After assigning the task, Director Xu kept Jiang Luo and the two, Ye Xun and Lu Youyi, behind to discuss the unexpected incident that occurred during the last mission.
Following the conclusion of the talent show, Jiang Luo, Ye Xun, and Lu Youyi deliberated and then disclosed to Director Xu the matter concerning Fu Yuan'er and the illusionary techniques of Qimen Dunjia.
Director Xu, having conducted investigations up to now, had come to a definite conclusion. He purposely dismissed everyone else and closed the door before saying, "Your guesses were correct; it was indeed the Chi family and the Qi family who were behind this."
"The Chi family took Fu Yuan'er's body from the competition organizers. Although Fu Yuan'er was an ordinary person in life, she possessed a spiritual body. Such a body is most suitable for being used as a puppet, and the Chi family doesn't have many puppets of this quality," Director Xu said gravely, "As for the illusion techniques, only a few of the Qi family elders are capable of achieving that level. Unfortunately, although I have determined that these two families were behind it, I have not found any evidence after half a month of searching."
Director Xu shook his head and sighed, "In the current metaphysical world, there are three main powers: the six major families known for their elites, our twelve high schools, and the country, which stands in the middle, impartial, maintaining balance between us. Given this situation, I'm being honest with you; unless you can provide evidence that prompts the country to take action, they won't admit to anything, and the matter will likely end unresolved."
But the trouble lies right here.
The law abides by the principle of "presumed innocence," but those who study metaphysics differ from ordinary people, always possessing some mysterious and esoteric methods. Their techniques are enigmatic and elusive, making it difficult to leave behind tangible evidence.
Ye Xun frowned and asked, "Director, why do they want to kill us?"
Director Xu sighed and gestured dismissively, "That, you'll have to ask those two families about."
Lu Youyi sarcastically remarked, "Is it because they saw our school's people shining in the big competition, overshadowing their own, that they became displeased with us?"
After saying this, he nudged Jiang Luo, "Luo, do you think I'm right?"
Jiang Luo slowly said, "I think what you said cannot be exactly the same, only unrelated."
Lu Youyi: "…"
Jiang Luo continued, "In fact, hearing that Qi Ye wouldn't be present at this assessment, I always felt like they would make another move."
After all, Qi's father was determined to eliminate him.
But Jiang Luo wasn't very worried.
To him, the Chi family now seemed like minor trash, having lost their ferocity without Chi You.
As for the Qi family, their vulnerability was clear. Such a prominent family had raised a simpleton like Qi Ye, who was obviously their Achilles' heel. Jiang Luo didn't want to harm Qi Ye, but he could use this point to threaten the Qi family.
"This was also my concern," Director Xu said solemnly, "I will contact the police and ask them to follow behind the Agonise from a distance, to ensure your safety as much as possible. Remember, life comes first, the examination second. If you encounter danger, do not hesitate to get on the lifeboat and escape."
The three looked at each other and nodded.
*
Two days later, at the Triangular Mouth Dock.
Seagulls flew over, the sea was calm, and the wind carried a salty scent onto the dock.
The luxurious and magnificent Agonise was docked by the sea.
The dock was already crowded with people, who looked up in awe at the Agonise under the blazing sun. The dazzling sunlight reflected various colors off the ship's pristine white surface, and a huge shadow stretched from the sea over them. Among those covered by the shadow, most were ordinary or even shabby-dressed commoners, but there were also some well-dressed wealthy individuals.
The crew members set the ladder in place and shouted loudly, "It's ready!"
The Agonise had two boarding passages, one leading to the lower level for the common people and another leading to the upper level for the wealthy. Both entrances were guarded by crew members, while the captain stood at the entrance for the wealthy, wearing a warm smile.
The Agonise only accepted boarding passes, but in addition to these, everyone boarding had to undergo a strict and detailed check to prevent anyone from bringing any electronic devices that could contact the outside world or send messages aboard.
Indeed, the Agonise did not allow guests to bring technological products.
This unusual rule should not have been accepted. Yet, those coming aboard took this regulation for granted, even the fastidious wealthy complied with this rule.
Now was the time for the guests to board.
The wealthy guests lined up in groups of three or two. After the crew members checked the boarding passes on the ground, they first took the luggage away for inspection, then transported it to each guest's room.
The wealthy individuals, after having their tickets inspected, boarded the ship, where another group further scrutinized them for any devices capable of recording or taking photographs.
The passage for the affluent was conducted in an orderly fashion.
In contrast, the first level's commoners' passage was exceptionally crowded and noisy.
Everyone, carrying their luggage, squeezed through the crowd, drenched in sweat. The smell of sweat and foot odor was overwhelming, with men's cursing and women's high heels creating an irritating prelude.
"It's so hot," Zhuo Zhongqiu decided to take off her cap and fan herself with it, "Hundreds of people squeezing onto the ship, and they inspect so thoroughly, I'm about to lose my cool."
