It was supposed to be just another event.
A variety show taping. Light banter. Celebrity games. A charity cooking segment.
Lina arrived prepared for harmless fun and some subtle brand reinforcement.
She did not expect to find Alec Wei standing across the room, sunglasses on indoors, surrounded by assistants and still managing to look like he didn't want to be there.
Actor. Philanthropist. Heir to an entertainment empire. The kind of charming chaos that could ruin lives by accident.
And currently, her co-guest.
Sora practically gasped. "That's Alec. Actual Alec. The one whose dramas hit a billion views in two days."
"I know who he is," Lina muttered.
"He's dangerous."
"I know."
"And gorgeous."
"…Unfortunately."
Their first scene together was supposed to be harmless: paired up to make dumplings for charity while answering fan questions.
Alec leaned close the moment the cameras started rolling.
"So you're the one Kael's actually paying attention to."
Lina glanced at him. "Is that a question?"
"No," Alec said. "It's a warning."
"Then you should work on your delivery. That sounded like flirting."
He laughed—a real, rich sound. "You're sharper than I expected."
"Not sharp. Just tired of being underestimated."
The host, delighted by their chemistry, leaned into it hard.
"Now this is fun," he grinned. "Have you two ever worked together before?"
Alec answered smoothly. "No, but I wouldn't mind a reunion. Preferably in something romantic. Or tragic. I'm flexible."
Lina raised a brow. "I'm allergic to melodrama."
"You're in the entertainment industry."
"I didn't say I was smart."
The crowd loved it.
Later, backstage, Alec found her alone sipping tea.
He leaned against the wall, arms folded. "You're good."
"You're better."
He smirked. "Kael's not going to like me."
"You care?"
"No," he said easily. "But he will."
Lina met his gaze head-on. "If you're here to stir trouble, you'll get bored fast."
"Who said I want trouble?"
"You did. Every second since you walked in."
Another long beat of silence passed.
Then Alec's tone dropped—calmer, quieter.
"Seriously. Be careful with him."
Lina's fingers tightened around her cup. "Kael?"
"He's not just powerful. He's… complicated. And he has enemies who aren't above using you."
She blinked.
Alec shrugged. "I've seen it before. Power attracts knives. Fame attracts masks."
"And what do you attract?"
"Trouble," he said. "But at least I don't pretend otherwise."
Later that night, Kael called.
"I saw the teaser clip," he said, voice calm.
"Oh?"
"You and Alec were… entertaining."
"He was mostly performing."
Kael's voice dropped half a note. "And when he warned you?"
Lina froze. "You heard that?"
"Every mic in that room was hot. I told you—eyes are always on you now."
"Then I'll wear armor," she said.
He was quiet.
Then: "You already do."
[System Update:Affinity Path Unlocked – Alec Wei]
Tag: Trickster / Guardian / Rival Potential
Current Level: 1.0 / 5
New Dynamic Established: Triangular Variables Detected
System Note: This path may lead to growth—or destruction. Choose wisely.