KN | Chapter 1

Tropical Cyclone

Chen Wan drove an inconspicuous Volkswagen and slowly made his way onto the airport viaduct.

On the first day the No. 8 typhoon signal was hoisted in Haishi, the central pressure of the tropical cyclone had dropped to 917 hPa.

Palm trees and bauhinia lining the airport boulevard had been blown into disarray by the passing typhoon. He switched on the wipers several times to clear the windshield, barely managing to maintain a clear field of vision.

The weather was exceptionally severe. Inside Terminal 2, weather bulletins were being broadcast repeatedly.

“This year’s seventh typhoon, ‘Sinlaku,’ made landfall along our city’s coast at 11:36 this morning and is moving westward from the southeast.”

“Affected by convective cloud systems, maximum winds near the outer eyewall have reached Force 8. Heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms are expected within the next six hours. An orange rainstorm warning has been issued to all departments. Relevant units and personnel are advised to take precautionary measures…”

The announcements were repeated once each in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese.

Chen Wan glanced at his wristwatch, took a wide turn into B3, found an inconspicuous parking spot, and leaned back against the seat. One hand rested on the steering wheel, the other draped over the window edge. His posture appeared relaxed, yet his eyes remained fixed tightly on the front.

Fierce wind and heavy rain made it highly unsuitable for flying. Occasionally, passengers either rushing to catch flights or just arriving passed through, but none of them were the person Chen Wan was waiting for.

He lit a cigarette to stay alert. He had barely slept the previous night, and that morning he had rushed to the airport before the typhoon made landfall, worried about traffic congestion.

A faint, blurred warmth flickered in the dimness from the orange-red glow of the cigarette.

A local radio station cut in with yesterday’s chart-topping songs. The Cantonese music, mixed with the rustling sound of rain outside, had a faintly hypnotic effect.

Chen Wan switched channels.

“TNB reporting for you… Minglong has recently completed… mergers and acquisitions…”

“Chamber of Commerce… leadership elections… Legislative Council veto…”

His phone vibrated. Zhuo Zhixuan asked how preparations for the welcome banquet were coming along.

The crown prince was returning. Even Zhuo Zhixuan did not dare to be careless.

Chen Wan sent over a few photos. “Hillside villa restaurant in the bay area.”

Zhuo Zhixuan took a look and was quite satisfied. Chen Wan had always been reliable in handling matters, someone who put people at ease.

After finishing business, Zhuo Zhixuan gossiped, “I heard he came back with Miss Xu.”

“No.”

Chen Wan stubbed out his cigarette, shifted gears cleanly, and stepped on the accelerator, correcting his friend.

“He came back by himself.”

“…”

Zhuo Zhixuan instantly sobered up, pushing away the soft, warm body in his arms and sitting upright.

“You went to track him?”

Chen Wan kept his gaze fixed on the tall figure emerging from the B3 exit. Only after the man stepped into a black Maybach did he spare attention to reply.

“Not tracking. Picking him up.”

Unilaterally.

“…”

Zhuo Zhixuan fell silent for a moment, then, as if already used to it, let out a short laugh.

“Got a death wish, Chen Wan?”

Chen Wan followed behind the Maybach, neither too close nor too far. After a brief silence, he said,

“I’m not at ease.”

Haishi had not been peaceful lately. The Chamber of Commerce council elections were approaching, and forces from Zhudao, Xia Longjie, and Saigon Gate were already stirring restlessly.

Starting from about last month, there had been frequent reports of hijackings and air crashes across the island clusters.

That person’s recent series of ruthless and forceful acquisitions overseas had also caused quite a stir…

The attack from several years ago was still vivid in memory. For the past few days, Chen Wan had been unable to settle his mind.

This was the first day of the No. 8 signal, and flying conditions were extremely poor. He guessed the man had returned on that Dassault Falcon 900 private jet.

The Falcon model was powerful, capable of withstanding severe storm conditions, but landings were rough. He did not know whether a forced landing had occurred.

Zhuo Zhixuan was momentarily speechless, then laughed in irritation.

“Is it your place to worry? Worry about yourself.”

Chen Wan smiled mildly, saying nothing.

Having been classmates for more than ten years, Zhuo Zhixuan knew him inside out. Chen Wan had always been measured in word and deed, advancing and retreating with proper judgment. But if he ever stepped out of line, it would certainly be something serious.

Zhuo Zhixuan could not understand. “How did you know where he would exit?”

Aoyu Airport was a transit hub for many international flights. It had recently added multiple concealed exits, and important figures or officials would sometimes leave through different gates without prior notice.

Chen Wan was silent for a moment, then said vaguely, “I have my ways.”

“…”

They were both adults standing in dangerous waters. Zhuo Zhixuan did not press further, only stating objectively,

“If you go any further out of line, even I might not be able to pull you out.”

Chen Wan’s voice remained gentle and calm.

“I won’t. I’m not planning to do anything.”

That was the truth.

With his bed partner clinging to him, Zhuo Zhixuan gave a few instructions about key matters for the banquet before hanging up.

Chen Wan continued following the black Maybach until he saw it safely pass through the undersea tunnel. Only then did he turn the wheel, switch into the left lane, and overtake cleanly, pulling far ahead.

The sky grew even darker. The radio was playing Yu Gong Moves the Mountains.

Chen Wan turned off the sound system. Only the white noise of rain striking the glass remained. Along Bay Avenue, palm trees and bauhinia stood in a row, swaying wildly in the wind.

…

A few days later.

Hillside villa restaurant, bay area.

