Bear virus

Into the Unknown

### Chapter Title: Into the Unknown

I didn't sleep a wink.

Since last night, I've tried countless ways to find any trace of Yang Xiaomeng, but all my efforts have been in vain. I have no idea who kidnapped her or why.

By afternoon, I emerged from my room, armed and equipped, ready to head to the location specified by the kidnappers. Before leaving, I tried calling Cheng Zhuo, but he didn't answer.

The snow continued to fall, with no end in sight. The pristine snowy world of my memories seemed further away than ever. As I looked into the distance, everything was eerily silent, like a post-apocalyptic scene. There wasn’t a bird in sight; it was as if the world had lost its vitality.

Boss Hotel was in a remote area, about three or four kilometers from my place. To avoid drawing attention, I decided to walk.

Over two hours later, I arrived at the hotel. It was a simple, old building, judging by its decor. The door was tightly shut, and the potted plants outside, deprived of sunlight, had succumbed to the harsh weather. I glanced around and noticed a large graffiti on a nearby wall, depicting a dancing woman, barely discernible through years of wear.

After adjusting my gear, I approached the door and pushed. As expected, it was ajar and opened easily.

I had no idea who had summoned me or what their intentions were, but whoever it was, they were undoubtedly prepared.

The interior was lit and eerily quiet. I walked through the front hall and soon found myself in a corridor at the back of the hotel. I hadn't seen a single person since I arrived. The note had mentioned only the hotel's name, not a specific room, so I began checking each door.

As I was about to kick open the first door, I heard footsteps nearby. I spun around, startled. A middle-aged man in dark casual clothes leaned over the railing on the second floor and called down to me, "Mr. Lu? Upstairs, please."

I quickly assessed the man. He didn't look like a violent kidnapper; he seemed more like a regular hotel employee. However, given all the unexpected events, I couldn't afford to be careless.

"Who are you?" I pointed my gun at him.

"I'm the one you're looking for."

"You called me here?"

The man's expression remained unchanged, calm and composed. "Yes."

"Where's my girlfriend?"

"Come upstairs. You'll find the answers you're looking for."

I hesitated, then slowly made my way up the stairs, stopping when I reached the man.

"Please," he said, seeing my reluctance. "Rest assured, we mean you no harm."

I replied coldly, "No harm? Then why did you kidnap my girlfriend?"

"Follow me inside. We'll explain everything."

I warned him, "Don't try anything funny, or I'll shoot you."

"Don't worry. We genuinely want to discuss something with you."

I followed the man, gun in hand. The room was spacious and warm, with dim lighting. It looked like a workshop, filled with various devices whose purposes I couldn't determine.