Morning sunlight poured through the vast glass walls of Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport, painting the spacious terminal in a soft golden glow. The gentle hum of the airport’s announcements floated like a breeze over the bustling crowd of travelers:

“Welcome to Shanghai, the home of the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower. We wish you a pleasant journey!”

“Finally, we’re here!”

Noah gazed out of the airport window, his heart racing with excitement as he took in the sight of the legendary metropolis for the first time. Towering skyscrapers glistened in the morning light, their reflections shimmering on the calm waters of the Huangpu River. Along its banks, historic buildings stood shoulder to shoulder with futuristic landmarks, creating a breathtaking fusion of old and new.

He gently patted the backpack slung over his shoulder, a mix of nervousness and anticipation in his smile.

At his feet, his corgi, Xiaolong, perked up its ears and scanned the bustling terminal, its nose twitching slightly as it sniffed the unfamiliar air.

As the sun climbed higher, the city unfolded in all its grandeur. The Oriental Pearl Tower stood tall and proud, a sentinel over the bustling Huangpu River. Its futuristic curves gleamed under the sky, guarding a city that never seemed to rest.

“This is way cooler than the photos!” Noah exclaimed, his wide eyes sparkling with wonder.

He quickly pulled out his phone, framing himself and Xiaolong against the iconic skyline of the Bund.

Click!

With a quick caption typed out—“Day one in Shanghai! A city where history meets the future! #AdventureDiaries #BundSunrise #ReadyToExplore”—he posted it to his social media.

Comments rolled in almost instantly:

Mike: “Whoa! You’re in Shanghai? So jealous!”

Emily: “Don’t miss the Oriental Pearl Tower—best view ever!”

Xiaolong wagged his stubby tail, his sharp eyes locked on a nearby building. He seemed unusually focused, as though sensing something invisible lurking in the vibrant city.

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Far across the world, on the Mediterranean coast, night had settled over a secluded, luxurious villa. Waves lapped against the shore as the moonlight glinted on the grand estate’s wide windows. The air inside was heavy with sophistication—and a chilling sense of power.

In an opulent study filled with maps and priceless artifacts, a large monitor displayed Noah’s photo from the Bund. Standing against the glowing Oriental Pearl Tower, Noah and Xiaolong looked unsuspecting, their smiles frozen in time.

A pair of cold, calculating eyes stared unblinking at the screen.

“Target confirmed,” came the clipped voice of the figure seated in shadow.

“Shanghai. The Bund. Send a team. Keep it subtle. Do not reveal yourselves.”

“Understood.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the lights of Shanghai began to sparkle like jewels scattered across the cityscape. The Bund transformed into a dazzling symphony of colors, with the river mirroring the brilliance of neon signs and illuminated skyscrapers.

In the fading crowds, a group of men dressed in dark coats moved with practiced ease. Their sharp gazes scanned the surroundings, their presence blending into the bustling cityscape as naturally as shadows at dusk.

One of them, a tall, hawk-eyed man, pressed a finger to the earpiece hidden beneath his collar. A quiet voice crackled in his ear:

“Maintain distance. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary.”

“Copy that,” he murmured.

They fanned out silently, their movements precise and deliberate, circling Noah and Xiaolong from a safe distance.

By nightfall, Noah and Xiaolong boarded a high-speed train bound for Nanjing, the next stop on their journey. The sleek carriage hummed with energy as it hurtled through the countryside, leaving Shanghai’s glowing skyline far behind.

Noah leaned against the window, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery. Rivers glimmered under the moonlight, and clusters of quaint villages dotted the landscape. His heart swelled with determination as he clutched the map in his hands.

“Nanjing, here we come. I’m going to find that first piece!”

But aboard a separate train heading in the same direction, a team of men in dark uniforms moved with quiet precision. Their target was clear, their purpose unwavering.

Nanjing Railway Station buzzed with life as Noah and Xiaolong stepped into the cool night air. The ancient stone walls of the city, lit by modern streetlights, told stories of centuries past. Noah couldn’t help but feel a tingle of excitement as he melted into the throng of travelers.

Yet, in the shadows, a pair of relentless eyes watched his every move. The predators were closing in.