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Chapter 12 - Lour Crew

Walking along the bustling sidewalk, Liu Yemui admired the array of crisp clothes showcased in the storefronts, remnants of his father's cherished, albeit old-fashioned, clothing emporium. Despite the familiar warmth of the surroundings, an eerie chill slithered down Liu Yemui's back, as if an unseen presence trailed him, hinting at a looming unease.

Glancing over his shoulder, Liu Yemui couldn't shake the sensation of being monitored, his gaze landing on the elusive figures of Teak-kim and Eliza, hidden in the shadows with a cloak of secrecy.

Teak-Kim attempted to clarify why Eliza had joined him in trailing Liu Yemui, but Eliza merely shrugged, her expression inscrutable. They stood facing each other for a moment before Teak-Kim spoke. "So, what's brought you here, Eliza?" he inquired, curiosity tinged with suspicion.

"I'm not here to trail behind Liu Yemui. I noticed you following him, so I came to check what you were up to. You're not the bad guy, are you?" she teased lightly.

"I'm not. I was just wondering why Liu Yemui suddenly embraced a more mature sense of fashion in this bustling street," Teak-kim retorted, his voice laced with a mix of anger and confusion at the sudden transformation.

"I think you should give him some space," Eliza interjected, her tone serious. She glanced at Teak-kim before adding, "He doesn't need you lurking around like a creepy stalker."

Teak-Kim's face flushed with anger. "You're the one creeping around! You followed him and eavesdropped!"

Rolling her eyes, Eliza responded, "Is that how it seems? Liu Yemui's style is fine by me."

Teak-Kim glared at her. "He has no taste!" he exclaimed, to which Eliza retorted, "His choices have nothing to do with you."

Curious about Liu Yemui's fashion sense, Teak-kim paused, his voice trailing off. "I wonder where Liu Yemui is. He was just there, staring at that shop's window."

Swiftly scanning the surroundings for Liu Yemui, Eliza and Teak-Kim realized he was nowhere to be found. They began searching the bustling street like detectives, examining every shop window, but Liu Yemui remained elusive.

Despite the bustling atmosphere, Liu Yemui eventually arrived at the renowned librarian, known for its collection of antiquarian books and rare editions. It served as a sanctuary for those seeking solace and quiet contemplation, providing the ideal backdrop for a young students to immerse themselves in peaceful reading. However, upon entering, Liu Yemui was taken aback to find the space teeming with people.

Finding a book and settling into a seat, Liu Yemui delved into "The Origin of the World." As time passed, he grew increasingly engrossed in the book, feeling a strange familiarity with the author, as if they had crossed paths before.

Placing his book on the table, Liu Yemui's gaze swept over the four imposing figures, amidst the crowded surroundings that hinted at a local gang's presence. Among them, he noticed one individual engrossed in the same book as himself. Liu Yemui couldn't help but observe how the figure adeptly managed to play chess and read simultaneously, despite their formidable demeanour. Surprisingly, Liu Yemui didn't sense any threat emanating from them.

As the group continued their activities, one figure, notably the leader, captured Liu Yemui's attention. Adorned in a leather jacket, he skillfully manoeuvred the chess pieces, engrossed in both the game and a lively conversation, exuding a commanding aura that underscored his leadership within the group.

Additionally, the individual playing chess with him sported donned a white shirt paired with a black tie and sported a pair of jeans fastened by a black belt.

They were engrossed in conversation, discussing matters that seemed to carry the weight of a significant business negotiation.

Liu Yemui averted his gaze from the departing crowd, settling into the pages of his book. Moments flowed like a river, and the four formidable figures gradually receded from view. The entire assembly dispersed in tandem with their departure, even though the imposing figure in the leather jacket continued to cast his eyes upon Liu Yemui. It wasn't a menacing glare but rather one that carried an uncanny air of premonition, as if he sensed an imminent intersection of paths with the young Liu Yemui.

After the crowd had dissipated, an eerie emptiness enveloped the scene, leaving Liu Yemui as the sole occupant of the space. The imposing figure, along with his three companions, had vanished, and the tranquillity settled like a deepening hush. Liu Yemui rose from his seat, embarking on his solitary journey, yet an inexplicable sensation gripped him—a feeling of being observed once more. Turning on his heel to confront this enigmatic force, he discovered two shadowy figures standing before him, as if they had materialized out of thin air.

It was none other than, the familiar figures of Teak-Kim and Eliza graced the scene with their signature warmth, dressed in a peculiar attire that veered from their customary styles. Teak-Kim donned a sleek ensemble, featuring a button-down shirt with long sleeves, paired with sharp black pants secured by a rich brown belt. His footwear mirrored the distinctive taste of Liu Yemui, with a striking resemblance to the shoes adorning his feet that very day. Meanwhile, Eliza exuded a charming elegance, clad in a serene blue sweater complementing her flowing black skirt, and her poised steps were adorned with simple yet elegant black flats.

Caught in a bewildered gaze, Liu Yemui found himself at a loss for words, the silence lingering between them until they departed the premises, disappearing into the bustling city sidewalk.

As time passed, the quartet's imposing presence continued to grace various corners of the town, seamlessly blending in as though they were part of a local gang or a well-connected crew. In due course, they became an integral part of an organization known as "The Queen Guard, The First," garnering attention and whispers within the city's clandestine circles.

However, as the organization underwent a significant transformation, splitting into the 5th generation of major nation crews, Liu Yemui soon realized the gravity of the situation. Among them, the enigmatic figure known as "The First King," an integral member of the initial encounter, stood prominently. Accompanying him were "The Blacksuits," embodying an aura of mystery and power.

Yet, the third and fourth, fifth divisions remained shrouded in mystery, their absence signalling a potential threat that could thrust Liu Yemui into a perilous series of events.

Suddenly, a vivid holographic display emerged, casting an azure glow as the impending dawn loomed on the horizon. Amidst the surreal ambience, a message materialized, congratulating Liu Yemui on completing the latest of the daily quests, hinting at the imminent arrival of a long-awaited event.

[It's seen as the first light of dawn approaches, the time of Liu Yemui's imminent arrival drew near, yet the completion of the day's final quest brought a moment of respite and congratulatory whispers.]

The Quy System intoned, its cryptic message evoking a sense of foreboding. 'The first dawn casts a shadow of impending threat.'