Chapter 20: A Special Invitation

Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the door suddenly opened and a familiar figure walked in. Everyone turned to look, and realized that her aura was even more impressive than before. As she closed the door, she removed her glasses and tossed her hair back. The moment she saw Qin Ling and Du Hu, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, she momentarily forgot about the argument at hand. Li Ning, however, cast her a look of disdain.

Ever since the incident at General Mountain, she had used it as an excuse to take a break. Now, seeing her unchanged arrogance, Hu Guozheng and Du Bin went over to greet her. "Lingling, it’s only been a few days but you’ve become even more beautiful. We almost didn’t recognize you."

"Really? You’ve become even more glib, you fatty."

The two exchanged a smile. Clearly, Qin Ling had already reverted to her usual proud self. She rolled her eyes at them, then burst out laughing. Turning to Du Bin, she teased, "Look at this chatterbox—so eloquent. You could learn a thing or two from him. Don’t be so dull, or no woman will ever like you."

"Oh, to think the romantic and dashing should learn from me. I’m truly flattered," Hu Guozheng mocked, clutching his stomach, while Du Bin could only grin awkwardly in response.

At that moment, Li Ning interjected with a sarcastic remark that almost made Du Bin lose his temper. "This pervert pretends to be innocent, but he’s actually fickle and unfaithful. Anyone who catches his eye is in for a nightmare."

"Alright, that's enough. Everyone, have a seat," Li Ping intervened, putting an end to their banter. Once they were seated, he continued, "Lingling, you seemed rather anxious just now. Are those modified humans after you again?"

Qin Ling shook her head. "My own troubles are over for now. This time, it's a friend of mine who’s in trouble. I actually wanted to ask for your help investigating something."

"What happened?" Everyone was taken aback. Li Ping gestured for her to go on, but Hu Guozheng, visibly excited, interrupted, "Don’t even mention help—we’re more than happy to be at the service of a beautiful anchorwoman!"

With a loud thud, Du Bin smacked Hu Guozheng on the head. Hu winced in pain and grumbled, "Stop interrupting."

"One of my friends is getting married soon and invited me to her wedding. Her fiancé rented a big ocean liner for the occasion. But just a couple of days ago, she unexpectedly received a bouquet of black roses."

"A bouquet of black roses?" everyone exclaimed.

"When she opened the envelope inside, there was a slip of paper stained with blood."

"What did it say?" someone asked.

Qin Ling paused before she replied, "There were two sentences. They didn’t exactly frighten me, but they reminded me of certain past incidents."

"Lingling, you have to tell us!" Hu Guozheng urged, while Li Ning listened with a sense of unease.

"Congratulations on becoming the prey in this game. I hope the beautiful flower doesn’t wither too soon," Qin Ling recited, word for word. The group found this all rather suspicious, but before long, they were all laughing heartily.

Qin Ling looked at them in confusion. "What’s so funny?"

"Lingling, we’re a special investigation team for modified humans. This is more of a criminal case. Are you really asking us to meddle in it?" Li Ping replied.

Unhappy, Qin Ling shot back, "Meddling? Would the police bother with something like this? Besides, don’t you think it resembles those modified human cases? I didn’t get any letters myself, but this is awfully similar to what happened to me before. Anyway, you’re all welcome for the food and drinks—my treat."

"Well, it does sound a bit similar. All right then," Li Ping agreed after a moment’s thought.

"Sounds good to me. Free food, after all. Old Du, we should join in too. You could use a break," Hu Guozheng added.

With unanimous agreement, everyone raised a glass to a pleasant journey ahead. Early the next morning, they set off with Qin Ling, flying south from Guangzhou to Hainan Island, a famous tourist destination. They soon arrived in Sanya and settled into a rented house—four bedrooms, two living rooms, a kitchen, and balconies front and back. Each bedroom also had its own small balcony. Hu Guozheng was the first to enter, throwing himself onto his bed, while the others followed. The house was equipped with a large writing desk, TV, fax machine, computer, free internet access, email, and a printer. They could check travel information, flight schedules—everything they might need was readily available.

