The Polite Qianjie (Part One)

Inside Hartmann's office at Ravenlock Mansion.

Moonlight fell over everyone. In the middle of the crowd, Hugo forced himself to keep up his performance—or, more accurately, his long, self-aggrandizing speech.

"I lead Mockingbird."

"I'm the gentleman thief splashed across New Eridu's front pages."

"I have a dear friend who would never let me fall into the abyss, a partner who would shed tears for me, and a legendary collaborator who came through when I needed help most."

"I am Hugo Vlad. I neither need nor care about the Ravenlock name."

When Hugo finished, he eyed the uninvited guest by the window—Qianjie—with caution. It took him just 0.01 seconds to decide he was no match for him.

Qianjie leaned against the wall, his mask hiding his expression.

Before he left, Griseo had told him to be polite. Besides, he had arrived at the wrong moment and interrupted Hugo's grand speech.

So Qianjie said, "Please, continue your performance. You have three minutes."

That was how the awkward performance had come about.

"Hugo Vlad? So you're no longer a Ravenlock?" Qianjie asked.

"That's right!"

"Oh."

Qianjie nodded. Then he raised his right hand, made a fist, and casually punched the wall beside him.

Boom!

The crack of breaking masonry exploded through the room. A huge hole appeared in the wall, spraying debris and glass as dust billowed out.

Wise, Vivian, and Hugo froze. Across the room, Hartmann was scared witless.

Hugo swallowed. This is bad. This intruder's a brute through and through.

Qianjie lowered his fist and looked at Hugo. "Please take the other two and get out. Now."

Hugo didn't hesitate. He jumped down from the windowsill, his dress shoes landing without a sound, and shot Wise and Vivian a look: Don't ask. Go.

But Wise stayed where he was, looking at