Xiaotan Mountain was surrounded by the sea on three sides. On a typhoon night, there was no moonlight even after dark. The sea tower lit up, and white waves surged against the foot of the mountain with a low, furious roar.

Outside, cold winds and heavy rain. Inside, glasses clinked amid lively conversation.

The banquet appeared glamorous, but in truth, it was like the night sea outside. Turbulent, unpredictable, with hidden undercurrents.

Zhao Shengge arrived neither early nor late. Behind him followed Shen Zongnian and Tan Youming. Even Zhuo Zhixuan had to stand slightly further back. Ahead of him were the youngest son of a stock king and the grandson of a former Secretary for Justice. He himself was merely a playboy from an offshore oil family, unable to surpass them.

Chen Wan had arrived early. He stood in an inconspicuous corner, quietly going over the dishes and wine with the manager. He also gave low-voiced instructions to lower the temperature slightly, adjust the orchids beneath the crystal chandelier, and not to fully decant the wine, seventy percent would suffice…

Like a cautious director finalizing and confirming every detail.

There were not many guests, mostly young heirs from prominent families in Haishi. But Chen Wan knew very well that these were not Zhao Shengge’s core circle.

In recent years, Zhao Shengge had become increasingly low-profile and mysterious, elusive as a dragon whose head and tail could not be seen. His circle was tightly guarded and strict. At the top of the social pyramid, there had only ever been a handful of people.

Someone like Chen Wan, an illegitimate son born to a concubine from a secondary branch of a second-tier wealthy family, was like someone standing in a ditch looking up at a towering building, unable to reach even the edge.

It was only because Zhuo Zhixuan, one of those people, had been his classmate for over a decade. And in the circle of wealthy young men, there was always someone responsible for arranging food, entertainment, and errands.

Chen Wan was tactful in dealing with people, reliable in handling matters, and carried himself neither humbly nor arrogantly. That was how he had earned a bit of recognition from that group.

It had to be admitted that many occasions required someone like Chen Wan. Someone who could manage everything smoothly, who knew when to advance and when to retreat. Wherever he was, everyone felt comfortable.

People thought he was quite good, and so treated him as half a friend.

Chen Wan appeared composed, but in truth he was very busy. It was not until everyone had actually taken their seats that he finally had the chance to properly look at the person in the main seat.

Even more striking than before. His features were sharp and handsome, with a fierce kind of beauty, yet his temperament was more relaxed.

To be fair, Zhao Shengge had never behaved in an aloof or superior manner. He could even be described as approachable.

Perhaps true strength and power did not need to be emphasized through deliberate coldness or arrogance. Beneath his gentle and restrained exterior lay an aura and authority that others could never hope to match.

Zhao Shengge’s movements were difficult to predict. It was extremely rare to see him, so many people took the opportunity tonight to offer toasts.

Men and women alike, their gazes respectful, eager, and unreserved.

He had been a favored son of heaven since his school days, the object of competition among elite men and women.

While his peers were still indulging in yachts, gold, and luxury goods, Zhao Shengge had already become the only dealmaker in recent years capable of leveraging foreign capital, turning the tide in Haishi’s sluggish financial and industrial sectors.

In recent years, he had been invited by the authorities to attend numerous high-level political meetings in the mainland.

In a city where foreign trade was declining and the economy sluggish, the name Zhao Shengge represented a kind of hope and belief.

Zhao Shengge of the Zhao family.

Zhao Shengge of Minglong.

Zhao Shengge of Haishi.

Zhao Shengge leaned back against his chair, listening to the pleasantries, occasionally nodding, his expression unreadable.

He had little interest in such social interactions. But this was not abroad. This was still a place where relationships and social conventions mattered. After being away for several years, he still had to make appearances where necessary.

These past few days, various factions had competed to host banquets in his honor. Zhao Shengge declined some and attended others, but none had felt as comfortable as tonight.

The music, the seating, the environment. It was hard to pinpoint, but even the humidity in the air felt just right.

After days of nonstop engagements since returning, he had not expected to find a moment of relaxation in such a setting.

Tan Youming noticed that he had reached for his chopsticks several times and that his glass had emptied.

“Does it suit your taste?”

Others might not know, but Tan Youming did.

When had the crown prince ever truly eaten at such occasions? Since childhood, he had been the most particular. If the ingredients were not fresh, if the cooking was off, or even if the plating displeased him, he would not take another bite.

But Zhao Shengge never said anything, never made demands. He would simply put down his chopsticks, revealing nothing of his preferences.

After eating too much poor food abroad, his Chinese palate now found the local cuisine acceptable. He gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.

Tan Youming: “…”

Zhuo Zhixuan, seated third from the main seat, could not hear what the two were saying. Tan Youming and Zhao Shengge had grown up together and were always closer.

But seeing that Zhao Shengge seemed to be in a decent mood, he signaled toward Chen Wan, who sat in the corner.

Go make a toast.

Do not let all your hard work tonight end up benefiting others.

He did not approve of Chen Wan engaging in tracking or surveillance, but an opportunity to openly connect with the crown prince should not be wasted.

The round table was large. Chen Wan’s seat was far from Zhuo Zhixuan, and even farther from Zhao Shengge.

Fine wine and delicacies filled the table, voices bustling. It was not just distance. It was like a galaxy between them.

Chen Wan smiled reassuringly at Zhuo Zhixuan, but did not move. He lowered his head, sipping tea, continuing to listen to discussions about Victoria Harbour and secrets of Victoria Peak.

The words he had said earlier were true.

He was not planning to do anything.

It was just that Zhuo Zhixuan had never quite believed him.