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Where there is light, there will be darkness, and in dark places, shadows are always present. The Eastern Dream Grand Hotel, despite its flickering neon lights, has corners that remain untouched by its glow. In one of the top-floor suites, only a lamp emitting a faint orange-red light was turned on, casting a dim glow that barely illuminated the lavish decorations of the room. A bald man swirled a glass of red wine in his hand, his face devoid of expression.
"Is there really no problem with what we're doing?" A haunting voice emerged from behind the bald man, sounding as if it came from the depths of the underworld, cold and emotionless.
"This is merely a work assignment; what could possibly go wrong?" The bald man took a sip of his wine, his fingers delicately poised around the glass, creating an eerie atmosphere with the blood-red liquid.
Lin Yi strolled leisurely into the Eastern Dream Grand Hotel. As he admired the antique Eastern decor before him, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. The thought of soon gaining his freedom filled him with genuine happiness; after all, that period of quasi-house arrest had been quite unbearable. Although he had always sensed something was amiss, now that he was free and had work to do, it didn't seem like such a big deal. Even though he was headed to Africa, which felt like being sent to the frontier, many experiments were conducted there due to its unique geographical conditions. Several colleagues had been promoted after gaining experience from their time there. Thus, this trip to Africa might just be an opportunity for him.
With time to spare before his appointment, Lin Yi found a discreet spot to sit and observed the bustling crowd around him. However, as time passed and boredom set in, he inadvertently dozed off. In such an environment, it wasn't long before he was jolted awake by something unusual in front of him. Startled, he fell back onto the ground. When he finally managed to get up, he realized it was a short-haired man wearing black-rimmed glasses who was staring at him.
"Who are you?" Lin Yi asked boldly in the crowded space, not particularly worried about any danger.
"Ah, what a strange person," the Glasses Man sighed and shook his head as if finding Lin Yi truly peculiar.
Lin Yi paused for a moment and looked around before realizing that the Glasses Man was indeed referring to him. Anger flared up within him: "You're the strange one! Your whole family is strange!" However, the Glasses Man seemed oblivious to his outburst and walked away nonchalantly. Frustrated, Lin Yi was about to confront this insolent individual when a plump figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Section Chief!" It was none other than Nock.
"Well, you arrived quite early," Nock said with a broad smile on his face.
"I haven't been out in a while; as soon as I heard I could come to Eastern Dream, I rushed over," Lin Yi replied casually. He was familiar with Nock and felt comfortable around him even after some time apart.
"I heard you're being sent out for an important project; the board believes you're young and energetic and has recommended you directly," Nock said seriously, his expression shifting to one of gravity regarding work matters.
"Well then, I think you owe me an explanation for why I've been confined all this time," Lin Yi pressed on with a question that had lingered in his mind without anyone to answer it.
"Just forget everything about that; you'll have a bright future ahead," Nock replied with a frown, his tone more serious than before.
Although Lin Yi considered himself passionate and spirited, having just been "released," he didn't want to return to a life without freedom. In an instant, he reacted: "Haha! Do I look like someone who disregards the bigger picture?" He then gave Nock a big hug. Yet deep down, Lin Yi might not have fully understood his own feelings.
After Nock's introduction, Lin Yi learned that tonight's banquet would take place at Eastern Dream in Room 1—a grand and luxurious suite. However, upon entering, Lin Yi realized that reality far exceeded his expectations; the room's area was four or five times larger than the lobby outside and could easily host a ball for three hundred people.
"How does it feel? The board must really value you," Nock said habitually patting Lin Yi on the shoulder.
Lin Yi nodded as the big shots from the board and the head of the research institute entered the room. He thought there would be more people coming in, but it turned out to be just the four of them. Such a large room felt like a waste, and he had even fantasized about a ball.
"This mission is a bit urgent, so it's just us here to see you off. I hope you won't take offense, Dean Lin," said one of the board members, a young man in his thirties with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding an air of authority without being angry.
"Dean Lin?" Lin Yi was surprised. The board typically held the research institute staff in high regard and spoke humbly, which he understood. However, what truly shocked him was the title "Dean Lin."
"Yes, Lin. This is a decision made by the board. You are now the deputy director of our branch in Africa, with a higher rank than your colleague Nock!" said Dean Li, the head of the research institute.
"I worry that I may not be able to handle this position," Lin Yi glanced at Nock, who seemed amused by his sudden promotion. However, Lin Yi knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch; becoming a deputy director was not something one could achieve easily.
