68 I CANNOT HELP YOU (2/2)

As a child, he had studied art as part of his home schooling. Though he was not an expert, he could see that this art had been made by someone with a highly positive view of life. He could not imagine what this kind of person would have in common with Vladimir Romanov.

His eyes were suddenly drawn to an unusual painting at the far corner of the gallery which did not seem to have blend in with the rest of the art. He walked to it, almost spellbound. The piece depicted a woman covered in a completely white dress like an angel and a wreath of flowers graced her head, crowning her flowing black hair.

This person was standing in the middle of burning yellow fire, cackling, smoking and living. The fire seemed to be engulfing her, eating at her feet and consuming her dress. But she seemed completely aloof from the world even looking down on it. However in her eyes, there was a sense of longing. What surprised him most was the obvious likeness of the woman and Hu Lei.

”I did not think that President Zhong was interested in art.” The loud heavily accented voice of Vladimir Romanov interrupted his contemplation.

Zhong Feng turned around to face the man who seemed at odds with the surroundings.

”You know why I am here.” Zhong Feng was quite certain of this fact.

Vladimir looked at the painting that Zhong Feng had been looking at with a strange sense of sadness in his eyes as he remembered its subject.

”I cannot help you. I do not know where she is.”

”But she came here for your help. You must know where she went.” Zhong Feng's tone became colder.

”She came to me because she wanted to go to North America anonymously. She left with a certain controversial government figure who owed me a favour. I do not know where they ended up.” He paused for a moment. ”I can even tell you less about her real destination. All I know was that she was looking for her father.”

Vladimir did not conceal anything from Zhong Feng because he did not really know anything. He had helped Hu Lei because he felt that he owed her for treating her poorly when she was younger. Looking at the man before him hiding his distress, he felt a little sympathetic.

”I will tell you this: you will not find Hu Lei if she does not want to be found. If she is in danger, your chances are even lower because she is not an easy target. As you are now, you cannot be of any use to her.” His eyes hardened.

”You have little power, influence and money. You are too soft-hearted and honourable, and you are too conscious of right and wrong, always thinking about the lines that should not be crossed. She might have fallen for you because of this, but you cannot find her or keep her safe as the person you are.” Vladimir spoke with unprecedented harshness, his accent making his words almost incomprehensible.

Unfortunately, Zhong Feng could not dispute the truths spoken. If he had been more powerful, perhaps she would have confided in him. He could only leave and look for another way to find Hu Lei. With that, he started making his way to the gallery door.

”She left you a message.” The words stopped Zhong Feng in his tracks.