Chapter Fifty-Eight: Sharing Information

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Data Sharing

In a secluded residential house, a man knocked on the door and stepped inside.

The place was desolate, with no one in sight, and seemed rather bleak. No one would imagine that, in such an uninhabited area, there would be a small house, and someone was already waiting inside.

As the man dressed in black entered, he removed the cloth covering his face, revealing a scarred visage.

“Mission accomplished,” he said hurriedly.

“You took quite a while this time. Did something happen?” asked the man opposite him, who wore a golden mask, exposing only his lips; his eyes peered through two small holes in the mask’s center.

“Leader, I ran into a viper.”

“A viper!” the masked man murmured, his expression unreadable. “I didn't expect you’d cross paths with one of our own. He didn’t recognize you, did he?”

“No, I didn’t use my abilities, and he’s not familiar with us,” the man in black replied.

“That’s good. Go on, keep your distance from them for now—don’t show yourself.”

With that, the masked man dismissed him.

After watching the man in black leave, the masked man took out his phone and sent a text message. As soon as the message was sent, the phone suddenly shattered into countless fragments with a sharp crack.

The masked man stepped out, and moments later, the house exploded, reduced to rubble. No one would ever suspect a dwelling had stood there.

Elsewhere, Xu Tianming saw the message he had just received, smiled, and promptly deleted it.

…

At the Imperial Hotel, Zhang Wei, Zhou Wang, Lu Jing, and others were dining downstairs.

“Damn it, this Imperial Hotel is getting more arrogant by the day. What’s with the second floor? They won’t let us up,” Zhang Wei grumbled over his drink, feeling stifled.

The manager’s attitude was unbearably haughty now, showing no leniency; they only recognized qualifications.

And those qualifications were set by Shen An.

He intended to turn the Imperial Hotel into a gathering place for Awakened, with the second floor reserved exclusively for those deemed worthy. Shen An had already ordered Mu Linqiu to handle the arrangements.

His philosophy was simple: regardless of wealth, as long as you’re an Awakened—even if penniless—you could enjoy desserts and drinks on the second floor.

“Manager, tell me, why can’t I go up to the second floor?” Zhang Wei’s temper flared; he demanded an explanation.

“Sorry, our boss has said the second floor is for Awakened only—those whose abilities are recognized. Zhang Wei, we know each other, so please don’t make things difficult for me,” the manager replied, refusing to engage further.

“What attitude is that? I’m an Awakened too. I’m going up today, no matter what.”

Some people are like this—the more forbidden something is, the more they insist on breaking the rules, convinced of their own entitlement. Little do they realize, such people are often looked down upon.

“Zhang Wei, let it go. It’s all the same, upstairs or downstairs,” Zhou Wang advised.

“That’s right, Zhou Wang. We’re just here for a meal; there’s no need to offend the Imperial Hotel,” Lu Jing said, displeased with Zhang Wei’s behavior.

In her view, their previous incident was embarrassing enough, and his lack of restraint now was disappointing.

Suddenly, the room grew noisy, and they looked over.

“What’s this? I’m an Awakened but not qualified for the second floor?” someone protested after being stopped.

“Sorry, you haven’t registered. Please do so first—then you can go up,” replied the manager, calm and unyielding.

“Where do I register?” the man snapped, clearly losing patience.

“With the official agency,” the manager said steadily.

“Damn, what a hassle. I’m going upstairs anyway. Let’s see who dares stop me.”

Ignoring the manager’s expression, he headed straight for the second floor.

Zhang Wei and his friends watched. “That guy’s bold. Come on, let’s go up too,” Zhang Wei suggested.

“Forget it, let’s just watch,” Zhou Wang said, unwilling to join.

Zhang Wei glanced at Lu Jing, seeing her reluctance, and felt a surge of irritation.

Suddenly, as the man reached the last step, a smile spread across his face.

“Ha, see? I made it up,” he laughed, ready to step onto the final stair.

But he noticed a smile on the manager’s face.

Why was the manager smiling? What was so amusing?

Cold sweat broke out on his forehead; he never took that last step.

Fear crept into his heart—he sensed danger ahead but couldn’t explain why.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to try?” a woman’s voice whispered in his ear, sending a chill down his spine.

“Who—?” he began, but immediately felt something strike him, his insides churning with pain, his body launched uncontrollably from the stairs.

He never found the courage to step onto the last stair.

With a loud crash, everyone turned to look.

The once arrogant man who insisted on going upstairs now stared in terror at the second floor.

“Let it go this time. Next time, it won’t be so simple,” came a clear, melodious female voice from nowhere, reaching everyone’s ears.

The man said nothing, spun around, and left.

Moments later, he returned: “Manager, may I ask, where’s the official registration office?”

The manager pointed across the street. “Right there, you’ll see it as soon as you step outside.”

The man nodded and quickly departed.

Soon after, a plainly dressed migrant worker entered, handed the manager a card, and with a beep, the manager smiled.

“Sir, please proceed to the second floor.”

Zhang Wei and his companions watched closely.

“Zhou Wang, I’m going to register as well,” Zhang Wei said suddenly.

“Alright, go ahead,” Zhou Wang agreed without surprise.

The second floor, in a private room.

This was now Shen An’s exclusive space, accessible only to him.

Opposite Shen An sat Bai Weiwei.

Bai Weiwei’s presence was even more striking now, exuding a capable, heroic aura—her elegance and vigor made her stand out.

“This place will soon become a hub for Awakened. What, are you trying to recruit your own talents?” Bai Weiwei asked, intrigued.

“I just want access to some information. After all, mutual benefit—I hope to have a copy of your registration data here as well. That way, it saves a lot of investigative work,” Shen An replied.

“Hmph, that’s easier said than done,” Bai Weiwei shot him a glance.

She had no idea what Shen An’s true motives were.

Sharing data with the authorities—none of the three major families had ever managed it. Not for lack of trying, but because the officials refused.

Bai Weiwei hadn’t expected Shen An’s first request upon inviting her was to share official data.

She had to admit, it seemed like a madman’s dream—she found Shen An’s ambition boundless.

“Don’t be too quick to refuse. I have another matter I need your help investigating,” Shen An said calmly, taking out a packet of powder.

“What’s that?” Bai Weiwei asked, curious.

“Take this back and help analyze its composition,” he said, handing it over. Seeing her confusion, he added, “I suspect this is an illegal drug.”

“An illegal drug?” Bai Weiwei was startled, looking at Shen An. He nodded almost imperceptibly.

“Alright, I’ll have it tested. Anything else?”