That very same day, a beautiful and lively night came.
Walking in the middle of a bustling street, a tall man was walking at a slow pace, taking his time in each step.
He wore a black facemask over his nose and mouth and black baseball cap. His face was covered up to the point one could only see glimpses of his eyes. He also had his hadns stuck inside his green army jacket.
He didn't reveal any of his features, but his silhouette and cool pose made him look handsome.
Wherever he passed by, people glanced a second too long.
Stylish and tall... I wonder if his face is also handsome?
But he didn't linger enough for a conversation to begin.
On his mind, there was only one destination, only one place he wanted to go.
The people laughing, talking loudly, pointing at the things they wanted and where they wanted to go. The delicious aroma from the street food stands, and the interesting aritcles that vendors were selling... He didn't care about any of that.
Keeping his eyes on the front, he made a few turns and seemlessly disappeared from the eyes of anyone that wondered about him. Just like he came into their thoughts, he was quickly forgotten as soon as he left their sight.
At one point, he entered an alley filled with graffiti and pretty decorative lights. it was also packed with young adults and teenagers posing for photos. It was a popular alley for its artistic features, specially among the young.
"Brother, can you help and snap a photo of us?" One couple approached him, making him slow down a few steps. He seemed to be considering their favor.
In response, the masked man only looked at them for a few seconds, and silently accepted their request by taking their cellphone.
Taking his hand out of the pocket of the jacket to take their phone, his hands covered in gloves were revealed. They were stylish black leather gloves.
He didn't even talk and only lifted his fingers to signal the shoot.
The couple only smiled even brighter and began to pose together looking cute and loving.
It is unknown what the man was thinking at the time.
Moments passed by and the couple thanked him as they took their phone back from him.
"Thank you, brother!"
But the man was already back on his track. Never looking back as if nothing happened.
As he ventured deeper into the alley, he entered a less packed zone of the alley. There were only people looking into the locals, wondering where they wanted to spend the night.
As for himself, without much thought he chose to stop at a lowkey yet elegant black door with golden words that read:
The Valley.
Seeing the man through the windows that framed the door, a staff recognized him and took the initiative to open the door for him.
"Welcome back, Mister J."
The masked man only nodded in greeting and entered the place.
It was a fancy wooden style bar, with dim yellow lights, and jazz playing on the background. The atmosphere was light and serene, making it enjoyable for every visitor. Specially to those of mature taste who liked a place to hang out in tranquility after work.
However, the man didn't come for this kind of comfort. He instantly left, taking the stairs that led up to the third floor.
One. Two. Three.
On the third floor, there was a hallway that lead to a single door. One could feel the air flowing in, chilling their bones as if there was a window open. Although this floor still retained the elegant aura and dim cozy lights, there was a touch of somberness to it that set it apart from the lower floors.
There were strange portraits hung on the walls.
Each portrait was finely painted. Each one showed precision, accuracy, and care in its execution. No angle was in weird shape. It had to be the creation of a talented artist.
However, no matter how fine was the artist's work, each portrait lacked the face of the protagonist creating an undescriptable and disturbing feeling. Some were completely blurred out, others only featured their nose, one of their eyes, or just their lips.
Anyone that looked at it, a sense of discomfort, fear, and oppression would creep on them.
However, this young masked man didn't show any sights of being affected. Instead, his eyes seemed to be glowing.
Was it admiration or pride?
It was too difficult to tell.
Passing by the paintings, the masked man walked towards the only door in the corridor. His footsteps reverberating all over the place.
When he reached the door, he didn't go for the handle. There wasn't even one, to begin with.
Instead. he knocked a sequence. It was rhythmless and long. But it seemed like second nature to him.
Moments later, the door slid open, revealing another long hallway.
Only this time there were several doors, dark grey walls and white lighting.
As soon as he stepped inside the door behind him shut close, reverbating an omnious sound in the hall.
The masked man didn't bat an eye and just walked up to a certain door, knobless like the last one yet this one was accompanied by high tech machine.
This time he didn't knock but he slid his left hand out of the gloves revealing his pale skin and long fingers. He pressed his palm agaisnt the device and let it read his prints.
It didn't take too long for the door to slid open.
In front of him there was a table filled with persons of all kinds and natures, One would never thought of them together in one group yet here they were with a collective goal and interest.
They were looking at the monitor displaying a young boy's picture and information. The boy was thin, short, wore glassed and had a seemingly permanent frown.
It was Hong Bao.
Looking at that face, the man smirked beneath his mask.
"The little fish is finally looking for our help?"