593 Spectator

Early June in Connecticut city—inside the Holy Top Church.

A large cross towered at the end of the apse. The seats on both sides of the nave spread in an orderly fashion, extending all the way to the narthex. Most were occupied by devotees. The church took up a large plot of land, and at the top of the building rested a magnificent dome. Light streamed through narrow stained glass windows on the walls, giving the place a solemn and dignified ambiance.

A bishop, with a bible in his hand, slowly intoned a prayer in a booming and ceremonious voice, as though he was leading lost sheep to Heaven's light. The holy and ethereal scene provided the people respite from their woes.

That was when Lou Cheng entered wearing a white T-shirt, casual shorts and tennis shoes. He took a few steps with his hands buried in his pockets, then looked to his left and right before sitting down on an empty seat in the back.