Chapter 56 - 57: Red Invitations and Silver Forks – A Crimson Dinner Awaits
Lin Feng wasn’t surprised when the letter arrived—only mildly curious at the formality.
It wasn’t a text, a call, or even one of those cryptic group messages the elite circles favored. No. This came in a red velvet envelope, sealed with black wax, and hand-delivered to his dorm.
A quiet knock. A bowed courier in a tailored uniform. No words exchanged.
Lin Feng closed the door behind him, ran a thumb across the wax seal, and broke it clean.
"An evening to dine. Crimson Circle welcomes you to its table. No guests. No delays. Formal attire."
"Location enclosed. 7:30 sharp."
No names. No signatures. But the message didn’t need one.
The Crimson Circle rarely invited outsiders. And never twice.
By sunset, the city’s skyline had softened into a watercolor of fading light and rising anticipation. Lin Feng stood at the edge of the rooftop valet entrance of the Palace on Fifth—an exclusive restaurant not even listed on most maps.
He wore a dark suit again, but this time, the cut was sharper. Still minimalist, still without labels, but it moved with him like second skin—quiet power dressed in cloth.
As he entered, a uniformed staff member—clearly briefed—gestured without speaking, guiding him to the upper floor. Each step was padded by silk carpets and watched by curated oil paintings of emperors and modern-day moguls.