Chapter 74: Gathering. If you don't come home, I'll find you.

The shop was small, with only four tables inside. The rest were set up outdoors.

The dinner rush was over, and the barbecue shop was about to close. Inside, only a female customer was tidying up, wiping tables, creating a tranquil ambiance.

From the shop's entrance, he could see the beach he visited with Lou Dongcai.

He Guan's gaze settled on Chi Yu.

He sat down across from Chi Yu, took the menu she offered, and joked, "On a company dime to chase celebrities?"

Chi Yu smiled, "I'm not the one chasing celebrities. See anything else you'd like to order?"

He Guan was puzzled, "Huh?"

As the waiter delivered Chi Yu's order, she grinned, "Surprise, it's me."

He Guan glanced at her and asked, "Did you also handle the accounts?"

Cheng Anran replied with a hum, "Mm-hm."

He Guan: "I can reimburse your travel expenses and give you a salary. Do you want it?"

Cheng Anran: "I don’t need that. Could I perhaps get an autograph instead?"

He Guan: "No."

Cheng Anran, looking disappointed, muttered, "Do you know how much your autograph sells for these days? It's virtually priceless, way more than the salary..."

He Guan chuckled, "Be that as it may, serve our pumpkin porridge first."

Cheng Anran set down the porridge, turned the store's sign to 'closed', and went outside to clear the tables. She said, "Eat more and put on some weight. You've been looking rather thin these days."

He Guan's smile seemed forced, which Chi Yu noticed. She comforted him, "Don’t worry."

His demeanor seemed to invite questions.

He Guan asked directly, "Where is he?"

Chi Yu: "At sea."

He Guan: "Is he okay?"

Chi Yu: "As far as I know, yes."

That was all she would divulge. He Guan wasn’t privy to other details, such as whether the police had contacted Lou Dongzang, or if there were undercover agents with him, similar to Chi Yu accompanying He Guan.

He Guan refrained from commenting further, taking a large gulp of his pumpkin porridge.

The past few days he'd been putting on a performance in front of Yan Xu, between drinking and staying up late, he looked rather worn out. Knowing that Lou Dongzang was alright brought some color back to his face.

Chi Yu remarked, "You've lost weight. It must have been hard."

He Guan wiped his mouth, "It wasn't so bad. We haven't achieved much yet."

Chi Yu: "From what I know, there's a party this Sunday."

He Guan: "On the cruise? The one from last time?"

Chi Yu: "No, at a hotel. I think it’s just a preliminary screening."

He Guan: "Are you sure we'll be invited?"

Chi Yu placed a slice of beef on the grill and said, "I'm not certain. But don't you have an invitation from your nephew or something?"

The sudden mention of 'nephew' left He Guan momentarily perplexed. After a brief pause, he realized she was referring to Lou Junduo.

He Guan: "...Indeed, I do."

It was the card... the one Lou Junduo gave He Guan after finding out he married Lou Dongzang.

The meaning behind that card was quite straightforward at the time.

Lou Junduo wanted to show He Guan that he had his back. If any conflict arose between He Guan and Lou Dongzang, this card would become a flashpoint.

But He Guan never made use of it.

Sowing discord, harboring ulterior motives – he wouldn't give them the slightest opportunity.

Chi Yu: "Let's wait for the weekend then. As long as you show up, everything on our end is ready."

He Guan: "Alright."

He Guan's presence was Chi Yu's passport. Once he got her inside, everything that followed would no longer involve him.

Chi Yu: "Let’s eat."

He Guan: "Do we need to pretend to be someone else between us?"

Chi Yu: "Huh?"

He Guan: "You can stay at my place. It might be beneficial if we're seen together."

Chi Yu: "Are you suggesting..."

He Guan: "Yes."

He Guan was hinting at posing as a couple.

Today, He Guan wanted to relive memories with his lover at the beach, hoping to enjoy the barbecue they never got to have before. But by coincidence, he ran into coworkers, was treated to a meal, comforted, and their relationship evolved naturally.

Cheng Anran brought the remaining meat over and playfully said, "Oh, I'm so jealous – I wish I could be mistaken for someone else too."

For the first time in days, He Guan felt like joking, intending to assert that idols should maintain their integrity and not get involved with fans.

But he hadn't laughed in two weeks, and the smile felt unfamiliar. He awkwardly opened his mouth, only to close it again.

Seeing his discomfort, Chi Yu said, "Being photographed might not be ideal for you. I can inquire about your status at the company. If I suddenly ask more than usual, they'll fill in the blanks themselves."

He Guan: "That works too."

