The next afternoon, Ian Song lounged in his courtyard, sipping tea while the Golden Howler sprawled at his feet like an oversized cat, fast asleep.
Over the past few days, this beast had devoured the brains of no less than a thousand Strongarm Bull Devils. Ever since returning to Blood River City, it had grown lazy and sluggish, barely able to move. Ian guessed that it was entering an evolution phase.
"Greetings, Commander Huang."
Darren Dong, tall and imposing, walked into the courtyard.
"No need to be so formal, Brother Darren. Please, have a seat."
Ian stood up with a bright smile. Darren Dong was the captain of Raymond Lei's personal guard; his visit likely meant Raymond had business with him.
Darren Dong waved his hand with a laugh. "No need, I'm just here to deliver a letter. Once that's done, I've got to get back to duty."
"If Commander Lei has something to say, he could just tell me directly. Why send a letter?" Ian asked, a bit puzzled.
"It's not from Commander Lei. It's from Madam Lei!" With that, Darren Dong handed Ian a sealed envelope.
After Darren Dong left, Ian felt even more puzzled. Madam Lei writing him a letter? The thought alone was strange enough.
He opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. Inside, there was only the name of a restaurant and a private box number.
"What does this mean? Is Madam Lei inviting me to meet her at this restaurant?"
The mysterious message piqued Ian's interest, so he pocketed the letter and headed for the restaurant in the city.
Half a quarter of an hour later, Ian arrived outside the private box at the restaurant.
Knock knock!
Ian knocked on the box door.
"Come in."
Hearing this voice, Ian paused in surprise. It wasn't Madam Lei—it was Snow Yue.
He pushed open the door and glanced around, discovering that Snow Yue was the only person in the box.
"What are you doing here?"