When Chu Lian and the others stepped out of their various-colored supercars, they immediately drew astonished gazes from the crowd.
Although this city was world-famous for its extravagance, few could actually afford supercars—let alone a convoy of eight of them.
Each Maserati H017 series supercar cost a staggering 2.7 million USD, and there were only a handful of such vehicles worldwide. Yet here, four had appeared all at once.
Even the black supercars following them—the Ferrari K770 series—were worth around 2 million USD each. The total value of this convoy easily surpassed the lifetime wealth of most people in the area.
At first, when the crowd saw a few teenagers stepping out of the H017s, they assumed it was just a group of rich second-generation kids showing off.
But upon closer inspection, all such thoughts vanished. Chu Lian and her companions' presence was simply too dazzling. Standing beside the sleek supercars, their youthful beauty radiated an elegant brilliance, captivating every onlooker.
Earlier, when they had been walking the streets surrounded by others, their petite figures had been partly obscured and hadn't stood out too much.
But now, with nothing blocking the view, the stunning charm unique to each of these girls shone fully and unmistakably.
Unfortunately for the spectators, the girls didn't linger for long. They soon headed into the hotel together, leaving behind a sighing crowd of disappointed admirers.
Moments later, the unmanned supercars started up on their own and drove toward the parking area, leaving behind countless envious stares from those who had hoped for a closer look.
"Luxury cars and beautiful women… that's their world, not mine." One of Chu Lian's classmates who happened to witness the scene shook his head with a wry smile. The faint admiration he had once held for one of the girls instantly vanished.
The gap between them was simply too vast—so vast that he couldn't even imagine reaching her level before the age of thirty. Rather than tormenting himself with futile longing, it was better to let go now.
Chu Lian and the others, of course, had no idea that in this very moment, someone's restless heart had found peace—a choice that would one day greatly aid them in the future.
Sitting in the hotel lounge, Chu Lian chatted with Amber and Liu Changyun. After learning more about their situation, she realized that they, too, had been kept in the dark.
So, in preparation for what was to come, Chu Lian said gently, "Thank you for showing us around. We'll part ways here for now. If fate allows, we'll meet again someday."
Amber and Liu Changyun seemed to have anticipated this and stopped walking. After exchanging farewells, they turned to leave.
Truthfully, even if Chu Lian hadn't said anything, they had already planned to go. The events of the day had shown them a few unsettling things—clear signs that something had changed within the North American fan community.
And since Chu Lian hadn't officially come to North America as a celebrity but rather as a student, they both knew it wasn't their place to intrude further. Better to withdraw early than risk becoming a burden.
"Chu Lian, there's something I want to ask," Liu Changyun said after Amber took a few steps away. "Is the 'Heart of First Love' fan club in Huaxia your officially designated fan organization? If not, do you have any connection with them?"
"It's not one I personally established," Chu Lian replied, "but since I don't plan to create an official fan club for now, you can consider them the de facto official one. I've already been in contact with them. If anything comes up—so long as it's not something classified—they'll be the first to know. Outsiders can also use them to send me messages."
Of course, she knew full well about that fan group. In fact, she had already communicated with them several times during her journey. Once she returned to Huaxia, she intended to formalize their cooperation—so calling them her official fan club wasn't wrong.
As for that disturbingly named "Push Down Chu Lian," there was no way she would ever acknowledge such a group as her fans.
She had even made a post in the Heart of First Love alliance, declaring that whoever could capture the founder of the so-called "Push Down Chu Lian" would receive a rare and unique gift personally sent by her.
That single post was like tossing a torch into a vat of oil, igniting the entire Heart of First Love fan alliance. Most of its members immediately began preparing for action, and what had originally been minor friction between the two factions now escalated into open conflict.
Even though many dual-faction fans tried to remain neutral, it couldn't stop the coming "holy war."
"I see… in that case, if anything happens with the North American fan group, we'll pass the message to them, and they can forward it to you. Would that work?" Liu Changyun asked. He had considered asking Chu Lian directly for her contact information, but then he remembered her status—and that as a member of her North American fan association, any direct contact information he obtained would have to be submitted to the organization anyway. So he decided not to ask.
"That's fine. I usually chat with them every day—mornings and evenings are when I'm available to receive messages. You can send anything during those times," Chu Lian replied after a moment's thought. It wasn't a big deal; communication with fans could help expand her influence and keep her updated on different regions' situations. There were potential risks, but overall, the benefits outweighed them.
"Alright, then I have no problem. Next time you come to North America, make sure to let us know," Liu Changyun said with a nod, putting away his notebook where he had written down the Heart of First Love alliance's contact details.
After hesitating for a moment, Liu Changyun stood up, turned, and added, "Chu Lian, be careful of those so-called fans."
