Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Lu Zhiyu sat in his living room and looked out of the window, while leisurely having his cup of coffee. He looked comfortable and relaxed although felt estranged from the world, as though he did not belong here, but was, rather, from Maria’s World.
Lu Zhiyu had been in Maria’s World for more than 10 years, but in the outside world, only a few days had passed. Everything looked the same as it had the day he had left.
“I should be almost 50 years old by now. A normal person should be entering old age at this time.”
When Lu Zhiyu returned to the world this time around, there was a tremendous change in his mindset. He no longer felt tense, but was relaxed and calm. When one was no longer under the bondage of materialism, money, and even society, one needed to find a new purpose in life. Lu Zhiyu found that he would like to take it easier in life, and simply do something that he liked.
He did not want to do something that went against his conscience or that he disliked. He would like to lead an ordinary life, and to live for himself. He did not want to be anxious about anything, as he could live a long life, and thus, had sufficient time to fulfill his wishes.
Suddenly, a ringing sound broke the peace. It was his mobile phone, which was on the television set. He stretched out his hand and watched as the phone came within his reach.
It took him a while to prepare himself, before he answered in English: “Hello, who’s this?”
The deep voice of a middle-aged man sounded on the other end of the line. He politely said, “Hello, are you Mr. Anthony? I am Charlie Andrew. Do you remember receiving my invitation?”
After searching through his memory, he remembered. Lu Zhiyu had attended a banquet previously, where he had met Charlie Andrew and he had invited Lu Zhiyu to attend a secret clan, known as Vatican Clan. It was rumored that it was related to the legendary blood race. Lu Zhiyu had found it interesting at the time, and so had accepted his invitation.
“Oh, of course! You told me that I would be able to see a different side to this world. I am curious!” Lu Zhiyu replied.
Charlie Andrew sounded secretive as he said, “That’s great. If you are keen, a car will pick you up in about 10 minutes. I hope you will keep this event a secret.”
“No problem. I am looking forward to the upcoming events.”
Lu Zhiyu was indeed keen. He finished his coffee and stood up then he disappeared into a ball of light and appeared in his wardrobe, on the upper floor of his home. After changing into a new set of clothes, he disappeared again and appeared at his door.
He walked to the main road, and after a while, a Bentley came to a stop in front of him. A man, dressed like a special agent, stepped out of the car. He sized Lu Zhiyu up, as he opened the door of the back seat.
“Mr. Anthony? Mr. Charlie has sent me to pick you up. Please get into the car. Boss is waiting for you.” This bodyguard was like a robot with a build was like the governor’s. He should be Charlie’s bodyguard cum chauffeur.
Lu Zhiyu said teasingly, “Do I need to cover my eyes, or put on a blindfold?”
The bodyguard replied with a rigid voice, “No need.”
Lu Zhiyu shrugged, finding him immediately uninteresting. The car did not travel out of the city, as Lu Zhiyu had expected, but rather had stopped at The Shard, near London Bridge.
Lu Zhiyu looked at the building, using his mind power. The structure and the names of the all the people in the entire building appeared in his sub-brain. Very quickly, he located Charlie Andrew.
“Boss is in…”
Before the bodyguard could finish his sentence, Lu Zhiyu was already on his way up. The service staff led him to a gym on the 52nd level, where Charlie Andrew was waiting.
Charlie Andrew was working out under the guidance of a lady trainer. When he saw Lu Zhiyu, he stopped his workout and wiped away his sweat. He said, “I believe Mr. Anthony has not yet eaten. Please wait for me while I get changed!”
“There is a modern Chinese style restaurant here. They serve the finest Modern European cuisine with an Asian twist. I believe you will enjoy it.”
Lu Zhiyu nodded with a smile. After a while, he followed Charlie Andrew to the restaurant, known as TING. The food tasted good. The chef had mixed in many Chinese flavors and the place was decorated in a Chinese style as well. One could see the entirety of London from it, it made one feel as though he was dining on top of the clouds.
As Lu Zhiyu was having his meal, he kept looking at the rooftop of The Shard. The building was 310 meters tall, and was one of the famed landmarks of London. He had been to the building before, but had never gone up to its top. As his mind power surrounded the entire building, he found a place that was very unusual. There was something on the rooftop of the building that emitted was a strong unknown forcefield that had shielded itself from Lu Zhiyu’s telepathic power.
Lu Zhiyu was curious. He was certain that the secret gathering place of Vatican Clan was on the rooftop. He could read the minds of others, but could not read their memories. When he had met Charlie Andrew previously, he did not yet know the location of Vatican Clan.
Although he had many questions, since he was there, he would be able to see what he wished to see. There was no hurry.
However, Lu Zhiyu had not expected Vatican Clan to be located in such a place. He had thought that they would gather in some secluded castle, an enclosed old-fashioned alley, or on old Regent Street.
It should not be located in one of London’s most renowned buildings. As someone once said, the greatest geniuses often hid in plain sight. Was this the case? As Lu Zhiyu was having his meal, he chatted with Charlie Andrew when suddenly, Andrew started to talk about the building. “Anthony, do you know who owns this building?”
Lu Zhiyu thought for a while and said, “This building was built in 2012. I have heard that it was funded by the Qatar royal family. Don’t tell me that they are the owners?”
Charlie Andrew shook his head and said, “Although they are one of the shareholders, the main holding company belongs to the Dutch Debye family. They are the owners of this building. In fact, most of the properties in this building belong to them. I will introduce you to some of them later.”