"Yes," Lu Youyi languidly said, "I'm so thirsty my throat is smoking."
Wen Renlian handed him a bottle of water, smiling, "Kuang Zheng hasn't sweated a bit, while you guys are almost mummified."
"That's not the same," Lu Youyi drank half the bottle in one gulp, wiping his mouth contentedly and looking enviously at Kuang Zheng, "Kuang Zheng spends every day near the furnace; he's used to this temperature. But what I envy the most..."
His gaze shifted to the sparsely populated passage for the wealthy, "Ah, how I envy them."
Ye Xun lowered his head, wiping the sweat from Xiao Fen's forehead, and looked around at the people, "Something's not right."
"They all look very poor," he noticed a man blowing his nose and casually wiping his fingers on his clothes, "At least, they look like they don't have spare cash to buy an expensive ship ticket."
The price of a standard boat ticket also reached into the thousands.
Seylor whispered, "Yes, and the number of commoners boarding the ship far exceeds that of the wealthy. They still flock to it eagerly."
What exactly is on this cruise ship that makes them willing to spend such a "huge sum" to get on board?
On the wealthy passengers' path.
The men dressed as gentlemen, and the women shone brightly. Each person adorned themselves with highly conspicuous brand-name watches and jewelry, yet even so, a few individuals stood out conspicuously.
A crew member ran to the ground and approached the guests, bowing respectfully, "Guests, please hand me your luggage."
A young man with black hair and sunglasses handed over his luggage and ticket casually, "Be careful with it."
The young man was dressed in casual attire, with shiny black hair draped over his shoulders. Sunglasses concealed his eyes, but the lines of his jaw were beautifully sharp. His lips were as vivid as rose petals, with a hint of roguish charm.
Now it was his turn to board. Behind him, Zhuo Zhongqiu tried hard to keep a straight face, attempting to look like a wealthy individual.
Two days before boarding, Zhuo Zhongqiu had specifically gone to learn from Lu Youyi what being wealthy was supposed to look like. But Lu Youyi didn't have this quality at all, so she had to binge-watch TV shows to learn how to act wealthy.
The first time Ge Zhu saw such a large ship and such grand preparations, he felt somewhat intimidated.
Jiang Luo turned his head, pushed his sunglasses up to his nose to look at him, and whispered, "Just remember these four words—'indifferent to everyone else.'"
Ge Zhu coughed twice, "I'll try my best."
Jiang Luo had never been wealthy, but he understood Lu Youyi.
Taking Lu Youyi's attitude, stripping away the gentle facade, that kind of arrogance and coldness, undoubtedly, no one would question his identity.
On the ship, the captain greeted Jiang Luo with a warm smile and a handshake, embodying the scent of the sea that clung to him from years at sea.
"Welcome aboard the Agonise, esteemed guests," the captain then shook hands with Ge Zhu, "Good morning, Mr. Zhong Wei, Mr. Lu Qi."
Jiang Luo smiled, in a very good mood, "Hello, Captain."
The captain gestured to the right, "Please go there for the final check, and I wish you a pleasant trip in advance."
Jiang Luo and Ge Zhu walked to the right, entering a beautifully decorated room.
Two crew members were already waiting inside. They put on gloves and approached Jiang Luo and Ge Zhu, "Gentlemen, I will conduct the final check now. Please cooperate."
Jiang Luo nodded, extending his hands for inspection. However, as one of the crew members was about to touch him, he suddenly stopped and turned towards the door, saying, "First Mate."Jiang Luo looked over to see a tall man leisurely walking in from outside.
This man appeared to be of mixed Eastern and Western heritage, with deep facial features and dark golden hair tousled by the sea breeze, elegantly and casually falling beside his deep blue, ocean-like eyes.The crew member approached and asked, "First Mate, do you need something?"
"I'll check this guest," the First Mate raised his voice and said, "You go check the other guests."The crew member acknowledged with an "Okay" and left the room.Ge Zhu, who was being checked for pockets, hurriedly looked up before lowering his head again.
The First Mate approached Jiang Luo, who watched him with an inquisitive look.With an inscrutable smile on his lips, the man slowly pulled a pair of white gloves from a box and put them on.The white gloves snugly wrapped around his long fingers, and the First Mate spread his fingers to ensure the gloves fit well.
He smiled, looked up, and stepped in front of Jiang Luo, politely saying, "Guest, I am going to start the inspection now."His tone was cheerful."First, please open your mouth."The familiar aura emanating from the First Mate was too strong; after a few more glances, Jiang Luo was certain that this First Mate had to be Chi You.
Surprisingly, the man didn’t even attempt to disguise himself. Jiang Luo’s brows furrowed as he opened his lips, feeling a twitch at the center of his forehead.
