Chapter 37: Time To Go

Zhao Yingyue stood by the front door with a new additional suitcase and bookbag in addition to the other luggage that she had brought with her.

She hadn't expected to need more stuff for the trip but apparently everything that had been displayed in the closet was also going with them. She knew that the clothes were for her but somehow didn't realize that they would be coming with her. They'd even added the things she'd stuffed in the duffel bag to the new suitcase.

They had actually kept her suitcase with her computer here so that they could set it up and leave it for when she came back. At the dorms, they already had a new up-to-date setup waiting for her so there was no need for her to bring her own.

In her bookbag, she had her gaming laptop and a few other electronics along with a book and some other knick-knacks.

After they had made sure they had everything ready to go, the couple had gone downstairs to eat breakfast where Hua Mengyao was surprisingly not waiting. They had expected her to spend their last moments together and try to convince them to stay longer again.

Now that they were standing at the door ready to go, Zhao Yingyue couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic at the feeling of knowing they'd leave soon. She really had thought the small amount of time that she spent there made it another home in her heart.

Zhao Yingyue, who had still been flustered from the embarrassment that she'd suffered at the hand of her husband, had avoided looking at or speaking to all morning after that.

Now, they would be stuck travelling together for the next few hours! The flight from Shanghai, where they lived, to Shenzhen would be almost three hours! Not to mention the car ride to the airport, which was unfortunately a distance away from them.

When she peeked over at Liu Haoyu, he'd brushed his hair back and placed sunglasses on.

'That's right. We'll be in front of people.'

Zhao Yingyue was dressed up in a way to hide her appearance as well. She wore black sweatpants along with a black and white jacket sports jacket and black beanie. Inside the beanie, her hair was tucked away out of sight. Inside one of her jacket pockets was also the black mask she used when she paraded around as Luna.

Before they stepped out of the car at the airport, she was to put the mask on. It was all so surreal to her. This was the first time she was going anywhere as "Luna".

"Do we really need to take these types of precautions? Can't we just go around back through the VIP entrance?"

Liu Haoyu shook his head as he peered over at her with concern in his eyes. Today was the first day they would be travelling as teammates. Because people always got their hands on his itinerary somehow, they always showed up.

"Unfortunately, we can't ignore fans. Also, to disguise our relationship, we'll be meeting the rest of the team at the hotel they're in and head to the airport together. They will be flying with us. I'm sorry we can't just fly as ourselves, but this is the way it has to be so that we can keep our relationship under wraps. Once we get there, I'll make sure that we're able to get our alone time though. After all, we still are newlyweds."

Zhao Yingyue nodded her head and asked, "Is it really going to be alright for me to travel with you guys when I haven't revealed myself or signed the contract yet?"

Liu Haoyu laughed. "I'm the captain. I get the final say. Besides, you've already signed a contract to remain by my side forever which trumps any other contract that anyone can write up."

Liu Haoyu waited for the reaction he'd get from his wife and it didn't fail. She had tried turning away from him but he had still caught a glimpse of the embarrassed expression and how her face flushed.

He waited a few seconds before he spoke again. "Regardless, you're actually signing the contract today. The manager flew out yesterday after discovering that the entire team was here. He thought it better to be cautious so he arranged everything for today. When we get to the hotel, you will be signing the contract."

Since Liu Haoyu hadn't told the manager before flying out the rest of the team, he had been really irritated when he realized. The man had lectured him on the team image, revealing the secret, and other petty things that he already knew. Liu Haoyu loved their manager but couldn't help but roll his eyes at the man sometimes. In a way, he really was the team's dad.

Zhao Yingyue's eyes lit up at the mention of the contract signing as she turned around in excitement. All traces of embarrassment were wiped away at this reveal as if her husband hadn't teased her at all.

Liu Haoyu wasn't sure if he preferred the embarrassed or excited version of her yet. Both were just too cute! His wife truly was one of a kind.

Her voice went up a few octaves as she asked, "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes. I do have to warn you though that you will still have to walk into the hotel as 'Luna'. I guarantee you at least one of the guys have gotten spotted already so there likely will be a swarm of paparazzi and reporters—both hidden and unhidden."

Zhao Yingyue wasn't sure if she was more nervous or excited. She just knew that she was looking forward to getting on the road a lot faster.

Her mind was racing with the prospects of signing the contract and meeting the manager. She also missed the rest of the team as they had been extremely fun and welcoming before.

Her new life had already begun and this was the next big step! By the end of the day, she would officially be a member of TBQ5!

Still, she couldn't leave just yet. She still had to say bye to her new in-laws before she could leave. it would be too rude for her to leave without at least thanking them for their hospitality.

"Where's Mom and Dad?"

Liu Haoyu shrugged. "Dad is on a business trip. Mom might still be sleeping after yesterday's activities. She also could just be burrowed away because she hates goodbyes."

"Should we leave without seeing her then?"

"I didn't say that either. She'd probably kill me if she didn't get to say her farewells to you before we leave. I already have someone getting her for us."

As if on cue, the sound of quick footsteps running down the steps echoed throughout the front of the house. Not long after, Hua Mengyao stood before the couple in her nightdress with her hair messy, showing that she likely just got out of bed.

She gently pulled both of them into her arms. "You guys be safe out there! You better make sure to call me every day. And I mean it. Yingyue, don't pick up on Haoyu's bad habits, alright? Make sure you call!"

After a few seconds, she released them and put her hands on Zhao Yingyue's cheeks. Even her cheeks were so soft and smooth.

She inspected the girl's face before letting her hands fall to her sides. "Yingyue, take care of yourself. Don't come home looking like how Haoyu did on his first year. I almost couldn't recognize him with how deep his bags were! And don't let those boys poison your mind, okay?"

Zhao Yingyue obediently nodded. "Yes, Mom. It won't be long until we meet again, okay?"

Hua Mengyao nodded before looking at Liu Haoyu. She'd done this so many times with him so it was easier. "Haoyu, make sure to take care of her and yourself, too. This time, remember that you go back as a married man, okay? You have to take care of our dear Yingyue."

He nodded.

Zhao Yingyue looked at her mother-in-law's face and could compare the almost tearful nature to when someone bids a family member goodbye when they're headed to the army. The woman really did have so much care for them in her heart.

With a final look, the two finally left the house.

Waiting outside was a black SUV with a driver in the front.

Zhao Yingyue could only assume that this was because they would now be publicly moving around. If they were to show up with Liu Haoyu driving one of his personal vehicles, to the fans, it would be blatant favoritism and not very beneficial to her reputation.

They also couldn't travel too lowkey either, and at least the tinted windows would protect her face from being seen by the sneaky cameras.

A chauffeur, who had been standing outside, immediately rushed up the steps and took Zhao Yingyue's bags from her and loaded them into the car with special care. She could only assume that he was used to caring for electronics in the vehicle.

He then rushed back up to grab Liu Haoyu's bags and do the same. He'd had only a bookbag and small carry-on for himself.

While the chauffer was running rampantly, Liu Haoyu took Zhao Yingyue's hand. He'd enjoy it while it lasted. They were still out of the danger zone of getting photographed but that wouldn't last forever. Getting into the SUV, they would be a married couple.

Stepping out, they would be captain and teammate—two members of TBQ5.

For Zhao Yingyue, that first step forward felt the heaviest.