[Holy crap! Look at this operation! So professional and badass!]
[The real battle begins now! Cifera! Night Shadow! Are you ready?]
[ister Aya! Your Starry Light is on its way!]
[If Little Grandchild loses his spotlight, will he suddenly snap and forcibly snatch the Starry Light?]
[The Pursuit Team definitely won't let Little Grandchild get anywhere near the Starry Light so easily!]
[My heart's racing! Aaaaah, I can't wait to see what happens next in the "story"! Will Kitty Phantom Thief suddenly make an appearance?]
Backstage at the stage.
Liu Shanhe's escort team arrived at their destination, instantly silencing the once lively atmosphere among the models. A palpable tension hung in the air.
After all, anyone would feel intimidated seeing so many Pursuers and security personnel marching toward them.
Each model had a designated Starry staff member to liaise with the security team. Soon, one by one, the dazzling jewels were carefully removed from their cases. A Pursuer and a security guard escorted each piece to its respective model.
Each jewel was assigned a team of security personnel and Pursuers who would oversee its safety throughout the upcoming rehearsal.
As the jewelry was unveiled, the models emerged from their tense atmosphere, each holding their breath, their eyes sparkling with barely suppressed excitement and a sense of cherished value.
They had come to participate in this runway show partly to earn a living, but also to fulfill their desire to experience the exquisite moment of wearing these priceless treasures.
When the top-tier jewelry, symbols of status and beauty, were gently placed around their necks, wrists, or fingers, radiant smiles of satisfaction and joy instantly bloomed across their faces.
They admired themselves in the mirrors and couldn't resist glancing at each other, showering compliments on one another.
Each piece was so magnificent that they couldn't help but feel envious of Lu Yue and "Aya," who would soon have the privilege of wearing the Starry Light.
Sensing the moment, the Director locked the camera firmly on Lu Yue and "Aya," the two candidates to wear the Starry Light.
Liu Shanhe and the other members of the Expert Team stood before them, along with Lei Gang, who held the armored case containing the Starry Light. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
The Show Director took a deep breath, ready to signal Lei Gang to open the final, and most crucial, armored case.
"Hold on," a voice called out.
Liu Shanhe's steady voice cut through the air as he stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Lu Yue and "Aya" like a pair of piercing torches. When his eyes landed on "Aya," even the seasoned operative couldn't suppress a gasp of astonishment—
She's even more breathtaking in person than on camera. This beauty is simply breathtaking; the Starry Light truly belongs to her.
After a brief moment of stunned admiration, Liu Shanhe continued:
"Madam Show Director, given Contestant Cifera's explicit threat to steal Starry Light, the Pursuit Team must fulfill its duty to conduct necessary security checks on both preliminary wearers before they come into contact with this priceless treasure.
"This is for the absolute safety of Starry Light, as well as for their own protection."
The Show Director's brow furrowed immediately, her face etched with exasperation:
"Old Liu! And members of the Pursuit Team! Just look at them!
"One is a renowned model, the other a master seamstress with impeccable talent and grace. How could either of them possibly be... that... that 'wanted criminal' in disguise? This is a blatant disrespect to them!"
"If President Li hadn't specifically instructed us to cooperate fully with your Pursuit Team, I honestly wouldn't want to put them through this..."
The Show Director, though displeased, remembered her earlier conversation with President Li Zhanting. The CEO had specifically authorized them to retrieve the Starry Light immediately if they wished, but insisted that they must also comply with the Pursuit Team's demands.
As Starry employees, they couldn't possibly be unaware of Cifera's chaotic intrusion into their own press conference and her announcement that she had stolen the Starry Light.
Furthermore, since their charity auction had been integrated into the opposing program, all Starry employees had signed strict confidentiality agreements with the Production Team, pledging not to watch any related premieres or leak any information until the case concluded.
These confidentiality agreements weren't limited to Starry employees. Even the guests and patrons attending tonight's auction had to sign the same document before entering the venue.
After all, while the Production Team had blocked program signals in the vicinity of Starry's premises, there was no guarantee that attendees wouldn't receive premiere information through relatives or friends outside the blocked area, potentially undermining the program's intended impact.
"Thank you all for your understanding. We know this is difficult, but everything is for the protection of the Starry Light," Liu Shanhe said, nodding to the Show Director with glasses. He then turned to Lu Yue and "Aya," asking tentatively, "You two don't seem surprised?"