With a white-gloved index finger, the person extended it into Jiang Luo's mouth, touching Jiang Luo's teeth one by one. Their movements were slow and ambiguous, as if deliberately slowed down for teasing. A ticklish sensation arose from the upper jaw, and after enduring for a while, Jiang Luo's lips and teeth felt sore. Jiang Luo stepped back, intending to close his mouth.
"You can't do that, guest," the first mate pressed down on Jiang Luo's lower teeth, forcefully prying Jiang Luo's lips open again, "I haven't finished checking."
Fire sparked in Jiang Luo's eyes as he glared at the first mate.
Having his lips open for so long that saliva even began to escape, Jiang Luo felt uncomfortable. His gaze swept over the first mate's face, and his fist quietly clenched.
Finally, after taking his time, the first mate finished checking the inside of the lips. His finger slowly withdrew, lingeringly touching Jiang Luo's lips as if relishing the moment, and praised, "The guest's teeth are neat and clean, very beautiful."
"Thank you," Jiang Luo took some water to rinse his mouth and scoffed, "I also like my teeth very much."
The first mate took a handkerchief from his chest pocket, wiping the clear liquid off his fingers. He looked regretfully at the handkerchief, his expression somewhat resembling a ginseng spirit watching Jiang Luo waste bath water.
"Now, I will check your hair."
The first mate moved a chair in front of Jiang Luo, politely saying, "Please, take a seat."
Jiang Luo sat down with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, speaking in a displeased tone, "I hope you can speed things up."
"Yes," the first mate bowed, "I will take your advice into consideration."
The cool touch of the gloves brushed across Jiang Luo's scalp.
Making conversation, the first mate asked, "Where does the guest hail from?"
Jiang Luo replied, "I believe it's part of your job not to inquire about the guests' privacy."
The first mate chuckled softly, "Sorry."
As his fingers slid to the ends of Jiang Luo's hair, the first mate then said, "Is the guest's surname Zhong? That's quite a rare surname."
"That must be due to your lack of knowledge," Jiang Luo countered, "What's your name?"
"Winston."
"Winston, good, I'll remember you," Jiang Luo turned his head to glance at him, "Continue, please."
The hair inspection was quickly completed, and Jiang Luo stood up, stretching out his arms.
The first mate checked from his waist to both arms, gradually sliding down to the wrists. With gloved hands, he delicately interlaced his fingers with the guest's.
The dark-haired guest smiled, not quite genuinely, as a dangerously warm breath swept across the first mate's chin, "First mate, it seems you are harassing me."
The first mate revealed a look of surprise, "Why would the guest think like this?"
He was taller than Jiang Luo, with longer arms as well. His white finger cots easily touched Jiang Luo's fingertips, lightly tapped on the smooth nails, and then quickly retracted.
"The proportions of your body are also perfect," the first mate praised generously, "You are the most beautiful one among all the guests who boarded the ship today."
Jiang Luo lowered his hand, and his nails scratched a mark on the back of the first mate's hand. He said with a picky tone, "I have heard many such compliments, and your praise makes me feel bored, making it difficult for me to even say 'thank you for the compliment'."
"Is that so?" the first mate sighed regretfully, "Then I need to think of more novel compliments."
He said, "Guest, please turn around."
Jiang Luo turned around.
Beside them, Ge Zhu had already reached the final stage. He looked up at Jiang Luo, filled with confusion, "Jiang... Zhong Wei, why are you so slow?"
Jiang Luo said, "That's probably because the one checking me has a disability in his hand."
His tone was unmistakably impatient, displaying the arrogance and rudeness of the wealthy in full. Such a capricious attitude would have scared a real sailor, causing them to tremble with fear.
But the first mate's hands were very steady, even meticulously not missing any spot that had not been checked, truly going from examining each strand of hair to the teeth, from the fingertips to the toes.
By the time Jiang Luo had been thoroughly checked, Ge Zhu had already been sitting beside them, spacing out for several minutes.
The first mate handed Jiang Luo's coat back with a perfect smile, "The inspection is over, thank you for your cooperation. Please turn right when you exit the door and continue walking to your room."
Jiang Luo took his coat, gave him a lukewarm glance, and turned to walk out with Ge Zhu.
Ge Zhu was about to head to the right but saw Jiang Luo going left. He followed, puzzled, "Why are we going this way?"
Jiang Luo said, "I'm looking for the captain."
The captain, still standing at the entrance of the corridor, showed a flicker of surprise when he saw Jiang Luo and Ge Zhu approaching and proactively came over, "Guests, how may I assist you?"
"There's something," Jiang Luo said, "Captain, I want to file a complaint against a crew member."
The captain was even more surprised and listened attentively, "Please, tell me."
"This ship's first mate, a man named Winston," Jiang Luo began with a smile, though the smile was far from pleasant, "I want to complain about him for sexual harassment. I hope you can deal with it fairly. My only request is to make this Winston roll in dogshit, never to appear before me again."
Captain: "…Yes."