Chapter 35 (2/2)

That said, Vivian couldn’t help but to talk more about it with Lily. Their chatter mainly revolved around how one could safely hang oneself outside human transportations. Lily was going on about how one could hide in a cargo hold while Vivian gave pointers on how to dodge anti-aircraft missiles. It was pretty much hogwash to Hao Ren, but at least this talk gave these two who are always at loggerheads a common ground: They share interest in pulling off outlandish stunts.

Looking at Lily’s cheerful face, Hao Ren was sure that this werewolf is much more competent than she looks. Being able to hang outside an aircraft half-way across China wasn’t very surprising for a werewolf. What was impressive was her resourcefulness despite her usual derpiness. He could only imagine her untold tales and escapades, but immediately decided against it.

After that, it was a quiet eleven hours flight for the trio. Before long, they landed at their destination, Heathrow Airport.

As they stepped out of the plane, Hao Ren had to drag along Lily, who was half-asleep while Vivian walked out looking fresh. He took the opportunity to breathe in the air deeply and found it no different than that back at home.

Vivian looked up. As it was still early dawn, the skies were still dark. There was a veil of mist that shrouded the air, making the sky much darker than it was. Being in a foreign land, beset by cold winds and gloomy skies, it’s usually not something tourists look forward to, but this was much to Vivian’s taste.

“This illuminance is just nice for my skin. The past two days was hell! Have you ever see a vampire sunbathe in broad daylight?”

Hao Ren rolled his eyes. “Have you ever see a vampire out and about hunting for jobs?”

Vivian turned away in embarrassment. Trying to change the topic of the conversation, she said, “Hmm…. this place looks very different from the England I remember….”

A very groggy Lily still managed to stab at Vivian. “You couldn’t even afford air tickets the last time, what makes you think you remember how the airport even looked like?’

Dread befell Hao Ren. Vivian quickly interposed and said, “That’s not it, last I remember, this area was supposed to be an empty plot of land, or a rocky beachhead… if my vampiric memories are correct.”

Something suddenly dawned upon Hao Ren, the tingling unease when they departed earlier came to a head. “When was the last time you came to England?”

Vivian took some time to ponder and slowly lowered her head “I remember then there was this king called Lionheart fighting a war….”

Hao Ren’s jaw fell and he exclaimed, “That’s freaking 1190!” Well, at least he knew his history well.

“How then you be so unsure?” He couldn’t help but to look at Vivian in astonishment. He never thought that one could be this forgetful, like Lily.

“I’ve lived for so long, can’t I have the liberty of remembering something wrongly?’ Vivian tried to defend herself defiantly, but then relented. “And you do know that my memory is not that strong…”

“Now what?” Hao Ren scratched his head. He was not an experienced traveller and was ill-prepared for this trip. Vivian, who was supposed to be his guide and translator was about as clueless as he is concerning the lay of the land. Not to mention their mission was to locate a client with an unknown name and looks in a small, nameless, and uncharted village. His first mission did not turn out to be the cakewalk he initially thought it would be.

“At least I have a better command in English compared to you, right?” Vivian shrugged.

Hao Ren had his doubts, but he could say nothing and just nodded.