After finding a lead, Adrian was off to Y Country to meet Xiao Bo and the others who were there to investigate ROSE's identity.
The Artist ROSE and the brain behind the stealthy attacks on Yang Deming's Golden Sun Corps, both their tracks were found in a small town near the capital of Y Country.
If Lucifer's theory happens to be true, then the mysterious artist ROSE, the evil 'brain' and the monster Yang Deming might have an unplumbed connection that was being sheilded deliberately. On the basis of their analysis, this 'man' is the mastermind who is after Lucifer and his empire.
Apart from Yang Deming who is hell bent on destroying Lucifer and extracting his revenge, this brand new villain is a greater threat at the moment. This guy's sneaky little acts of destruction from the shadows is nothing but purely dirty play. In terms of playing dirty, he's like the Godfather of Yang Deming.
Concerned, Adrian promptly called up Su Yin like the perfect boyfriend that he was, informing about his immediate departure. Initially, Su Yin was saddened by the news. But she didn't throw any tantrum this time and was extremely understanding towards her man.
With Dai Yu and Damien Gold's assistance, Adrian was able to gather some important pointers.
Before leaving, Adrian also had a word with Lucifer about his previously assigned jobs that were nearly completed. Only after everything was done did the man leave without any worries.
While Adrian was busy with a new task at hand, Lucifer was preparing for his 'date' with Zhang Lili when his personal phone rang.
It was Ethan Lee calling.
"Hey.."
Untying the complicated looking knot of his sleek and beautiful black tie, Lucifer answered the call. He was in a jolly well mood, especially after seeing Ethan Lee's name displayed on the phone's screen. The ugly argument last time broke his heart.
"Brother, I'm.. I'm sorry for the other day! I was.. Too emotional.."
However, Ethan Lee's solemn voice came through the speakers causing Lucifer to knit his brows involuntarily. The guilt and self-blame apparent in Ethan Lee's tone as he uttered with great hoarsely.
"That's okay, I'm glad that you said those things to me.."
Easing the frown coloring his striking face, Lucifer forced a bitter smile as his thin lips moved. His steely gray irises akin to that of glittery stars cut out from the skies shone with a rare gentle light as he stared at his own reflection in the mirror.
"..It made me realize my mistakes as well as my shortcomings. Thanks!"
Not an ounce of aversion or blames could be detected from his tone. Only sincere gratitude reflected through Lucifer's words that were extremely heartfelt for the man never bore hatred towards Ethan Lee for speaking his mind. The truth, that gave strength to their friendship, their brotherhood.
"You.. You don't have to thank me. I was selfish because I see Mia in her, Sera.. She's special! You gotta cherish her bro!"
Agitated, Ethan Lee's emotions were all over the place as he said hesitantly while raking his long fingers through his ebony-dark hair. His dazed eyes resembled a glistening river of black. The man couldn't but smile sheepishly as he said the last bit of his sentence.
"Heh! Yes, I'll see you later.."
Laughing lightly, Lucifer nodded his head as he made plans to have a drink together, just like old times.
"No, I'm not in the city.. Business trip!"
Interrupting at once, Ethan Lee blurted out with evident disappointment in his gaze. His hand holding the phone tightened while he turned to stare at the dazzling night sky lit up with multicolored lights and banners outside.
"Oh! Okay.."
Pausing, Lucifer turned his gaze away from the mirror as he mumbled, the faint smile on his lips disappearing.
Obviously shocked, Lucifer found himself unable to believe Ethan Lee's words. Yet he didn't dwell much on it since the latter was being so aloof and secretive.
"..So, I'll see you next week!"
Reading the sudden awkward silence in the air, Ethan Lee hurriedly blurted out in order to appease Lucifer which gladly worked.
"Yup, next week it is then! Bye.."
With a sunny smile, Lucifer reiterated in his charming voice dripping with enthusiasm.
- - -
Concluding the brief chat with her beloved, Adrian about his abrupt 'business trip' and whispering sweet nothings to each other, Su Yin smoothly hung up.
There was subtle smile gracing Su Yin's supple pink lips devoid of her favorite lipstick in red. She appeared young and youthful with an important goal in life to reach the top in her light pink jacket suit with matching pants. A beige undershirt completed her overall casual and chic work look.
Like a teenage girl under the witch's spell from the fairytales, Su Yin turned to the company's canteen instead of going to her cabin. It so happened that, she was craving some spicy and hot chicken soup. And the canteen cook had prepared exactly the same thing, this afternoon. Thus, the lovely aroma of spices and chicken dragged Su Yin like a moth drawn to flame, only this time it wasn't going to naively jump to it's death.
After having her fill, Su Yin returned to her cabin with a contented smile and her face practically glowing. She casually ran her fingers through her shoulder length locks in jet-black like the enchanting night sky.
"Huh?! What's this?!!"
As Su Yin's foot donned with mild heeled wedges touched the floor, her gaze shot to the glaring brown cuboid on her desk. Her small face full of curiosity as she stared at the box with widened eyes. A mysterious glint flashed in her black orbs mixed with anticipation. She was excited to open the box to see if Adrian has left a surprise for her. A heartening warmth surrounded her pounding heart. Su Yin was almost floating in air.
Dashing forward, Su Yin excitedly cut open the wrapper with a pair of scissors. The excitement clear in her starry gaze while her hands were shivering uncontrollably. Just like how Su Yin's heart was quivering in delight.
"Aaaahhhhhh!!!"
Screeching like a banshee, Su Yin stepped back with a start and almost fell onto the chair. She threw the carton further away on the wall across before moving back in fear. Dread visible on her now pale countenance.
All the employees from the department rushed inside after hearing Su Yin's loud shriek. It was blood-curdling. They were overwhelmed for Su Yin had never been this loud in the office.
Unlike the aloof, haughty and cold boss Su Yin in front of her subordinates, now Su Yin appeared like a demure and a soft-hearted lady who was easily frightened. This kind of a transition was a huge shocker to her employees.
"What.. What happened? Miss Su?!"
The stupefied employees tried to get Su Yin speak, but she was unmoving with her lips slightly parted. Her knees wobbly, her feet turned to lead as she stared fearfully at the object on the floor.
Withdrawing their attention from Su Yin, the employees followed the direction of her gaze. Her pupils shaking in disgust.
"Oh no!! Look..!!"
"Aaahh!!"
"Tch! Dirty, and gross.. Who'd do such a despicable thing to our Boss Su?!!"
All kinds of statements were being made about Su Yin, some bad, some nasty. All in the support of degrading Su Yin and her cold personality. They didn't dare say it louder yet their voices together grew to a booming resonance.
"What happened here? Why are all of you crowding the place? Where's Miss Su?!!"
Following the commotion, Shawn Qin was dumbstruck as he made through the crowd in the spacious room which suddenly seem to be compact.
"Oh God! What happened to you??!!!"
Darting like an arrow from the bow, Shawn Qin held Su Yin's shoulders, examining her face and body for any injuries. She looked sickly and pale sitting there like a rag doll.
Hugging the warmth, Su Yin broke down like a dam had been knocked down as she buried herself in Shawn Qin's chest. Large tears streamed down her reddened eyes uncontrollably.
"It's okay, it's okay.. What happened? You can tell me..."
Sobbing like a child, Su Yin raised her index finger which was trembling like a dead leaf to the dirty little mush on the floor.
"Holy fuck!!!"
Glaring at the half cut-open dead rats and their little babies with red blood on them, Shawn Qin screamed aloud in horror.
The gory sight was indeed inhumane and revolting to a man like Shawn Qin much less to a woman like Su Yin. No wonder she broke down! He thought in his head.