Chapter 118: Tight Schedules And Social Media

"So," Kane said, his expression growing serious as he considered their options.

"We have three potential leads. Madam Xiu obviously knows more about these fragments than she let on. Bob might have access to his father’s collection records. And Mochi’s network could turn up something from the black market."

Cyrus’s posture shifted, his CEO persona sliding into place.

"Madam Xiu would be our most reliable source," he said, his tone crisp and businesslike.

"I can arrange a meeting through Jadefall Acquisitions. Given her schedule and the formal protocols required, the earliest availability would be tomorrow."

Kane nodded, then hesitated. "What about Bob?"

A muscle in Cyrus’s jaw ticked almost imperceptibly.

"If you believe Holloway’s son might prove useful..." Cyrus’s voice remained carefully neutral, though his fingers tightened slightly on Kane’s waist.

"I won’t object to you pursuing that avenue."

The words carried an undertone that suggested Cyrus very much would object but was restraining himself for Kane’s sake.

"And Mochi?" Kane pressed, recognizing the jealousy but choosing not to address it directly.

Cyrus’s expression lightened marginally, back on familiar ground.

"The cat responds well to expensive food and flattery. I could book us a table at Kagura—the most upscale Japanese restaurant in the city. Their omakase runs eight hundred per person."

Kane’s eyes widened at the price, but he nodded.

"Mochi would probably sell his grandmother for that kind of meal."

"Then we have our strategy," Cyrus concluded with satisfaction.

Cyrus reached for his phone. "I’ll contact Madam Xiu first. Her schedule tends to fill quickly."

Kane watched as Cyrus dialed. The conversation was brief but cordial, conducted in what sounded like flawless Mandarin with occasional English phrases.

"Tomorrow at ten," Cyrus announced after ending the call. "Her office at Jadefall Acquisitions."

Kane pulled out his phone, thumbs flying across the screen as he composed messages. His first text went to Bob, keeping the tone casual but purposeful.

Hey Bob! Heard you might be in Feilun on business. Want to grab coffee tomorrow afternoon? I owe you one for the cruise.

The reply came back almost instantly:

Actually here until Thursday! Free around 3 PM?

Kane turned his phone screen toward Cyrus, a gesture of boyfriend courtesy that felt both natural and new.

"3pm works perfectly," Kane replied, showing the text thread.

Cyrus glanced at the message, then his eyes narrowed slightly.

"How did you know Holloway was in town?"

Kane swiped to his social media app with casual familiarity.

"Oh, I follow him. He posted a story this morning from the Westmore Hotel."

He held up the screen, revealing Bob’s feed—pictures of hotel room service breakfast, a gym selfie, and a view from his suite overlooking the harbor.

Cyrus stared at the phone like it contained classified intelligence, his expression shifting from confusion to jealousy.

"You... follow him?"

"It’s just social media, Cyrus. I follow like two hundred people." Kane scrolled through his feed.

"Most of them are work contacts or random spirits I’ve met. It’s not—"

"I wouldn’t know," Cyrus said stiffly. "I don’t engage with such platforms."

The admission came with the faint air of someone confessing to a personal failing, though Kane suspected Cyrus viewed social media as beneath his dignity rather than something he’d simply never considered.

Kane looked up from his phone, eyebrows raised.

"You should get with the times. Social media isn’t just for teenagers anymore—it’s how people communicate, share information, and network."

Cyrus said nothing, his silence carrying the weight of centuries-old stubbornness.

He turned toward the window, shoulders set in that particular way that meant the conversation was over as far as he was concerned.

"Right," Kane muttered, turning his attention back to his phone. "Well, while you’re being a technological dinosaur, I’ll handle our third lead."

His fingers moved across the screen, crafting a message to Mochi.

Hey Mochi! Want to hit up Kagura tomorrow night? Cyrus is buying. 8pm?

The response was immediate and enthusiastic: KAGURA?! Yes yes yes! I’ll wear my fancy collar!

Kane snorted with laughter, showing Cyrus the reply.

"I think he’s excited."

"As expected," Cyrus said with dry amusement. "Mochi’s weakness for luxury rivals his weakness for gossip and drama. A dangerous combination in an informant."

"But useful for us," Kane pointed out, leaning back against Cyrus’s chest.

The weight of their mission settled around them again—Rina’s deteriorating condition, the mysterious shards, and the ticking clock of her two-week deadline.

"So tomorrow we interrogate a Pixiu spirit, charm information out of a billionaire’s son, and bribe a cat with overpriced fish," Kane summarized.

"Just another Tuesday in our relationship."

Cyrus’s hand moved to Kane’s shoulder, a gentle but firm pressure of assurance.

"Which means we should head home," he said, his voice softer than his CEO tone. "Tomorrow will be demanding, and you need rest."

Kane tilted his head back to look at Cyrus, studying his expression.

The word ’rest’ hung between them, loaded with new meaning after yesterday night’s activities.

Kane’s body still carried pleasant aches from their intimacy, but Rina’s condition had drained all desire from him.

"When you say rest..." Kane began carefully, "Do you actually mean rest? Because I’m not really—after seeing Rina like that, I can’t—"

Cyrus’s expression shifted, a flicker of hurt crossing his features before settling into patient understanding.

"Kane." His voice carried quiet reproach. "I’m not some hormone-driven adolescent who requires constant sexual gratification."

Kane’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I didn’t mean—"

"You did mean exactly that," Cyrus interrupted, though not unkindly.

"And while I appreciate your recent enthusiasm for our physical relationship, I’m perfectly capable of prioritizing your emotional state over my libido."

Kane felt heat crawl up his neck.

"Sorry. I just... this is all new territory for me."

"For both of us," Cyrus reminded him, standing and offering Kane his hand. "When I said rest, I meant sleep. Actual sleep."

Kane took the offered hand, letting Cyrus pull him to his feet.

"Though I reserve the right to hold you while you do so."