Police enquiry; Moving into new home

Tianzhu nodded. "Yes?"

"Good morning, sir. We'd like to ask you a few questions regarding the incident yesterday, which you have been sighted," the captain continued to speak in English.

Name: Yan Se Cheong

Age: 36

Ethnicity: Korean

Arcane Path: Mage

Ability: Ice manipulation

Ability Rank: S

Mana Reserves: Tier-3 (Max)

Ice Manipulation: Ability to freely create Ice using Mana.

[Available for Extraction. Proceed?]

*

The other one added politely, "Nothing to be alarmed for, Mr. Qin. As you have been a foreigner who just landed a couple of days ago, we had to ask some questions as a formality, which I'm sure you will have no problems answering.

"Not a problem," Tianzhu said casually, gesturing toward the small seating area. "Please, come in."

"Oh, you can speak Mandarin," As the captain commented, Tianzhu smiled. "Of course, I do, Captain. I was born here. In fact, I was the one who should be surprised that Captain Yan could speak Mandarin such fluently."

The captain could only smile at that.

Both men bowed politely before taking a seat.

"Mr. Alexander, we found credible evidence that in yesterday's Rift incident in the mall, one unregistered awakener has used powers, and our investigation results found out that it is Mr. Theodore Qin." The captain spoke, unfurling a document about Theo, which seemed to have been taken from the embassy. He continued. "According to the Family Education Promotion Law. Article 11, Theodore is a minor, and Mr. Alexander, the designated as his legal guardian, is responsible for any illegal activities done by Theodore. But according to the details we got from the embassy, you are a citizen of St. Petersburg, and a citizen of a free city cannot be punished by the police unless your crime is so high to the point that the court orders a non-bailable warrant. In this case, it is not."

Taking a pause, the captain then said. "So, there's nothing to be worried about, Mr. Alexander. Now, all we need are the answers to a few questions. One, what is your relationship with Theodore?"

Tianzhu replied plainly. "He is my son." After a pause, he added. "Not adopted. He is my biological and legal son. Next?"

"Eh?" The captain and his sergeant were taken aback, exchanging glances at one another before the captain nodded and said. "May we know the reason why you haven't registered your son as the awakener?"

Tianzhu's eyes didn't leave the captain a bit, and neither did his expression show any change from calmness. He simply replied. "If he gets registered, he will have the right to apply for a Hunter's License. I don't want him to become one. As a parent, I want him to be safe."

The captain said. "But according to the file, it says he is 14. He only has to wait for 3 years to become a legal adult, though. If he wanted to become a hunter, he would do it 3 years later, too."

Tianzhu replied as if he were prepared for that. "That's our family's problem to be sorted out, not the police. Next."

Captain Yang was slightly taken aback, feeling that extreme pressure on his soul for some reason, especially when he saw those eyes of Tianzhu. Taking a deep breath, he spoke. "Alright, uhh… secondly, according to the Association's protocols, it is illegal for any unlicensed awakener to use supernatural abilities in public unless permitted by a Gold Class hunter in charge or if done strictly in self-defense. And we found out that you used your powers without having the permission of a Gold Class Hunter. Our Superintendent told us to inform you that if Mr. Alexander is willing to admit that he was on the orders of Starlight Guild, whatever charges that could be written on your son will be written off."

Tianzhu frowned at that statement. "You saying I should give up my contribution to the Starlight guild so that they can claim this as their achievement?"

The captain nodded firmly. "Yes."

Tianzhu smirked instantly. He knew that the police were basically here to threaten him into helping out the Starlight Guild. Of course, this new Superintendent took bribes.

*Ding!

[Ability: Ice Manipulation has been extracted and added to Mimic ability]

Crossing his arms, he demanded. "Then, I want Theodore's action out of the records, not charges written off. Theodore never did pick up the violin. He never did play the music or showcase his powers."

"Eh?" The officers once again exchanged glances in surprise.

Captain Yang got up, stretching his hand. "We have a deal, Mr. Alexander."

Tianzhu smiled. "Pleasure."

The officers exchanged one last look, then turned to leave. "We apologize for any inconvenience," the Captain said before heading toward the door.

Tianzhu followed them to the door, expression unreadable. "No worries. Have a good day."

They gave a final bow and disappeared into the corridor.

*Downstairs, Lobby*

The two officers stopped by the hotel's polished lobby at the entrance, passing a few early tourists sipping coffee.

Near the far window sat a man in a dark gray coat with a disposable paper cup in his hand.

The officers approached the man, who raised an eyebrow at their presence.

"Sir," the Captain said, taking a seat beside him.

Mo Xingchen, the vice-leader of the Starlight Guild, looked up from the tablet in his lap.

"We have a deal," the officer reported. "Alexander accepted it."

Xingchen merely nodded.

They gave a final bow and left.

Xingchen sat in silence for a long moment. Then, he replayed the video on his tablet again.

It was playing the footage recorded by one of the CCTVs in the Atrium that day.

Xingchen's eyes narrowed as he zoomed in on a part of the video where Theodore was playing the music and knocked everyone into an unconscious state.

"This could even restrict the movements of a Class-2 Boss type like Red Ogre. This kid is indeed interesting."

Meanwhile, Back Upstairs;

In his room, Tianzhu sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on knees, hands clasped. "Now, it is time for me to start my new career. Before that, I need to move into the house," he muttered under his breath.

*

A couple of weeks later;

At the reception desk, Tianzhu stood patiently, Vera beside him, absentmindedly scrolling on her phone.

"Mr. Alexander Qin," the manager greeted, a warm, practiced smile on his face. "We hope your stay was exceptional."

"It was," Tianzhu replied smoothly.

As Tianzhu handed over his black Amex Centurion card to settle the bill, the manager subtly signaled a staff member, who presented a sleek, black envelope.

