Chen Lin crouched down, his fingertips brushing gently over Clear Wind's and Bright Moon's heads.
He said nothing.
But through their telepathic link, a complex scent mingling sweat, fear, and sewer sludge, along with two indistinct human silhouettes, was imprinted precisely into the two kittens' minds.
[Go.]
[Find the two people in the square who carry this scent.]
"Meow."
A flicker of understanding crossed Clear Wind's amber eyes, while Bright Moon obediently nuzzled Chen Lin's palm.
The next instant, the two tabby cats slipped silently into the milling crowd like drops of ink dissolving in water, vanishing without a trace.
It all happened so quickly that no one but Chen Lin noticed the two shadows come and go.
"I'll go with you." Chen Lin stood up and spoke to Qin Churan, who stood tensely beside him.
He led Qin Churan through the crowd at an unhurried pace.
Outwardly, he remained the genial host, smiling warmly and nodding to passing guests.
But his five senses had already spread over the entire square like an invisible net.
Meanwhile, Tang Shan and his trusted subordinate had successfully slipped into the Camping Area on the outermost edge of the crowd.
The tents stood side by side, barbecue smoke mingling with the tourists' laughter in a lazy, cheerful atmosphere.
Tang Shan was exceptionally alert. Almost immediately, he spotted the figures who seemed out of place among the crowd.
They looked like tourists, but their steps were steady, their eyes watchful, and unnatural bulges protruded at their waists.
Plainclothes officers.
His heart sank. He knew he was surrounded.
Trying to run now would be walking straight into a trap.
His gaze finally settled on a four-person tent.
At its entrance, two young men in their early thirties were laughing as they fiddled with a barbecue