon after.

Xiao Zhan took out some paintings in different sizes and Yibo stopped on his tracks. Xiao Zhan had his back turned as he faced the huge canvas that was covered. "I've always wondered what's under that black cloth," he blurted and Yibo wanted to facepalm himself.

"It's the greatest unfinished masterpiece I-" Xiao Zhan cut off himself and faced Yibo. The artist had a slightly startled expression."Are you gonna show it to the exhibit?" Yibo asked Xiao Zhan, looking directly into his eyes. He is truly curious what's behind it. He anticipated his reply and at the same time he was nervous.

"I don't think so, it's basically unfinished."

"Do you plan on finishing it?" He asked once more.

Xiao Zhan chuckled lightly and glanced at the covered painting. "Probably not, there's not enough time left. Besides, the painting has no meaning anymore," he explained.

"Then how come it's your greatest masterpiece?" Wang Yibo questioned and Xiao Zhan gave an expression of surprise again when he heard his words. "That was before, now, I don't have tha- I mean, it's not the greatest masterpiece anymore."

They both stayed silent for a moment, feeling each others' presence."Can I see it?" Xiao Zhan immediately looked up at him and quickly said, "No."

Wang Yibo expected his answer, who was he to force Xiao Zhan to let him see what's behind that black cloth?

Wang Yibo excused himself and left Xiao Zhan with the other paintings. If Xiao Zhan doesn't want him to see it, then he won't force him.

• • •

The crew finally finished setting up the whole studio and they wanted to celebrate the party 1 day before the opening for everyone's hard work. The only things that were missing were just a bit designs for the entrance of the buildings and merchandise that can be sold by the day the studio opens.

It was getting pretty late and once again it was only Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo left in the building. But this time, Yibo didn't stay to accompany Xiao Zhan or bother him. He suddenly received a call from home. "Here are the keys to the building, make sure to lock everything." Wang Yibo said impassively and gave Xiao Zhan a set of keys.

"Yes and uh, thanks," Xiao Zhan replied as he received the keys. Wang Yibo just nodded and turned his back then left. His mind was in chaos as he made his way out. He quickly went to his motorbike and felt his phone started buzzing.

He didn't bother who was the caller since it was already obvious who it was. "What?"

"Is that how you speak to your own father?"

"Get straight to the point," he said coldly as he turned the key to his motorbike. "I can't believe you literally choose that artist to work with you! We could've recommended other outstanding artists to do the job!"

The actor gritted his teeth and replied, "He's the best artist that I know. Did you just call me for this matter? It's been weeks already."

"You have blocked our number and even changed your own! Even your manager refused to give us your new contact number. We had to blackmail him in order to get your contact," his father said angrily from the other line and Wang Yibo wants to throw his damn phone away and crush it.

"The fuck is wrong with the both of you!?" He yelled as he tightly gripped his phone. He was even shaking from too much frustration. "How dare you curse! I'm warning you Yibo. If you don't cut your ties with that disgus-"

Before his father could finish speaking, he quickly ends the call and powered off his phone. It was too damn annoying at they literaly ruined his night. Not only that night, they ruined his whole life.

• • •

The days went by fast and it was the last day at the studio, the crew prepared a not too fancy party just like they planned. Everyone brought food and drinks to share. Yibo was a bit late since he was persuaded by Fanxing to bring the painting. Even though his art skills weren't the best, he was still proud on what he painted. Forget about his damned parents, this is for the last time anyway.

He made inside the building as he held the large canvas with a white cloth covering it. He was greeted by others and he quickly returns it with a short bow. He scanned his eyes inside the lobby, looking for a certain someone and finally, he saw the artist and approached him.

"Zhan," he started and he felt his heart banging, he was actually really nervous. "This is my last and final request," Yibo knew he was pleading and it was obvioud in his face. But he can't let this moment slip by. It was his last chance. "Come early to the studio tomorrow, I have something to show you," he said softly and then excused himself afterwards.

He went to his own divider and gently settles down the canvas. Tomorrow I'll show him and explain myself.

• • •

The party ended rather early since they need to be on time for the opening of the studio tomorrow. Everyone bid farewells and went to their respected places. Yibo was ready to drive off but then he saw that Xiao Zhan was coming his way. Yibo actually thought he was seeing things.

