After briefing everyone, Dean Xu kept Jiang Luo and two others behind to talk about the unexpected events during their last mission.
After the talent show ended, Jiang Luo, Ye Xun, and Lu Youyi had discussed the incident involving Fu Yuaner and the Qimen Dunjia illusion and informed Dean Xu.
Now, after weeks of investigation, Dean Xu had concrete answers. He dismissed everyone else, closed the door, and said: “You were right. It was indeed the Chi and Qi families pulling strings.”
“Fu Yuaner’s corpse was taken by the Chi family from the event organizers. Though she was an ordinary person in life, she possessed a spiritual body. That kind of corpse is perfect for making a puppet. The Chi family can’t have many puppets of that quality,” Dean Xu said gravely. “As for the illusion, only the Qi family elders are capable of that level of sorcery. Unfortunately, while I’m certain those two families were behind it, I haven’t found any hard evidence—even after searching for half a month.”
Dean Xu shook his head with a bitter smile. “Right now, the metaphysics world is divided into three major powers. One is the Six Great Families, known for their abundance of elites. Another is our twelve universities. The state stands in the middle, impartial, maintaining a balance between us. With something like this happening, I’ll be honest with you—if nothing happens to you, they won’t admit to anything either, and in the end, it’ll just be swept under the rug. Unless you can produce evidence and get the state involved.”
But that’s where the trouble lies.
The law emphasizes “innocent until proven guilty,” but metaphysicians are different from ordinary people. They always have some obscure, unfathomable methods. Their ways are mysterious and elusive, leaving behind almost no solid evidence.
Ye Xun frowned. “Dean, why are they trying to kill us?”
Dean Xu sighed and waved his hand. “You’d have to ask the two families what they’re thinking.”
Lu Youyi muttered, “Could it be they saw how well we performed at the competition, outshining their people, and now they hold a grudge?”
He nudged Jiang Luo. “Luo, don’t you think I’ve got a point?”
Jiang Luo drawled, “I wouldn’t say you’re exactly right. I’d say it’s completely unrelated.”
Lu Youyi: “…”
Jiang Luo added, “In fact, when I heard that Qi Ye wouldn’t be showing up for this exam, I had a feeling they’d try something again.”
After all, Father Qi had made up his mind to get rid of him.
But Jiang Luo wasn’t too worried.
The Chi family, in his eyes now, was nothing more than trash. Without Chi You, they’d lost their fangs.
As for the Qi family, their weakness was obvious. For such a powerful clan to have raised someone as soft-hearted as Qi Ye—it was clear he was their Achilles’ heel. Jiang Luo had no intention of hurting Qi Ye, but he could use that to pressure the Qi family.
“That’s exactly what I was afraid of,” Dean Xu said seriously. “I’ll get in touch with the police and have them tail the Angonise from a distance to try and ensure your safety. Remember—your lives come first, the exam second. If things get dangerous, don’t hesitate. Take the lifeboat and run.”
The three exchanged glances and nodded.
***
Two days later, at Triangle Pier.
Seagulls flew overhead, the sea was calm, and the wind blew up onto the dock, carrying the salty scent of the ocean.
The luxurious and imposing Angonise cruise ship laid anchored at the shore.
The pier was already packed with people, all craning their necks to marvel at the gleaming Angonise under the blazing sun. Dazzling sunlight danced on its white surface like a work of art, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors. Its enormous shadow stretched from the sea onto the crowd. Most of the people beneath that shadow wore simple or even ragged clothing, but a few were dressed in refined, elegant attire.
A crew member set up the gangway and shouted, “All set!”
The Angonise had two boarding passages—one leading to the lower decks for commoners, the other to the upper decks for the wealthy. Both entrances were guarded by crew members, and the captain stood at the entrance to the upper-deck passage, wearing a warm smile.
The Angonise only accepted passengers with tickets, but besides the ticket, everyone boarding had to go through a strict, thorough inspection. The purpose was to prevent anyone from bringing onboard any devices that could contact the outside world or transmit information.
That’s right—no technological devices were allowed onboard.
Such a bizarre rule should’ve met with resistance, yet everyone getting on board accepted it without protest—even the fussiest of the rich complied.
Now was boarding time.
The wealthy lined up in small groups. After checking tickets on the ground, crew members would take their luggage first for inspection and deliver it to their rooms.
Those who passed the ticket check then boarded the ship and were subjected to another round of detailed screening to ensure they carried no recording or photographic devices.
The rich boarding area was orderly and smooth.
By contrast, the commoners’ passage on the lower deck was especially crowded and chaotic.
Everyone clutched their luggage tightly, sweating profusely as they jostled in the crowd. The mix of sweat and foot odor filled the air. Men cursed loudly, and the clatter of women’s high heels created a nerve-wracking prelude.
“So hot,” Zhuo Zhongqiu took off her baseball cap and fanned herself with it. “There are hundreds of people trying to squeeze onto this ship, and they still check each one so carefully—I’m going crazy.”
