Paradise Hotel
Click... The door unlocked, and Yi Chen stepped into his hotel room. The spacious suite exuded luxury, from the elegant furniture to the breathtaking view of the city skyline visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. He smirked slightly, tossing his coat onto a nearby chair.The towering glass doors led to a private balcony, where the city lights flickered like stars in the night.
"Not bad," he murmured, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves. He walked to the balcony and pushed open the glass doors, letting the cool night breeze wash over him. The city lights twinkled like scattered stars below. With a deep sigh, he leaned on the railing and gazed at the view.
"What a tiring day..."
Buzz...
His phone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting his thoughts. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Chairman Yi.
Yi Chen sighed, already anticipating the scolding he was about to receive. Reluctantly, he answered the call and brought the phone to his ear.
A furious voice erupted from the other end. "YOU BRAT!"
Yi Chen instinctively pulled the phone away from his ear, his expression unimpressed.
"What did you tell Jing Jing? That child called me crying! You heartless boy! Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused?!"
Yi Chen sighed, rubbing his temple. "Grandfather, I simply enlightened her about reality. If she can't handle the truth, that's hardly my fault."
"Don't give me that nonsense! Bai Ning Jing's grandfather is an old friend of mine. You've embarrassed me! You will go to him, kneel, and apologize properly! And don't even think about running away this time!"
Before Yi Chen could respond, the call ended. He tossed the phone onto the bedside table and let out another sigh. Just as he was about to lie down, a knock echoed at the door.
"Come in."
Zhou Hao Yang stepped inside, his expression serious. Yi Chen remained seated on the sofa, watching him close the door behind him.
"Did you find anything?" Yi Chen asked lazily.
Zhou Hao Yang nodded. "Not much, Boss. The dinner is indeed hosted by Life Pharmaceuticals, and Miss Lei Xian is overseeing the event. Security is tight—too tight. I couldn't even get a proper list of the guests. This isn't just some corporate networking dinner. There's something more happening here."
Yi Chen tapped his fingers against the armrest thoughtfully. "I figured as much. The security level alone makes it obvious. Any unusual movements?"
"Not yet. But whatever it is, they don't want outsiders knowing."
Yi Chen smirked. "Then we'll just have to pry a little harder, won't we? Sit in the lobby and observe everything. Report anything unusual immediately. We can't afford to miss this opportunity."
Zhou Hao Yang gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Boss."
Yi Chen leaned back against the sofa, his gaze darkening. "Let's see what Lei Xian is hiding."
****
The VIP ballroom was alive with clinking glasses and murmured conversations. Elite guests and high-profile investors mingled, exchanging pleasantries while enjoying the lavish spread of gourmet dishes.
Yet, amidst the grandeur, whispers circulated about a lone girl sitting at the farthest corner of the room.
"She looks just like any ordinary human..."
"I can't believe that's the experiment subject."
"So this is the girl Miss Lei Xian mentioned in the meeting?"
"Look at her hair—half black, half white. Maybe she's only half normal."
Xin Yi sat stiffly at her assigned table, her hands clenched under the tablecloth. Bodyguards flanked her, ensuring she had no means of escape. Meanwhile, Lei Xian reveled in the praises of the elite, basking in the glory of her so-called scientific breakthrough.
But Xin Yi was not listening.
Her mind focused on one thing—escaping.
As waiters placed dishes on the tables, her eyes landed on a particular salad—one that contained walnuts, almonds, cashews, and peanuts. Her heart pounded as an idea clicked in her mind.
Only Lei Xian knew about her severe nut allergy. The bodyguards were unaware.
This was her chance.
She picked up her fork, her grip tightening. Memories flashed in her mind—how the last time she had an allergic reaction, she had been bedridden for days, barely able to breathe. Qin Lianyi had warned her countless times—nuts were poison to her.
But right now, poison was her only salvation.
She took a deep breath and forced a spoonful of the salad into her mouth.
One bite.
Another.
Her throat tightened almost immediately. A sharp pain shot through her chest. Heat crawled up her skin as she struggled to swallow. Her breath came in short, labored gasps.
She clenched the table edge as her vision blurred. Her lungs felt like they were on fire.
Sweat dripped down her forehead.
A bodyguard finally took notice. "Hey—hey, what's wrong with you?"
Xin Yi wheezed, her voice barely audible. "Bathroom... I need to go..."
The bodyguard hesitated before rushing towards Lei Xian, who was still entertaining the investors. He whispered something in her ear.
Lei Xian's expression faltered for a brief moment before she quickly masked it with a smile. She turned to her guests. "Excuse me for a moment."
Then, pulling the guard aside, she hissed, "Are you an idiot? I told you to keep an eye on her! That girl knows she has a severe allergy—she did this on purpose to create a scene! Get her out of here before the shareholders notice!"
"But, Boss—where should we take her?"
Lei Xian clenched her jaw, thinking. "For now, lock her in my room. I'll deal with her after the dinner."
She pulled out a keycard from her clutch and shoved it into the guard's hand. "Move her—now!"
"But what about her condition?"
Lei Xian scoffed. "She won't die from this. She'll suffer, but she'll live. Now get her out of here!"
The bodyguard hesitated but followed orders, dragging Xin Yi away from the ballroom.
As Xin Yi's body weakened, her mind rejoiced.
She had done it.
She had created an opening.
But as her breath grew shallower, a terrifying realization settled in.
Her condition was worsening far faster than she had anticipated.