Flower Mansion.
The big shots at the pinnacle of Ice Prefecture had gathered.
Dressed in a comfortable Tang suit, Flower Boss stood at the entrance welcoming his guests.
An atmosphere of grief still hung over the Hua Family courtyard, yet Flower Boss chatted and laughed with everyone, looking full of vigor.
The Ming King and Nalan went without saying; they had been on Flower Boss's side all along.
But for once, Flower Boss even greeted Mr. Li with a smile.
Despite all Mr. Li had seen, the kindly, genial look on Flower Boss's face still sent a chill through him.
What decent man could smile at people right after losing two sons?
That depth of cunning was a little frightening.
"A feast with a trap waiting."
Standing at the entrance and looking at the two glittering gold characters spelling out "Flower Mansion," Mr. Li suddenly had the illusion that he might not make it back out.
"Not going in yet?"
A battered little car pulled up, and a white-haired, middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit stepped out.
The man walked with steady steps. Broad-shouldered and thickset, he looked thoroughly composed.
"Group Leader Yao."
Mr. Li raised an eyebrow, and the weight lifted from his heart.
The newcomer was the leader of the investigation team that had just arrived in Ice Prefecture. Flower Boss had invited him, which proved that no one would make a move today.
The two seemed to be old acquaintances. With his hands behind his back, Group Leader Yao led two team members over to Mr. Li and remarked, "Ruthless."
"What?"
Mr. Li froze.
Group Leader Yao smiled as though he understood him perfectly. "You're still so cautious. Don't worry, we came to Ice Prefecture to investigate human trafficking. We're staying out of your feud with Nalan."