[Chapter 13] Lin Xiaoyang Goes to the Vatican

Lin Xiaoyang, carrying Princess Maria’s letter, arrived alone at the Vatican. He found Father John Chen at the cardinal’s residence and handed him the letter.
Father John read it and said meaningfully, “What must come will come. The dark world is about to erupt in blood and chaos.”
Lin asked, “Father, do you mean Princess Maria and Duke Anderson’s opposing forces will clash?”
Father John said firmly, “Yes! It will be a deadly fight—no such thing as evil prevailing over good.”
Lin asked, “So we must win?”
Father John said, “Yes. If Princess Maria loses, ambitious Duke Anderson will rule the dark world, bringing unprecedented disaster to humanity.”
Lin said, “So you’re willing to assist her?”
Father John said, “Exorcism is my work. Even without her request, I’d intervene. Anderson, an old vampire, has been expanding his forces ruthlessly, led by two powerful lieutenants: Jack the Ripper and Phantom George, both skilled and brutal.”
Lin asked, “You know Anderson’s camp well?”
Father John said, “The princess provides me intelligence. Besides the lieutenants, Anderson has a trump card: Archmage Ruf, morally ambiguous, with a close connection to the princess.”
Lin asked, “How does the princess get such intel?”
Father John smiled, “She planted spies in Anderson’s camp, so she knows their moves.”
Lin asked, “Doesn’t Anderson do the same?”
Father John said, “He tried, but failed.”
Lin asked, “Why?”
Father John said, “The princess excels in mind-reading, understanding thoughts perfectly, leaving no hiding place.”
Lin recalled Huang Lihua: “No wonder he could read minds too.”
Father John explained, “The princess taught him. Huang was Anderson’s painter but defected and stayed at Paradise Hotel as a spy.”

Lin asked, “Why do you say I’ll play a decisive role?”
Father John said mysteriously, “Your past life matters: David, the captain. Anderson fears you as his past defeat.”
Lin thought, “Father knows my background well. Good thing he’s an ally.”

Father John continued, “Many variables exist. Handling Jack and George alone is feasible, but your timely use of superpowers will decide the outcome against Anderson.”
Lin asked anxiously, “Am I really that important?”
“According to the princess,” Father John replied.
Lin said, “Though Huang said my seal is lifted and I recovered memories, I feel no superpowers.”

Father John focused on Lin and pointed to a quill on the desk. The quill floated and wrote “精氣神” (“Essence, Qi, Spirit”) before settling.
Lin gasped, “How did you do that?”
Father John explained, “Concentrate your will, guide qi from your dantian to your hand. Telekinesis is just one superpower.”
Lin asked doubtfully, “I really have this ability?”
“On the way back, you’ll practice. Time is needed to master control. I’ll guide you,” Father John said, preparing to depart.

On the train to Milan, Father John instructed Lin to use his superpowers. He used a covered cup to teach Lin clairvoyance. Lin focused and correctly identified a jeweled ring and a silver cross brooch, noting their colors and materials.
Father John praised, “Good! For you, it’s easy.”
Lin asked, “Even with these powers, can I face Anderson’s men?”
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Clairvoyance is just the start. Let’s rest; the journey is long.”

At dusk, the train stopped at a small station. A stylish young couple boarded, sitting across from Lin. He noticed two gill-like marks on the man’s cheeks and saw sharp fangs beneath the woman’s scarf.
Lin thought, “The woman wears a human-skin mask—definitely a vampire. Both are dangerous.”

Sleeping Father John discreetly touched Lin’s wrist, sending a telepathic message: “You noticed they aren’t friendly. Don’t alert them yet. We’ll follow them off the train.”
Lin replied mentally, “Understood, Father,” pretending to read his martial arts comic.

The couple whispered:
Case: “Rona, did you notice the priest and young man diagonally ahead?”
Rona: “Yes, the priest radiates a strong aura; I’m more concerned about the young man next to him.”
Case: “What about him?”
Rona: “His magnetic field emits gamma-ray-like infrared with no flaws.”
Case: “I only sensed strong electromagnetic waves.”
Rona: “If they notice us, they won’t spare us. Tonight, we must act cautiously.”
Case: “Even with combined skills, we may not have the advantage.”
Rona: “Don’t overestimate yourself. There are countless experts. Caution is best.”

