Hunter, Hunter (A Love and Deepspace FANFIC)

Chapter 3: Feel Your Heart

"Qin Che, what do you do for... work?" I asked as I leaned comfortably like Tara's golden retriever on the window as he drove.

"Simply saying I'm a trader." He replied, his eyes still on the road. The 6:45 am sun hitting his eyes, making them glow like molten lava encased in crystals.

"Is there something on my face...?" He raised his eyebrows while smirking at me. His lava red eyes now piercing into mine, making me self-conscious that I'd been gawking at him.

"Sweetheart, I'd love to continue this staring match but, alas I'm driving." He chuckled. I cleared my throat and looked away. Suddenly, I felt a pang in my chest.

Is it my protocore syndrome acting up or is it the way Qin Che called me 'sweetheart'.

I could feel my face getting flustered. His eyes are back on the road but now there's a mischievous grin plastered on his face. I playfully pat his chest. "Why did you suddenly resort to violence?" He pretended to get hurt while laughing. "Violence? Me...?" I feigned innocence.

Suddenly he becomes stoic as we reached a dilapidated shack. "We better park here, the black market is not that far away." His voice was icy.

A chill ran down my spine when he mentioned the black market. As I got out of the car, Qin Che swiftly came by my side and firmly held my wrist.

The black market was a labyrinth of shadows and whispers. Neon lights cast an eerie glow on the faces of the crowd, their eyes darting with suspicion. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and cheap perfume. I clutched the small pouch containing my meager savings, my heart pounding in my chest. This was a world away from the regulated life I knew.

The aether core was more than just a powerful artifact; it was a key. Key to understand the truth that had been tucked away from people, from me.

But obtaining it would be a perilous journey. Rumors of rival collectors and ruthless enforcers echoed through the market's underbelly.

Suddenly, a sharp pain radiated throughout my chest. I gripped on Qin Che's hand. He looked at me, worry all over his face. "I'm alright." I mouthed while crouching on the ground.

"If you want, we can return some other day." He suggested. "No, I want to know about what went down... that day." I replied through teeth, slightly wincing. I took a small pouch out of my purse, 'medication prescribed by Dr. Zayne' written in bold on it.

Quickly he got me a bottle of water from somewhere. "Here you go." I stayed crouching on the ground for a while. I inhaled and exhaled loudly as the pain finally subsided. He offered me his hand. "Feeling better now?" I smiled and nodded.

We walked deeper into the market, here lights were dimmer than before and more isolated. He dragged me towards sketchy cargo containers.

"Customers sadly we're sold out already." The old shopkeeper said, rubbing his hands like praying mantis. Qin Che quickly flashed something at him, that my brain couldn't register.

"Aigoo, mister you should have told me you want Longjing tea."

I opened my mouth but, Qin Che gestured to shut up. We followed the shopkeeper behind those cargo.

"You should have told earlier that you're relative to Sherman. I have gotten fresh batch." He gave a very uncomfortable laugh as if he just got threatened.

I and Qin Che exchanged glances. "We're not interested in new ones." He asserted. "We looking for protocore in..." I paused as he tightened the grip on my wrist.

"My wife likes aged tea. Do you have any from spring batch?" He inquired. I scowled at him in disbelief, did he just call me his wife...?

The shopkeeper looked through his accounts while scratching his head. "Sir, I don't know how to tell you that there was no tea shipped in spring."

I tugged on Qin Che's shirt. "Beloved, why do you ask him about the real deal...?" His eyes widened. "Real...deal?"

"Aether core." I reply back. Both men fall silent when I mentioned it. All of a sudden, the shopkeeper starts laughing. "I like your wife's taste. She likes rare things." I bow at him. "But it is too much hassle... like it's rarity, it is highly reactive and let alone it is expensive. I have dealt with them in past but... not anymore." He adds.

As we bid farewell to the old shopkeeper, he come running towards midway. "I have heard from the sewage rats; Jackson Wang might have acquired something of your interest."

Linkon City's most famous celebrity also...

"Sweetheart, you live in Linkon City yet, don't know it's secrets? What a shame." He playfully mocks me as we get on the car again.

"By the way, sweetheart... I suddenly remembered Jackson Wang is hosting a party. Do you want to go?"

"Party...?" I have never gone to such parties. He gave a soft chuckle. "Let's find you something suitable for the occasion."

(Sylus P.O.V.)

Thankfully, I instructed Luke to make arrangements for us to visit La Roche even before we left the black market. Vivian is one of the finest fashion designers that she gets visited by rich families from Linkon City, even if you'd have to come here.

Sheu Li stood quiet throughout the ride. "Sorry, I didn't let you know about my protocore syndrome." "You don't have to let me know about things you aren't comfortable to share with everyone." I replied. Truth to be told, I knew about her condition. After all I can see what one thinks and desires. But I won't pester her about then unless and until she tells me about them herself. I halted the car as we reached our destination.

She stood outside the boutique in awe. "I can't believe you brought me here." "Sweetheart, this is an exclusive party, we need to dress up for the occasion if you want to attend it." I winked at her.

Vivian was sitting in the front desk; this is completely unlike her. She has aged gracefully for her age. Her grey hair looked almost platinum blonde, the classic bob hugging her face giving off a youthful look.

"The air conditioner malfunctioned in my office." She pouted as she stood up.

"Monsieur, long time no see." She gave a light hug. Then gave her attention to Sheu Li. "Who is this special lady?" "Did the lost crow find the missing feather?" She briefly whispered in my ear.

I leaned on the desk, "Vivian you can continue with the pleasantries later, but someone needs your help now."

"Oh my, she has a face of a porcelain doll." She gasped as continued to write down her features and measurements.

"What kind of fabric do you like?" She asked as she adjusted her spectacles. "Me...? I don't know much about fabrics." Sheu Li was getting nervous. Vivian turned towards me, "Monsieur, what do you think?"

"Vivian why don't you bring us the fabric samples."

As she went away, I noticed the notepad and measuring tape were still here. "Why don't you make her task quicker...?" I joked. Sheu Li's face turned red. Still, she took the offer.

The way she was measuring me, made me tickle somewhere it shouldn't tickle. The way she focused on getting her measurements right made me feel as feral as tiger about to hunt his prey down.

Suddenly someone cleared their throat. Panicked she drops the measuring tape. Her face is in fifty different shades of red out of embarrassment. Even if, I'm thankful of sudden interruption. I still have hard on.

"I get it, I get it... young love." Vivian chuckled. "But..." Sheu Li struggled to protest but can't form any coherent words.

I tried to regain my composure. "Ah, she thought she'd make your job easier." Sheu Li glared at me, 'THIS WAS YOUR IDEA SIR'.

"Then let me check your measurement skills." Still laughing Vivian took the notepad from her and tallied from previous submitted measurements. "Would you like to intern here?" Vivian was surprised at her accuracy. "But..." Sheu Li opened her mouth again. I glanced at her. "Don't worry honey, I was joking." Vivian added.