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Lin Xian, composed as ever, glanced over at Zhao Ying Jun. “Is this meant for me?”

“Yes,” she responded, her earrings catching the light and sparkling. A playful glimmer lit her eyes. “Are you surprised?”

“A little,” Lin Xian acknowledged, stepping forward to retrieve the invitation. Upon touching it, he realized something was off. This wasn’t a standard Genius Club invite like Zhao Ying Jun’s; this one felt more opulent, crafted from something beyond mere cardstock.

He examined the embossed seal closely, quickly recognizing the prestigious name: Donghai Chamber of Commerce.

“I didn’t expect Chu Shan He to send you an invite,” Zhao Ying Jun mused, leaning back in her chair and resting her chin on her clasped hands. “Their New Year’s Gala is quite the event, normally exclusive to chamber members.”

“Well, it’s not strictly limited. Chu Shan He does extend invites to a select few social leaders and influential figures around Donghai. It’s his event, after all; he has the freedom to invite whomever he pleases. But you getting one…” She paused, smiling wryly. “I’m puzzled. Do you have some sort of personal connection with Chu Shan He?”

“Not at all,” Lin Xian replied, equally baffled. Why would Chu Shan He invite him? He wasn’t a chamber member, a renowned figure, nor did he have any personal ties to Chu Shan He. Their only interaction had been a brief encounter at an MX company event, a mere formality due to Zhao Ying Jun. Such a minor exchange couldn’t possibly warrant an invite.

It surely couldn’t be linked to his recent escapade on the overpass. Lin Xian dismissed the notion. Chu Shan He wouldn’t extend an invite over such a trivial matter.

“I’m at a loss,” Lin Xian admitted, shaking his head. “Could it possibly be related to you?”

“Unlikely. What are you thinking, Lin Xian?” Zhao Ying Jun laughed lightly. “I don’t wield any influence over Chu Shan He.”

“But it is definitely intended for you. This afternoon, someone from the Shan He Group delivered my invite and specifically handed over this one for you.”

“Open it,” she encouraged him.

Breaking the wax seal, Lin Xian unfolded the invitation. It was formally worded, providing the specifics of the Donghai Chamber of Commerce’s New Year Gala at Chu Shan He’s private club, scheduled for 7 PM the day after tomorrow. His name was prominently displayed in bold, calligraphic strokes, though he couldn’t confirm if it was Chu Shan He’s own handwriting.

“Quite elaborate,” Lin Xian commented, closing the invitation. He wasn’t inclined to attend. Events like these didn’t interest him, and as an internal gathering, he’d likely feel out of place. Nevertheless, he had cultivated an image of ambition for Zhao Ying Jun’s sake—a refusal might conflict with that persona.

“Since it’s from Chu Shan He, it would be impolite to decline,” he concluded, waving the invitation lightly. “And I happen to be free that evening.”

Zhao Ying Jun nodded in agreement. “Rubbing shoulders with such prominent figures could be advantageous for your career.”

“Then I’ll see you at the gala.”

Bang.

The heavy security doors to Zhao Ying Jun’s office closed with a thud as Lin Xian exited. He frowned, pondering why Zhao Ying Jun hadn’t yet announced his new role as her secretary. With the New Year fast approaching, would he have to wait until after the holidays to see the Genius Club invite?

“Probably not,” he reassured himself. Zhao Ying Jun was known for her decisiveness and efficiency. A decision would likely be enacted swiftly.

Ding—

The elevator doors slid open…

Meanwhile, in a lakeside villa on the outskirts of Donghai, aged, wrinkled hands pushed open an ornate redwood door. Inside, a pale young man sat by a floor-to-ceiling window under the moonlight, his figure haloed by the eerie blue glow from his laptop screen, rendering him almost statue-like.

“…” The elderly man sighed deeply at the scene. “This cat-and-mouse game you’re playing is futile. You’ve won, Ji Lin—completely. But a cat can’t catch a mouse that won’t leave its hole. Mice live brief lives. Do you plan to outlast the cat? Or are you waiting for me to pass before you go outside?”

“Perfect timing, Pride,” Ji Lin remarked without looking up from his screen. “I need your help.”

“What for?”

“I need an invite to the Donghai Chamber of Commerce’s New Year Gala. Do you know their president, Chu Shan He?”

Pride shook his head dismissively. “That upstart… doesn’t capture my interest.”

“Don’t underestimate him, Pride. Didn’t you begin your ascent in Donghai?”

“True, but by the time I made my mark, Chu Shan He was still a youngster. We operate on different levels.”

“Regardless, I need that gala invite.”

“That’s easy enough,” Pride responded nonchalantly. “It’s just an invite. Consider it done.”

“So, you’re finally prepared to confront the cat?” Pride asked, a smile creeping across his face.

“Something like that,” Ji Lin affirmed, setting aside his mouse and stretching. “It’s time I made a public appearance.”

“Good,” Pride nodded, satisfied. “I can leave Donghai with a clear conscience. I might be away for several months. I’m hoping for good news upon my return.”

“Why so long?” Ji Lin questioned, glancing up. “Heading back to Brooklyn?”

Pride nodded. “It’s the New Year. I need to visit Brooklyn, but there are other matters to address. The fallout from Xu Yun’s research has been extensive… much remains to be done.”

“You’ve always had a fondness for Brooklyn,” Ji Lin observed.

“I have old friends there,” Pride admitted, tipping his hat. “I owe them my respects.”

“For as long as I can remember, you’ve visited Brooklyn every year at this time,” Ji Lin noted.

“Indeed,” Pride’s voice softened, tinged with age and melancholy. “Since the summer of 1952. It’s been many years.”

“I can barely remember their faces, but the memories of our time together remain vivid, as if it were just yesterday.”

Ji Lin noted the wistfulness in Pride’s tone. “You seldom talk about friends. I assumed Xu Yun was your only one.”

“Everyone needs friends, Ji Lin, even you,” Pride said, opening the door to leave. Warm yellow light from the courtyard enveloped him as a black-suited driver waited by a running Lincoln, signaling the brief nature of Pride’s visit.

“One last thing,” Pride turned back, his silhouette framed by the golden glow. “I’ve asked Envy to assist you in my absence.”

“Assist or supervise?” Ji Lin inquired.

“Assist, Ji Lin. Despite my grumblings, you’ve earned my approval.”

“Appreciate the endorsement,” Ji Lin said, placing a Rhine Cat plush on the desk and facing the door. “But could you send someone else? I’m not fond of Envy.”

“That’s good,” Pride chuckled. “Envy isn’t fond of you either. But it’s your job to get along.”

Ji Lin yawned and scratched his head. “So, when is Envy arriving?”

“Not now,” Pride replied. “Envy will join you after the New Year.”

“After the New Year?” Ji Lin laughed. “Our evil organization takes holidays?”

“If only you showed such enthusiasm more often, Ji Lin,” Pride commented, stepping out. “Envy is home for a class reunion.”

With a dry, wrinkled hand, Pride closed the door behind him.