Lin transmitted their conversation to Father John, who replied telepathically: “They are alert. Relax and rest, and lower their attention.”
Lin closed his eyes, while overhearing their plan:
Rona: “At Milan station, we’ll exit separately and meet at the fountain outside the cathedral.”
Case: “Necessary?”
Rona: “Trust me, it’s correct.”

Lin relayed this to Father John, who replied: “Then we’ll wait directly at Milan Cathedral.”
Lin replied, “Understood, Father.”

Late at night, the train arrived at Milan station. The couple indeed got up first, heading…

[14] A Brief Calm Before the Storm

Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang returned to the Paradise Hotel by Lake Lucerne with Rona and Case. At the entrance, the hotel manager Wilson and the innkeeper Robert greeted them personally.

Wilson bowed and said, “Boss, Father Chen, you’ve had a long journey.”

Father John said, “Mr. Wilson, long time no see. You look in good spirits.”

Wilson replied, “That’s because I have a very nice Boss. And these two are…”

Lin Xiaoyang signaled with his eyes and said, “There are many eyes here. Innkeeper, perhaps we should take the Father to his room first? He will stay in Room 506, right next to mine.”

Robert extended his hand to lead them. “Certainly, Father, please follow me.”

The innkeeper escorted Father John upstairs.

Lin Xiaoyang gestured to the others, saying, “Friends, please follow me to the VIP lounge to rest.”

Rona smiled. “Thank you. So you’re the owner of this place.”

Rona and Case followed Lin Xiaoyang to the VIP lounge. Once inside, the waiter Adorno brought drinks. Rona and Case recognized him, and their faces showed surprise.

Rona asked, “Adorno, what are you doing here?”

Adorno, equally surprised, said, “Rona, Case, you’ve finally abandoned the darkness like I did.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled. “So you all know each other.”

Adorno said, “Our boss treats people well and treats employees like family. Now that you’re here, you can quickly enjoy a completely new life.”

Rona, concerned, said, “Earlier, Anderson issued a manhunt for you. I was worried.”

Adorno smiled bitterly. “Anderson treats all of us like dogs to do his bidding. No one respects him; it’s clear his time is over.”

Case asked, “Adorno, how did you find this place?”

Adorno shrugged with a wry smile. “You could say I hid here. Anderson sent his minions to hunt me, but fortunately I met the painter Huang Lihua.”

Rona, surprised again, asked, “Huang Lihua is here too?”

Adorno said, “Yes! Huang Lihua took me in, brought me to meet Princess Maria, and after treatment… look, now I see the light again. I no longer bite blood and fear sunlight.”

Rona sighed. “Huang Lihua has always been a good person. Even as Anderson’s trusted aide, he sided with Princess Maria. Looks like my choice was the right one.”

Adorno said confidently, “Once you meet Princess Maria, you’ll willingly do anything for her.”

Rona nodded. “I believe it. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have all left Anderson one by one.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’ll take a walk by the lake to take a few photos for the magazine. Adorno, please chat with our friends. Father John will come by shortly to guide them.”

Adorno said, “Understood, Boss.”

Lin Xiaoyang got up and left the VIP lounge.

Rona said enviously, “You have a good boss, Adorno.”

Adorno, pretending to be mysterious, said, “Yes… if you knew my Boss’s background, you’d probably be astonished.”

Case asked, puzzled, “Isn’t your boss just an East Asian man?”

Adorno said, “That’s his current life. Have you ever heard of someone named David?”

Rona, surprised, asked, “David? Wasn’t he Anderson’s rival over three hundred years ago when Anderson was young?”

Adorno said, “Exactly. My Boss is David reincarnated. Have you heard of reincarnation in Eastern theology?”

Rona, intrigued, said, “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t understand. How could David be reborn as a refined Eastern man?”

Adorno said, “My Boss is gentle with people, but don’t think he’s powerless. Wilson says that even if Anderson personally came, he would likely be no match. I trust Wilson isn’t exaggerating or flattering.”

