Chapter 5: The Encounter

The bustling city streets of Manila came alive under the afternoon sun as Wei Xai Yuu walked toward her favorite bookstore. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she clutched the folder Ian had handed her the day before. Yuki Hamamatsu’s name being tied to Black Lotus was troubling. But what troubled her more was how little she knew about him.

The bookstore provided her a momentary refuge. The smell of aged paper and fresh coffee wrapped around her like a comforting blanket as she browsed the aisles.

“Excuse me,” a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

Wei turned to see a tall, striking figure standing a few feet away. His sharp features, jet-black hair, and intense eyes immediately stood out.

“Yuki Hamamatsu,” he introduced himself with a small smile, extending his hand.

Wei’s breath caught in her throat. Of all the places… “Wei Xai Yuu,” she replied cautiously, shaking his hand.

“I know,” Yuki said, his gaze unwavering.

Wei frowned slightly. “You know who I am?”

Yuki’s smile deepened. “You could say your reputation precedes you.”

Her mind raced. Why was Yuki here, and why was he suddenly so interested in her? She decided to play along, masking her suspicion with polite curiosity. “And what brings you to Manila, Mr. Hamamatsu?”

“Business,” he said simply, picking up a book from the shelf. “But I’m hoping to enjoy my time here as well. Maybe even make some interesting acquaintances.”

Wei smirked faintly, though her guard remained up. “Good luck with that.”

“Thank you,” Yuki replied, his tone smooth. “But something tells me I’ve already found one.”

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Tian Ling’s Arrival

At the same time, a private jet landed at Manila International Airport. Tian Ling stepped out, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. The humid air hit him, but he didn’t seem fazed. His mind was focused on one thing: finding Empress.

As his car sped toward the city, Tian reviewed the latest updates from his team. His sources confirmed that Empress was connected to the university Wei attended. But what he didn’t expect was the connection she had with Yuki Hamamatsu.

A rivalry stirred within him. “So, Yuki’s involved too,” Tian murmured, his eyes narrowing. “This just got interesting.”

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At the Café: Kurt, Leo, and Ian

Wei’s absence didn’t go unnoticed. Kurt sat at their usual table in the café, glancing at the door every few minutes. Leo was there too, fiddling nervously with his coffee cup, while Ian sipped his espresso in silence.

“She’s been busy lately,” Kurt muttered, trying to sound casual.

Leo nodded. “She’s always busy. But… do you think something’s wrong?”

Ian set down his cup, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Wei’s always had her secrets. If she wants us to know, she’ll tell us.”

Kurt frowned, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah, but still… I don’t like it. What if she’s in trouble?”

“She can handle herself,” Ian said firmly, though a flicker of worry crossed his face. “She’s stronger than all of us combined.”

Leo hesitated before adding, “Maybe we should do something to help her.”

Kurt sighed, running a hand through his hair. “The problem is, we don’t even know what’s going on.”

The three of them exchanged a look, unspoken concern lingering between them.

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A Night to Remember

Later that evening, Wei found herself invited to a high-profile gala in the heart of the city. She had initially planned to decline, but the opportunity to gather more intel on Yuki and possibly Tian Ling was too tempting to pass up.

Dressed in a sleek black gown, she blended seamlessly with the crowd, her every move calculated.

She spotted Yuki first. He stood near the bar, exuding an air of confidence that drew attention. His sharp suit and commanding presence made him impossible to ignore.

Their eyes met, and he raised his glass in acknowledgment, his lips curling into a smirk.

Before she could approach, a voice spoke behind her.

“Stunning as always.”

Wei turned to see Tian Ling, his presence just as commanding as Yuki’s. His dark eyes held a hint of mischief as he offered her a glass of champagne.

“Tian Ling,” she said smoothly, accepting the glass. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“And I didn’t expect to see you,” Tian replied, his tone light but his gaze piercing. “But then again, surprises seem to be your specialty.”

Wei smirked, raising her glass to her lips. “I could say the same about you.”

From across the room, Yuki watched the interaction, his jaw tightening. He downed the rest of his drink and began walking toward them.

The tension in the air was palpable as Yuki reached them, his towering figure casting a shadow over both Wei and Tian.

“Yuu,” Yuki said smoothly, ignoring Tian entirely. “Care for a dance?”

Wei raised an eyebrow, amused by the brewing rivalry. “Why not?”

She placed her hand in Yuki’s, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.

Tian watched them go, his jaw clenching. This wasn’t over.

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Closing Scene

As the night wore on, Wei’s mind remained sharp. The gala was a web of connections and secrets, and she was determined to untangle it.

But as she danced with Yuki, her thoughts strayed to Tian, Kurt, Leo, and Ian. Each of them was connected to her in ways she couldn’t ignore, and each of them had their own motives.

She was caught in a game of shadows and secrets, and the stakes were higher than ever.

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