Mystic Shadows

"Mei... I thought..."

Seated in a cafeteria, Mei Ling and her bestie, Yu Jie, both around 25 or 26, sipped coffee. Mei Ling, pretty and commanding attention, listened as Yu Jie brought up today's embarrassing incident.

Mei Ling is naturally beautiful girl, and Yu Jie is her best friend, even though considered as beauty, most of the times gets overshadowed by Mei Ling. They clearly work for the same company based on the ID badges that hang around their necks.

Hearing her friend talk about the embarrassing thing that happened today, Mei Ling couldn't help but glare at her while sipping her coffee.

"You thought I'm into him just because I'm being friendly?"

Annoyed, Mei Ling recalled the colleague's morning proposal, instigated by Yu Jie. Indeed, she usually doesn't pay attention to people of opposite genders and has a good impression on him. In the end, it's only a good impression and nothing more, as she knows her situation better.

While Mei Ling rejected him publicly, Yu Jie felt she should have at least considered his feelings.

"Poor guy... You should have at least..."

Caught by Mei Ling's death glare, Yu Jie halted, praying for forgiveness for her unintentional meddling.

"Have you gone senile finally? It's just a rejection... It's not like it's the first time."

In a park, three people can be seen sitting on a bench. One is heavy-looking, with sharp features resembling those of a bodybuilder.

In the middle, a person with a melancholic expression, above-average looks, and a decent body structure sits at around 175 cm in height.

The last one is handsome and wealthier-looking compared to the others. The hunk is Kun Ming, the middle one with a melancholic expression is Ming Chen, and the handsome, rich-looking one is Han Wei.

They are best friends working at the same IT firm in Taipei City, the capital city of Taiwan.

The three of them are not just colleagues cum friends; instead, they are childhood friends, school friends, college friends, and roommates. Basically, they have never been apart from each other.

Obviously, these three are also working in the same organisation as Mei Ling. And Ming Chen is the one who got rejected by Mei Ling and became dejected.

"That is what I am saying too... I'm tired of this life. It's not just about rejection... Everything is not okay. We are already 27 this year, and what are we doing? Nothing at all. It's just a boring life that every other average Joe is leading."

Kun Ming's words irked Ming Chen further, instantly making him burst out with frustration in his tone.

Ming Chen's unexpected outburst surprised Kun Ming and Han Wei. Ming Chen, usually composed, not only voiced his frustration but also resigned, shocking his friends.

Despite their financial stability, particularly Han Wei's well-off background, their economic security depends on their jobs.

If Han Wei made this choice, it might be more expected given his wealthy family. But for Ming Chen, finding a similar job with benefits in today's inflated job market is a tough challenge, even with savings.

"Ming..."

Han Wei attempted to console Ming Chen, but Ming Chen swiftly cut him off.

"Alright! I'm not that fragile. But I have decided."

Ming Chen declared, determination etched on his face as he looked at both of them.

"?"

"?"

Ming Chen's words left them perplexed and uncertain about the direction of his thoughts.

"What have you decided?"

Kun Ming asked, probing. On the other hand, Han Wei eyed Ming Chen oddly, sensing something.

"Don't tell me..."

Han Wei paused, realising Ming Chen's direction. A mix of confusion, embarrassment, and a hint of longing coloured his emotions.

"Indeed, it is what you're thinking."

Ming Chen confirmed, nodding at Han Wei and deepening his emotions.

"??"

Kun Ming looked at Ming Chen piercingly, as if expecting a full explanation. Despite knowing everything about them, including their 'underwear' size, he felt left out.

"You're ignoring it subconsciously, Kun! But you know it well. It doesn't matter... I'm officially launching the project 'Mystic Shadows' today."

Ming Chen explained patiently as he pretty much calmed down from his initial burst.

"What??? Are you crazy or something? Do you think that is even possible?… It's just a childhood dream. Old Han, I think Ming is completely senile now... You tell him."

Kun Ming's exasperation burst forth as soon as he heard about the Mystic Shadows project.

Mystic Shadows is a childhood project they had, aiming to start a mercenary group with the name 'Mystic Shadows' and complete missions for money and fame.

The three had this absurd idea until they completed their studies under their renowned Tai Chi master, who tutored them until they were 18.

In the modern system, they can be considered level 3 masters in Tai Chi. While there are no official rankings, they've reached a high level of proficiency.

And most importantly, they are real masters, not just shells. Handling three or four people is easy for each of them. This confidence led to their childhood dream.

Completing their studies and entering society made them realise how silly their dream was.

Now, Ming Chen's revival of the Mystic Shadows dream triggered Kun Ming's strong reaction. Despite having left this dream behind, they created a website for their mercenary group, given their skills as software developers.

"Old Han? Why don't you say anything?... Don't tell me..."

Kun Ming, not getting any response from Han Wei, couldn't help but ask. Seeing the longing look on Han Wei's face, he had a bad premonition.

"I agree with Ming this time, Kun Ming! It's time that we launch our Mystic Shadows. I am not saying that we are leading life badly, but it's just that we are leading it like everyone else... We are not anything special. I want something different, something renowned for the next hundred years."

Han Wei spoke, realising his life was also boring. Before today, he never had such thoughts, but thanks to Ming Chen, his deeply hidden wish was sparked.

He doesn't need a job to live well, but there's no excitement or adventurous spirit. Both Ming Chen and Han Wei felt their blood reinvigorated.

After saying that, they looked at each other with intense brightness (just saying) and tacit understanding. Their blood ignited and boiled.

Turning their heads to Kun Ming simultaneously, their intense gaze gave him goosebumps.

"You... You guys have gone crazy... Alright! For once in my life, I will also go crazy with you two."

Kun Ming's first words expressed his disbelief, but his last words meant he was ready to join in this madness too. As he finished his sentence, his dim eyes, which had lost their adventurous spirit, started to regain vitality.

"Haha!"

"Haha!"

"Haha!"

Soon, the three of them laughed madly, scaring people in the nearby bushes engaged in unethical activities.

"Well, well! Let's go, let's launch MYSTIC SHADOWS."

Ming Chen loudly announced as he stood up, further startling those nearby.