Rona recalled the train incident. “I believe you. On the train to Milan, when Case and I encountered your Boss and the formidable Father John Chen, I sensed a strong energy radiating from your Boss. I knew instinctively he wasn’t an ordinary human.”

Adorno asked in surprise, “You met Father John Chen on the train?”

Rona said, “Yes! They recognized us instantly. I knew that even with Case, we couldn’t escape Father John’s deadly skill, so I gave up resistance and used the chance to join the Princess’s side.”

Adorno said, “Fortunately you didn’t resist. Otherwise, I might never have seen you again. Father John is known to hate evil, and his minions fear him.”

Rona added, “Actually, at that moment, I feared your Boss even more. I thought, if he attacked us, we would be destroyed. Fortunately, he’s kind and even pleaded for us with Father John!” Rona looked affectionately at Case and held his hand. Case returned her gaze with equal warmth.

Adorno comforted them. “Now that you’re here, you no longer need to live in fear and secrecy. People here are gentle and friendly. Soon, you’ll love it here.”

Lin Xiaoyang, carrying a digital camera, rode his bicycle toward Lake Lucerne. Along the lakeshore, he photographed street performers. At a small plaza, he saw a crowd watching a magician and, curious, walked over to take photos.

Magician George waved at Lin Xiaoyang. “Sir, may I have the honor of you being my witness?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled. “Of course!”

George said, “Sir, there’s a wooden box before me. Please lie in it temporarily.”

His assistant Artis lifted the lid, and Lin Xiaoyang lay inside. Three sides of the box covered him; only his head and a pair of boots were visible. The magician began his act, first piercing the box with gleaming swords from all angles. Lin Xiaoyang felt the cold metal against him. Then George sawed the box in half, seemingly dividing Lin Xiaoyang’s body. The audience gasped.

Audience member A said, “This is incredible!”
Audience member B said, “How did he do that?”
Audience member C said, “The volunteer’s body split in two. Is he going to be okay?”

The magician then reassembled the box and removed the swords one by one. Lin Xiaoyang stood up. The crowd approached, touching him and chattering.

Audience C asked, concerned, “Are you alright, young man?”
Audience A said, “You’re back to normal…”

George frowned slightly, astonished and puzzled. He murmured, “What’s happening? Why have my phantom swords lost their glow? The energy in the blades is almost gone… could it be…?”

George instinctively suspected the answer lay in the young witness before him. He scrutinized Lin Xiaoyang’s face, unaware of the crowd around him.

George whispered to Artis, “We need to figure out this young man’s background first.”

Artis asked, confused, “Master, what’s wrong with him?”

George said, “He has a unique constitution. My swords’ energy wasn’t absorbed by him; instead, he absorbed it. I suspect he’s no ordinary person.”

Artis said, “Oh? Then we should investigate whether he’s friend or foe.”

George said, “If he’s not an enemy, he’s someone worth befriending.”

After the crowd dispersed, George approached Lin Xiaoyang to shake hands. Upon contact, George felt a strong magnetic pull and sensed his energy being drawn into Lin Xiaoyang. He instinctively jumped back.

“My apologies,” George explained.

Lin Xiaoyang smiled apologetically. “Did I startle you?”

George, astonished, asked, “You must have a special constitution, right?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’m currently practicing Eastern martial arts; perhaps you felt my internal energy.”

George, embarrassed, said, “Indeed, you feel like a super strong magnet.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “My internal skill actively absorbs unusual energy. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

George asked, intrigued, “Internal skill? Eastern martial arts are profound and mystical. Shall we be friends?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled, “Sure! It’s an honor to meet you. Your performance was impressive.”

George said, “Thanks! Why did you come to Switzerland alone?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’m traveling in Europe, searching for my girlfriend. She came here two years ago and mysteriously disappeared.”

George pretended to be helpful, “I have some friends in Europe. Perhaps I can help you inquire.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Thanks, but if she wants to hide from me, the crowd is so vast that even a lifetime may not be enough to find her.”

George asked, “Want to come to my hotel? We can have a drink and talk about your martial arts.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Another time. I’ll come by when I’m free. My name is Lin Xiaoyang.”

George said, “I’m George Anthony.”

Lin Xiaoyang grabbed his bicycle, got on, waved to George, and rode off.

George watched his retreating figure. “Could he be wary of me?”