He Guan ate fervently. The fact that the fan was also the store owner's daughter led to them receiving extra servings of cheesy mashed potatoes. He stopped eating only when he was almost full.

Once finished, he asked, "Any plans for tomorrow?"

Chi Yu: "For me?"

He Guan nodded in agreement.

Chi Yu was very receptive. Having settled on the decision to feign a relationship, she quickly proposed, "Should I come over to your place?"

He Guan: "Sounds good."

Chi Yu: "After dinner, let’s take a stroll on the beach. It'll help with digestion."

He Guan: "Alright."

After they finished their meal, He Guan declined the offer from a police officer to foot the bill, paid for it himself, and the two headed to the beach.

By midnight, the beach was sparsely populated. There were hardly any individuals like He Guan and Chi Yu taking a stroll along the shoreline.

He Guan took off his shoes, holding them in hand, and turned up his coat collar, asking, "Cold?"

Chi Yu squinted, replying, "Not really, I'm quite warm."

Unlike Lou Dongzang, who always felt cold to the touch. If it were him, his fingers would be icy by now, ensnaring He Guan's fingers like a snake, hesitant to get too close, yet longing to...

Thoughts like these prompted He Guan to slap himself lightly.

Chi Yu looked over with a puzzled expression, only catching a glimpse of the back of He Guan's head.

They continued in silence.

After a while, He Guan asked, "Would you like to link arms?"

Chi Yu: "…Based on your script, we haven't progressed to that stage yet."

He Guan: "…You're right. I was being hasty."

Chi Yu chuckled, "It's rare to see you so... eager. It's a first for me."

He Guan laughed along.

The sea breeze was chilly, tinting He Guan's face a pale pink.

It was cold.

His eyes sparkled as he walked leisurely on the sand, gazing at the distant night sky alongside the person next to him.

He Guan: "These past few days, I've felt for the first time that I might be a hopeless romantic."

Chi Yu shook her head, "If you're a romantic, then there aren't many rational people left."

He Guan: "Rationality be damned. I wish today was already Sunday."

Chi Yu: "Me too, but we haven't finished shooting the MV yet."

He Guan: "???"

He Guan: "Yan Xu told me it was already done!"

Chi Yu burst into laughter, "I'm just teasing you! It's all done, don't worry, really..."

He Guan, still reeling, replied, "You should refrain from such jokes. I've been staying up late recently, and I'm genuinely concerned about dropping dead from stress."

Chi Yu looked at him, smiling.

He Guan locked eyes with her, sighed, and said, "Thank you. It's a relief to be able to talk to you."

And thank you for sharing so much and easing my anxieties.

If he kept obsessing over Lou Dongzang's whereabouts every day, He Guan felt he might truly lose his mind.

The past two weeks might have involved some pretense, but they also contained genuine concern and moments of breaking down.

Otherwise, He Guan couldn't have pulled off such a believable act, deceiving Yan Xu, who was so close to him.

With a smile, Chi Yu extended her hand, "Partner, take some time to recuperate over the next few days. We're relying on you. Thank you for your hard work."

Shaking her hand firmly in the cold breeze, He Guan asserted, "I promise to accomplish our mission."

*

The next day, as expected, He Guan received a call from Lou Junduo.

As he answered, he was still coughing, his fit interrupting the initial query from the other end.

For a moment, the line was filled with his coughing.

Lou Junduo patiently waited for him to recover before asking softly, "Guanguan, are you alright?"

After a few more coughs and signaling 'OK' to Chi Yu, who was recording the conversation from across him, He Guan began, "Why are you calling? Need something?"

Lou Junduo: "Nothing specific, just noticed you've not been yourself lately..."

Suppressing another cough, He Guan remarked, "It's just that someone suddenly left our home, and I'm finding it hard to adjust."

The day after He Guan reported the matter, Attorney Rong called to reassure him. This indicated that those who should be informed were in the know, and there was no need for He Guan to withhold any details.

After a long pause, Lou Junduo finally asked, "He Guan, do you really love him that much?"

He Guan retorted, "What's on your mind, Lou Junduo? After all this time, why are you still hung up on that?"

Lou Junduo, with a hint of jealousy, countered, "That's rather heartless of you, He Guan. Have you ever acknowledged my feelings? Even if he's gone, am I not allowed to express concern for you?"

He Guan, startled, asked, "What? He's dead?"

Lou Junduo, bitterly, responded, "After I found out about your marriage, I didn't leave my house for a month. Now you know how I felt back then. I don't know whether he's dead or alive; it was just a hypothetical."

He Guan: "…"

He's encouraged by He Guan's silence to continue.

