Alina Smith and Alex Lin moved through the Stellar Foundation's main hall, following the signs to the supply sorting area. The space was spacious and bright, with neatly stacked supplies that seemed deliberately arranged. Alex introduced Alina to the foundation's work as he guided her to meet the supervisor, and they began their volunteer duties for the day. Alina observed her surroundings closely, her gaze occasionally falling on the surveillance cameras and locked doors, feeling a growing sense of caution.
The foundation's supervisor, a man in his thirties with a calm, professional demeanor, exchanged pleasantries with Alex before assigning them to the warehouse to help organize supplies. He emphasized the importance of the materials and advised them to "pay special attention" to each item. Alina nodded but picked up on a subtle unease in his tone, heightening her wariness about their tasks.
Once in the warehouse, Alex busily counted supplies, enthusiastically explaining, "These supplies are going to remote areas. I heard the foundation set up several small clinics out there and even sends medical teams for regular check-ups!"
Alina nodded, maintaining a composed demeanor but feeling increasingly wary. Her attention was drawn to a few boxes marked with a special label indicating "priority handling," though their exact purpose remained unclear.
Then, she caught a faint conversation nearby—senior members of the foundation speaking in hushed voices. Alina strained to listen:
"This shipment needs to go out next week; the route is set, and there can't be any mistakes this time."
"Don't worry, everything's in place. As long as we stick to the plan, no one will notice."
"I heard the funding for this round is a bit… unusual. Let's make sure the new recruits don't get too curious."
Alina's unease deepened. She glanced over at Alex, busy organizing a batch of medical supplies, oblivious to the exchange. She took a steady breath, pretending to concentrate on her tasks while mentally noting every word of the conversation.
When Alex finished organizing the supplies, he smiled at her. "Almost done here. Let's head back to the main hall—they've set out some snacks."
Alina returned his smile and asked casually, "By the way, where does the foundation get its funding? All these activities must require quite a lot of support."
Alex thought for a moment. "I'm not really sure, to be honest. I've heard it's a mix of corporate donations and private support. The higher-ups handle it, though—they seem like a trustworthy organization."
Alina nodded, maintaining her smile while her suspicions grew. She vividly remembered that, in her past life, the source of the Stellar Foundation's funding had been at the core of many mysterious events. Who were these "higher-ups," and why were they investing so much in what appeared to be charitable activities?
Just as she fell into contemplation, Alex's phone rang. After checking the caller, he gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Alina. I need to take this."
She nodded and watched him walk to a quiet corner to take the call, all the while calculating her next move. She realized that if she wanted a closer look into the foundation's operations, she would need a reasonable excuse to approach these senior members. Using Alex's connections in the foundation might be her best way to get closer to the core.
When Alex returned, Alina smiled at him and said, "I heard you mention that the foundation has quite a few activities. I was thinking, maybe I could join you for some more events. It'd be a great chance to meet new people, too."
Alex looked momentarily surprised but then grinned. "Of course! I'll talk to them and get you in on a few internal activities. You'll meet lots of people."
Alina's smile hid her deeper intentions as she followed him out of the warehouse.
Meanwhile, Ray Quinn and Nina Eichner were sitting in the police station's waiting area, the atmosphere tense and awkward. Ray sat with his hands folded on his lap, occasionally glancing around at the decor. Nina, looking impatient, crossed her arms, visibly annoyed and confused.
"Ray, are you sure we're here just for a routine questioning?" Nina whispered, her tone laced with suspicion and unease.
Ray sighed quietly. "It should be. Just routine questions—nothing serious."
As he finished, a young officer approached them with a professional, detached expression, gesturing for them to follow. "Mr. Quinn, please come with me. Ms. Eichner, you as well."
Ray nodded and stood, signaling Nina to follow him. They were led to a small interrogation room with a table and two chairs. A glass of water sat on the table's center, and they took their seats across from each other, waiting. A few moments later, Detective Jason Wang entered, his expression stern as he carried a file.
Without preamble, Jason began, "Mr. Quinn, have you been visiting the lakeside frequently lately?"
Ray frowned slightly, hesitating. "I go there sometimes to visit my studio, but I don't take walks there often."
Jason nodded, opening his file as he watched Ray intently. "Then you must have heard about recent events at the lake? The local police found strange marks and traces of blood there, suggesting a struggle."
Ray looked taken aback, his expression tense. "I wasn't aware of any incident. I was at my studio that day, but I didn't notice anything unusual."
Jason's gaze remained cold and unyielding, scrutinizing Ray for any reaction. "According to surveillance records, you were seen at the scene. Did you happen to see anyone else there?"
Ray paused, sensing the implications of each question, but kept his tone steady. "No. I just went there to collect some design materials and left soon after."
Jason then looked to Nina, his voice measured. "Ms. Eichner, as Mr. Quinn's friend, are you aware of his recent movements?"
Nina sighed in frustration, her brows furrowing. "Officer, I'm just visiting here and only recently got in touch with Ray. I don't know much about his whereabouts."
