A few minutes earlier…
In the quiet hours of the night, Yuchen found himself restless, his thoughts entangled in a confusion regarding Elena's unusual behavior. Seeking a distraction, he left his bedroom, the weight of his concern compelling him to reach out to his men while drinking.
The memory of past crew disputes pushed Yuchen to be more proactive in his communication, a habit he had adopted recently.
The time difference made Yuchen choose to contact them at night, during the quiet hours when Elena was asleep. It felt safe enough to ensure secrecy.
However, as he turned the corner to walk towards the kitchen, his stride faltered. There she was, Elena, sitting at the dining table, the room bathed in the soft glow of a solitary lamp. Yuchen's surprise etched into his features as he took in the sight before him.
