“Hmm??”
Lu Mingming clearly didn’t react when she heard Molly’s words.
Upon insisting, Lu Mingming changed into a dark-colored tracksuit, stating it was for easier concealment and escape.
Molly didn’t care at all. Seeing that the other party was ready, she automatically linked arms with Lu Mingming, preparing to set off.
Before leaving, Lu Mingming instructed the little white tiger, "Brother Cheng Shiqin will bring your food later. If you need anything, remember to message your sister on the star network!"
The little white tiger reluctantly nuzzled against Lu Mingming’s side, rubbing its chubby cheeks against her warm palm. The hard fur on its face tickled Lu Mingming’s palm.
As soon as Lu Mingming closed the door and left, the little white tiger resumed its usual indifferent demeanor, casually reverting to human form in the faculty dormitory.
He sat on Lu Mingming’s bed, leaning against the cool wall as he reviewed his to-do list.
With a soft "ding," a new message arrived.
The contact name was - Morian.
The message contained only three short words:
[Left.]
Olanar quickly finished reading, closed his optical brain with no change in expression, and looked out the window.
At the same time, Madam Satchel, in the Dean's office, had finished her morning work and was standing by the window, admiring the academy's scenery.
The next second, a dull roar echoed in the sky, and a small, stealthy private aircraft sped in from the southwest.
Madam Satchel squinted and was so startled that her nose almost reverted to its original form.
She quickly put on her reading glasses and double-checked that she hadn't missed the inconspicuous royal crest on the spaceship:
"Why are people from the Alliance Royal Family here? Has someone been hiding their identity?"
Madam Satchel's mind became a muddled mess, her thoughts storming as she tried to recall who lived in the dormitory there.
Meanwhile, Lu Mingming, traveling by light cable, arrived at the small northwest forest mentioned by Hui Lan.
Fortunately, Molly was just talking the talk and didn't actually intend to explore Hui Lan’s villa. She was only responsible for taking Lu Mingming to another "observation house."
With Molly's preparation, they entered using the high-end residential card.
Molly explained, "We liaised with the residents of the community. Fortunately, we had the help of the Star Captain, so it wasn't too difficult."
Lu Mingming listened, and her heart suddenly calmed down, as if the tension had vanished.
Molly added, "No one has entered or exited that community for three days. It's likely they've stocked up on all their food at home, waiting for today."
Lu Mingming followed Molly to the gathering point – the third villa across from Hui Lan's residence.
Although there weren't many people, each of them was a top expert from various fields, here to investigate.
Lu Mingming's waist was suddenly nudged by Molly’s elbow. The latter whispered, "These are sent by the nobles to help."
Unexpectedly, they were quite reliable.
Upon arriving at the scene, people passing by greeted Molly, then looked at Lu Mingming with surprise.
"Sister Molly, you really brought her?"
Molly reverted to her boss-like demeanor when returning to work: "Proceed as per the original plan."
"Yes!"
In front of Lu Mingming, Molly became more relaxed. She took a sip of warm water to soothe her throat and began to elaborate:
"The high-end community has a mental power shielding device. Although it's functional, we can't see the interior of the villas.
When the culprit leaves the villa, if there are few people, we can use remote tranquilizer darts. If there are many, you'll have to lure them out, and after the cub is declared no longer a threat, we will surround and capture them."
As Molly spoke, she took out a thick piece of armor and a necklace.
The necklace was equipped with a miniature earpiece, and Lu Mingming could guess its purpose without thinking.
"Communication device?"
Molly casually patted Lu Mingming's shoulder, praising her, "Smart! The thick armor is for special soldiers to protect themselves. The necklace has a real-time camera, and my voice will be in the earpiece for easy communication."
"Thank you."
Lu Mingming certainly wouldn't refuse anything that could add a layer of security to the plan. She found the restroom and quickly changed her clothes.
The remaining time was spent with Molly listening to the hourly data updates, quietly waiting for nightfall.
The sun set, and the afterglow faded.
The sky tonight was exceptionally dim, with no moon or stars to illuminate it. The entire night sky was shrouded in darkness, oppressive and gloomy, as if signaling an imminent battle.
According to the scouts' observations, the villa remained silent for a long time, yet it was nearing the time Lu Mingming had agreed upon.
Could they be going back on their word?
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, a new message popped up on Lu Mingming's optical brain.
It was that number again.
[Go to Venus Community now, enter the first villa, the password is 2222, and find the master bedroom.]
"The location has changed."
Lu Mingming calmly informed everyone present.
None of the original plans were useful.
Molly was greatly perplexed and gripped Lu Mingming's wrist, "Be careful with everything, safety is most important."
"I know."
Lu Mingming replied, clenching her fist, and walked step by step towards the villa where Hui Lan lived.
The villa where Hui Lan was hiding was clearly old and had been uninhabited for a long time.
Climbing roses hung from the sky beside the villa, large clusters drooping heavily to the left. Tangled branches jutted out menacingly from the roof.
While beautiful from afar, up close it exuded an eerie feeling, much like the Japanese horror films Lu Mingming had watched.
She gathered her courage and placed her hand on her ring, seeking protection.
As soon as she pushed the door open, a heavy wave of dust hit her, mixed with various impurities floating in the air. The room gave off a damp, moldy smell, like rotting wood in the rainy season.
Walking further inside, the furniture was all covered with white cloths, as if no one lived there.
Fortunately, there was a room layout map posted at the entrance, preventing Lu Mingming from wandering around like a headless fly.
Excluding the attic, this villa had four floors, and the master bedroom was located on the top floor.
If she encountered danger, even rescue would be very slow. At the same time, if she were attacked and fell from the fourth floor, even if she didn't die, she would suffer fundamental injuries.
What a clever plan.
Hui Lan, being a child, had a human form but lacked experience and intelligence. How could he devise such a meticulous plan?
He was likely being manipulated.
Thinking this, Lu Mingming frowned and, following the instructions in the message, walked up to the fourth floor.
In the silent villa, the only sound was the creaking and swaying of the wooden planks, causing one's mind to wander.
Lu Mingming held her breath and quickened her pace, finding the master bedroom.
Before even entering, a sweet, peculiar aroma drifted out from the room, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Those with little self-control would easily fall into it.
Stay focused!
I'm here to save the cub!
Lu Mingming pinched her palm, forcing herself to stay alert, and walked to the bedroom door, pushing open the creaking door with force.
However, the scene inside the room startled Lu Mingming, causing her to stop.
The entire room was uninhabitable. Countless red viscous fluids dripped slowly from the ceiling onto the wooden floor. A giant blood cocoon had formed on the bed, and a tiny body could be vaguely seen struggling within, letting out a piercing scream.
It was Hui Lan.