"I know. I'll be careful." She gave him a reassuring smile. Though there were things she couldn't say, her expression alone was enough to put him at ease.
"Then… goodbye."
"Goodbye…"
As she watched the boy slowly walk away and disappear beyond the hotel doors, Chu Lian finally let out a soft sigh. At least for now, she was free—aside from the ever-present, black-suited "bodyguards" who didn't bother to hide their presence.
"Big Sis, do you think he's alright?" Chu Chu glanced around. Aside from the five of them, no one else in the lobby seemed to be paying attention; the others were merely passing by without stopping.
"He'll be fine…" Chu Lian said with a faint smile and a trace of helplessness. She had thought her growing influence had simply drawn many fans to greet her at the airport, but it turned out that a group of impostors had driven away the genuine ones—scheming individuals who used the opportunity to get close to her. No wonder she had to stay on guard all day.
"Ugh, I just don't get why they're targeting you, Big Sis. We haven't done anything here, and we've got no connection to them at all." Chu Chu flipped her long hair over her shoulder, visibly irritated.
Being followed and harassed like this made Chu Lian uncomfortable too, but she understood—this was part of what came with signing a contract with the System. Trouble would always follow her now.
Before, she'd had Ayase's protection and had rarely appeared in public, so few people could uncover her identity.
But now, after stepping out from the moon's shadow and into the sunlight, her identity wasn't so hard to trace anymore. This fake fan incident was likely orchestrated by some North American organization—and their target wasn't her alone.
There had to be deeper reasons behind their careful yet reckless actions—motives she had yet to uncover.
All in all, this country was as wary of outsiders as ever. Even if they failed this time, the next time they acted, it wouldn't be so easy to escape.
Still, those were problems for the future. There was no point in worrying now. So when Chu Chu tried to continue asking questions, Chu Lian stopped her and said, "We don't need to worry about it for now. As long as they're not completely sure of themselves, they won't take action. And even if that day comes—it won't be today. When it does, will we really have anything to fear?"
"Inori, you think she should still be careful, right?" Chu Chu asked.
"Yes," Inori finally spoke, her soft voice carrying quiet resolve. "Lian, it's better to stay cautious."
"I've always been careful. I'll find a chance to investigate this place properly," Chu Lian said with a nod. She understood what Inori was worried about—and she knew that some matters could no longer be avoided.
"Mm. No matter the era, North America's underground forces have never ceased their activity. We need to stay alert…" Inori might not have Ayase's system-assisted ability to uncover every secret within a city, but she could still sense the constant undercurrent of darkness pulsing through this one.
Other cities had their shadows too, but even a metropolis as complicated as Tokyo didn't come close to having a third of the darkness that shrouded this place. In truth, calling it a gambling city was generous—it was far more accurate to call it a city of sin.
Chu Lian's spiritual sense also confirmed this. If she hadn't chosen to seal her perception of spiritual entities, then with just a glance, she would've seen countless hollow-eyed souls wandering aimlessly through every dimly lit corner. That sight would have been unbearable.
"This city feels… ominous," Kurosaki Satsuki suddenly said, startling Chu Lian.
"You can understand what we're saying now?" Chu Lian asked in surprise.
"I can understand some of it, not all. I don't know exactly why, but ever since you healed my injuries, my memory of the Chinese language has been slowly returning. What you just said… it's the first time in years I've truly understood it."
Hearing that, Chu Lian understood. The Seven Illusions Bow must have suppressed the dark shadow that once corrupted Satsuki, and now that influence was gradually dissipating.
If Satsuki continued to stay close to her and the bow, the lingering effects might not disappear entirely—but they could likely be reduced by seventy or eighty percent.
"Chu Chu…" Chu Lian turned her head and called softly.
Chu Chu met her gaze, puffed her cheeks, and nodded slowly.
She knew this was her elder sister's way of warning her not to speak carelessly again. But was it really her fault? Obviously, it was that flat-chested, ice-faced girl's fault!
Yes—flat-chestedness was the crime. How dare she speak first when Chu Chu's own chest was much fuller!
Still, since it was her big sister's instruction, she had no choice but to obey.
At that moment, Li Xiu'er returned, having finished arranging their private dining room. "Chu Lian, the private room's ready. We can head over now."
"Alright, let's go eat first…" Chu Lian said. They still had other things to do later that afternoon, so she didn't linger on the topic. Standing up, she took Inori's hand and followed the long-legged blonde waitress—dressed in a red qipao—toward their reserved room.
The other girls exchanged glances, understanding that Chu Lian had her own plans in mind, and quietly followed a few steps behind.
"Already sensing part of this city's true nature so quickly… as expected of the chosen one."
From the spot they had just vacated, a cloaked figure cloaked in shadow appeared faintly. After whispering those words, the figure vanished completely—without a trace.