“Yeah,” Lu Youyi groaned, “My throat’s on fire.”
Wenren Lian handed him a bottle of water and smiled. “Kuang Zheng didn’t sweat a drop. You guys look like you’re about to mummify.”
“Well, that’s different,” Lu Youyi gulped down half the bottle in one go, wiped his mouth, and looked enviously at Kuang Zheng. “He sits next to the furnace every day—he’s used to this heat. But more than Kuang Zheng, the one I’m most jealous of is…”
His eyes drifted to the sparsely populated upper-deck passage for the rich. “Ugh, I’m so jealous.”
Ye Xun bowed his head and wiped his sweaty forehead on the back of Little Pink, glancing at the people around them. “Something’s off.”
“They all look poor,” he observed as a man blew his nose and casually wiped it on his shirt, “At the very least, they don’t look like the type to drop a fortune on an expensive cruise ticket.”
Even the cheapest ticket cost four figures.
Wenren Lian whispered, “Exactly. And there are way more commoners than rich folks boarding. But still, they’re so eager to get on.”
Just what was on this cruise ship that made them willing to spend so much to board?
Over at the upper-deck passage—
The men were dressed like gentlemen, and the women were radiant. Each one wore eye-catching designer watches and jewelry, but even among them, a few stood out more than the rest.
A crew member jogged over from the deck, stopped in front of one guest, and bowed respectfully. “Sir, may I take your luggage?”
The black-haired young man in sunglasses casually handed over his luggage and ticket. “Be careful with it.”
He was dressed in casual attire, his sleek black hair falling over his shoulders. The sunglasses hid his eyes, but the lines of his jaw were sharp and elegant. His lips were as vivid as rose petals, carrying a touch of playful charm.
It was his turn to board. Behind him, Ge Zhu was trying hard to maintain a serious expression, attempting to look like someone wealthy.
The two of them walked up the stairs. Ge Zhu whispered, “Jiang Luo, you really do look like a rich guy.”
Two days before boarding, Ge Zhu had specially asked Lu Youyi to teach him what it meant to have the “aura” of a rich person. But Lu Youyi had none of that to offer, so Ge Zhu ended up binge-watching films and dramas to learn how the wealthy acted.
Still, standing before such a massive ship, facing such a grand scene, Ge Zhu couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Jiang Luo looked back, pulling his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose and said quietly, “Just remember four words—look down on everyone.”
Ge Zhu coughed twice. “I’ll do my best.”
Jiang Luo had never actually been rich either—but he understood Chi You.
Borrowing Chi You’s demeanor and stripping it of its gentle veneer, what was left was enough arrogance and coldness that no one would dare doubt Jiang Luo’s identity.
Onboard, the captain greeted them with a broad smile and extended his hand. These men who spent their lives at sea carried a unique scent of ocean wind honed by the years.
“Welcome aboard the Angonise, esteemed guests,” the captain said, shaking Jiang Luo’s hand, then turning to Ge Zhu. “Good morning, Mr. Zhong Wei, Mr. Lu Qi.”
Jiang Luo smiled, clearly in good spirits. “Hello, Captain.”
The captain gestured to the right. “Please proceed there for the final check. I wish you a pleasant journey in advance.”
Jiang Luo and Ge Zhu walked to the right and entered a beautifully decorated room.
Two crew members were already waiting inside. They pulled on gloves and approached the two of them. “Sirs, I’ll now conduct the final inspection. Please cooperate.”
Jiang Luo nodded and extended his arms for the inspection. But just as the crew member was about to touch him, he suddenly paused and called out, “First Mate.”
Jiang Luo turned his head. A tall man was strolling in from outside.
He looked like a Eurasian mix, with deep-set features and messy dark-gold hair tousled by the sea breeze, falling elegantly over deep blue, ocean-like eyes.
The crew member walked up to him. “First Mate, is something the matter?”
“I’ll inspect this guest,” the first mate said with a raised brow. “Go check the others.”
The crew member acknowledged and exited the room.
Ge Zhu was still getting his pockets inspected. He glanced up briefly before quickly lowering his head again.
The first mate walked up to Jiang Luo, who eyed him curiously.
A sly, unreadable smile played on the man’s lips. He slowly pulled a pair of white gloves from a box and slid them over his long fingers.
The white gloves clung snugly to his elegant hands as he spread his fingers. Smiling, he stepped in front of Jiang Luo and politely said, “Sir, I will now begin your inspection.”
His tone was cheerful.
“First, please open your mouth.”
There was something intensely familiar about this man. The more Jiang Luo looked at him, the more certain he became—this first mate was Chi You. The guy wasn’t even bothering to hide anymore. Jiang Luo’s brow twitched as he frowned and parted his lips.