That night, Qiu Shenzhi indeed appeared at Paradise Hotel. He was surprised to find that the hotel had been renovated and, apart from old innkeeper Robert, all the staff were new faces.

In a corner of the lobby, Qiu Shenzhi spotted Lin Xiaoyang and walked over. “Young man, do you remember me? I’m Qiu.”

Lin Xiaoyang rose and nodded. “Old painter, it’s you?”

Qiu Shenzhi, surprised, asked, “What are you doing here?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Of course I’m back. I’m the owner of this hotel.”

Qiu Shenzhi looked puzzled. “Oh? So you’re my kind? But your scent is different…”

Lin Xiaoyang feigned ignorance. “Different?”

Qiu Shenzhi sniffed closer. “Indeed. You’re not my kind.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled. “It’s all the same. Humans’ scent varies. I’ve been active and sweating; maybe I just smell a bit more of sweat.”

Qiu Shenzhi cautiously asked, “It seems the staff here have all changed. Everyone’s a new face.”

Lin Xiaoyang said calmly, “The boss changed; naturally the staff changed too.”

Qiu Shenzhi exhaled in relief. “I was worried they might recognize me and turn me away.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “We respect our guests. How could we turn anyone away?”

“Yes… yes! The hotel never turns away guests.” Qiu Shenzhi replied, trying not to arouse suspicion.

Late that night, Wilson gathered the hotel staff in Lin Xiaoyang’s Room 504. Xiaoyang, Father John, and Huang Lihua were present.

Wilson, serious, said, “The Princess received word from scouts: tomorrow night, Anderson’s lieutenants will stay at the hotel. On the surface, it seems they’re inspecting business, but they’re actually trying to learn the entrance to Sky Castle.”

Father John asked, “What are the Princess’s instructions?”

Wilson said, “The Princess requested the Father to be here to oversee, taking the opportunity to eliminate Anderson’s lieutenants, those two enforcers.”

Father John said happily, “So the Princess has always been fully aware of Anderson’s actions. This time, those two monsters will have nowhere to go.”

Wilson instructed, “Besides Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang, all personnel are under my command. To avoid alerting these evil spirits, Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang should wear perfume or lotion, while Adorno and Painter Huang should do some makeup.”

Father John said joyfully, “I’ve been waiting for this day a long time.”

Wilson then assigned tasks and positions to each staff member.

[Chapter 15] John Chen Triumphs over Two Great Guardians

Friday the 13th was a special day, heavy with an ominous aura. Even in broad daylight, vampires emerged to roam, and the Paradise Hotel served as a gathering place for vampires from all directions.

To prevent innocent guests from falling victim to vampire fangs, Wilson stationed himself with two attendants at the entrance to screen visitors. At the doorway, signs in English, French, German, Latin, and Chinese read: “Private banquet tonight. For invited guests only. Not open for business.”

Two travelers arrived at the entrance and were stopped by the attendants.

Guest A asked, confused, “Huh? Your hotel isn’t open to the public tonight?”
Wilson doffed his hat and bowed, “Yes, my apologies.”

Guest B asked, “So no accommodations are available tonight either?”
Wilson smiled, “Yes. All rooms are fully booked. You may stay at another nearby hotel.”

Guest A said, “What a pity—we were referred by a friend and came here because of the reputation.”

The two guests turned and left.

Soon, another pair of visitors arrived. Wilson’s sharp eyes immediately recognized them as kindred spirits.

Servant C whispered, “Hey, seems like this place has new management. The reception staff are unfamiliar faces.”
Ghost D said, “Just a few months away, and even the entrance decor has changed.”

Wilson greeted them with a smile, “Our hotel has been renovated to provide improved, high-quality service. Welcome, fellow travelers.”

The two vampires entered the lobby, which was already 60–70% full.

Only Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang were not vampires. John Chen had donned a gentleman’s suit, disguising himself as an art dealer, and sprayed himself with perfume to mask his scent. Lin Xiaoyang wore a server’s uniform, weaving between customers to serve tea and snacks, covering himself with a layer of lotion to mask his scent.

At this moment, two guests arrived. Wilson recognized one as the Phantom Hand, George, and cautiously welcomed them: “Welcome to our hotel.”

