The Rise of the White Lotus

Meanwhile…

As the two people on the pavilion began returning inside the establishment, a person who was camouflage in the dark was continuously snapping pictures of them. From the time Lexi arrived at the garden to the time Morris Liu appeared, the person caught everything in his camera.

He didn't stop pressing the click button as they talked until they 'kissed'! Yes, from the perspective of his standpoint, he believed they kissed! Hence, whatever his eyes witnessed, was also caught in his camera.

Even though Lexi and Morris Liu left the area, the person could not help his body but tremble in excitement. What he caught, it was everything he needed. Lexi and Morris Liu's love affair; their infidelity behind the head of Lu Corporation, Ethan Lu's back!

What a great headline!

Before the person could even forget, he immediately searched for his phone and rang a person who hired him. After several rings, the line finally connected that soon followed by Mia Chen's voice.

"What?"

"Miss Chen, you wouldn't believe what I just witnessed." His voice was still shaking as his adrenaline rush ran through his veins up to his head. "I caught Miss Yang and Mr. Liu kissing!" Since the spicy gossip for tomorrow was too overwhelming, the man unconsciously raised his voice. 

The reason he immediately covered his mouth and looked around. Fortunately, not a single fly was in this place as Mr. Tang booked the whole place and all the guests were inside. Thus, he heaved a sigh of relief. 

"What?" Surprised by the news Mia Chen received, her brows creased. "Are you sure?" She asked to confirm if she heard him right. 

"Yes, 5000%! I'll send you the copy."

"Send it to me right away." Having mixed emotions by the news, Mia Chen didn't want to take any particular feelings for now as she wanted to see for herself. Just before she could end the call, the man from the other end stopped her.

"Wait—!"

"What?" Annoyed, Mia Chen arched her brows as she was in the middle of something. Hence, she didn't find the pleasure to listen to whatever chitchat he would say. After all, she was only interested in concrete evidence that could separate Ethan Lu and Lexi. Therefore, she didn't think there was still a need for him to stall her. 

"Uhm… I can use this for tomorrow's headline right? I'm sorry, Miss Chen. I just wanted to be clear about our deal." The man scratched the back of his head as he wanted to be sure that he could use these photos. After all, he was afraid that Mia Chen would be against it.

"Huh," Scoffing in disdain, Mia Chen drew the phone away for a second and looked at it before she returned it in front of her ear. "What kind of question is that? Would I even bother to sneak you in if I wouldn't want to see their name in the news tomorrow?" The corner of Mia Chen's lips stretched into a sneer as a malicious glint flashed across her eyes.

"Use them well but give me the copy." With that said note, Mia Chen ended the call. Soon after, she received an email containing photos of Lexi and Morris Liu in the pavilion. 

One after another, Mia Chen checked everything. From the photos that the two were seemingly conversing, to the time they kissed and left the garden. As she checked, its effect slowly formed a smile on her lips because what her informant told her was true!

"Who would have thought that he will be useful?" Chuckling at the pictures she received, Mia Chen's grip on her phone shook as her shoulders trembled.

Initially, she didn't expect much from the person she snuck in as she knew the two of them would be more careful. However, just to be sure, Mia Chen still hired a person to follow them and if a miracle happened, he must take advantage and take as many pictures of them together.

It turned out that she was a 'genius' for even reconsidering it! Now, she only needed her final scheme to be a success to achieve whatever she wanted to accomplish. Just the thought of tomorrow's outcome excites her to the bones.

Finally, her dearest Morris Liu would be happy with the woman he loved. Just a little longer, he would appreciate her. Mia Chen believed, inside her twisted mind, that she was setting things back to where they should belong. 

****

[Inside Ethan Lu's car]

"Hey brother, can we meet tomorrow?" Sitting in the back passenger seat, Ethan Lu asked the moment the call connected to the other end of the line.

"Uhh, what time?" Kevin Woo asked with his brows furrowed as Ethan Lu's sudden call and invitation slightly surprised him. "I have some paintings to finish so, I don't think I can—" Right after his first inquiry, Kevin Woo was about to reject as he glanced at his sketches on the side. However, just before he could complete his sentence, he heard a deep exhale from Ethan Lu's end.

"What happened?" 

"It's… ah, sh*t!" Sounding distress, Ethan Lu massaged his temples. "It's about Eli…" Once again, a heavy sigh escaped Ethan Lu's mouth.

"What about Eli?" Curious why Ethan Lu sounded that he was in a big dilemma, Kevin Woo patiently waited for whatever he would say.

"He had an accident and was currently in a coma. I just heard about the news and ordered everyone not to leak any information just yet. I am going to country J tomorrow morning so…"

"What?!"

"Uhh… I don't know, man. It's a long story. You're coming with us?" Still bearing the wretched tone, Ethan Lu vaguely explained. 

"Alright." 

*****

[Queen's Citadel Hotel]

"Achoo!" Out of the blue, Elliot Gong sneezed as a chill run down his spine. "Is one of my fans fantasizing about me, again?" He murmured as he rubbed his nose.

"Eww. Get away from us or my darling might get infected by whatever virus you carry." Dissing Elliot Gong, Rika stood in a protective stance in front of her beloved Jaime Liao as she shooed her friend away.

"Ha! Your darling is immune from any virus since he mostly spent his days inside the hospital. You should worry about yourself though." Retorting back, Elliot Gong stared at the protective Rika Song in disdain. Little did he know, while he was bickering with Rika Song from time to time, Ethan Lu had used his almighty name in vain, again.