As a microexpression expert, Liu Shanhe had been scrutinizing their faces since entering the backstage area.
In his view, neither Lu Yue nor "Aya" showed any signs of panic or anger after he made his request. Instead, there was a calm, knowing air about them, as if they had anticipated this confrontation all along.
Lu Yue spoke first, her voice tinged with resignation:
"Of course I'm not surprised. The internet is flooded with news about Contestant Cifera's brazen declaration of war to steal the Starry Light. As the originally designated wearer, I naturally understood I'd become a prime suspect. Your group's caution is perfectly reasonable."
As she spoke, her mind raced:
Hmph! I knew they'd suspect me all along. But I am the real Lu Yue! No matter how they grill me about my personal information, I won't slip up—unless this woman beside me sabotages me!
I wish they'd just "accidentally" kill this cat-obsessed woman so she'd stop trying to steal the Starry Light from me! Lu Yue grumbled inwardly.
Meanwhile, "Aya" nodded gracefully, her emerald eyes clear and sincere, with a hint of warmth in her smile.
"Yes, Old Liu.
"I've actually been following Global Manhunt: The Final Heist closely. I'm a huge fan of Contestant Cifera—a 'Cat Fan,' as they say online. Her versatility is truly admirable. I wonder if she has any experience with tailoring... I'd love to discuss it with her sometime.
"Forgive me! I'm getting carried away...
"After watching the show and reading the news, I understand your concerns. As Sister Lu Yue said, it's perfectly reasonable for you to conduct security checks on us as potential Starry Light bearers. I'm happy to cooperate fully."
Her tone was completely composed, and when she mentioned Cifera, there was a hint of affectionate familiarity, like a fan speaking of their idol.
[Ahhh! Sister Aya personally admitted to being a Cat Fan! The CatAya Ship might actually come true!]
[Double the hype! Elegant Seamstress Girl x Cunning Kitten! I'm shipping them so hard!]
[Even a master-level figure as impressive as Sister Aya has been captivated! Cifera's charm knows no bounds! (Cat Fans proudly puffing out their chests)]
[Seriously though, Cifera's such a polymath, she might actually know how to sew! I bet she made that Kitty Phantom Thief Suit herself!]
[Then Sister Aya's wish might actually come true! Production Team, get a clue! Can we get a spin-off show featuring just these two and their fashion adventures?!]
[Little Bingbing: Stop talking, guys! The more you talk, the more jealous I get! (Doge emoji)]
While the two were speaking, Liu Shanhe meticulously observed their microexpressions and body language. For now, he detected no obvious flaws.
But this was exactly what he had anticipated.
If one of them was indeed Cifera in disguise, then with her "microexpression management" ability that even she couldn't see through herself, trying to discern the truth would be exceedingly difficult.
She might even deliberately mislead him, just as she had done during their first encounter.
Still, no matter how challenging it was, Liu Shanhe had to try. For him, this wasn't just a matter of duty; it was also a personal challenge.
"Thank you both for your understanding, but the procedure must be followed," Liu Shanhe said, his voice firm and leaving no room for argument.
"We need to conduct brief individual interviews with both of you. Who would like to go first?"
Before Liu Shanhe could finish speaking, "Aya" immediately raised her hand and proposed:
"Old Liu, could we start with Sister Lu Yue? I promised the girls earlier that I'd help them review their outfits and see if any adjustments are needed. Look at them—they're practically waiting with bated breath! How about I satisfy their anticipation first?"
Hearing "Aya's" words, Liu Shanhe turned to look at the models on the other side. Sure enough, they were all wearing their jewelry and gazing expectantly in their direction.
"Ha, of course, no problem at all! It seems I was rather thoughtless."
Liu Shanhe glanced at Nie Bing and waved his hand. "Police Officer Nie Bing, would you please accompany Miss Aya for now? Once we're finished here, you can bring her over."
"Understood," Nie Bing nodded, stepping beside "Aya." Her voice remained characteristically calm as she said, "Miss Aya, just carry on with your work as if I'm not even here."
"Hehe, Officer Nie Bing is just as cool and collected as she seems on TV—and so stunningly tall and beautiful... To be honest, I can't help but want to design an evening gown for you right now! Why don't you join tonight's runway show?"
"Aya" gazed at Nie Bing, then, as if struck by a brilliant idea, turned excitedly to Liu Shanhe.
"Old Liu! I have a bold idea!"