Blackwell froze, his hand instinctively going to his chest. The color drained from his face, replaced by a look of utter disbelief. Davies, oblivious to the personal bombshell that had just been dropped, continued typing furiously, completely engrossed in Seojun's description of Cai Wei's operation.
"Triplets?" Blackwell stammered, his voice barely a whisper. He looked at Davies, then back at Seojun, as if desperately seeking confirmation that he hadn't misheard.
Seojun simply nodded, his expression serene and unreadable. Bao Bao seemed to sense the shift in atmosphere and nuzzled against Seojun's cheek even more affectionately.
"A joyous occasion," Seojun stated matter-of-factly.
"Though it will undoubtedly be… chaotic. But they are genius kids in the future, your wife and yourself have been trying call your wife now tell her not to drink any cold drinks, if she does she will have a miscarriage," Seojun said.
Blackwell's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he instinctively reached for it, his hand trembling slightly. He glanced at the caller ID – his wife, Sarah. He hesitated for a moment, then answered, holding the phone to his ear while simultaneously staring at Seojun with a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"Sarah? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice strained.
The response on the other end was a flurry of excited chatter and nervous laughter.
"David! I... I have some news! The doctor just called... we're having triplets!"
Blackwell stood frozen, the phone clutched tightly in his hand. The room seemed to spin around him as the reality of Seojun's prediction washed over him. He looked back at Seojun, who simply offered a small, knowing smile.
Davies, finally looking up from his laptop, noticed the sudden shift in Blackwell's demeanor. He followed the officer's gaze to Seojun, then back to Blackwell's face, which was now a mask of stunned disbelief.
"Everything alright, sir?" Davies asked, his voice laced with concern.
Blackwell simply shook his head, unable to articulate the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. He mumbled something incoherent into the phone before excusing himself, stepping out of the interrogation room and into the hallway. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Davies and Seojun alone.
Davies stared at Seojun with wide eyes, his mouth agape.
"Triplets? How... how did you know that?" he stammered, his professional composure momentarily forgotten.
Seojun shrugged nonchalantly.
"The threads were particularly vibrant, now can I go?"
"Yes thank you for this information, please take care of yourself and it is best if you have a guardian," Officer Blackwell said.
"Um alright goodbye," Seojun said he dashed off he didn't want to be in the police station.
The sleek, crimson sports car practically screamed wealth and rebellion. It was a vibrant splash of color against the drab backdrop of the police station, and Seojun recognized it instantly – Peter Knox's signature ride.
Peter, with his deliberately messy, DIY-red hair and warm brown eyes that usually held a mischievous glint, practically vibrated with an energy that contrasted sharply with the sterile environment. He was everything Seojun wasn't – outgoing, boisterous, and unapologetically flamboyant.
Peter didn't bother with pleasantries as he yanked open the passenger door, gesturing for Seojun to get in. The interior of the car was a luxurious blend of leather and polished wood, smelling faintly of expensive cologne and something else something sharper, more metallic.
"I want you to join..."
Peter began, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as he slid into the driver's seat. Seojun, usually so composed, felt a flicker of apprehension. He knew Peter was involved in… things. Things that operated on the fringes of legality, things that promised immense wealth but demanded a certain level of moral flexibility.
"No…" Seojun cut him off, his voice surprisingly firm. He crossed his arms, bracing himself for whatever proposition Peter was about to lay out. He'd built a life of quiet observation and calculated detachment; entanglement with Peter's world felt like a deliberate disruption of that carefully constructed equilibrium.
Peter's eyebrows shot up in mock offense.
"But you don't even know what I'm about to say. It is a reality show," He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with an almost predatory intensity.
"I'm not interested in being a pawn in some manufactured drama, Peter," Seojun stated flatly, his gaze unwavering. He knew Peter thrived on pushing boundaries, on testing the limits of what was acceptable. Participating in a reality show, even one with a substantial payout, felt like surrendering to that impulse.
"Nope." He punctuated the word with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Peter let out a theatrical sigh, running a hand through his already chaotic red hair.
"Alright, alright, you're impossible," he conceded with a grin.
"But hear me out. It's not just any reality show." He paused for dramatic effect, leaning closer to Seojun.
"I'm talking about 'The Inheritance.' The reward is 30 million."
The number hung in the air between them, heavy and enticing.
Seojun's face, usually an impassive mask of serene detachment, underwent a startling transformation. The subtle smirk vanished, replaced by a rapid calculation that flashed across his features.
He wasn't swayed by the allure of fame or the thrill of manufactured drama. It was the sheer magnitude of the sum that captured his attention – 30 million yuan. Enough to secure a comfortable future, enough to fund… possibilities.
"Peter, a dog won't do it but I will do it," Seojun said with a surprisingly sweet smile. It was a carefully crafted expression, disarming and almost childlike, a stark contrast to the intense gaze he usually reserved for fortune telling.
Then, as quickly as it appeared, the sweetness dissolved. His face shifted again, hardening into its familiar expression of cool assessment.
"This is a show is called the Rural Survival Life, they will be twenty contestants you and I are one of them," Peter said he parked his car at a restaurant.
Dove Restaurant: A Six-Floor Sanctuary of Culinary Opulence
Dove Restaurant wasn't just a restaurant; it was an experience. A monument to culinary artistry and extravagant luxury, it dominated the city skyline with its sleek, modern architecture – a soaring glass and steel structure that seemed to defy gravity. Each of its six floors catered to a different facet of fine dining, creating a layered ecosystem of gastronomic delights.
Floor 1: The Grand Lobby & Champagne Bar - The Arrival (Continued)
Décor: Lush, oversized floral arrangements – orchids, lilies, and rare tropical blooms – were strategically placed throughout the space, adding a touch of vibrant color to the otherwise neutral palette of cream and gold. Sculptures by renowned artists dotted the lobby, silently commanding attention.
The Champagne Bar was seamlessly integrated into the lobby, a horseshoe-shaped counter crafted from polished onyx. A vast selection of vintage champagnes and sparkling wines were displayed in climate-controlled cabinets, each bottle illuminated to showcase its label.
Impeccably dressed bartenders, trained in the art of champagne service, offered personalized recommendations and expertly poured flutes with practiced grace. Live classical music – a string quartet or a solo pianist – filled the air, creating an ambiance of refined elegance.
Service: Impeccable and discreet.
Floor 2: The Tea Garden - Tranquility & Traditional Delights
Atmosphere: A complete contrast to the bustling lobby, the second floor was a haven of tranquility. The Tea Garden was designed to evoke a traditional Chinese garden, with winding pathways, miniature landscapes, and the gentle murmur of a koi pond. The air was thick with the delicate aroma of exotic teas.
Décor: Walls were adorned with intricate calligraphy scrolls and landscape paintings. Tables were low and intimate, crafted from dark lacquered wood and topped with silk cloths. Bonsai trees were carefully placed throughout the space, adding to the sense of serenity.
Soft lighting emanated from paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow. Water features were central to the design – a cascading waterfall that fed into the koi pond, and small fountains that trickled gently into stone basins.