"Miron." Moment Jun heard this name his fist clenched in anger. He always had an inclination to cause undisputed harm to this so called man.

Keeping up the impassive facade Jun asked, "Miron; who?"

As expected there was undeniable silence at the other end. Moron hadn't expected this reply.

"Xian's boyfriend."

The challenge was evident and Jun had the perfect answer, "Oh! Now I remember Xian did mention about his ex. Aren't you an Ex Boyfriend?"

'Wei Ying, you deserve much better than this assh*le.' Jun couldn't tame down eeriness of this call.

"Is that what he said?" Moron was cockiness was evident. "He's still my boyfriend. We're very much together. And if you want-" there was a long pause and then he added, "There. I sent you a proof. After this call watch it. Mr. Lan, do not believe everything Xian tells you. He can be manipulative."

'There is no way in this world where I won't believe my Wei Ying.' Jun wanted to get away from this disgusting piece of shit.

"Get to the point. What is it you want from me?"

"Meet me tomorrow at Mangroves Plaza by noon. I will be waiting for you outside Freddy's Cafe and come alone." Jun could feel a dark aura being emitted from Miron.

"Why do you wish to see me? How can I be of any assist to you?"

"Mr. Lan; you are the only person of interest with whom I need to meet. Don't keep me waiting." With that the call was cancelled and Jun was seething from within.

A small video clip caught his attention and when he opened the clip, his world came to a standstill. It was a video of Miron and Xian kissing eachother. By the angle from which is was taken, it seemed Xian wasn't aware he was being filmed.

'This fucker!!!' Jun wanted to roar in anger, but he knew if Wei Ying was to find out about this clip, it would be disastrous. Thus, reining his anger Jun took few deep breaths and made necessary arrangements for next day. Mangrove Plaza was closer to the arena they had their match few days ago. Whatever Miron had planned, Jun had to play his card carefully.

If that man ever caught onto what Wei Ying meant to Jun, he would use it as a leverage and that was something Jun would never be able to tolerate.

Upon checking the clock, Jun realised it was beyond midnight and his Wei Ying would have already gone off to bed. The eeriness from before hadn't waned and with each passing time, he became more desparate to spend few more seconds with Wei Ying. What would entail tomorrow; Jun wasn't sure, but at this moment he needed his Ice.

Making way into Wei Ying's bedroom, Jun was glad to find the other man sound asleep. 'If I can protect you from all harms my Wei Ying, I will make sure nothing ever troubles you again.'

Joining Ice on the bed, Jun covered them with thick blanket; and just when he was to close his eyes, Wei Ying turned in his arms and snuggled into his body. This act caught Jun by pleasent surprise as he experienced Ice's implicit trust on him.

"You're cold."

Wei Ying buried his nose against Jun's neck which made him smile. Softly caressing the younger man's hair Jun enquired, "Not feeling sleepy?"

"I am; but you weren't there to share my bed and that made me feel very lonely." Though this statement was innocent, but the impact it had on Jun was tremendous.

"Is everything alright? You suddenly went quiet!" At Wei Ying's deduction, Jun smiled and whispered, "Everything is alright. Just received a call from the company which manufactures uniform for the kids whom I coach. They had some mix-up. Would have to travel to the city."

Hearing this, Wei Ying opened his eyes and casted his gaze on Jun. As their eyes met all Jun could think was; 'Sorry for having lied Wei Ying. I cannot let you know the truth for now. Forgive me.'

"When will you be back?"

"If everything works out well then I will stay back with brother and meet uncle Ren tomorrow. Should be back the day after."

"Oh!"

Jun could not stop himself from teasing Wei Ying, "Why do you sound so dejected? Going to miss me?"

Rolling his eyes Wei Ying smirked, "Miss who? You? Nah! I am just going to miss my portable heater."

At Wei Ying's comment, Jun started laughing loudly. It was good to laugh. With Wei Ying, he could always be at ease.

"I will be back before you know it."

That night as they slept, Azure wasn't aware but Xian had placed a softest kiss on his cheeks. Xian knew there was something troubling Azure. Whatever is was, he hoped with all his heart Azure should find peace.

It was before dawn when Jun was all ready to leave for the day. Crouching down to his beloved Sahara's level Jun whispered, "I am entrusting Wei Ying's life with you. Protect him and the others well. If there is someone I can count on with my life, it's you and Wei Ying is my..." Jun touched Sahara's forehead with his own.

It was as if she understood the implications of the task. She was a protector and a good one. Her eyes instantly looked guarded and with a kiss between her brows Jun nodded and left them all.

The drive towards the Mangrove Plaza was quiet. His mind couldn't form any plans, except with main moto he had to remain impassive. If the need arises, he had to even portray that Wei Ying meant nothing to him.

Wei Ying... It was then Jun realised he now started associating Ice as Wei Ying... His Wei Ying... 'If one day I could reveal how long I have searched for you; how scared I was of never having a chance to meet you... Would you think I'm insane?'