But he wasn't, Xiao Zhan bent his knees and peeked through the window, "What type of early morning are you implying?" Xiao Zhan asked and Wang Yibo turned had a surprised look on his face, he tried to stop himself from smiling from feeling elated. "6:00 AM would be the best, the studio won't be open until 8:00 AM," Wang Yibo replied and Xiao Zhan laughed. "Is that so? What are you even hiding?" The other man teased and Wang Yibo replied with a quick, "Shameless!" He literally knew what Xiao Zhan meant and it was too damn vulgar- you can say that he didn't had sex for a while. He didn't do it with anyone else except Xiao Zhan. So it's been really long already.

There was a comfortable silence for a while between them. If only things were always like this.

"Well, I'll be going now," Xiao Zhan said, turning his back with a wave of his hand. Wang Yibo was just about to say if he can ride in his car but he stopped himself. It wasn't appropriate, he'll only end up hurting Xiao Zhan again. "Be safe," Wang Yibo whispered, it was impossible for the other man to hear since he was already a few steps away.

Then Wang Yibo too, went to his own place to have some rest.

• • •

The day of the opening of the studio finally arrived and Wang Yibo arrived at the studio rather earlier. He fixed himself and took the building keys from the guard. He opened the building and entered the vacinity.

It was a bit quiet since no one was around yet. It's 5:50 AM and Wang Yibo patiently waited for Xiao Zhan's arrival at the lobby. He knows that Xiao Zhan always arrives on time.

After minutes of waiting, it struck 6:00 AM in the morning and to his surprise, Xiao Zhan didn't arrive yet. Maybe he just got late on the way or over slept. Wang Yibo chuckled at the idea of Xiao Zhan being a heavy sleeper. Those are the rare times when he got late back in the day.

As far as Wang Yibo could remember, Xiao Zhan was the last one to leave at the building, he probably went home late. Which explains he isn't here yet.

Eventually, people from the crew came and greeted Wang Yibo. He replied with a short bow. Wang Yibo took his phone out and texted Xiao Zhan, Running late? Others are already here. The crew started checking the designs if there are any problems. Wang Yibo is still patiently waiting for Xiao Zhan's arrival.

The swords of the clock were moving rather fast and the ticking of the clock can be heard in the quiet lobby. Without noticing the time, it was already 8:00 AM, the grand opening of the exhibit and Xiao Zhan was nowhere in sight.

Wang Yibo sent another text message, Zhan, where are you? Will you arrive late?

They welcomed the visitors who entered the building and everyone got busy accommodating people. "Ah! Wang-ge, can we have a picture with you?" A petite girl asked shyly and Wang Yibo just replied with a nod.

The seconds became minutes and minutes became hours. Wang Yibo was too busy to send another message to Xiao Zhan. Why isn't he still here? He wondered but he can't even afford to call at the moment since they were too packed to entertain the visitors in the studio.

Night time eventually came and lesser people were coming. Some already left.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.

Xiao Zhan wasn't picking up and no one could contact him, he didn't even send a message as to why he wasn't present at the opening.

He said he'll come. He said he'll meet up early with Wang Yibo. He said he'll be there.

With a sigh, Wang Yibo shoved his phone inside his pocket and went back inside.

"It's sad that Zhan-ge isn't here."

"I know right, he helped a lot."

"Without him, this studio galleria wouldn't have been successful," another crew member added.

Eventually it was closing time. The galleria was a huge success and they sold a lot of tickets. Sadly, the people were asking for the artist who made the paintings. They told them he wasn't present for an unknown reason.

Slowly, everyone went home one by one. Until it was only Wang Yibo left all over again.

There was still a bit of hope shining inside him, maybe, Xiao Zhan will arrive right now and see him again for the last time.

Still waiting patiently, Wang Yibo roamed around the quiet exhibit. He never noticed the huge canvas covered with a black cloth in the center of a room. Walking closer, he noticed a small sticky note at the bottom. Remove the cover when the time is right.

It was obviously Xiao Zhan's writing. Didn't he say this piece was unfinished and no one can see it? Wang Yibo's curiosity was eating him alive but he restrained himself from pulling the cover. Xiao Zhan wouldn't want that.

If Wang Yibo was to be asked what was he going to show Xiao Zhan, well, it was his greatest masterpiece back home. And the present he never gets to give at Xiao Zhan's birthday. The portrait he painted just for Xiao Zhan. He actually spent weeks on making it. He even cancelled some of his photoshoots and acting schedules just to finish it.

Late at night, still holding on to that small hope of Xiao Zhan coming, Wang Yibo went back to the lobby and waited.

But he never came.

And yet, Wang Yibo never left the building until the next day.

---
Sorry for the typos and please do point it out! Didn't proofread again ;u;

Well, get ready with chapter 10.