Chapter 7

After crossing mountains and rivers through a long flight, Shangguan Xueying finally set foot in Italy—a land brimming with artistic spirit and fashionable charm. Milan, a city steeped in history, welcomed every traveler with its unique allure. Her stop was the Westin Palace Milan, a luxurious palace where classical elegance blended seamlessly with modern sophistication.

The moment she stepped into the hotel lobby, Shangguan Xueying felt as though she had crossed into another realm, entering a dreamlike kingdom. Beneath the lofty dome, magnificent crystal chandeliers sparkled softly, each crystal like a carefully carved work of art refracting brilliant light. The marble floor gleamed like a mirror, reflecting the graceful figures of the guests, while a faint scent of lavender drifted in the air, instantly soothing the senses.

The hotel’s concierge team greeted Shangguan Xueying with professional smiles and meticulous service. They not only handled her check-in but also thoughtfully introduced her to the facilities and amenities available.

After a short rest and adjusting to the time difference, Shangguan Xueying could no longer resist the urge to explore Milan. Dressed in simple yet stylish clothing, she strolled along the nearby streets, quickly blending into the city’s rhythm.

Shops lined the streets, offering everything from high-end luxury goods to trendy streetwear. While she appeared to be wandering casually, she already had clear goals in mind. Her first stop was a famous pizzeria, where the golden crust was topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The irresistible aroma made her mouth water. Taking a bite, she savored the rich blend of creamy cheese and tangy tomato that instantly awakened her taste buds.

Next, she entered a small shop specializing in traditional Italian cuisine, trying ravioli and ossobuco. The ravioli’s thin skin and juicy filling were bursting with flavor, while the braised veal shank was tender and paired with a rich sauce—each bite a culinary delight.

After lunch, Shangguan Xueying walked to the Milan Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and an essential stop on her journey. Standing in the square, she gazed up at the towering Gothic structure, deeply moved by the weight of history and the beauty of art.

She dedicated her afternoon to shopping. Being the fashion capital, Milan was home to countless luxury boutiques. She wandered through Prada, Gucci, and Armani, admiring the latest collections while selecting a few pieces of clothing and accessories for herself. At the same time, she sought out uniquely Italian crafts and delicacies—exquisite glassware, fragrant cheeses, robust red wines, and tuna preserved in flavorful cans.

When night fell and the streets of Milan quieted, Shangguan Xueying’s other identity awoke. Dressed in black night gear, she tapped into her psychic abilities to sense her surroundings. Ensuring no one was watching, she set her plan into motion.

First, she used her abilities to bypass the hotel’s surveillance systems, ensuring no trace of her actions. Then, following the routes she had scouted during the day, she revisited stores that held the supplies she needed. Hidden safes and seemingly ordinary shelves revealed their secrets under her sharp gaze. Swiftly and precisely, she collected each item, storing them away in her hidden space.

Throughout the process, Shangguan Xueying remained vigilant and calm. She knew what she was doing was dangerous, but the risks only heightened her excitement. She thrived on the thrill of moving unseen in the shadows, testing her limits against the unknown.

That night, she headed to a deserted factory chosen as the site of her next exchange. High walls surrounded it, with only a narrow road leading out. Clad in a black leather outfit, she held a note listing the transaction details. Her steps were light but resolute, blending into the darkness as though she were part of it.

“You’re here.”
A deep voice broke the silence. A man in a black suit emerged from the shadows. Though his lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes betrayed a cautious wariness.

Shangguan Xueying nodded without speaking, handing him the note. The man glanced over it, then signaled his men to bring out the goods.

A thousand units of firearms, ammunition, restricted knives, and various fuels were neatly packed into large crates. Shangguan Xueying’s sharp eyes swept across them, confirming each item met her requirements.

Once the deal was sealed, she paid in full. The man gave a satisfied nod, signaling his subordinates to load the goods onto her prepared truck. Without unnecessary words, Shangguan Xueying climbed into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and slowly drove away.

She circled a wide route across Italy, her senses on high alert. Her psychic abilities spread outward like an invisible web, detecting every movement within range and ensuring no one followed her.

Finally, in a remote and silent area, she stopped. After confirming it was safe, she transferred everything into her secret space—a hidden dimension only she could access. With the last crate vanishing, she let out a long breath, her burden lifting at last.

Calm once more, she returned to her hotel. After a quick wash, she collapsed into bed and drifted into deep sleep.

In the blink of an eye, Shangguan Xueying’s time in Milan was nearly over. On the fifth afternoon at two o’clock, she had already booked her ticket to her final destination: Norway.

Before leaving, she returned to the Westin Palace Milan’s grand lobby one last time. Gazing at its familiar luxury, a faint reluctance stirred in her heart.

After packing her belongings and bidding farewell to the hotel staff, she set out for the airport. On the plane, she closed her eyes, recalling the unforgettable moments of her stay in Milan.

As the aircraft ascended, Milan gradually disappeared from her view.