Chapter Twelve: The Rendezvous

Due to the film’s short length, the ballroom replayed it several times at the audience’s request. Although the scenes were monotonous and dull, showing only the vast sea with the occasional fleeting seagull as the sole highlight, everyone never tired of watching it. Each time it ended, the ballroom erupted into enthusiastic applause lasting over ten seconds.

Colin clapped vigorously, leaning his arms on the table. “So, what do you think? Share your thoughts.”

“Hmm…” Virak pondered, carefully organizing his words.

“Haha, it’s the first time I’ve seen you at a loss for words. Must have stunned you, huh?” Colin grinned, swaying slightly. “It’s truly hard to describe. To me, this is unprecedented—more revolutionary than any creation before it. My goodness, to witness such a masterpiece ahead of its time in my lifetime, I almost feel like I can die without regrets…”

Colin’s passion and appreciation for the film were intense.

“You could invest in it. I think there’s some potential,” Virak said.

“What do you mean ‘some potential’? This is quite promising, alright? No matter what, I had to drag you out today. It’s not just about watching the film—I want to talk to you about sponsoring the filmmaker.”

“You want to put money into it?”

“Just for fun. I think this could be made more interesting. If the filmmaker needs funds, I can help. At most, I can sponsor this much.” Colin raised one finger.

Virak glanced at it and blurted out, “A thousand?”

Colin punched Virak lightly on the shoulder. “What nonsense! Ten thousand.”

Virak forced a smile.

Ten thousand gold kroner was roughly equivalent to two centuries of his income as a photographer.

“That’s all I can spare. I’m not expecting returns, but if I throw too much in, my father might get upset,” Colin shrugged. “Want to chip in?”

“No, you enjoy it yourself,” Virak replied. He currently lacked the authority to tap into the Thomas family’s wealth; such wealthy indulgences were out of his reach. He could only watch and join in for the fun.

Colin took a sip of wine. “Mainly, I think the content could be richer. Natural scenery is nice, of course, but the most captivating thing is us humans. The most interesting approach is creation itself. If we filmed people or shot content designed specifically for films, it would be way more engaging.”

“That’s a good idea.” Virak had actually considered it, even further than Colin. If the content became more diverse and was shown to a wider audience, it could be quite profitable.

“How about you act in something then? That would be fun,” Colin said, laughing as he lifted his glass.

“If the chance comes, I’d like to try,” Virak clinked glasses with him.

After finishing their drinks, Colin turned to chat with other equally excited viewers, while Virak began to contemplate a pressing matter.

Colin’s idea had clarified some of Virak’s vague plans. If he wanted to accumulate assets to eventually break free from the Thomas family, partnering with Colin in business was a very good choice. As his best friend, backed by the powerful Thomas family conglomerate, Colin could front the money for now without much trouble.

But making money without capital wasn’t that easy.

Virak could come up with reasons to keep Colin from casually mentioning their business endeavors. However, under Fletcher’s surveillance, openly doing business with Colin was impossible, let alone secretly transferring assets behind his back to prepare for escape.

At this moment, he needed someone trustworthy, completely loyal to him, to act on his behalf—someone who could do business with Colin and raise funds in Virak’s name.

Unfortunately, Nord and Dumps were still under house arrest at the hotel, and it would take time to free them and train them so Colin wouldn’t suspect anything.

He knew he had only two months before the Thomas family, after overcoming their crisis, would silence him permanently.

Under such urgency, he either had to speed up freeing them and get them working under Colin, or find a way to extend his usefulness to the Thomas family.

Both options were incredibly difficult.

In vast Laizen, only two people were suitable, and the prerequisite was to rescue them first. Virak rubbed his nose, feeling troubled, and decided to change his approach.

There was indeed another shortcut that could save the time needed to rescue and train Nord and Dumps—leveraging his own background to reinstall someone in Laizen.

This candidate must have no connections or background within Laizen, have no risk of betrayal, be willing to escape with him in two months, and be easily controlled without much effort.

Virak knew exactly where to find such a person. But the one he was most satisfied with hadn’t arrived in Laizen yet; he would have to wait patiently for ten more days.

The film ended, the ballroom returned to its lively atmosphere as musicians played, and guests either danced to the music or chatted over drinks.

Virak and Colin didn’t stay late and decided to leave.

On one hand, Colin had other plans; on the other, he had promised Carmen to send Virak home early, a promise he intended to keep.

They reached the ballroom entrance when a man wearing a top hat and a long black coat, loose at the waist, chest, and sleeves, pushed the door open just ahead of them. He then looked up and fixed his gaze on Virak.

Virak was about to leave with Colin but instinctively stopped when he saw the man’s face.

This was the same man who had secretly contacted him multiple times in his previous life. Fletcher’s dossier had only briefly mentioned him—his name was Chloe Prinst, once Chris’s coach at the shooting club. When compiling information recently and investigating who among his acquaintances might be spies planted by the rebel organization, Virak had immediately ranked Chloe as the prime suspect.

He hadn’t expected to encounter him again on his very first outing in Laizen.

Calling it coincidence seemed unreasonable. Moreover, Chloe’s deep eyes locked onto Virak’s the moment he entered, his intention unmistakable.

Virak was now even more certain of the man’s identity but wasn’t ready to engage with someone from the rebel organization yet.

He had just arrived in Laizen and hadn’t established a foothold. Knowing almost nothing about the rebels, any contact now risked exposing him within a few words, which would send everything spiraling out of control and render all his efforts and risks meaningless.