The gloved index finger slipped inside Jiang Luo’s mouth, brushing along his teeth one by one. The motion was slow and suggestive, deliberately teasing. A fine itch spread across the roof of his mouth. Jiang Luo endured for a while, but his jaw grew sore, and he began to draw back to close his mouth.
“No, sir,” the first mate pressed Jiang Luo’s lower teeth and forced his lips back open, firm and unyielding. “I haven’t finished the inspection yet.”
Sparks practically danced in Jiang Luo’s eyes as he glared at him.
His jaw ached from being held open so long, and saliva was starting to pool. Jiang Luo felt utterly uncomfortable. He cast a sidelong glance at the first mate’s face, fists quietly clenching.
Finally, the man finished his inspection and slowly withdrew his finger. His touch lingered briefly on Jiang Luo’s lips, as though reluctant to let go. “Your teeth are perfectly clean and very beautiful.”
“Thanks,” Jiang Luo took a cup of water, rinsed his mouth, and sneered. “I like my teeth too.”
The first mate took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and wiped the glistening moisture from his fingers. He stared at the cloth with a mournful expression, almost like a ginseng spirit watching someone dump its precious bathwater.
“Next, I’ll check your hair.”
He pulled over a chair and set it before Jiang Luo, speaking courteously, “Please, have a seat.”
Jiang Luo gave a tight-lipped smile and sat down. His voice was less than pleasant. “I hope you speed things up.”
“Of course,” the first mate bent slightly in a bow. “I’ll take your advice to heart.”
The cool touch of the gloves brushed across Jiang Luo’s scalp.
Making casual conversation, the first mate said, “Where is the guest from?”
Jiang Luo replied flatly, “I believe your staff manual specifically says not to ask about guests’ private matters.”
The first mate chuckled quietly. “My apologies.”
His fingers slid down to the ends of Jiang Luo’s hair. “Your surname is Zhong? That’s a rare one.”
“Then you clearly haven’t seen much of the world,” Jiang Luo shot back. “And your name is?”
“Winston.”
“Winston, good. I’ll remember you,” Jiang Luo turned his head slightly and gave him a pointed look. “Go on.”
The hair inspection didn’t take long. Jiang Luo stood again and spread his arms.
The first mate checked from his waist to his arms, then slowly moved to his wrists. The gloved hands slid from the back of his hand downward, deftly slipping between the spaces of Jiang Luo’s fingers.
The black-haired guest smiled faintly, breath warm and dangerous as it swept across the first mate’s chin. “First mate, you seem to be harassing me.”
The first mate put on a surprised expression. “Whatever gave the guest that impression?”
He was taller than Jiang Luo, and his arms were longer too. The white-gloved fingertips easily touched Jiang Luo’s fingers, tapping lightly on the smooth nails before quickly withdrawing.
“Your proportions are also perfect,” the first mate praised without restraint. “You’re the most beautiful passenger I’ve seen today.”
Jiang Luo lowered his hands. His fingernails left a thin scratch across the back of the first mate’s hand. He spoke with disdain: “I’ve heard that line far too many times. Your compliment is so dull, I can barely muster a ‘thank you.’”
“Is that so?” The first mate sighed with regret. “Then I’ll have to come up with some more novel praises.”
He said, “Please turn around, guest.”
Jiang Luo turned.
On the side, Ge Zhu was already at the final stage of his inspection. He looked up at Jiang Luo, puzzled. “Jiang—Zhong Wei, why is it taking you so long?”
Jiang Luo replied, “Probably because the person inspecting me has a hand disability.”
His tone was openly impatient, fully embodying the arrogance and rudeness of the wealthy. If a real crew member had been inspecting him, they would likely have been too scared to even move their hands.
But the first mate’s hands were steady—excessively thorough even. He didn’t miss a single unchecked spot, genuinely inspecting from the top of Jiang Luo’s head to the tips of his toes.
By the time Jiang Luo was finally done, Ge Zhu had already been sitting in a daze for several minutes.
The first mate offered Jiang Luo’s coat with a perfect smile. “Inspection complete. Thank you for your cooperation, guest. Turn right out the door and walk straight ahead to reach your room.”
Jiang Luo threw his coat over his arm, gave the first mate a flat look, then turned and walked out with Ge Zhu.
Ge Zhu was about to turn right when he noticed Jiang Luo going left instead. He followed, confused. “Why are we going this way?”
“I’m going to find the captain,” Jiang Luo said.
The captain was still by the hallway. When he saw them coming, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, and he walked over. “Do the guests need any assistance?”
“There is one matter,” Jiang Luo said. “Captain, I want to file a complaint against a crew member.”
The captain looked even more surprised. He listened attentively. “Please go ahead.”
“The first mate on this ship, a man named Winston,” Jiang Luo said with a smile that had no warmth, “I want to report him for sexual harassment. I expect you to handle it fairly. My only request: get that Winston out of my sight and into the dogsh*t where he belongs.”
“…Understood,” said the captain.
