Chapter 15: Targeted

Swan International Tower

Cui Quan accompanied Hua Tianyu from the ground floor, ascending level by level. Hua Tianyu had no particular goal in mind; he simply wished to familiarize himself with his surroundings. Since he now worked in Swan Tower, whether as the president’s personal bodyguard or as a security guard, he felt obligated to know every corner of the building.

It was a habit he had tested with his own blood and the lives of his enemies—a habit he had always upheld, never wavering.

Cui Quan was a meticulous man, yet he couldn’t help but admire Hua Tianyu. Starting from the bottom floor, Hua Tianyu insisted on walking through every corridor and every nook himself, despite Cui Quan’s explanations. He would only count it as done after seeing each place with his own eyes and setting foot there.

He even opened every door to peek inside and stood beneath every surveillance camera for at least a minute. Cui Quan was baffled by these actions, but Hua Tianyu explained that he imagined himself as a camera, observing the Swan Tower.

What pushed Cui Quan to the brink was Hua Tianyu’s refusal to overlook even the men’s restroom, opening every stall to take a look. Afterward, he even found a female cleaning staff member to accompany him as he toured the women’s restroom.

When they reached the nineteenth floor, Hua Tianyu discovered a door that even Cui Quan had no authority to open.

Cui Quan informed him that this was the most highly classified biological laboratory of the entire Swan Group; access control lay with laboratory personnel, the security department head, and the president’s office.

Hua Tianyu nodded, yet lingered by the surveillance camera on the nineteenth floor, staring at it for a full five minutes.

Though Hua Tianyu’s behavior was odd, Cui Quan did not hurry him. He had grown used to such quirks along the way, simply listening as Hua Tianyu asked, “Who installed these cameras?”

Cui Quan thought for a moment. “All of them were done by a professional security company, with the plans approved by the operations manager. Is there an issue?”

Hua Tianyu shook his head. “No, let’s continue.”

Their tour lasted the entire afternoon. Eventually, they reached the sixty-sixth floor—the president’s office. By then, the building had mostly emptied for the day, and Hua Tianyu dismissed Cui Quan.

Wei Xueying was still at her computer, working. Suddenly, she saw Hua Tianyu, hands in his pockets, lazily leaning against the door frame, appearing in her office.

“Why are you here again?” Wei Xueying frowned, though her eyes remained fixed on the monitor.

Hua Tianyu replied with a cheerful smile, “I’m on security duty now, ordered to patrol Swan Tower. The president’s office is within my scope.”

“Alright, alright,” Wei Xueying waved him off, somewhat helplessly. “If you’ve finished your patrol, please leave if there’s nothing else.”

“Boss Xueying, I do have something to report.”

Boss Xueying? What kind of ridiculous title was that?

Wei Xueying leaned back in her chair, quietly waiting for him to continue, unwilling to indulge his odd address.

“What is that biological laboratory on the nineteenth floor researching?” Hua Tianyu asked.

“It’s some advanced technology under Swan Biotech Company, our group’s most cutting-edge research. As for specifics, it’s better not to ask.” Wei Xueying gave an ambiguous answer.

“You seem to value that lab highly, but from what I’ve observed, it might already be under the scrutiny of someone with ulterior motives.”

“Under scrutiny?” Doubt flickered in Wei Xueying’s eyes. She silently reviewed the security measures for the nineteenth-floor lab in her mind. There were no apparent weaknesses.

But why would Hua Tianyu say this?

Hua Tianyu had served in the military, though she wasn’t sure which branch. Still, Wei Xueying held great trust in the soldiers of China. Despite his irritating bravado, he had saved her once in the elevator and assisted her again at the Fortune Hotel. In fact, she owed him twice. He had no reason to deceive her.

“Let’s do this,” Wei Xueying glanced at the time—it was already after hours. “Tomorrow I’ll have my assistant accompany you and Cheng Feng to check the security measures again.”

After a pause, she looked up and corrected herself, “No, tomorrow I’ll personally accompany you and Cheng Feng to review the security procedures once more.”

...

Today was the day Hua Tianyu and Wang Hong had agreed to dine together. When Hua Tianyu left the president’s office, Wang Hong was already waiting at the entrance of Swan Tower.

She had changed out of her business suit. With a short, stylish jacket, a velvet mini skirt, and knee-high boots, Wang Hong’s youthful and alluring figure was perfectly displayed.

“Where to?” Seeing Hua Tianyu at the door, Wang Hong approached him proactively.

“Today you’re the host, I’m the guest—so I’ll follow your lead.” Hua Tianyu had only just arrived in Jiang City and knew only two places suitable for dining.

One was the Fortune Hotel, where he had gone with Wei Xueying—not fitting for Wang Hong’s invitation tonight.

The other was the Star Whisper Bar, but it was being renovated and wouldn’t reopen for several days.

“Alright.” Wang Hong thought for a moment and hailed a taxi. “Driver, take us to the Intercontinental Grand Hotel!”

“Excellent!” The driver was thrilled to hear their destination; the Intercontinental Grand Hotel was among the city’s finest. The hotel had a special practice: every driver who brought guests received a red envelope.

Yes, that’s how generous they were!

Don’t misunderstand—the Intercontinental Grand Hotel was no shady establishment. Its environment, service, and cuisine were all top-notch, and so were its prices.

This strategy ensured that taxi drivers in Jiang City would recommend it first to their passengers, and they wouldn’t risk their reputation by promoting a dubious place. So why wouldn’t the drivers be eager?

Of course, Hua Tianyu knew nothing of this. Nor did he realize that Wei Xueying arrived in the lobby after him and saw him and Wang Hong getting into the taxi together.

“Scoundrel!” Wei Xueying spat at Hua Tianyu’s retreating figure, her steps unconsciously growing heavier. She didn’t even notice the change herself, only that she almost twisted her ankle twice today—quite unusual, given her comfort with high heels.

The moment Hua Tianyu stepped into the Intercontinental Grand Hotel, he realized it was no less expensive than the Fortune Hotel. He glanced at Wang Hong, surprised, but said nothing.

Wang Hong was beginning to regret her choice. She was no wealthy heiress; she had a younger brother to support on her salary. She’d chosen the Intercontinental only because she’d heard it was upscale and the food was good.

She genuinely wanted to thank Hua Tianyu, and—though she couldn’t quite explain it—she didn’t want the meal to be too modest.

But as she entered the grand lobby and saw the decor, she realized—she’d fallen into a trap!