Kingpin's Call

Starsea Studio's preliminary design work for its new project was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Lin Hai had already sketched several Huaxia-style designs featuring dragon and cloud patterns; Harry was drawing futuristic concept art with a strong technological feel; Gwen, drawing on her understanding of magic, was designing magical-style pieces from a girl's perspective; even Peter was scratching his head, trying to incorporate spider shapes and web elements into his own designs in a reasonable way.

One Friday evening, after finishing a week of school, the four of them were gathered in the living room, relaxing with a movie while discussing their design progress and possible manufacturing challenges, when a shrill phone ringtone shattered the easygoing atmosphere.

The ringing came from Lin Hai's phone. When he picked it up, the name on the screen made him pause—Kingpin (Mr. Wilson).

Kingpin rarely called him directly, especially at this hour. A bad feeling rose in Lin Hai's heart. He gestured for his companions to be quiet and answered the call.

"Mr. Wilson, you..." Lin Hai had not even finished his customary greeting before the voice on the other end cut him off.

The voice belonged to Kingpin, but it was completely unlike his usual steady, commanding tone, as though everything were under his control. At that moment, his voice seemed squeezed from the depths of his throat, clearly struggling to suppress some emotion on the verge of erupting.

It was a complicated emotion, mixed with towering rage, icy killing intent, and... a bewilderment and fear bordering on helplessness, something rarely seen in this underground emperor.

"Doctor Lin..." Kingpin's voice was hoarse and urgent, carrying even a faint, barely perceptible tremor. "Vanessa is hurt! She's in very bad shape! All my personal doctors... they... they said there was nothing they could do. I...