5 Devil's flower and Unfinished Business

The sleek black limousine gracefully pulled up to the curb of an exquisite condominium at the quiet end of a cul-de-sac. The exterior of the house was a masterpiece, featuring a harmonious dance of sleek glass panels that added a touch of modern elegance to the tranquil surroundings.

At the entrance, a red lacquered door stood adorned with intricately carved symbols, serving as the gateway to a modern courtyard. This outdoor space was a microcosm of nature, complete with miniature landscapes and a meandering stone pathway that offered a serene escape from the ceaseless rhythm of the city.

Vertical gardens cascaded down the sides of the condo, entwining with architectural lines, creating a captivating visual. The top floor boasted a balcony framed by latticed screens, providing a private retreat where one could savor a moment of calm amidst the vibrant city life.

As the limousine door opened, both Adrian and Alexander gracefully stepped out. The chauffeur expertly navigated the vehicle into the parking garage, leaving the duo to approach the front door. Adrian retrieved his key card, effortlessly swiping it over the sensor beneath the door handle. With an audible click, the door responded, and Adrian, taking hold of the handle, swung it open, allowing them to enter.

The interior of the condominium revealed polished marble floors leading seamlessly to the living room. Large windows framed dynamic views of the cityscape, while silk curtains swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of grace to the room. A low coffee table, adorned with a tasteful tea set, served as the centerpiece of the inviting space.

Adrian surveyed the surroundings, seeking Alexander's opinion. "What do you think?" he inquired, allowing a moment for the impressions to settle.

"It's great!" Alexander responded with enthusiasm. "Young master sure has great taste."

Strolling towards the kitchen, Adrian mumbled, "How long has it been?" He approached the refrigerator, its gentle hum filling the air as he searched for a refreshing drink. Opting for chilled wine, Adrian extracted the bottle and shut the refrigerator door with a soft click. Turning to the nearby cabinet, he retrieved two red wine glasses, skillfully opening the bottle with his teeth before pouring the deep red liquid into each glass. Handing one to Alexander, and he retained the other for himself.

"It has been a century, young master," Alexander replied, his gaze fixed on the crimson contents of his glass.

Adrian took a sip, relishing the sharp flavor that seemed to wash away all traces of stress and fatigue. Returning to the living room with a glass of wine and the bottle, he settled onto one of the couches. "Has it truly been that long since I died?" Adrian questioned, fixating on the street view outside.

"Yes, young master," confirmed Alexander.

Adrian chuckled, placing his glass on the table before him. Turning towards Alexander, he expressed his frustration, "Now, having been reborn into this weak, good-for-nothing human body, I'm still unable to use my powers to their full extent after 28 years of inhabiting this form." He took another sip, glancing at Alexander, who was seated across from him.

"Oh! So that's why you nose bleed," Alexander remarked with a smile.

Adrian fixed an intense gaze on Alexander, muttering, "What else did you think would be the cause of my nosebleed?" His eyes flashed with an edge of irritation, as if the mere question were a disturbance to his thoughts.

In response, Alexander casually shrugged his shoulders, suggesting, "Maybe the stress has done you good."

Huffing, Adrian retorted, "You know, I could make you kill yourself right now, but unfortunately, you are useful to me." He downed the remainder of his wine, a hint of bitterness lingering in the air.

Alexander chuckled nervously, sipping his wine in silence, his gaze drifting away to some distant point.

Pouring another generous amount into his glass, Adrian swallowed the contents in one swift motion. A deep sigh escaped him as he closed his eyes, momentarily succumbing to the quiet ambiance.

Curiosity lingered in Alexander's voice as he probed, "But who were you using your powers on at the hotel?" The mention of the hotel triggered memories of Adrian's encounter with Hailey in the lobby. Shaking his head, Adrian responded in a deep, mysterious tone, "It's none of your business."

Alexander, nodding in reluctant acceptance, lowered his gaze, allowing his attention to drift beyond the glass door to the living area. A reflective silence enveloped them until Alexander broke it again, "Hold on, since you were reborn... wouldn't there be other people like you?" He cast a curious glance toward Adrian, awaiting an enlightening response.

Adrian, finishing off his wine and leaning back with closed eyes, revealed, "Yes, it's natural because we have unfinished business." His voice carried an air of profound contemplation. "But I'm not sure if Xingmo reincarnated as well. If he did, that means it's in this world as well."

Intrigued, Alexander questioned, "What is?"

"The devil's flower... if it's here, I'll have to retrieve it before he does, or else this world is done for," Adrian stated with a solemn expression, the weight of responsibility etched on his face.

Curious, Alexander inquired while sipping his wine, "But what happens when you find it then?"

