Under the shimmering night sky, a massive yacht slowly departed from the pier. Its hull, illuminated by lights, resembled a floating palace, gleaming with opulent splendor. Tonight was the masquerade ball Tang Qiming had meticulously prepared for his "illegitimate son," Tang Yu, and it was also a crucial point in the police department's years of pursuit.
"Test, test, I'm about to make my entrance."
Li Qing stood before the dressing mirror, gently pressing the miniature communicator by her ear. She wore a dark blue off-the-shoulder gown that accentuated her slender figure. A mask covered the upper half of her face, revealing only a faint smile and sparkling eyes, calm and confident, as if she were born for this occasion.
She gracefully entered the ballroom. Crystal chandeliers cast her silhouette onto every mirror. The band played softly. The ball hadn't officially begun, and guests chatted and raised their glasses in small groups.
"Keep your presence toned down..." Li Hao's voice came through the earpiece, with a hint of concern. "I'll go scout around first. Keep in touch."
"Very good. Let them keep watching then."
Li Qing smiled faintly, picked up a glass of champagne, and appropriately chatted with the surrounding guests, skillfully drawing attention to herself. Her steps were light yet rhythmic, as if she were performing a silent dance, solely to become the protagonist of this game.
A moment later, a young man in a finely tailored white suit slowly approached her. He wore a silver-grey fox mask and his voice was gentle: "May I have the first dance?"
Li Qing looked at him, quickly sizing him up and confirming his identity—Tang Yu.
"It would be my honor," she replied softly, gently placing her hand in his.
In the center of the dance floor, the two twirled and moved close, all eyes drawn to them as if by a magnet.
"You don't seem... very much like your father," Li Qing intentionally probed.
"I'm more like my mother," Tang Yu's tone was calm. "But I only just found out I have a father like this."
Li Qing chuckled. "Sounds like you're not very pleased with your father."
"Perhaps he's not very pleased with me either."
Meanwhile, near the yacht's lower engine room, Li Hao, dressed as a sailor, was moving through the decks and corridors. His electronic devices and the hidden camera sewn into the lining of his uniform were working.
He avoided the security routes and cautiously approached a conference room next to the engine room. The door wasn't fully closed; a narrow gap allowed sounds to escape.
"Mr. Tang, regarding the handover of that batch of weapons—"
It was the partner's voice, hoarse and urgent.
"Put them in container A-32. Arrange for someone to pick them up three hours after leaving port."
Tang Qiming's voice was calm and steady, as if he were ordering a dinner menu, showing no sign of tension.
Li Hao held his breath, recording every word.
However, just as he retreated, preparing to leave, there was a faint sound underfoot.
Snap!
A flashlight from behind flickered on, a strong beam shining directly at him—
"Who's there!"
Li Hao spun around abruptly, knocking over an equipment box, and took off running. Footsteps echoed behind him.
"Qing, I'm exposed, retreat immediately," he whispered, running towards the upper deck where the ball was being held.
"What? You can't come directly here—it's full of people!" Li Qing almost had to force her voice down while dancing.
"Don't waste time, meet me at that red door to your left in thirty seconds."
"You want me to—wait, you mean Plan B?!"
"Didn't you say I dance worse than a cat? Let me show you your brother's skills."
"...My God."