We got off the train and were greeted by a group of Sheng Xing collaborators. He turned to me, a look of determination on his face.
-The auction only starts in two days. During these two days, we will have to know the city in every nook and cranny. It is crucial that we become familiar with the environment and the people,
he explained to me as we walked towards a vehicle that was waiting for us.
I listened to his words while letting my mind wander. Two days in this mysterious city? This meant I had free time to explore. And what could be more exciting than a local nightclub to experience the nightlife? In my head I was saying "bingo", already planning my evening.
-I booked a presidential suite in a hotel for us, Sheng Xing continued. It is located in a discreet but central area, which will facilitate
I nodded automatically, but I was only half-listening, lost in my thoughts of nocturnal adventure.
-You listen to me ?
-Yes yes
The car ride to the hotel was quick. The establishment, an elegant but discreet structure, blended in perfectly with the local architecture.
We got out of the vehicle, and Sheng Xing approached the front desk to collect the keys. Meanwhile, I looked around, mentally registering my surroundings. The hotel had a classic charm, with modern design elements subtly integrated.
-The presidential suite, ordered Sheng Xing
-Your name please?, the lady at the reception asked us respectfully.
-Sheng Xing
-1 sequel?! I think you forgot that there were two of us, I whispered to him with furrowed eyebrows
-Honey, we're married, he reminds me in a deep voice, staring at me amused.
-Huh?, I muttered perplexed
-Give us the keys to our suite, said Sheng Xing.
Once in our room, a spacious suite with a breathtaking view of the city, Sheng Xing approached me.
-Have you ever forgotten who your husband was?, he growled at me
-I don't have a husband, I answered him
-Now you have 1, he replied, and you better remember it
-And if I don't remember?, I replied with a smirk.
He grabbed me by the waist and carried me on his shoulder before throwing me on the bed. And to tackle me.
-Hey what are you doing?!, I exclaimed surprised
-In your opinion, he replied to me
-Rest me!, I ordered
-No, I'm going to show you who your husband is, he smiled at me teasingly
-Focus on the mission!, I told him quickly
He bit my ear before I pushed him to the other side of the bed.
-I'll wait until tonight, he whispered in my ear
You're not ready for what's to come, I thought mischievously
-Now can we concentrate on the mission?, I asked him, sighing
-Then we will have to explore different neighborhoods to understand the local dynamics. Tonight we'll start in the central market, where valuable informants are often found. Tomorrow, we will visit the more discreet neighborhoods where key players in the auction are hiding.
He stopped when he saw me distracted, my gaze fixed on the night view of the city. The twinkling lights reminded me of the vibrant atmosphere of nightclubs.
-You listen to me ? he asked, one eyebrow raised.
I turned my head towards him, forcing myself back to reality.
-Yes, of course, I replied, even if my mind was already elsewhere.
-GOOD. Get ready, we will leave in an hour for the central market.
I nodded, heading to the bathroom to freshen up and change. Once ready, I found Sheng Xing in the hotel lobby, where he was waiting for me, visibly lost in thought.
We left the hotel to head towards the central market. The place was lively, the streets were filled with merchants, customers and tourists. Sheng Xing guided me through the stalls, carefully observing every detail, every interaction.
"Look carefully," he whispered. Informants often hide in plain sight, disguised as simple merchants or customers.