Chapter Three: Fate's First Account

On November 24, white roses covered the floor of Cloud Bay Hotel. Shen Yan wore a temporary photographer's badge and hid the ring in his sleeve. Xu Zhi entered with the press, while Zhou Zi'ang greeted guests as though nothing was wrong. They had not told Wanqing. Men working for the scarred lender were inside the hotel; any warning might kill her brother. At 10:40 a.m., Wanqing entered dressing room seven. A cleaner pushed a cart down the corridor. His left ear was incomplete. As Shen Yan moved to intercept him, the watch vibrated and showed two futures. Stop the cleaner, and Wanqing would drink poisoned champagne. Guard her door, and her brother would be pushed into a van underground. Someone had designed the choice.