While Ethan Shaw was off undergoing the trials to become a high-level hunter, Nicole was busy with her own plans. She met up with her friend Song Qing, who happened to be the sister of Song Ming. Nicole had originally met Song Qing through Song Ming back when Nicole and Song Ming were still dating. This connection left Nicole feeling uneasy.

Her brother had died, and that might have been why Song Qing had returned from overseas. But why would she reach out to Nicole? Was it simply to reminisce? Since Song Qing left the country, they had rarely been in touch, and Nicole had avoided contacting her to keep memories of Song Ming at bay. He had once been her nightmare, but it was all over now. In recent days, Nicole had confirmed through her network that Song Ming had fallen suddenly ill a week prior, was rushed to the ICU, and didn’t survive. It was suspected to be due to nuclear radiation. The police were alarmed and actively searching for clues. Even more bizarre, Song Ming's body had disappeared.

Song Qing, too, was beautiful. While she wasn’t as glamorous or gentle as Nicole, she had a unique, refreshing charm that, over time, elevated her appeal. Nicole herself rated her as being at least equal in beauty.

They met at a tea house, ordered a pot of Dragon Well tea, and waited for the tea to cool. From the outside, Song Qing appeared composed, chatting with Nicole about everyday matters.

Song Qing sighed, “So much has happened in Wucheng. An entire subway station vanished. Foreign reports exaggerate, saying tens of thousands are missing, and no one has taken responsibility yet. In that context, no wonder the police aren't focused on my brother's case. Otherwise, a bizarre death like his would definitely get attention.”

Nicole probed, “Don’t you have a relative at the police station? Any inside information?”

Song Qing smiled faintly. “Nothing, probably a very skillful person involved. But my relative did find some things that confused me. A man and a woman broke into the hospital morgue late at night. That woman looked an awful lot like you. I didn’t tell the police, but Nicole, you owe me an explanation.”

Nicole tensed. “...I just wanted to see him.”

Song Qing replied, “Where are you staying now?”

Her words felt like knives, and Nicole was struggling to keep up. She stammered, “At a friend’s place.”

Song Qing kept smiling. “Can I come over?”

Nicole hesitated, “Why?”

“Oh, I’m just curious about your current situation. Can I?” Song Qing’s eyes were sharp, almost predatory, and Nicole suspected she already knew everything. Nicole mumbled, “It’s not convenient; I’m staying at a friend’s.”

Song Qing pressed on, “Then bring your friend out, and let’s have a meal. My treat.”

Song Qing’s gaze was unyielding, and Nicole was too nervous to form complete sentences. Finally, Song Qing said, “Tell me the truth, or I’ll have my police friends intervene. I’m meeting you privately because we’re friends, Nicole.”

The pressure was too much, and Nicole shared part of the truth. “Coincidentally, my friend lives in Song Ming’s old apartment. When I saw Song Ming’s piano there, I guessed he had died and wanted to see him one last time. But we saw nothing at the morgue.”

Song Qing’s stare was piercing. “You went to the morgue just to see a dead person? At that hour?”

Nicole replied, “Some people...you just have to see. Once I knew he’d died in that apartment, I couldn’t sleep.”

Song Qing gave a knowing smile, clearly disbelieving Nicole but didn’t press further. She was now curious about this ‘friend’ of Nicole’s. “Arrange for me to meet your friend. No excuses. Talk to them and let me know.”

After they parted, Nicole felt a wave of despondency, a common reaction when one loses control over a situation. When people can’t dictate the course of events, they often feel a sense of despair. It’s likely the worst fear humans face—lack of control.

Shortly after leaving Song Qing, Nicole tried calling Ethan, but his phone was off, adding to her anxiety.

Finally, at midnight, she heard movement outside her bedroom. In these unpredictable times, it wasn’t guaranteed to be the person she was expecting.

“Ethan?” she called out, hoping it was him.

He replied, putting her at ease. She stepped outside her bedroom and saw him, her jaw dropping in surprise.

“You look terrible,” Nicole said, worried. “What happened?”

Ethan replied, “Food poisoning. Just got back from Allison Hospital. Feel like I was drained dry.” He looked pale but energized.

Nicole questioned, “Allison Hospital? Isn’t that for cancer treatment?”

“Yeah, it’s the only hospital in the world with a 100% cancer cure rate. It used to specialize in tumors, but now it has various departments due to high demand. Even an ER. Look, I got a Poseidon Card. Now, whenever I go to Allison, I get top medical care right away.”

He showed her an electronic version of the Poseidon Card on his phone.

Nicole was astonished. “Poseidon Card? I heard only the elite get those. How did you manage?”

Ethan smiled, “Think of it this way—if I have a Poseidon Card, that means I’m one of the elite, right?”

Nicole took the opportunity to ask, “I never asked, but what is your job, exactly? Are you part of the elite?”

Ethan chuckled, “These days, even elites are ants to me. Just tell people I’m a digital nomad making videos if anyone asks.”

Nicole nodded, respecting his request for secrecy. As an understanding and sensible woman, she knew her place in their arrangement and wouldn’t pry.

Suddenly, she thought of a friend, Bai Ya, who had cancer. Her family was struggling financially due to her treatments. Her brother had stopped supporting her, and her parents were barely holding on. Nicole hadn’t been able to help, so she had distanced herself from the situation.

“I have a friend who needs cancer treatment. Could the Poseidon Card help her?” Nicole asked, hopeful.

Ethan paused, “The Poseidon Card covers any illness at Allison, free of charge, but only for the cardholder.”

Nicole sighed, “It’s okay. She was a good friend once, but we haven’t talked much recently. She may even be gone by now. I just thought I’d ask.”

Ethan asked, “What’s her name?”

“Bai Ya.”

He nodded but didn’t explain why he asked, and they dropped the subject.

Returning to the topic of Allison Hospital, Nicole remembered that what she really needed to worry about was the possible trouble Ethan’s actions might bring. She said, “Song Qing, the friend I met today, is Song Ming’s sister. She came back for his funeral, but his body is missing. She has a friend in the police department who found footage of us at the morgue. I told her I just wanted to see Song Ming one last time, but she seemed unconvinced. She wants to visit where we live and meet you. If we don’t satisfy her, she might report us. Is this going to be a problem?”

Ethan shrugged, “It’s fine. If she wants to meet me, let her.”

Nicole asked, “So, I should arrange it?” Ethan replied, “Yes, go ahead.”