The Villain Saves The Male Lead

Fang was in heaven. Ren, Pax and Wolf had never seen him so excited. Fang was the most enthusiastic amongst them about pretty much everything - he dragged them to unusual restaurants he had dug up during his meticulous research, he found the best times to look at the tourist attractions and he perfectly managed to fit in his driving and fighting training lessons. Ren had been to Ray Country many times - but even he had no idea about a lot of places Fang took them to! Wolf, who had been designated as the local driver until Fang earned his license, was quite amused and teased Ren incessantly and praised his disciple Fang to high heavens. Even the difficult to move Pax was very impressed (and highly satisfied) with Fang's planned itinerary.

"He's a bigger monster than you," Pax told Ren. "He was born to be a CEO, I tell you, with this kind of organization skills!"

Ren looked like a proud father whose beloved child had just won a gold medal.

The two of them watched silently as Wolf and Fang did their morning exercises. Pax joined them sometimes, while Ren simply sat back on a comfy beach chair and relaxed.

Wolf had decided that the beach was the best place to train, especially since Fang had learnt to swim only recently.

Exactly three days later, Fang successfully passed his driving exam and earned himself an international driving license.

"Ren hates driving, so he'll probably make you drive him around whenever you two go on a holiday...and until you're old enough to drive everywhere, I'm afraid he'll insist on visiting only those countries where you'll be allowed to drive," Pax warned Fang.

Fang beamed at Ren. "I'll be happy to drive you wherever you want!" he promised.

Ren chuckled and rubbed Fang's head, finding him to be a little taller yet again. The boy seemed to be growing everyday!

"I'll hold you to that," he said.

Fang nodded happily. "Now we have some extra time in the next four days," he told Ren. "Could we... visit somewhere a little farther away instead of the museum tomorrow, and go to the museum the day after instead in the slot I kept for my driving lessons...?"

"Of course," Ren said. "You're the boss. Where do you want to go?"

Fang flushed. "Could I keep it a secret...?"

Ren was very curious, but let Fang have his way. Fang was supposed to take over the driving from tomorrow anyway.

Naturally, with the heaven defying talent of the Male Lead, Fang's driving was impeccable. The four men set out after an early breakfast and Fang drove them to a small mountain village.

Fang parked the car at the foot of a small hill. "There's a local temple on the hill... we'll have to climb," he told the others.

"I don't want to," Ren said immediately, being the lazy bum he was. "Can't we go elsewhere?"

Fang wilted visibly. "Sorry, I..."

Pax clipped Ren on the head. "You're supposed to be exercising your legs," he told Ren irritably. "Besides, have you even seen the temple Fang wants to go to?"

Fang's expression already made Ren feel a twinge of guilt.

"Haven't seen it," he murmured and got out of the car. He hooked his arm around Fang's and asked curiously. "What's this place? Why did you want to come to this temple?"

Fang blushed. "It is a temple dedicated to the local goddess of love. There's a legend here which says that the couples who come here to pray together are bound by the red string of fate for seven lifetimes. They become soulmates and blessed with happiness in their romantic lives." He looked at Wolf and Pax. "For single persons, it is said that within three months of praying at this temple, they meet their fated lovers."

Wolf, who had recently broken up with his ferocious girlfriend, was quite eager to climb up the hill after hearing that.

Pax didn't particularly care...and neither did Ren. But Ren saw how much it meant to Fang to visit the temple, so he held Fang's hand and they walked up together at a leisurely place.

The temple was small but very clean and well maintained. The local priests were quite impressed with Fang's detailed knowledge and showered blessings upon the young couple.

The panoramic view from the top of the hill was also quite beautiful. Ren and Fang walked around, taking in the sights (and Fang clicking away with his camera). After one full round, they found a bench to sit on, while Wolf dragged Pax off to buy some romance charms.

"Are you still determined to leave this world?" a soft voice spoke, startling the young couple.

An old fortune teller approached Ren and Fang. He pointed at Ren. "You. Do you still want to leave this world?" he repeated.

Fang's face lost all colour and he stared at Ren desperately.

Ren looked at the old fortune teller curiously. "Do you have a way?" he asked.

"Perhaps," the old man said.

"Can I bring someone with me?" Ren asked, taking Fang's hand.

The old man shook his head.

"Then no," Ren said firmly. "I want to live here, with Fang."

Some colour returned to Fang's face.

The old man turned to Fang. "And you? What about you? Not so long ago, you didn't wish to live in this world either, didn't you?"

Fang bit his lip and nodded. He grasped Ren's hand tightly. "But now I don't want to die anymore. I want to live and spend a long lifetime with Ren," he whispered.

The old man laughed. "You make a nice couple. The goddess will bless you and grant you happiness." He spoke in a mild, gentle voice.

"Thank you," Ren and Fang said together, looking at the old man gratefully.

The old man disappeared before they could pay him anything. Fang asked the other priests, but no one seemed to know the man!