"Your music was absolutely stunning," Anthony Chen continued, shaking Brett's hand.

Brett's heartbeat raced. Brett glanced frantically at Eddy from the corner of his eyes. Eddy was still surrounded by swarms of people.

"We can go to the private lounge, shall we?" Brett's father led his wife, Anthony, and Brett to the secluded room. Brett followed, unable to deny.

"For Brett, my wonderful son."

They sat down in the lounge and toasted with red wine. Brett took a small sip, eyeing Anthony fiercely.

This was the man Eddy talked about. This was the man Eddy ran away from, from violence and neglect.

Brett's nervousness turned to boiling anger. Brett was going to make him regret his choice of being so cruel to his own son, making revenge for Eddy.

"So, what did you think about the student who won first place?"

Brett cocked his head sideways, asking Anthony.

"That student ... Eddy Chen." Brett slowly spoke out Eddy's full name.

Their eyes met for a split second.

Yes, that is your son. That young soul that is talented enough to be the part of a better history. Now that you see him so successful, aren't you regretting your choice now?

Anthony took a sip of his wine.

"His performance...was unique."

"It was excellent." Brett gritted his teeth.

Just admit it that you're salty. You lost that gifted mind in your family because of your stupidity and beastly action.

"But he's just another dirty dog from the street."

Brett's mind was cut off from his angry train of thoughts. He looked up at Anthony with disbelief.

"What-no. He...he's a genius!"

"Just another smart pet who learned some good tricks."

Anthony drank the rest of his wine and smiled at Brett slyly.

"These commoners are exactly like stray dogs. They are never satisfied, they run away-"

Brett's eyes widened.

"-and give you trouble even after many many years. No dignity, grace, loyalty whatsoever. I don't believe in their music - it's an utter disgrace to pure art."

Anthony took another glass of wine and eyed Brett with such intensity, eyes ready to hunt its prey.

"As an aristocrat yourself, Mr. Yang, what do you think?"

Brett had only one thought in his mind now.

He cannot let Eddy see this guy tonight.

.

.

Brett realized he has completely underestimated Anthony.

Brett excused himself out of the room, letting his father and Anthony talk business. Brett stumbled out to the hall, looking for Eddy. Brett didn't understand why his eyes were getting all red.

And he told Eddy that he will be safe with him.

How humiliating.

Brett could hear a loud toast from the second floor and he headed straight to the stair.

This was a great night for Eddy. Brett couldn't let this guy destroy it. Brett will take Eddy to the dormitory, NOW.

"Hey, Brett. Congratulation!"

Julia turned to Brett as he walked up to the second floor.

"Thanks, Julia. Quick question...where is Eddy?"

"Oh, he just went to the restroom. He'll be right back."

Brett ran to the restroom, leaving Julia puzzled. He swung open the door to find Eddy washing his hands.

"Brett! I was about to go find you but there were too many people -"

Then, noticing Brett's stressed looks and teary eyes, Eddy's tone instantly changed to concern.

"What is it? Everything alright?"

Brett looked up at Eddy.

No, how can he tell Eddy? That the father that traumatized him years ago still do not give a fuck? That your father just saw the performance and insulted your music like it was a piece of shit? That he tried to get back to Anthony but failed so hard?

No, he cannot discolor tonight like that.

"Eddy... I was... I want to go back to the dormitory with you."

Eddy raised his eyebrows, puzzled.

"Why so soon?"

"I'm not feeling very well."

Eddy gripped Brett's shoulder and stared at Brett's eyes hard. Brett was lying, and Eddy could tell.

"What is your problem? Are you mad that I got the first place instead of you?"

"Of course not! What the hell, Eddy-"

"Then tell me the truth. Why are you acting so weird?"

Then Brett heard his father's voice outside the restroom talking to Anthony-

"I like the new plan of enhancing the code..."

Then the restroom door began to open slowly.

Shit.

Brett grabbed Eddy by the shoulder and slammed him into one of the stalls. Brett immediately locked the door behind them.

"What the fuck - Brett -"

Brett closed Eddy's protesting mouth with his lips, sealing his words.

"But the budget seems to be a little tight-"

Brett could hear his father's voice outside the stall, turning the facet on.

Eddy was confused. Sitting at the stall, Eddy reluctantly kissed Brett back.

Brett held up his hands to cover Eddy's ears while kissing him, in hopes of concealing the voices outside if Anthony begins talking.

Just concentrate on me, Eddy.

"This was why you wanted to go back to the dormitory?"

Eddy whispered in Brett's ears, chuckling. Meanwhile, Brett was concentrating all his nerves on the outside of the stall. He could hear his father opening the door for exit.

"What was the name of the boy who got the first place again?"

Brett could hear his father's voice.

Almost, almost.

"Eddy Chen."

The voice contained a hint of disgust as Anthony spit out the name and walked outside the restroom.

Eddy's eyes flung open at the voice.

His early years instinctively knew when that voice called his name.

Eddy's eyes filled with horror as they met with Brett's. Brett realized all his attempts were futile as Eddy stopped kissing and managed to utter out a single word -

"...father."