Once Upon A Star

Yuan Xing was used to the flashing lights and rhythmic beat of night clubs. She was the most frequent visitor, which is why Imperial saw her as a wild child. Although Yuan Xing never did anything illegal, as a miss of a rich family, her behavior was 'unbecoming' of her and a bad representation of elite families.

She was always scolded by Gramps for visiting such places but even he couldn't do much about it. People tend to forget that night clubs were also great sources of information, besides their obvious purpose. Apocalypse was a night club where most celebrities and members of elite families mingled, the third floor for VIPs.

There was the ground floor where all other people were allowed to socialize, and this was actually where Yuan Xing happened to hang out the most. This was mostly why Imperial knew of Yuan Xing's extracurricular activities and how she became a 'wild child'. Of course, Yuan Xing cared about none of this and made her way to the corner seat shrouded in the dark. Yuan Xing had just sat down and ordered a drink when she saw a familiar figure take the empty seat next to her.

She leisurely took a sip of her drink, "Is it done?"

Zhang Jie took a manilla envelope out of his backpack and handed it to her. "They're all in there."

Yuan Xing opened the envelope and inspected the photos. She flashed a shark smile at him which send shivers down his back. "Good. I'll wire you the rest of your payment. Make sure to remain alert so they don't notice. Also…" she tapped her fingers on the table in contemplation.

"Do one more thing for me."

Zhang Jie looked at the woman beside him and quickly bobbed his head up and down. Who would dare question her? To have her an ally was all good, but to be her enemy…He couldn't help feel sorry for them. They won't know what's coming until its too late. Zhang Jie himself should know. He had been working for her for half a year now. Her covert operation forces did not just lie with him. Oh no, it was a whole army of people, hidden in the shadows and watching, ready to report back to her when needed. Most people thought it was a gang. It was more than that. So much more. It appeared a few months as silent as the night. No one knew who it was, but someone was able to gather many people together and employ them as secret agents.

It was frightening to see how disciplined a bunch of people, originating from different backgrounds, could be. Worst of all, they were located everywhere. Rich families, the entertainment industry, business CEOs, the media. You wouldn't be able to recognize who is who. How she kept them in line was a mystery. She approached each and every one of them like a spider, suffocating its prey and forcing it to surrender. A true predator. She had fingers in all the major venues, she could easily use her authority to absolutely ruin someone without so much as lifting a finger.

Zhang Jie was aware that she was the Yuan family's young miss, was that important though? NO! He wouldn't dare to have any thoughts of betrayal. She was even scarier than the underworld ruffians he had met.

Zhang Jie snapped out of his thoughts when he realized she was staring at him, "I-I...a-apologies, what do you need me to do?"

"Let everyone know to keep a lookout for the name of Blackthorne." Yuan Xing, done with her business, stood up and promptly walked away. Having nothing more to do, she went home back to being the 'normal' Yuan Xing. It's like they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

...............…

Song Corporations. CEO Song's office.

Jiang Chu was in no mood to laugh right now. His usual bubbly baby face was replaced with a grimace. "...nada, zilch, zero. There is nothing suspicious about her background. Her story lines up with what the elders said and this was before she even met those old crones. How could she have coordinated with them? There's no way she could have! She's obviously a mixed-blood but there's nothing on her mother. It just states in the registry her name. There are old articles that attest to the fact that Yuan Heng did save Elder Rong when he was in his mid-twenties. I guess it's true then?" Poor Jiang Chu, this was the first time he truly looked confused and put out.

Song Chen glanced at his face and couldn't help but be inwardly amused. "If it's true, it's true. Why bother with it? Were you expecting some big conspiracy?"

Jiang Chu sneakily looked at his friend mischievously. "Aiyoo, Brother Chen, I'm doing this for your future wife!"

The man opposite him tilted his head sideways. A chilliness could be felt in the air. The only indication of his confusion would be his furrowed eyebrows. Jiang Chu gasped when he immediately realized his mistake and slapped himself on the face. 'Why of all times does my mouth have to run off like that.'

"Hehe, B-Brother Chen, I just remembered I have paperwork to do today. Sayonara!", he quickly scampered off.

Song Chen sat there for a moment and an attentiveness never seen before was reflected in his eyes. "Yuan Xing? Interesting."