Thank goodness neither Lu Zheng nor Lin Wan had the slightest interest in the cut-throat world of business. All the time it would take to build and run a company could be far better spent travelling the globe and cuddling.
Since both sets of parents already had the fitness medicinal wine, Lin Wan was no longer particularly fussed about the beauty pill either.
After thinking for a moment, she asked, “What herbs go into that pill?”
“For ordinary strength ones, common Chinese medicinal herbs are enough,” Lu Zheng replied. “Naturally, the older the herbs, the better the effect, but the real keys are the refining technique and tempering with true qi. In modern terms, it’s the manufacturing process plus the catalyst.”
“I see. When you’ve refined some youth-preservation pills, give one to Xiu Min, alright?” Lin Wan said, fighting for a share for her best friend.
“How exactly are you planning to give it to her?” Lu Zheng didn’t object, he just raised the practical question.
Giving one to Zhao Xiaodao was a reward for being their audience and straight-man, and Zhao Xiaodao would definitely keep the secret. Huang Xiu Min, however, was not only their friend; she was also a police officer.
“That depends on how strong the pill is. If it’s only so-so, I’ll just show off a little in front of her. If it’s ridiculously powerful…”
Lin Wan shrugged. “We pick a night, knock her out, and make her swallow it.”
Lu Zheng was speechless and could only nod. “You really are China’s best friend.”
Lin Wan grinned cheekily. “She’s getting a bargain. She’s an old maid now. Without a youth pill, who’s going to want her in the future?”
“Would you dare say that to her face?”
Lin Wan smiled demurely, teeth hidden. “Of course not!”
…
The two of them returned to downtown Haicheng around three in the afternoon, so they decided to catch another film.
They had barely parked when Lu Zheng’s phone rang.
“International call?” He glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar foreign number.
Lin Wan shook her head. “Definitely a scam…”
Lu Zheng hung up without a second thought and headed upstairs with Lin Wan. The moment they stepped out of the lift, the phone rang again.
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow. Same number. He answered this time.
A crisp London accent came through the line.
“May I speak to Mr Lu Zheng, please?”
“Speaking.”
“Hello, this is Corby Travel Services, acting on behalf of Aether Airlines’ annual customer prize draw. Because you have previously flown with Aether Airlines, you have won a grand prize in our yearly customer appreciation draw. Congratulations!”
Lu Zheng: “…”
What kind of outdated scam was this?
The English was genuinely fluent, though. They’d clearly put effort in. Weren’t they worried about calling someone who didn’t speak the language?
So Lu Zheng immediately replied in perfect Queen’s English, “How much money do I need to pay to claim this grand prize?”
“You misunderstand us, sir. We are not scammers. You do not need to pay a single euro.” The woman on the other end gave a light laugh before continuing, “You have won the airline-sponsored seven-day luxury Aegean Sea getaway for two.
We handle all related services on behalf of the airline: return flights and hotel suite are fully covered. Of course, any personal shopping or extra spending will be your own responsibility.
You may bring one companion. Simply call this number whenever you’re ready, and we will book your flights and hotel for you at no cost whatsoever.
The only restriction is that travel must be during the off-season. Since you are the very last winner, all other winners have already chosen their dates, so you may only travel in March or April. Our apologies for the inconvenience.”
Lu Zheng’s brow furrowed, his eyes flashing. “So, very soon?”
They had celebrated Chinese New Year at the end of January, then he had spent over a month at White Cloud Mountain. It was already mid-March.
“Yes, sir. Please plan your travel dates at your earliest convenience. Feel free to call us back anytime. Goodbye.”
The foreign lady hung up, leaving Lu Zheng and Lin Wan staring at each other in bewilderment.
“There’s actually something this good?” Lin Wan asked.
Lu Zheng blinked. “Fake, right? The biggest prize I’ve ever won in the lottery was five yuan. My luck has always been terrible.”
Jade Seal: “…”
“Search it. See if Aether Airlines really has this promotion.”
Lin Wan pulled out her phone and started looking.
“It actually exists,” she said after a few moments, looking up. “The top prize really is a seven-day luxury Aegean Sea trip for two, though only three people won it. No specific dates or detailed itinerary listed.”
“Whoa, could it be real? Did we actually get this lucky?” Lu Zheng was lost for words. “Are they worried we’ll travel in peak season and stop them making money? It’s not like they can’t afford four plane tickets.”
“Who knows,” Lin Wan said. “Shall we go?”
Lu Zheng asked, “Do you have time? It’s not like we’re short of holidays.”
“Sure, why not.”
Lin Wan nodded casually. “Our action team is always relaxed. We mostly help the intelligence team anyway. I can take leave whenever I want.”
“Then let’s go. Free is free.” Lu Zheng decided. “Last time in Tanzania we still had to pay. That broke our perfect record. We have to make up for it this time.”
Lin Wan gave a helpless smile, then nodded firmly. “You’re absolutely right!”
…
Lin Wan had only just finished a mission, so she immediately rang in and took a week off.
Lu Zheng called the number straight back and booked flights for the very next day.
“Perfect, sir. We will book your tickets immediately. The seven-day itinerary is fixed. Please provide an email address, and I’ll send the e-tickets and hotel schedule within half an hour,” the lady said with great enthusiasm.
Lu Zheng gave his email. Half an hour later, the tickets and full schedule arrived.
Lin Wan logged into the airline’s official website and, sure enough, found both their bookings.
Lu Zheng clicked his tongue in wonder. “The efficiency is insane. Whoever says foreigners are slow has clearly never been treated like a god before!”
Only now was Lu Zheng finally convinced that this prize, which genuinely cost them nothing, was actually real.
He had already prepared himself to discover it was a scam and storm the fraudulent company with Lin Wan. Her week off had essentially been requested for that very purpose.
Anyone daring to scam him clearly had no idea who they were dealing with.
Yet in just thirty minutes, the flights were booked.
“Totally unexpected. I thought our next trip would be over the May holiday,” Lin Wan said with a laugh.
“Then May holiday will be for fighting injustice,” Lu Zheng said, raising an eyebrow.
Lin Wan whipped round. “Where to?”
It had been a long time since they had last gone out to “uphold justice” (and have some fun).
“We’ll see what your intelligence network has on offer.”
The corners of Lin Wan’s mouth curved upwards as she began thinking about where they should go next to find some entertainment.
…
The two watched a film, came out around six, had hotpot for dinner, then finally drove home. After a long walk to digest everything, they both turned in for the night.
