A crisp autumn breeze rustled the leaves as Alex strolled through the sprawling gardens of Wu Xiufan's estate. He'd spent the past few days meticulously familiarizing himself with the layout – hidden passageways, security protocols, even the most efficient route to the kitchen for a midnight snack (a necessity when fueled by endless strategizing). Lost in thought, he rounded a corner and nearly collided with a figure emerging from the opposite direction.
"Whoa there, Mr. Logic!" Wu Xiufan exclaimed, a playful grin splitting his face. Alex, caught off guard, stumbled back a step. His carefully calculated composure momentarily faltered.
"Master Wu," he stammered, bowing slightly in apology. "I… I didn't see you there."
Wu Xiufan chuckled, a warm sound that sent a peculiar flutter through Alex's chest. Illogical. Completely illogical. He needed to suppress this… whatever it was.
