Crimson Heir: Shadows in Academia

26

The restaurant where Yan Yan worked wasn't large, but it was well-known in Los Angeles, with a large daily customer flow. Although running around the restaurant all day was tiring, Yan Yan resolutely stayed because of the slightly higher salary compared to other restaurants, and even became a supervisor.

Today, Yan Yan was running around the restaurant as usual, serving customers. Around noon, a very different customer walked in.

He was wearing a well-tailored suit, a white turtleneck shirt, and spotless black leather shoes. Coupled with his slightly disheveled hair, pale complexion, and eerie eyes, he exuded an aura of nobility that made people hesitant to meet his gaze.

However, the golden kitten perched on his shoulder and the snow-white husky following at his feet were incredibly odd. A man like him keeping pets? And two at that… it was truly unbelievable.

Yan Yan looked at the man before her, unsure how to stop him from bringing his pets to the restaurant. However, under the repeated gesturing from the manager, she stepped forward and finally managed to dissuade him in a voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz.

Alex Qi smiled at the not-so-pretty, but nervous and downcast girl before him. Then, his gaze slowly swept over the surrounding diners. Following his gaze, everyone went about their business, no one daring to meet his eyes.

Finally, Alex Qi sighed, "Never mind, I'll just order some food to go! I'll wait for your food in the car." With that, Alex Qi turned and went back to his car. There was no need to fuss over such a small matter; everyone has their own difficulties.

Watching Alex Qi walk away, Yan Yan felt a surge of gratitude. She had been prepared to be scolded today, but it turned out so calmly. She quickly reported the order to the kitchen, who had clearly received the instructions. They prepared the food much faster than usual and delivered it to Yan Yan; it was obvious that she would be responsible for delivering the shortest distance this time.

Alex Qi took the takeout from the little girl, paid the bill, and stepped on the gas, slowly "crawling" away from the restaurant. He really wanted to do a stylish drift, but it was a bit too difficult for him.

He drove to the company he hadn't been to for a while without any major incidents, but stepping into the office, he was still pleasantly surprised by its cleanliness. Just as he sat down, intending to start a meal with Jet and Lyn, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Mr. Qi, may I come in? I’m Yang Zhong…” Alex Qi was momentarily taken aback by the voice outside, only recognizing Yang Zhong’s familiar voice and realizing he was his boss.

“Come in,” Alex Qi said, staring at Yang Zhong as he slowly entered. The guy had gained weight in the time he’d been gone, and he quipped, “Looks like you’re doing well, Manager Yang! Hehe!”

Alex Qi’s teasing remark startled Yang Zhong. He hadn’t messed up the company, so what did his boss mean? Without time to think, he quickly replied, “Um, Mr. Qi, is there anything I can help you with today?”

Seeing Yang Zhong sweating profusely, Alex Qi initially considered asking him to leave, but then remembered the messy villa and instructed him to have someone tidy it up. Originally, that place was a good hiding spot, but after this battle, living there was still quite risky. Although he wouldn't be staying there anytime soon, it would be better to repair it.

After Yang Zhong closed the door and left, Alex Qi, Jet, and Lyn began to feast.

Watching Jet and Lyn's direct use of claws and mouths, Alex Qi wanted to remind them of the so-called etiquette at aristocratic tables, but remembering their joint protest against his naming, he gritted his teeth and held back. However, he secretly decided to eat with them less often in the future.

After dinner, Alex Qi comfortably reclined in his office chair, while Jet and Lyn jumped onto the sofa and squinted. Looking at their lazy appearance, if one didn't know their true identities, they would truly treat them like pets.

Sitting there, Alex Qi couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

This assassination was clearly the work of other vampire families in Europe. However, he didn't have a good solution to this situation. He initially considered hiding, but ultimately decided against it.

In the city, they might have some reservations; after all, non-humans weren't limited to vampires, and Alex Qi believed that even in modern cities, there were still unknown beings lurking. But in the wilderness, they had no fear.

Finally, Alex Qi decided to stay on the fifth floor. He would go to work when he had free time, and spend the rest of his time comprehending what he had gained in the Cain space. He would fully unleash his immense energy and elevate his cultivation level to Earl. That way, facing the dangers to come, with Jet and Lyn by his side, would be much easier.

Having made up his mind, Alex Qi felt relieved. "Starting tomorrow, let me truly enjoy this wonderful life!" Alex Qi couldn't help but sigh softly, but this only earned him the usual disdain from Jet and Lyn.

His idea was beautiful, but reality was incredibly cruel. Alex Qi was scheming to enjoy life, but little did he know that his difficulties had only just begun.

Alex Qi held the Xihai Metropolitan Daily in his hand. The front page prominently featured the headline: "Serial Killer Appears in Xining, Murdering 13 People in a Row." For the past week, Alex Qi had been troubled by one thing: a series of murders in the city.

Initially, this news was being suppressed, but somehow it spread throughout the city. A week ago, the government announced the facts, warning citizens to avoid going out at night, to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately, and promising to apprehend the killer as soon as possible. Finally, it was announced that a special task force from Beijing would be assisting in the investigation.