Parking his car Jun got out and made way towards the Cafe. Dressed in light shirt and jeans; his pair of Converse spoke loudly as to how casual he is; and thought Miron was insignificant. With his Wayfarer on him, Jun spotted Miron the moment he entered the Cafe. It was busy, yet not crowded.

The assh*le raised his hand to gesture Jun to join him at the table. It was a secluded booth facing away from the window.

'Is he under some assumption we're meeting for brunch?' Jun's mouth was tight as he walked to where Miron was sitting.

"Mr. Lan; I knew you would come." He stood to shake Jun's hand, but the later dismissed the greetings and sat opposite to Miron. With legs crossed Jun was least interested in making small talks. "I am a busy man Miron. Get to the point."

Miron on other hand seemed to be enjoying the interaction. "I saw Xian and you together leaving the arena after our match. At first I wasn't aware of who you were, but with little digging here and there I could easily find out that the mysterious person is you. Which got me into thinking, why were you with him?"

Jun had no reason to answer so he kept his lips sealed.

"Well the reason maybe whatever, I am least interested in that, what I need from you is-" Miron leaned forward and grinned; "Ask Xian to retire for good before next game." Miron leaned back and acted as if it was a done deal.

Jun couldn't control his laughter. "You called me all the way here to say this? Why do you think Mr. Wei would even listen to what I have to say?"

"Because..." The word was dragged and Jun did not like the feeling; "You're the only one who can convince him to quit. We want him gone. Gone for good. If he retires quietly, he'll still have in integrity."

The fuck!?

Miron knew Jun wasn't having any. Fishing out his phone he pulled out a video and placed the device in front of Jun and played it. If the day prior had Xian kissing Miron, then this video was the worst. It was a sex-tape. No, not a sex-tape but video of them all..."

Jun's nails pierced his palm and he clenched them tight so as to not give away his composure and beat the fuck out of Miron.
All their faces were morphed. It was shot in an angle that would depict orgy than assault. It was only Xian's face that was ever so prominent.

'Wei Ying!' Jun's heart shattered for the man.

"I will release this video and as you can see by Xian's expression, he will be condemned forever, Mr. Lan."

Raising his eyes Jun met Miron's squarely and asked, "Why this blackmail? I assumed you said he was your boyfriend?"

'Keep calm Jun.'

"He's a complicated man, Mr. Lan. One would think he's an easy lover, but the truth is far from it." Taking a bite of his cake, Miron smiled, "Not once in our relationship, did Xian ever sleep with me."

Jun wasn't able to process the information. 'Was Wei Ying a virgin when they...'

"Man has needs Mr. Lan. I just wanted Xian to feel my hunger too. And contrary to what he felt, he did enjoy that night." The smirk on Miron's lips grew. "He came the entire night. Multiple times. He's a whore Mr. Lan."

Fuck!

Jun watched Miron pocket his phone and leave the booth. He was about to curse out when Miron turned and smiled vengefully, "I'll give you time until tomorrow evening to convince Xian. If not, that video will be released. Have a good day Mr. Lan."

Jun remembered the words of his brother. If there is one more scandal against Xian, his career as an NHL player would be over.

Fuck!

It was then it struck Jun; JC's odd behaviour.

Quickly dialing JC's number, the second his phone connected and heard the latter's voice Jun enquired; "You knew, didn't you?"

JC was quiet. A moment later his voice croaked, "What are you talking about?"

Sighing deeply Jun whispered, "Miron."

The pause was visible. It was then JC's voice shook with pain, "Ye... Yes. It's... true... isn't it?" It was a rhetorical question.

Rubbing his eyes Jun asked, "I'll text you my residential address. Can you drive Xian to my house? Get Sahara with you. I'll inform Mr. and Ms. Lee about the change of plan."

"Okay..."

"Also if possible make up some story to get Xian here."

"Did something happen-"

"Don't worry JC. Nothing will happen."

There was another pause and JC sighed, "We'll be there."

The call ended and Jun dialled yet another number. The voice at the other end was warm and well known.

"Ji."

Jun was surprised to hear his voice. It had been way too long.

"Christian."

"How are you Ji?"

"At the moment not too good."

The voice at the other end became alert as he asked, "What happened?"

"Christian, is Jeff with you?"

"Yes. He's driving. We are on our way to the city. What happened Ji?"

"Can you two come by my house? I know it's on such short notice and you two are -"

"You need us. We'll be there. End of story Ji."

"Thanks. See you soon."

The call ended and Jun glanced at the empty seat in front of him. That video cannot be released. Our society would always shame the victim.

'Miron, unfortunately for you, you and your boys chose to mess with a wrong guy. Touch my Wei Ying and I shall raze you to ground.'

With a plan in mind Jun drove back to his own house.

War Room:

In the NHL, an office in Toronto headquarters where games are viewed and reviewed.

(All characters are updated in the Character page. Please check it out.)