Lou Junduo says, "I understand how you feel. After my grandfather took me back when I was young, I felt the same way, like I'd lost something, like I wasn't mine anymore. I had no idea where you'd gone. Even now, because my grandfather keeps me away from you, saying I'd ruin your marriage..."

I can't believe such a thing happened.

He Guan nearly burst out laughing.

Clearing his throat, he barely held back and asked, "What's the point of saying all this? Lou Junduo, she's gone. Are you trying to rub salt in my wounds? Can't you show a shred of compassion?"

He Guan didn't respond to his emotional outburst.

Lou Junduo said plaintively, "How could you think that?"

He quickly retorted, "I called you just to comfort you. Seeing you so distressed hurts me too. After all, I've had feelings for you for so many years. How could I stand by and watch you spiral like this?"

He Guan: "So? If you have something to say, spit it out. I'm going to sleep. I've had a drink and my head is aching. Lou Junduo, do you just enjoy bothering me?"

He Guan's tone didn't soften, but by sharing what he was up to, he signaled a willingness to communicate, giving Lou Junduo a glimmer of hope.

Lou Junduo: "Guan, I do want to bother you. Look at the state you're in. Stop torturing yourself. Do you want my assistant to look after you for a couple of days?"

He Guan's voice was low and weary, the aftermath of agitation, "...If you continue with this nonsense, I'll hang up."

Lou Junduo: "Wait! Do you remember the room card I gave you before?"

After pondering for a moment, as if ready to end the call, He Guan said, "...The one from the Royal Hotel? I've kept it. What does it have to do with this?"

Lou Junduo: "It's not just a room card, it's a pass. We're having a small gathering there on Sunday. Will you come?"

He Guan, sounding irritated, said, "I just want some peace and quiet. Why would I attend a gathering?"

Lou Junduo: "It's not the usual formal party. It's different from all of those. Just come by yourself, okay? I promise you'll find relaxation here. If anything feels off, you can leave right away. Is that okay?"

With Lou Junduo pleading to this extent, it would be ungrateful of He Guan not to agree.

He hesitated before saying, "Well... I'll come and see. If I don't like it, I'll leave."

Lou Junduo: "Good, you must come. By yourself."

He Guan: "By myself? I..."

Lou Junduo: "Hmm? Do you have someone else you want to bring? Is it Yan Xu?"

Chi Yu quickly gestured, indicating it wasn't a problem.

Lou Junduo invited He Guan because he has feelings for him. If He Guan now mentioned someone else being close to him, it might trigger Lou Junduo's opposition, jeopardizing their plan.

He Guan: "Alright."

After the call ended, He Guan and Chi Yu exchanged glances, speaking in unison.

"Now only..."

"Now only..."

Chi Yu extended her hand, prompting He Guan to continue.

He Guan: "Now, it's only me going. If he said it that way, it means he's confident enough to persuade me."

Chi Yu: "Understood."

He Guan: "Is there any other information you can share with me?"

Chi Yu shook her head.

He Guan: "Alright, there shouldn't be anything else today. See you on Sunday."

Chi Yu: "I'll have someone set up the equipment as soon as possible."

He Guan watched as Chi Yu left.

He understood the police's apprehensions. After all, he wasn't someone to be fully trusted. Discussing matters up to this point with He Guan was already a stretch. Pushing further might risk backstabbing.

*

On Saturday of that week, He Guan received the device Chi Yu mentioned.

A recording device that can pass security checks.

It's tiny, placed just below He Guan's collarbone, concealed by a brooch. It could capture the nuances of his voice.

He Guan: "Are you sure this can get through security?"

Chi Yu: "If it doesn't, discard it with the brooch, unless they decide to scan you a second time."

He Guan: "Alright... I'll improvise if needed."

Chi Yu: "Good."

He Guan: "How do you usually convince the public to cooperate?"

Chi Yu: "By judging their intentions."

He Guan: "..."

After a moment, Chi Yu added, "When you bought that phone earlier... you gave me a peculiar feeling."

He Guan: "What?"

Chi Yu: "There were many red flags, but it felt safe."

He Guan: "You rely solely on intuition? Officer, you might just lose your badge doing so."

Unfazed, Chi Yu shrugged, "My intuition has never failed me."

He Guan pondered for a moment, deciding not to press further.

They undoubtedly have internal evaluation standards they can't share with He Guan. Chi Yu's talk of intuition might have some truth to it, but it probably plays a minor role.

Besides, He Guan musing on this would be like undermining his own reputation, best not to engage in such thoughts.

He Guan: "Can I shower with it on?"

Chi Yu: "Yes, it only activates tomorrow afternoon. Just shower before then."