Jason gave a slight nod and returned his focus to Ray. "Mr. Quinn, this is just a routine inquiry, but we may need you to stay for a few more questions."
Ray sighed, beginning to feel an undercurrent of apprehension. He sensed that this inquiry was more than routine and that Jason's questions aimed to uncover deeper secrets. He maintained his composure and nodded. "Understood. I'll cooperate."
Jason's gaze lingered on him a moment longer before he stood. "Thank you. Please follow me to the back for a more detailed questioning."
Suppressing his anxiety, Ray stood and followed Jason, while Nina waited in the lobby. She glanced around, tapping her fingers nervously on the table, feeling unsettled by the station's heavy atmosphere.
In the interrogation room, Ray sat across from Jason and another officer. Jason's stern demeanor didn't waver as he proceeded with more precise questions.
"Mr. Quinn, does anyone besides yourself have access to your studio?"
Ray thought for a moment, frowning slightly. "Not usually. Occasionally, clients visit, but always by appointment."
Jason flipped through the file, asking nonchalantly, "Have there been any unusual visitors recently?"
Ray shook his head, his tone calm. "No, my studio is in a secluded area by the lake, and I rarely have visitors, let alone tourists."
Jason nodded slightly, his gaze sharpening. "Then, do you have any explanation for the blood found near the lake? Could it have been left by a client or a friend of yours?"
Ray hesitated, feeling the pressure of Jason's scrutiny. He kept his composure as he replied, "Honestly, I'm not sure. If someone left blood there, I'd suggest checking more surveillance footage around the lake. That might lead to more clues."
Jason watched him closely, his gaze ice-cold. "You seem calm, but this is no ordinary case. Mr. Quinn, while this is a routine inquiry, any misdirection could impact our investigation."
A heavy feeling settled over Ray, sensing he'd been pulled into a whirlwind of suspicion. He kept his tone respectful. "I understand, Detective. I'll cooperate fully and hope this matter clears up soon."
Jason silently closed the file and stood. "Very well. You may leave for now. However, we may require you to stay in Sunnydale City for further investigation."
Ray nodded slowly and left the room under Jason's watchful gaze.
Outside the police station, Ray and Nina stepped into the chilly night air. Nina pulled her coat tighter around her and looked at Ray, worry evident in her expression. "Is everything really okay? Why would the police suddenly get involved?"
Ray forced a small smile, gently patting her shoulder. "Don't worry. It's probably nothing, just some routine questions because my studio is near the lake."
Nina nodded but couldn't shake her unease. "It still feels odd… they were so thorough, as if they suspect something."
Ray frowned, gazing into the distant night sky. After a moment of silence, he replied softly, "Don't dwell on it. I haven't done anything wrong; the truth will speak for itself."
As they walked together down the quiet street, Nina looked at him hesitantly. "Ray… maybe you should take a break? I know you've been swamped with projects, but I just have a feeling this could drag you into something troublesome."
Ray gave a faint, tired smile. "Don't worry, Nina. I'll handle this carefully. I can't pause everything now; my clients are counting on me."
Nina sighed but then managed a playful smile. "Fine, let's head back to your place. How about I, a visitor from out of town, cook you a nice meal? It's the least I can do after tonight's tension."
Ray looked surprised for a moment, then smirked. "Are you sure you won't accidentally poison me? I didn't know our famous anchor was a chef, too."
Nina playfully rolled her eyes. "What, you doubt me? This is a sincere gesture! Now, come on, let's grab some groceries."
They headed to the nearby market, filling their cart with ingredients as they bantered and teased. Finally, with groceries in tow, they returned to Ray's place, where Nina eagerly set to work in the kitchen.
In the end, Ray looked at the charred dishes on the table, clearly taken aback. He cautiously picked up his chopsticks, examining the blackened food. "Nina… are you sure this is… edible?"
Nina scratched her head sheepishly, laughing nervously. "Maybe I misjudged the timing… I haven't cooked in ages! But hey, it shouldn't be that bad… right?"
Ray laughed, pretending to sniff the dish with mock seriousness. "Well… it's definitely unique!"
She nudged him playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "C'mon, give it a try. You never know, it might surprise you!"
Under her expectant gaze, Ray reluctantly took a bite. His expression froze, but he forced a smile. "Hmm… it's… one of a kind."
Nina laughed at his struggle, eyes bright with amusement. "See? Not so bad!"
Ray laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, next time we're ordering takeout. I can't bear seeing you work so hard in the kitchen."
Nina paused, taken aback, before chuckling with a hint of embarrassment. "Is that your way of saying I should never cook again?"
Ray grinned, giving her a playful pat on the head. "Not a chance. But honestly, I'd rather not have you stress over cooking."
She looked up at him, their laughter fading as a brief, gentle silence settled. Finally, she whispered, "Well, you'd better prove yourself worthy if you want more meals cooked by me."
Ray smiled softly. "I have all the time in the world."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, hiding her smile. "We'll see if you can keep up, Mr. Designer."