Starting from the Dragon Tribe!

Chapter 33

Starting From the Dragon Tribe

Chapter 33: Baited

“Here. Have some olive soup. Chinese food is truly a rarity in these streets.” As Susie spoke, she handed Chu Zihang a plastic bag containing a cup of olive soup and a few steamed buns.

“Thanks,” expressed Chu Zihang politely. Since they had to be on guard right after waking up, they couldn’t afford to miss breakfast.

“Ah… youth is such a bliss.” Not far away, a commissioner mumbled upon seeing their exchange. The next second, Susie brought over a bigger bag carrying everyone’s share, to which the commissioners reacted gleefully.

With a straw between her cherry lips, Susie enjoyed her steamy porridge leisurely. As it had been three days since the start of their mission, the nervousness she once felt had faded away. Instead of a scrimmage, it felt more like a vacation.

Discreetly, they trailed Milana’s every move, be it shopping or having a meal. To stay unobtrusive, Susie and Chu Zihang pretended to be a couple taking a stroll on the streets.

Though, Chu Zihang’s face was a tad too stiff to play a teenager in love. For every shop they visited, at least one shopkeeper would leer at them peculiarly. Needless to say, Susie had to do all the couply work.

Fortunately, since they were both Asian, it was unlikely that Slaughter would take them to heart. Therefore, as long as they didn’t do anything eye-catching, the murderer wouldn’t pay them any attention.

On the other hand, the rest of the team had it slightly different. Given that there weren’t many female commissioners for this mission, they had to pretend as if they were on a business trip. Hence, they couldn’t wander too close to the couple.

After all, it was only normal for couples to flock to the same area, especially romantic spots. In contrast, it would be highly dubious for a group of middle-aged men hanging out around a young couple and stopping by hotspots for intimate pairs.

Besides, after having spent half their lives in the Executive Department, whether they intended it or not, the commissioners appeared as if they were retired secret agents.

At the sight of that, even Chu Zihang couldn’t help but snort inwardly. I understand that you have to hide your combat gears under your trench coats when tailing Milana, but couldn’t you guys pick something less conspicuous, like a bigger shirt? Not to mention, it’s only the start of fall! Winter isn’t even anywhere near!

***

***

Midday, in a couples-themed restaurant.

“Is it okay for us to be this lax?” Glaring at another twosome seated on a couple’s booth close by, Susie couldn’t help but ponder on the nature of their scrimmage mission.

“It’s fine. Our task should be the easiest.” After taking a sip of water, Chu Zihang leisurely tossed the salad.

“Seems like you have complete trust in Lu Chen,” she replied smilingly. A few days prior to the commencement of the mission, Susie had joined the Lionheart Club and got acquainted with Chu Zihang.

“He’s unimaginably strong. If Slaughter shows up, Lu Chen could probably take him down by himself before we arrive at the scene.” Chivalrously, Chu Zihang pushed the mixed salad to Susie. “Instead of Lu Chen, we should be more concerned about the other group even though Lutecia said she’s less likely to be targeted.”

“Probably.” Seemingly distraught, Susie turned to look out of the window, though there wasn’t much to view on the other side. She simply stared at the blurry reflection in the pane.

…

For the past few days, Lu Chen had been thoroughly exhausted—physically and mentally. For some reason, he imagined the mission to be a four-step task—arrival, lock onto the target, execution, followed by a mission-completed. Brutal, simple and quick.

However, unlike what he expected, he had to experience what seemed like a sponsored vacation with a female companion.

According to Lutecia, the team had discovered a new similarity between the victims. Except for Commissioner Marianne, the murdered women each had a respective partner. Given their appealing appearances, it was only normal for them to be in relationships. However, they still weren’t certain whether the detail fit into Slaughter’s M.O.. Hence, after a meeting, to match the specifications of the victims, they decided to assign a male partner to the lures.

Though, Lutecia might have another intention for it, which ultimately failed to be fulfilled. After all, Lu Chen was sent to accompany Milana, who felt extremely grateful toward Lutecia after hearing about the update.

Meanwhile, Lancelot ended up being Lutecia’s partner. Out of anyone’s expectation, he was remarkably better at playing a boyfriend than Lu Chen.

Despite walking hand-in-hand, Lu Chen, the Asian, and Milana, the Caucasian, looked nothing like a couple, thanks to his unnatural, rigid face. On the other hand, like a match made in heaven, Lutecia and Lancelot appeared to be like any other celebrity couple, emitting an impeccably harmonious aura.

…

Close to the window, a couple sat face-to-face.

Under the gleaming sunrays, along with the silver barrette clipped on, the girl’s golden elegant waves shone mesmerizingly, exhibiting not even a speck of flaw. With a fashionable, black bowtie attached to her daffodil, short-sleeved shirt, complementing her pristine, light blue skirt, she seemed extraordinarily sporty and youthful.

Clearly, Milana had put a lot of effort into her delicate makeup, not to lure the mysterious Slaughter, but the young man who had just devoured an entire steak in front of her.

Despite sporting a set of casual wear, the young man was, nevertheless, dashing, as a result of becoming a dressed-up Ken doll, that was.

Initially, Lu Chen was reluctant to spend anything on a makeover. However, when Milana revealed that the expenses were claimable as mission expenditures, Lu Chen happily went along.

“Do you want seconds, Lu Chen?” Gracefully, Milana turned to Lu Chen with sympathy written all over her face, feeling that he became somewhat thinner after having less time to eat as they had to focus on the mission.

Seeing her compassionate expression, Lu Chen speechlessly thought to himself, Can you not stare at me that way? Curse Fingal and his stories! Also, having a big appetite doesn’t mean I can’t survive with a normal serving, alright?

“It’s getting late and I have a friend to meet soon. Why don’t you head back to the hotel before the sun sets?” Lu Chen suggested after glancing at the clock, then finished his meal as scheduled.

Although the bait needed a partner, he couldn’t always cling to her; he needed to allow some space for Slaughter to advance. For the past few days, the places they had been frequenting were the favorite spots of the victims. In other words, it was an opportunity for the murderer to pick out his targets.

“I see… I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” replied Milana as she adorably beamed. Immersed in her role, she even hoped to extend her stay in Birmingham for a few more weeks should Slaughter fail to show up.

Upon leaving the restaurant, Lu Chen hopped into a taxi which was, of course, driven by a commissioner of the department. After leaving the area, Lu Chen would return in a different guise, which was his second assignment.

During the day, he would escort Milana on her shopping activities; in the evenings, he would stand by, awaiting command in hiding. Be it Milana or Lutecia, if there was trouble at any of their ends, he would have to provide assistance immediately.

Just as he was idly daydreaming in a nearby cafe, the director suddenly voiced his command through his earpiece.

“Attention. A suspect is approaching bait number one.”

At once, Lu Chen regained his senses. By bait number one, the director was referring to Milana. After three days, there had finally been a movement, unless it was some random rascal who came forth to bother her.

But before he could start heading over to Milana, his earpiece sounded again.

“Attention. There’s another suspect approaching bait number two.”

Halting his steps, Lu Chen thought to himself, After three days of nothing, they decided to take both baits at once?

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