"You young people need to take risks," the board member said, seemingly forgetting that he was still quite young himself, patting Lin Yi on the shoulder like an elder encouraging a junior.
"Alright, let's eat. We need to get going tonight; we have to hurry," the board member said before Lin Yi could respond, taking his seat with an air of decisiveness.
Lin Yi hadn't expected to leave tonight and felt uneasy thinking about Wen still at home. Yet, given the circumstances, he felt he couldn't say much. Still concerned about Wen worrying for him, he asked, "Can this be postponed until tomorrow night?"
"We must leave tonight!" The previously amiable board member's voice suddenly turned cold, leaving no room for discussion.
"Why?" Lin Yi asked out of habit.
"Dinner!" The board member did not elaborate and began eating.
Lin Yi wasn't foolish; after a moment's thought, he realized that this matter might not be as simple as it seemed. The issues at the beach couldn't just be brushed aside. He was aware that many things might not be shared with him due to his status.
Perhaps everyone had their own thoughts; what should have been a lively meal turned into an awkward silence. Aside from the clinking of utensils, no one seemed interested in conversation. In this oppressive atmosphere, once they finally finished eating, Lin Yi let out a sigh and awaited his fate.
"There’s a boat ready to set sail at Harbor. You’ll come with us there and leave immediately," said the board member after wiping his mouth without looking up.
Caught off guard by this bittersweet news, Lin Yi felt unprepared as he stepped out of his home and left the country; it would take some time to adjust. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed Dean Li gently shaking his head at him, indicating that there was really no room for negotiation.
The four of them quickly exited Eastern Dream's main entrance, with the board member leading them into a black SUV. At Dean Li's gesture, the three others took their seats in the back row. Although there were five people in the vehicle, it surprisingly didn’t feel cramped inside.
The driver was a woman whose face Lin Yi couldn’t make out in the dim light. Just as he felt anxious about what lay ahead, the car started moving smoothly. The female driver handled the vehicle well; even when navigating turns, Lin Yi hardly felt any noticeable inertia.
The hotel was very close to the Harbor, and in just over forty minutes, they arrived at their destination. However, at this moment, the Harbor, which should have been bustling with crowds, was eerily quiet, with only the occasional sound of a feeble horn echoing in the distance.
Upon arrival, only Dean Li and Nock accompanied Lin Yi as he got off the vehicle; the big shot seemed disinclined to leave.
"This is the key to your cabin on the ship. All your necessities are inside. Of course, there are some experimental equipment stored in another compartment; the key is in your cabin. Someone will be there to meet you when you arrive, so you don’t need to worry about anything. You can come back after a year," Dean Li said as he handed Lin Yi a magnetic card, offering a few words of reassurance.
At that moment, Lin Yi felt as if he was no longer himself, unable to make any decisions. Anger bubbled within him as he took the key with a firm grip. Dean Li seemed to understand Lin Yi's feelings and gestured for Nock to leave before saying, "This matter cannot simply end here. As the sole Survivor, we are doing our best to ensure your safety. I hope you won’t throw a tantrum."
Dean Li spoke calmly, but Lin Yi felt like a storm was raging inside him. The realization hit him hard: the final outcome on that beach had been this devastating. So many people had been killed—what was the military doing? Was it a massacre?
Experience speaks volumes; Dean Li knew Lin Yi must have many questions swirling in his mind. Yet with just one sentence, he quelled Lin Yi's rising fury: "As long as you're alive, there is hope. You are not in a position to act on your anger right now because you cannot change anything!"
Lin Yi wasn't foolish; he made an effort to calm his emotions and prepared to board the ship.
The night by the seaside appeared ethereal under the hazy mist, leaving him uncertain of where hope might lie. At that moment, two massive vessels were docked at the Harbor: a tanker and a passenger ship. Without thinking twice, Lin Yi stepped towards the passenger ship when Dean Li's voice rang out in his ear: "Tanker."
...
The night was thick and quiet, tinged with loneliness. Sally felt lonely too; although she was on duty, without her supervisor around, she munched on snacks while watching a soap opera playing on her computer screen. Suddenly, she heard a low growl nearby, followed by several drops of liquid splattering onto her delicate hands. A surge of unnameable anger ignited within Sally as she opened her luscious lips, ready to reprimand whoever dared to provoke her. However, when she turned around and saw that person's decaying face, she instinctively let out an ear-piercing scream...
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