"I will protect it. It's my job, and it's also my fault it almost fell into the hands of Xingmo. Once I find the devil's flower, I'll kill Xingmo myself and make sure he doesn't reincarnate again," Adrian asserted in a dark tone.

Raising an eyebrow, Alexander questioned, "How are you going to find this devil's flower? It could be anything."

Adrian admitted with uncertainty, "I don't know either," his voice carrying a tinge of contemplation.

Taking a sip of his wine, Alexander pondered before delving deeper, "Why are you doing this anyway? Trying to stop this world's destruction and all. You're a devil."

Adrian, nonchalant, shrugged and took another gulp of wine. "Because I'm living in it, and I'm enjoying my stay here," he replied, standing up. "When you're done with your drink, you can leave." Adrian pointed towards the doorway to his left.

As he moved to leave, Alexander stood up and bid, "Good night, young master Yinyue."

Adrian abruptly halted, turning around to glare at Alexander, who covered his mouth in shock. "Why did you call me that name?" Adrian questioned with a faint, deep red glow in his eyes. He added, "I stated it before that I do not like to be addressed with that name. It's all in the past, and I prefer my new name, Adrian."

Alexander shivered, taking a step back. "It's just a habit, young master. I called you that in the past... I still can't shake off that habit. I apologize," he said, smiling nervously, thoughts racing, 'I'm dead; young master is really going to kill me this time.'

Adrian took another step forward, his tone turning sharp. "No, you did this one on purpose."

As tension hung in the air, the atmosphere on the brink of escalation, a mischievous glint sparked in Adrian's eyes. His lips curved into a smirk, and, unexpectedly, he issued a command.

Locking eyes with Alexander, Adrian watched as he froze, dropping his hand to his side, his eyes devoid of emotions. With one final step towards Alexander, Adrian whispered into his ear, "Slap yourself multiple times and run around the streets with only your underwear until I say you should stop."

Alexander bowed and walked towards the door, complying with the unusual command, leaving the house.

***

As Hailey arrived at the front door of her penthouse apartment, she deftly accessed the security pad beneath the sleek door handle, inputting her passcode with a practiced motion. The sophisticated lock disengaged, allowing her entry. Once inside, she promptly secured the door behind her.

Hailey removed her shoes, each movement deliberate and unhurried. Her hands gracefully delved into her handbag, retrieving a small camera before adorning the rack beside the entrance door with her bag. Proceeding down a narrow corridor, she advanced toward her living room.

The living room unfolded with a grandeur defined by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city below. Plush couches and luxurious carpets underfoot created a tactile juxtaposition against the sleek, polished surfaces that adorned the space. Transitioning seamlessly, Hailey's culinary domain, the kitchen, stood as a masterpiece. It boasted top-of-the-line appliances seamlessly integrated into custom cabinetry, while marble countertops gleamed under carefully orchestrated lighting.

As dawn graced the skyline, automated curtains whispered open, bathing the penthouse in a soft glow. Ambient lighting, choreographed to perfection, enveloped the living space in an opulent cocoon.

Seating herself on a plush couch, Hailey initiated a sequence of actions. Opening her laptop, positioned strategically on the central coffee table, she activated the small camera, seamlessly connecting it to her device. Patiently, she awaited the appearance of an icon indicating the availability of a video file from the camera's recording system. With a slightly trembling hand, she clicked play.

Initially, the screen portrayed an empty room. However, as the video unfolded, two familiar figures in robes entered the frame—Mason and another whose face remained obscured. Both emerged from the bathroom.

As the unfamiliar figure turned towards the concealed camera, Hailey swiftly paused the video, zooming in for a closer inspection. A mix of disbelief and frustration crossed her features as she almost slammed her fist onto the laptop. Her eyes widened, jaw dropping in shock as she scoffed at the revelation—it was none other than her stepsister, Eliza Gao. Despite the presence of more content in the video, Hailey chose to spare herself the details.

"That lizard-like bitch," Hailey muttered under her breath, her eyes ablaze with anger. She turned off the screen abruptly, leaping to her feet. Pacing around the living room, her hand ran anxiously through her hair as she grappled with the surge of rage. Trying to contain herself, she clenched her teeth, berating Eliza's deliberate provocation.

"I thought I told her not to provoke me!" she yelled, the anger bubbling within, threatening to spill over.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed from her handbag hanging on the rack. Approaching her bag with determined strides, she retrieved her phone, swiping her thumb across the touchpad to unveil a message notification.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she observed the message, discovering it was from Mason.

She tapped on the message, she read, 'I'm sorry for not replying, I have been busy. Can we meet up at our usual café?' Hailey's interest piqued, her lips curling into an evil smirk as she rapidly responded, 'Sure, I will meet you at 8.' She swiftly stowed her phone back into her bag and headed towards her bedroom .