The Manila sun cast its golden light over the university courtyard, where Wei Xai Yuu sat on a bench under a sprawling acacia tree. A book rested in her lap, but her eyes were focused elsewhere—on the encrypted flash drive she had retrieved from the files.
She twirled it between her fingers, her mind racing with questions. Who was Specter? Why did he warn her? And what did TianLing Corp have to do with Black Lotus?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Xai,” Kurt called out, jogging over to her with a wide grin.
Wei glanced up, slipping the flash drive into her pocket. “What is it, Kurt?”
“I booked us seats at the library for that group project. Thought we could work together before class,” he said, his tone casual but his eyes hopeful.
Wei gave him a small smile. “Sure, lead the way.”
As they walked, Kurt tried to make conversation, but Wei’s responses were brief. Her mind was too preoccupied to notice the way he glanced at her, the way his steps slowed to match hers.
---
In Shanghai: Tian Ling’s Pursuit
Tian Ling leaned back in his office chair, his gaze fixed on the tablet in his hand. The progress report from his cybersecurity team showed minimal progress in tracking Empress, but it was enough to confirm one thing—she was in Manila.
He sipped his coffee, his sharp features unreadable as he tapped the screen, pulling up her encrypted messages with Specter.
“She’s bold,” he muttered, a smirk playing on his lips. “But not untouchable.”
Turning to his assistant, he issued his next order. “Arrange a business trip to Manila. I want to oversee our branch’s operations there personally.”
“Yes, Mr. Ling,” the assistant replied, bowing slightly before leaving.
Tian stood, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. If Empress thought she could outsmart him, she was in for a surprise.
---
Library Encounters: Leo and Ian
The university library was quiet, the scent of old books and fresh ink hanging in the air. Wei sat across from Kurt, her laptop open as she worked on their project.
She was so engrossed in her work that she didn’t notice Leo Zhang approaching their table.
“Hi, Wei,” Leo said softly, his hands clutching a book.
Wei looked up, surprised. “Leo. Hi.”
Kurt frowned slightly but said nothing as Leo hesitated. “I, uh, was wondering if you could help me with something.”
Wei glanced at her laptop, then back at Leo. “Sure. What do you need?”
Leo’s face lit up as he pulled out a notebook and showed her a complex set of equations. “I don’t get this part.”
Kurt leaned back, crossing his arms. “You know, we’re kind of in the middle of something.”
“It’s fine, Kurt,” Wei said, motioning for Leo to sit.
As Wei explained the equations to Leo, Kurt’s expression darkened. He tapped his pen on the table, glancing at the clock.
Before long, another figure appeared—Ian Lim, the calm and collected classmate who always seemed to exude an effortless coolness.
“Hey, Wei,” Ian greeted, his deep voice drawing attention.
Wei looked up, slightly startled. “Ian. What’s up?”
“Professor asked me to hand this to you,” Ian said, holding out a folder. “Said you’d know what to do with it.”
Wei took the folder, her curiosity piqued. “Thanks.”
Ian nodded, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than necessary. Then he turned to leave, his presence as magnetic as ever.
Kurt huffed, clearly annoyed. “Is it just me, or are you suddenly the most popular person on campus?”
Wei smirked. “Jealous, Kurt?”
Kurt opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it, shaking his head with a grin. “Not at all. Just wondering how I’m supposed to compete.”
---
Yuki’s Arrival in Manila
Thousands of miles away, a private jet touched down on the tarmac of Manila International Airport. Yuki Hamamatsu stepped off the plane, his tall frame commanding attention despite his casual attire.
“Sir, your car is waiting,” his assistant said, bowing slightly.
Yuki nodded, his sharp features unreadable as he slid into the sleek black car.
“Take me to the city,” he ordered, his voice calm but firm.
As the car sped through Manila’s bustling streets, Yuki stared out the window, his mind preoccupied. He had no interest in Black Lotus or TianLing Corp. His only focus was Wei Xai Yuu—the girl who had unknowingly stolen his attention.
“She doesn’t even know I exist yet,” he murmured to himself, a smirk tugging at his lips. “But she will.”
---
Closing Scene: A Sudden Revelation
That evening, Wei sat in her apartment, the folder Ian had handed her spread open on her desk. Inside were documents detailing suspicious activities tied to Black Lotus, including transactions that led to a single name—Yuki Hamamatsu.
Wei’s brow furrowed. Why was Yuki’s name on these files? Was he connected to Black Lotus, or was this a trap?
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was another message from Specter.
Specter: “The pieces are falling into place, Empress. Are you ready for what comes next?”
Wei’s lips curled into a smirk, her determination hardening.
“I’m always ready,” she muttered, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
---
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