George eyed the unfamiliar face suspiciously: “You are…?”
Wilson said, “I’m the new manager, the nephew of the former proprietor, Robert.”

George asked no further questions and entered the lobby with his servant, Artis. As soon as they sat down, Lin Xiaoyang approached with menus. “May I assist you in any way, gentlemen?”

George looked up, surprised: “Huh? You, Mr. Lin?”
Lin Xiaoyang, equally surprised: “Aren’t you the magician performing at Lakeside Plaza yesterday?”

George asked, “You’re a server here?”
“Yes,” Lin Xiaoyang replied.

George extended his hand: “Pleased to meet you, young man.”
As Lin shook George’s hand, George subtly placed his finger on Xiaoyang’s pulse, attempting to detect what kind of special constitution he had. Xiaoyang remained completely unaware. Internally, George thought, “A pure yang constitution full of energy?! Rare among humans. What’s his origin?”

George maintained a calm smile as he observed Xiaoyang.

Meanwhile, Adorno, disguised as a clown, flitted between tables, delivering dishes while performing various bird, beast, and insect mimicry, entertaining the guests. George’s sharp gaze was drawn to Adorno.
George thought, “I feel like I’ve seen this fellow before.”
Adorno, noticing George staring, continued his performance without breaking composure.

At that moment, a group of visitors entered. Leading them was a tall, well-built man in a long cloak. Wilson recognized him as Jack the Ripper, accompanied by several subordinates, including a blonde-haired Eastern girl.

Wilson smiled and said, “Welcome, fellow travelers.”

The group entered the lobby and gradually took their seats. Lin Xiaoyang immediately recognized the Eastern girl as his long-sought girlfriend, Xie Huijun.
Excitedly, he mentally shouted, “Huijun—no, Annie—you’re here!”

He reminded himself to stay calm; Annie seemed allied with Anderson. Their eyes met briefly, but Annie showed no reaction.

Xiaoyang composed himself: “Welcome, esteemed guests. May I be of service?”
He handed them menus. Jack glanced through them: “Start with cocktails. Give this girl a Bloody Mary.”
“Very well, please wait a moment,” Xiaoyang replied.

Jack asked curiously: “The interior looks renovated. It’s different from last time I visited.”
“Yes, recently refurbished,” Xiaoyang said.
Jack continued: “No wonder even the servers are new faces. Why didn’t the head mention this? Has Robert been replaced?”
“No, still Uncle Robert,” Xiaoyang said, walking back to the counter to hand the order over.

“I must arrange a chance to be alone with Annie…” Xiaoyang thought, eyes lighting up as he glanced at her.

Late at night, the lobby was brightly lit for a masquerade ball. A dozen couples danced in the center, while nearly a hundred guests watched. Aside from Father John Chen and Manager Wilson, few realized a battle of good versus evil was about to unfold.

Wilson signaled the two attendants at the entrance, who quietly closed the doors and locked the steel padlocks. Suddenly, the music stopped, leaving the vampires startled. Realizing a trap, George subtly signaled Jack the Ripper.

Wilson stepped into the dance floor, doffed his hat, and bowed: “I am Manager Wilson. Fellow spirits, we had intended to entertain you, but Princess Maria has decreed: anyone in Anderson’s faction, unless they repent, shall not leave tonight.”

The vampires exchanged glances and automatically split into two clear sides.

Qiu Shenzhi asked, “Wilson, we don’t belong to Anderson’s faction. Can we leave?”
Wilson said: “Friends outside Anderson’s faction may take the Dragon Blood Pill I hold and leave afterward.”

Qiu Shenzhi frowned. “Why take a pill? Is Princess Maria trying to control us with drugs?”
Wilson smiled: “With the Dragon Blood Pill, you no longer need human blood. You can sustain your body from normal food, just like humans.”

Qiu asked, “So, if we take this pill, we’re no longer vampires?”
Wilson explained: “No. You remain vampires, but during the pill’s effect, you need not drink human blood and can be active during the day.”

Qiu asked again: “How long does the effect last?”
“Four years,” Wilson said. “After four years, you must return for a test. Those who pass may receive another pill.”

