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“Lin Xian is a known figure in the Donghai business scene, but it’s not really for his skills. It’s mostly about the company he keeps,” he explained, offering a knowing smile.

Tang Xin became attentive as she perked her ears.

Zhou Duan Yun cleaned his mouth with a napkin, then continued, “Lin Xian’s boss, Zhao Ying Jun, is the CEO of MX Company and the sole heir of the powerful Zhao family from the capital. Despite their different backgrounds, there’s a lot of speculation about their relationship.”

“They were seen dancing together at the New Year’s Eve party. Zhao Ying Jun isn’t known to dance with just anyone, and yet she chose Lin Xian. It’s quite telling,” he remarked.

“Given your interest in Lin Xian, I looked into it and found something interesting.”

Zhou Duan Yun glanced up at Tang Xin. “Lin Xian now serves as Zhao Ying Jun’s personal secretary, a role she hasn’t needed filled in years. Most folks at MX Company think there’s more than work between them. Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Even if they’re not openly dating, it’s clear the lady has a soft spot for Lin Xian.”

Tang Xin remained silent. She hadn’t heard any of this from Lin Xian, and she hadn’t asked either.

“That’s Lin Xian’s private life,” she eventually spoke, her gaze drifting towards the neon lights outside the window.

“I don’t think Lin Xian has romantic feelings for Zhao Ying Jun,” Zhou Duan Yun commented, smiling.

“Do you know Lin Xian well?” Tang Xin turned back, facing him. “You two don’t seem very close.”

“True,” Zhou Duan Yun acknowledged with a nod. “But we were high school classmates for three years, and we had a long conversation yesterday when I dropped off Gao Yang. I’ve gotten a pretty good read on him.”

“Lin Xian’s biggest strengths are his kindness and willingness to help others. He’s always been like that, even back in high school. But that’s also his greatest weakness.”

Zhou Duan Yun paused, squinting a bit. “Lin Xian is too generous. He finds it hard to refuse anyone. He often takes on more than he should because he wants to help, which sometimes puts him in tough spots.”

“That doesn’t sound like a flaw,” Tang Xin replied, smiling.

“Yes,” Zhou Duan Yun smiled back. “In high school, he was always the one others turned to for help. He helped me a lot too. I was from a poorer family, sat at the back of the class, and was quite introverted. Not many noticed me.”

“But Lin Xian did, especially when I felt overlooked. He always made an effort to include me.”

Tang Xin chuckled. “So, you owe him a lot then?”

“It’s complicated,” Zhou Duan Yun admitted, taking a large sip of his drink before setting the glass down. “Looking back, I’m grateful. But at the time… I wasn’t too keen on people like Lin Xian.”

“Why not?” Tang Xin asked, intrigued.

“It’s hard to explain,” Zhou Duan Yun leaned back, arms crossed. “Lin Xian was popular, athletic, a legend at our school. Everyone wanted to be him.”

“I was the opposite, hiding in the back, too shy to even make eye contact. Being ignored felt safer. School felt like a prison, and I despised it.”

“Lin Xian’s kindness sometimes felt like a spotlight that highlighted my insecurities. It made me feel awkward and out of place, like I was being thrust into the limelight against my will.”

They fell into a thoughtful silence.

Tang Xin could relate, having been a transfer student herself once.

“But that’s history. Now, I’m truly thankful for Lin Xian,” Zhou Duan Yun said with a renewed smile. “That’s why I care about him—and you. If you two ended up together, it would be my way of giving back.”

“I usually don’t share these personal stories. They’re awkward teenage memories, but I thought you should know.”

Tang Xin shook her head. “I’m surprised you shared all this. At the class reunion, you seemed so successful and confident. You never hinted at any of this.”

Zhou Duan Yun’s candidness brought them closer.

“I want to help you both,” he declared, raising his glass for the evening’s first toast. “So, are you ready to hear my plan?”

Tang Xin smiled, straightening up and lifting her glass. “I’m all ears.”

They clinked glasses and drank.

That night, in a dream.

Lin Xian’s exploration of New Donghai City was advancing. CC had expertly cracked the password to a large chain bookstore. With the right code, Lin could stay there all night without triggering any alarms.

Books are treasures in any era, and though the bookstore lacked the historical volumes he needed, he believed history leaves traces in all kinds of books. Even if major events were obscured, he could still piece together the general timeline from smaller details.

Lin Xian wasn’t a superhuman AI; poring over books for clues felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

He also tried getting closer to the city center, intrigued by the towering, illuminated skyscraper and the powers ruling New Donghai City. However, he encountered two significant obstacles…

First, security increased nearer to the center, with many real police officers patrolling. As an “outsider,” he stood out from the “locals” due to differences in appearance, behavior, and attire. Even in their clothes, he still looked out of place.

New Donghai City had evolved in isolation for centuries, developing its own unique culture and norms. Bypassing mechanical dogs and robots was one thing, but real police posed a different challenge. Lin Xian’s attempts to blend in kept failing.

Second, he tried stealing a flying bike to penetrate deeper into the city but invariably set off alarms at a certain point. He suspected a localized detection system. On the ground, high walls separated different districts, barring passage.

“I’m stuck,” Lin Xian muttered, scratching his head. It felt like playing a game and getting stuck on a level or lost in a maze. Progress had stalled, and there were no guides to assist. Trial and error, marked by numerous failures, seemed the only path forward, but it was slow and frustrating.

“I guess I’ll spend more time at the bookstore,” he decided. The bookstore housed many books about New Donghai City, covering various aspects. Perhaps he could unearth details about the security system.

As for CC, they usually split up after passing through the checkpoint, each focusing on their tasks. Lin Xian had tried bringing CC to hack the city walls’ security, but the equipment was too advanced for CC’s “Bluetooth headset” to connect, let alone breach the defenses.

That afternoon, Lin Xian was idling in MX Company’s office.

Ding-dong.

A message from Tang Xin appeared on WeChat.

“Do you have time tonight, Lin Xian? I have something I want to give you.”