The double doors creaked open behind Jiang Qi as he stepped out, fastening the final button of his black suit. Two bodyguards were waiting just outside the door, and they immediately fell into step behind him as he started walking.
They moved through the quiet hallway and took a left turn, where another door came into view at the end. The door opened smoothly, and there were two more guards standing outside it.
As Jiang Qi walked past, they bowed their heads slightly and remained silent, while he turned right just ahead and walked down towards a staircase. The stairs led directly down to the club.
Jiang Qi actually owned the club, and above it, was his private room where he stayed from time to time. He used the space mostly when he was too busy to return home, especially when the family business kept him occupied.
Being the heir to one of the most powerful Mafia clans in Asia, he had very little time for himself, and almost everything in his life revolved around duty. He didn't complain or show frustration, because he was raised to handle everything with control.
When he walked out of the club, the morning light had started to grow stronger, as it was almost 7 a.m. Outside, there were more than fifteen bodyguards already waiting for him. They stood in neat lines dressed in black suits, and they all bowed as soon as he stepped into view.
Jiang Qi didn't stop or say a word, and they followed closely behind as he headed toward a black Maserati parked at the curb. The vehicle was clearly meant for him, and one of the bodyguards stepped forward and opened the rear passenger door without needing instructions.
Jiang Qi got into the car, and the door was closed behind him, while the rest of the bodyguards entered their own vehicles. In front of Jiang Qi's car were two black SUVs, and there were also two behind, forming a tight convoy around him.
He sat quietly for a few minutes, and soon after, his phone began to ring. He looked at the screen but didn't answer right away, and instead, he waited in silence before finally pressing the green icon and lifting the phone to his ear.
There was no expression on his face, and after a short pause, he spoke in a calm tone:
"I'm on my way."
He ended the call without saying anything else. The car moved smoothly into the road, followed closely by the other vehicles.
It didn't take long before they arrived in front of a tall glass building, and this was the headquarters of Jiang Corporation. Aside from their underground activities, the Jiang family also ran a legitimate business empire, and it was publicly respected across the region.
Jiang Qi had already been managing the company for some time, as he was preparing to officially take over both sides of the family's legacy. As the car came to a halt, the driver—who was also one of the guards—stepped out and opened the rear door without delay.
Jiang Qi stepped out with composed movements, and just before walking forward, he adjusted his suit by brushing his hands down the front and straightening the lapels. His face remained unreadable, but his eyes briefly scanned the space ahead.
*****
Not too far away, though not too close either, a hooded man stood behind a nearby wall, and his gaze was fixed sharply on Jiang Qi. He was silent and still, but every muscle in his body was alert, and his full attention was on the man exiting the vehicle.
*****
Jiang Qi took a few steps forward, and just as one of the guards held open the entrance door, he paused for a second. His body stilled slightly, and his eyes moved with care, as if he sensed something, or someone, watching him.
He didn't speak or react strongly, but after glancing around and seeing nothing unusual, he continued forward and walked into the building. The door closed behind him, and the moment passed quietly, with no one else noticing what he might have felt.
*****
The hooded man didn't move from his place, and it was none other than Shen Yi, who had been following Jiang Qi ever since he left the club. He had stayed hidden in the shadows, waiting patiently and looking for the perfect moment to make his move.
He didn't act yet because he knew the timing had to be right, and that any mistake could cost him the chance he needed. He remained behind the wall and kept his eyes on the entrance until the scene returned to normal.
*****
Later, after noon had passed, Jiang Qi exited the building again, and the same routine played out. The bodyguards stepped forward and bowed slightly, while the driver opened the rear door for him.
Jiang Qi got into the car without a word, and the convoy began to move once again. The black vehicles pulled away from the curb, turning into the road with smooth coordination, and they disappeared down the main street.
Just across from the building, Shen Yi stepped out of a small café, having watched everything from behind the glass without drawing attention. He waited until the convoy turned the corner, then moved quietly toward his parked motorbike.
The bike was black and well-maintained, and he climbed onto it with calm movements before pulling his helmet over his head. He fastened the strap and started the engine with one hand while glancing toward the road.
He didn't rush to follow the convoy too closely, but he made sure not to lose them either, keeping just enough distance to avoid being noticed while staying close enough to track Jiang Qi's every movement.