Chapter 2

"Vampires? When did New York start to go crazy?" Qin Li said as he took a sip of whiskey. "You only discovered them last night? It's hard to believe they just popped up out of nowhere."

"It was at a celebrity club. You know, I usually don't frequent high-end places. So they've probably been around for a while, just not in front of us 'ordinary folks,'" Matt said, leaning on the bar, crossing his arms.

Just as the conversation continued, the door opened again. A man with a black egg-shaped head and a long trench coat walked in. He confidently strode to the bar, paying no mind to Qin Li's disapproving stare, sitting down and even helping himself to a bottle of liquor—truly the definition of taking over the space.

"Director Nick Fury, your habit of showing up uninvited is still as annoying as ever," Qin Li said, continuing to glare at the man, then snatching the bottle of liquor from his hand. "And this bottle was originally $50, but since I'm not feeling it, when the bill comes, consider it $500."

Fury feigned surprise. "Oh~ Li, I thought we were good friends. You're pushing me away?"

Qin Li ignored Fury's theatrics and placed a firm hand on Matt's shoulder to make him sit back down. He then refilled their glasses and said, "Matt, don't leave yet. He's probably here about the same issue." He gestured for Fury to get to the point.

"Last night, what Mr. Murdock encountered was indeed a vampire. However, our Department of Strategic Homeland Security and Logistics has other plans and actions in motion. We ask that you not intervene, Mr. Li," Fury said, his expression neutral as he addressed both Matt and Qin Li now that the matter was on the table.

"'Those who are not of our race will have different hearts.' Fury, I'll give you that line. I don't know what your so-called department hopes to gain from these creatures—neither human nor demon—but as long as they don't appear around me, I won't hesitate to kill them," Qin Li said coldly, his expression devoid of emotion.

"Alright, Li. I'll make sure they know to keep their distance," Fury replied indifferently, unaffected by the harshness of Qin Li's words or his cold gaze. As the king of agents, Fury had gotten the information he wanted, so Qin Li's attitude didn't matter.

"One more thing: After tonight, I don't want to see any of those creatures where I am. Keep them away from Hell's Kitchen. No one's allowed to step foot here," Qin Li continued, his tone unwavering.

"No problem. I'll notify them. As for when they seek their own death, feel free to do as you wish," Fury said, meeting Qin Li's eyes. He finished his drink and left.

"Alright, Matt, you've heard it. That director of whatever agency has already taken care of it. From here on, it's not for us 'ordinary folks' to worry about," Qin Li said casually as he watched Fury leave.

"Looks like this organization might be a bit better than whatever CIA you mentioned, but I don't think what they're doing is righteous. A species that feeds on humans should be eradicated, not spared for whatever they're after," Matt said, shaking his head in frustration. Just then, his phone rang, and he answered. He gave Qin Li a gesture to indicate he was leaving, and Qin Li raised his glass in acknowledgment. Matt continued talking on the phone as he left.

With everyone gone, Qin Li, bored, stepped out the door. He glanced at the nearby Chinese restaurant and noticed it was already past 7 p.m. Deciding to grab a bite, he walked in and called to the kitchen, "Old Chen! What's left to eat? Get me something to fill my stomach."

Old Chen, a greasy middle-aged man who had come overseas with his wife to make a living, also had a reputation for some trouble back in China. That's why he could run a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen without too much hassle—he clearly had some connections.

"Got it, Qin, my friend! A buddy from back home just sent over some chili peppers, so we're doing Sichuan food tonight," Old Chen called out as he popped his head from the kitchen.

"Great! I'm looking forward to it!" Qin Li replied, his mouth watering at the thought.

As the dishes began to arrive, the familiar spicy and numbing flavors of Sichuan cuisine filled the air. When Old Chen brought out the final dish, water-boiled sliced pork, he said, "Here, Qin, we're all set. Try it out. I'll go grab a bottle of wine."

Chen went upstairs, and when he returned, he had a bottle of wine in hand, followed by a young man who appeared to be around eleven or twelve. "Qin, this is my distant nephew, Zheng Shangchi. His father got into some trouble back home, and he came to stay with me. Thought I'd introduce him to you; please take care of him."

Qin Li couldn't shake the feeling that the name sounded familiar, but he couldn't recall where he'd heard it before. He simply nodded. "No problem. He's just following you, no need to make a big deal out of it."

"Oh, come on, Qin, don't be like that. If it weren't for you asking me to move here, I'd still be getting hassled by those foreigners asking for protection money. Shangchi, say hello to Qin," Old Chen urged, giving the boy a light slap on the back of the head.

Rubbing the spot where he was struck, Zheng Shangchi walked up to Qin Li, cupping his hands in a traditional greeting. "I'm Zheng Shangchi. Nice to meet you, Big Brother Qin. Thanks for taking care of me!" With that, he quickly downed a glass of wine.

Qin Li nearly spit out his drink. "This kid has quite a bit of street swagger. What's going on? Did he watch too much The Godfather at home?"

"Ah, it's just the rebellious age. I'll talk to him properly later," Old Chen said sheepishly.

"Alright, enough standing around. Come, sit and eat," Qin Li said indifferently.

Old Chen could tell the matter was settled and patted Shangchi on the shoulder, urging him to sit down and join the meal. The meal proceeded with hearty laughter and conversation. Afterward, Qin Li headed back to the church.

Just as he was about to head upstairs to sleep, an unidentified flying object suddenly crashed through the window, breaking the glass. Originally, the object had intended to make some kind of dramatic entrance. However, as it broke through the window, a golden, soft light shot out from the church's central cross, heading straight for the intruder. What happened next was a scene that Qin Li would never forget.