Zeyang found Andrea outside the porter's lodge, with the large backpack resting against her legs.
He got out of the car and loaded it into the trunk.
"Thank you," she said as soon as she got in.
Zeyang smiled at her. "How are you?"
"Good."
He watched her as he started the engine. Her face looked more serene, her gaze lively.
"I hope it's what you're looking for."
"It's a new beginning. And that's enough for me. I'm choosing it myself, and that's much more than I've been able to do in recent years." She smiled at him. "Everything happened very quickly; I didn't expect them to call me right away for the medical exam and then the next day for the course."
"Really?"
"They said there was still one spot left in the one that starts tomorrow."
"Will you keep me posted?"
She looked at him, then nodded.
When they reached the bus station, Zeyang walked her there and waited for her to leave, then went back to the office.
He knocked on Lombardi's door, who motioned for him to come in while he was finishing a phone call.
"Thank you."
The werewolf frowned. "For what?"
"For getting Andrea into the Academy so quickly."
"I didn't do anything. I was waiting for you to confirm that the girl was interested… So she decided to go?"
He nodded. "I just took her to the bus."
"That's excellent news!"
"Yeah," Zeyang said, getting up.
As he headed toward his office, he reflected that no one else knew he had suggested Andrea apply to the Unified Police Academy, except… "Lu Shen, Lu Shen," he shook his head with a smile. "You're a man of a thousand resources and secrets."
Once in his office, he sent him a message: "Can I come by to return the book?"
Lu Shen replied after a while: "After six I'm free. Come by whenever you like."
---
Zeyang parked the motorcycle in the driveway and reached the entrance, where the sorcerer was waiting for him.
Lu Shen showed him into the living room and offered him some tea.
"Andrea says hello. She left this morning. She seemed to be in good shape and more serene."
"I'm glad to hear that," Lu Shen replied, sipping the drink.
Zeyang watched him over the rim of his cup, but the sorcerer betrayed no emotion.
Then his phone rang. Lu Shen's expression darkened as soon as he read the name on the display. "Excuse me, I have to answer," he said, standing up and turning his back on him.
"Hello."
"Hi, son. I've been told you had a girl recommended to get her into the Unified Police Academy."
"It has nothing to do with you."
"It's still the Ministry of Defense, Shen. You can't expect me not to find out. In any case, your friend has already arrived. You owe me a favor."
"What do you want?"
"You know what I want."
"No." The sorcerer clenched his jaw.
"Then, this time, I'll settle for you coming to Yanghoun."
"Yanghoun?"
"You have to create a shield for the humanitarian settlement, to protect doctors and refugees."
Lu Shen closed his eyes. His fists clenched, nails digging into his flesh. "All right," he finally replied.
"You'll leave tomorrow morning on a military cargo plane loaded with supplies and soldiers. They'll pick you up at five."
"Yes, sir."
After ending the call, he remained motionless. His father had immediately taken advantage of a moment of weakness. He didn't regret making that call for Andrea, but perhaps he had underestimated the consequences.
"Lu Shen?" Zeyang's voice brought him back to reality. He stiffened and composed himself before turning around.
---
Zeyang had seen the sorcerer stiffen, and his voice had become harsh, losing the courteous tone he usually had.
"Lu Shen?"
When he turned around, the sorcerer showed his usual composure.
Zeyang, standing, took a step toward him. "You have to leave for Yanghoun? There's a war going on!"
"There's no need for you to worry."
"Is it because you got Andrea into the Academy?" he pressed.
A flash of surprise crossed Lu Shen's eyes, but he hid it immediately.
"Forgive me, Detective Li, but I have urgent matters to attend to now. I'm grateful that you stopped by and returned the book to me."
Zeyang nodded and followed him to the entrance. Before leaving, he turned back. "Be careful," he said simply, then got on his motorcycle and rode away.