He Guan: "Alright."

Chi Yu: "Good luck."

He Guan: "Goodbye."

Chi Yu exited the residence.

He Guan sat on the floor, listlessly drawing open the curtains to watch Chi Yu walk out from the ground floor and leave the vicinity.

In this home, he hadn't spent much time with Lou Dongzang, but he'd spent plenty with two distinctly different individuals—Yan Xu and Chi Yu.

At this rate, he might develop camaraderie with them before Lou Dongzang even returns.

Impressive.

If you won't come home, then I'll come to you.

*

On Sunday night.

For a rare occasion, He Guan summoned Du Junyan to take him to the hotel.

For as many days as He Guan had been resting at home, Du Junyan had also been on leave. Upon arrival, his first words were, "Boss, are you alright?"

He Guan, looking dapper in a dark-striped suit with his hair slicked back revealing his handsome face, teased, "Were you hoping something was wrong?"

Du Junyan opened the car door for him, "Of course not! I was genuinely worried about you but didn't dare to call without permission."

He Guan mused, "You've been visiting Uncle Yue often, haven't you? Did he teach you this?"

Du Junyan: "...You caught me. He only taught me a few lines to say, though."

He Guan chuckled as he slid into the car, "No offense, but those words don't sound like you at all."

Du Junyan insisted earnestly, "But my concern for you is genuine!"

Seeing that things were going well, He Guan laughed it off, saying, "Alright, alright..."

The closer one gets to a goal, the more driven and elated they become.

That's exactly how He Guan feels now.

He disembarked at the Royal Hotel, presented his room card, and smoothly navigated through the security layers to venture deeper into the hotel.

*

Upon entry, his first order of business was to establish contact with Chi Yu.

Only when he felt a faint vibration against his chest, signaling the connection, did he emerge from the restroom.

The hotel's interior was top-notch. The elevator only displayed up to the 26th floor. Anything above was devoid of windows, sealed tightly.

He Guan initially assumed that was just the design. But led by an attendant, he found his room card granted access beyond the 26th floor.

As the elevator ascended, He Guan mentally counted the floors, comparing the duration before and after the 26th. He deduced his current level.

It seemed to be the 32nd floor.

As he entered, the first sound that struck him was the soft murmur of an unfamiliar language.

Confused, He Guan asked the attendant, "What is that sound?"

The attendant opened his mouth, pointed to his tongue, and shook his head.

He was mute.

He Guan had no choice but to proceed.

The attendant led him to a room's entrance, offered a deep bow, and then departed.

The 90-degree bend revealed a tattoo on the back of the attendant's neck.

It depicted a serpent's head with a forked tongue.

He Guan pushed open the door.

The room appeared no different from a standard hotel room, but at the bedside, He Guan noticed an unusual book—one not typical for hotels—a snake encyclopedia.

Flipping through, he found some entries inconsistent with regular science literature.

For instance, the black-tailed snake, typically non-venomous, was listed as venomous here.

What further distinguished this book from conventional encyclopedias was that each snake entry had corresponding effects noted.

These effects weren't medicinal benefits but rather the consequences one might suffer if bitten.

After being bitten by a venomous snake, a seventy-year-old man, following three months of treatment, walked with a spring in his step.

While everyone suffers, after being bitten by these divine serpents, their suffering is lessened, allowing them an early transcendence.

He Guan furrowed his brows in confusion.

It seems almost cult-like.

He continued flipping through the pages as there was a knock at the door.

The one knocking was Lou Jun Duo.

After peeping through the door's peephole, He Guan opened it, "Is the gathering starting?"

Despite having dressed up for the feast, he looked exhausted, with a hint of irritation in his eyes.

Lou Jun Duo placed a hand on his shoulder, gesturing for him to lead the way and, with a smile, said, "Of course, it's about to start. I'll take you there. What were you reading in your room just now?"

He Guan didn’t resist, "I was reading a book in the room."

Lou Jun Duo's smile grew wider, "A book? How did you feel after reading it?"

He Guan replied, "Hmm... I'm quite intrigued by the snakes in it."

Lou Jun Duo was overjoyed, "Really?"

He Guan, "Yes, I have a fondness for snakes."

Lou Jun Duo said, "That’s excellent! You and grandmother must have a lot to talk about then."

What?

Grandmother?

The last time there was a family gathering at the Lou residence, given Lou Ying Jie's demeanor, wasn’t it said that his partner had passed away?

Lou Dong Zang had never mentioned his mother either...

Wasn't she deceased?

Suppressing his doubts, He Guan responded to Lou Jun Duo while continuing ahead.