"This is for you, sir," the manager said, offering it with both hands.

Tianzhu arched a brow before taking it. Ultra VIP Membership – Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

He opened the envelope, eyes scanning over the embossed details.

Lifetime membership.

10% discount on stays worldwide

Automatic upgrades to penthouse suites or ocean-view rooms (subject to availability)

Luxury car service for airport transfers worldwide

Exclusive access to private dining & VIP spa treatments

Flexible check-in/check-out privileges

Priority reservations at any location

Complimentary daily breakfast

The perks were extensive but not surprising.

His total bill had exceeded 5 million credits in just over two weeks—an amount that could easily cover a year's rent for most people. And they didn't even stay in a presidential suite.

Vera, who had peeked at the card, let out a small whistle. "Wow, Dad. You should've spent a little more, maybe they'd throw in a private jet, too."

Tianzhu snorted, slipping the card into his wallet. "Much of that additional bill was because of you."

Vera puffed her cheeks as she looked away and crossed her arms. "Not my fault. You are the one who said to order whatever I want, and you didn't put any limitations on the budget."

Tianzhu shook his head with a smile, patting her head. "Alright, my princess. I'm at fault."

The manager chuckled at their sweet exchange of words. He then corrected his tone as he spoke. "We truly appreciate your patronage, Mr. Han. Whenever you choose to stay with us again, we'll ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary."

Tianzhu nodded, offering a polite handshake before leading Vera toward the exit.

As the chauffeur opened the door, Vera stretched her arms dramatically. "Finally, we are moving into our new home."

Tianzhu chuckled, glancing at her as she climbed into the car.

*

Xueli barely had time to tie her hair up before the doorbell rang.

She frowned. It's late noon on a weekday. Soojin is still at school. Mingze, her husband, left for the shoot and will only return late at night.

Rubbing her eyes, she shuffled to the door and peeked through the peephole.

"Xiao Zhu?"

She quickly unlatched the door. Her younger brother stood there, dressed in a fitted black coat, looking effortlessly sharp despite the early hour. Beside him, Vera was grinning, eyes twinkling with excitement.

"What are you two doing here, at this hour, and that too without giving me any sort of information beforehand?" Xueli asked, stepping aside to let them in.

Tianzhu walked in casually, hands in his pockets. "Just thought I'd drop by."

Vera slipped past him and made herself comfortable on the couch, humming to herself as she swung her legs.

Xueli narrowed her eyes. Something was up.

"That's really suspicious," she said, crossing her arms. "Tell me, what are you two up to now? You don't plan on a sudden vacation to Jeju Island or something, do you? Last week, you two made a sudden visit like today and dragged me to Taipei."

Tianzhu smirked. "No, we're moving into our new place today, Jiejie."

Xueli blinked. "Where?"

"That's still a secret, Aunt." Vera chimed in, looking way too amused.

Tianzhu chuckled. "I told you. It's walking distance from here."

She exhaled, relieved. That meant he was staying close, after all.

"Fine. So, where is it exactly?" She asked again.

Tianzhu simply smiled. "Follow me."

"Alright, give me a minute. I'll change and come."

Roughly 15 minutes later, Xueli looked all ready up with her low-key outfit, a sweatshirt, a cap on her head, loose jeans on the bottom, simple sneakers, and minimal makeup.

Vera couldn't help but comment, with her eyes widened. "Wow, Aunt. One wouldn't even be able to guess that it is Jiang Xueli when they see you now."

Putting up the sunglasses with a smile, she replied. "When you live 20 years in the industry, my darling, you would know what to wear to escape the notice of paparazzi."

"Well, you don't need all that, Jiejie, but anyway, let's go." Tianzhu shrugged as he turned around to walk away. As Vera jumped down from the couch and followed him, Xueli blinked in wonder. "Is it the adjacent building or something?"

However, soon, she realized why.

Instead of pressing the button for the first floor in the elevator, he led them to the top floor, particularly, the one that says 'P' instead of any floor number that goes from 1 to 51.

Realization dawned.

Her eyes widened. "No way."

The elevator climbed smoothly, and finally, the doors slid open to reveal a private entrance.

Xueli turned to him, half-expecting a joke. "You're kidding, right?"

Tianzhu only smirked and stepped forward, punching in a passcode on the sleek black panel.

With a soft beep, the doors unlocked, revealing the duplex penthouse that had been empty for years.

The only unit of its kind in the building.

The penthouse was the epitome of luxury, spanning multiple levels with opulent Italian marble flooring, handcrafted oak cabinetry, and coffered ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking panoramic view of the West Lake, while the lower level housed a state-of-the-art home theater, private gym, spa, sauna, bowling alley, wine storage, and a soundproof office.

Upstairs, the grand master bedroom, additional suites, a formal dining area, a plush living room, and a chef's kitchen exuded luxury.

The crown jewel, however, was the two-tiered rooftop terrace, featuring a lush garden, barbecue station, infinity pool, jacuzzi, and sundeck, offering an unparalleled retreat above the city skyline.

Xueli stepped inside, taking it all in: the high ceilings, the expansive windows overlooking the city, the modern and luxurious design that seemed like it was pushed to the peak.

She turned back to Tianzhu, still processing.

"This place…" she started. "It's been vacant for the past year because of the on-and-off renovations."

Tianzhu nodded. "Mm."

"And it's the only duplex unit in the entire building."

"Mm."

After a brief pause, she asked. "Did you buy it or rent it?"

Tianzhu shrugged, "Well, you can say I own it."

Xueli exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "Do you know how much this place is worth? 2 billion credits. That's the least estimation," she said, staring at him. "Just what did you do as a lawyer that you earned such a building, brother?" She squinted.

"Well…"