Qiu asked, “What happens if we fail?”
Wilson remained calm: “If you join Anderson’s faction or consume human blood, the pill turns toxic and will kill you instantly. Failing the test and not taking the pill afterward will result in rapid aging and death.”

Qiu sneered: “So it’s really just about control.”
Wilson said: “Think positively. The Princess aims to reduce conflicts between vampires and humans, promoting coexistence.”

Jack chuckled skeptically, “Your words are confident, but are your abilities strong enough?”

Father John Chen removed his mask and cloak, stepping onto the dance floor with a human-bone cross. “You speak practically. Let me show you my exorcism skills.”

The mention of “John Chen” spread among the ghosts. Whispers filled the room.
Servant A pointed: “Is he the famed John Chen who killed countless ghosts, feared as ‘Ghost’s Dread’?”

George said, “I’ve long heard of him. Tonight, I’ll see for myself.”

Immediately, several cold, gleaming swords shot from George’s sleeves toward Chen from different angles. Chen calmly deflected them; the swords stuck to his cross, disobeying George’s command.

George was shocked: “His skill is truly profound! I must use everything I’ve got, or I won’t survive tonight…”

Chen’s voice was stern: “Phantom Hand George, your evil deeds end tonight.”

The duel began. George employed his Phantom Art, multiplying into dozens of forms with different weapons, encircling Chen. But after numerous rounds, his clones were destroyed, and he began to falter.

Jack attempted a surprise attack. Lin Xiaoyang shouted, “Father, watch out!”
Chen blocked with his artifact, evading Jack’s deadly scissors and knives. Initially outnumbered, Chen gradually read their techniques, countering skillfully.

After nearly a hundred moves, the two adversaries’ strength waned. George groaned, “This guy is tough… be careful, brother!”
Jack replied, “You too, don’t underestimate him.”

The fight continued, and Chen shifted to full offense, exploiting openings. George was hit by consecutive kicks, coughing blood. Chen then attacked Jack with the human-bone cross, forcing him to the wall, leaving him defeated.

Annie bravely intervened, shielding Jack. Chen stopped immediately, but Annie suffered severe injuries—several ribs broken, bleeding heavily, collapsing in Jack’s arms.

“Stop! Father, stop!” Lin Xiaoyang shouted from behind. He rushed forward, lifting Annie, heartbroken: “Huijun, why be so foolish?”

Chen pointed at the defeated enemies: “Decide your fate—live or die. To live, renounce Anderson’s faction and submit to Princess Maria.”

Both were injured. Jack, unwilling to betray, said heroically, then used his scissors to end his life, shocking everyone.

George, disheartened, said, “I anticipated this. I’ll leave the Duke’s service and retreat to the mountains.”
Chen coldly demanded, “You must forfeit your powers and magic.”
George calmly severed the tendons in his hands, ready to depart with Artis.

Wilson handed them the Dragon Blood Pills: “Take these to leave safely.”
They obeyed. Wilson then addressed the remaining Anderson loyalists: “See Jack’s fate? To survive, take the pill and renounce evil.”

One by one, the vampires consented, lining up to receive the pill.

Lin Xiaoyang carried the critically injured Annie to Room 504, placing her on the bed, tears streaming.

The old painter, Huang Lihua, hearing sobs, emerged from the mural.
“Xiaoyang, she’s badly hurt,” he said.
“I can’t save her,” Xiaoyang choked.
Huang Lihua asked about her relationship to Xiaoyang. Xiaoyang explained she had been missing for two years—his long-sought girlfriend.

Huang Lihua said, “Perhaps Princess Maria can save her.”
Xiaoyang’s hope surged: “Take me to her!”
Huang Lihua explained the Princess could heal her body but not remove Anderson’s curse.
Xiaoyang asked what happens if the curse remains.
Huang Lihua said: “Without removing it, she cannot regain her memory.”
Xiaoyang asked: “Do I need to negotiate with Anderson Duke?”
Huang Lihua warned, “No one can kill the Duke except God or Satan. You must send him back to Hell, where Satan can contain him.”
Xiaoyang nodded: “I understand. I’ll face the Duke to break her curse.”

Huang Lihua used his technique to guide Annie’s body into the mural. Xiaoyang watched until she disappeared.