Du Bin, entering the room, saw Hu Guozheng sprawled on the bed. After putting his luggage aside, Du stepped out onto the small balcony to admire the sea. "No wonder so many people come to Sanya for vacation—beautiful."

Early in the morning, Qin Ling rounded everyone up for breakfast at a nearby restaurant, where she was to meet her best friend and her boyfriend. Li Ping was late, having slept in; Li Ning waited impatiently outside, while the other two followed Qin Ling.

"Lingling, is your best friend a beauty?" Hu Guozheng teased.

Qin Ling smiled. "Go see for yourself soon enough."

"Hurry up, brother! You’re so slow," Li Ning complained, her own stomach rumbling.

Only then did Li Ping slowly emerge from his room to brush his teeth and wash his face. Ever since joining the special investigation team, he’d had little time for lazy mornings—training or assignments kept him busy.

"Just a minute, let me get dressed," he called.

Li Ning, growing impatient, snapped, "You can come down by yourself. I’m starving! I’m going ahead," and with that, she hurried off without waiting for his reply. He could only shake his head, smile, and take his time getting ready.

Qin Ling and her group, led by a waitress, entered a private dining room in the restaurant. Inside, two people were already seated. Qin Ling greeted them cheerfully, "Zhuo Hao, Yan Yan, you’re here early!"

The two smiled and waved. Chen Zhuohao stood up. "We couldn’t possibly let a beauty like you wait for us—how embarrassing would that be?"

"At least you know how to behave, or I’d be complaining to Yan Yan about you," Qin Ling laughed, motioning for Du Bin and Hu Guozheng to sit, before taking her place beside Yan Yan.

Du Bin noticed that Chen Zhuohao’s attire was simple and casual, removing any sense of social hierarchy. The girl beside him rivaled Qin Ling in elegance; both wore their hair parted in the middle, one with straight hair, the other with wavy locks. Yet Yan Yan’s quiet demeanor gave her the aura of the girl next door, in contrast to Qin Ling’s presence.

After greeting Chen Zhuohao, Du Bin and Hu Guozheng introduced themselves. As expected, Hu Guozheng’s gift of gab was soon on full display, while Qin Ling and Peng Yan chatted about women’s topics. Du Bin, not much of a talker, could only chime in from time to time as the conversation grew ever more animated.

Li Ning arrived at the restaurant, gave the room number at the front desk, and was led by a waitress to the private room. Even before opening the door, she could hear the annoying laughter of the group inside—especially Hu Guozheng’s bizarre Stephen Chow-style cackle. Pushing open the door, she saw Du Bin, Hu Guozheng, and the man she assumed to be the groom all smoking, while on the other side sat Qin Ling and the bride. But the moment Li Ning laid eyes on the bride seated next to Qin Ling, she was taken aback.

At the same time, Peng Yan met Li Ning’s gaze. The two stared at each other in mutual astonishment, each thinking, "This is too much of a coincidence!"

"You two know each other?" Qin Ling, noticing Peng Yan’s reaction, asked in surprise.

"Uh..." Li Ning didn’t know how to respond; the atmosphere had turned awkward, and both quickly tried to compose themselves.

"What’s wrong, Yan Yan?" Chen Zhuohao asked gently. She shook her head in silence.

If they meet, won’t the entire atmosphere change? Li Ning’s mind was in turmoil. She realized that her brother would be arriving soon, and if they met, things would become even more awkward. Lost in thought, she stood at the door, not moving. Du Bin noticed and approached her. "Why do you look so pale? Are you hungry? I’ll order something for you."

"Eat, eat, eat—is that all you ever think about? My head’s pounding with worry, I have no appetite. Eat by yourself, idiot!" Li Ning snapped, then spun around and rushed out, leaving Du Bin muttering about his own meddlesomeness as he watched her hasty retreat.

Hu Guozheng took a drag of his cigarette and cackled, "Serves you right for always messing with that prickly hedgehog. It’s a wonder you’re still alive."

Li Ning had intended to intercept Li Ping as quickly as possible, but failed to run into him on the way. She realized there was no way to prevent the two from meeting; after all, they were both special guests. It was up to fate now.