"Nothing, never mind. By the way, Shari, there's something else I wanted to ask you."

  "What is it?"

  "It's a personal matter. Shari, do you know about the Sanctuary Tour Group here in Blue Sea City?"

  "The Sanctuary Tour Group?" Shari's eyes lit up, a hint of excitement spreading across her face. "Of course I do! Are you interested in learning about it, Rulu?"

  Rulu said: "Yes—what exactly does this tour group do?"

  Shari said: "A tour group is for touring, of course. This Sanctuary Tour Group organizes several trips to the Sanctuary every year—officially run by the Sanctuary itself. Any resident of Blue Sea City can apply to travel to the Sanctuary, regardless of whether or not they're Sanctuary citizens. But because so many people want to go, and the spots are very limited, getting into the Sanctuary Tour Group is no easy feat."

  Rulu said: "Would you want to join this tour group yourself, Shari? To travel to the Sanctuary?"

  "Does that even need to be said? Going to the Sanctuary has been a dream of my whole family. I've dreamed about it—about seeing what the Sanctuary is actually like." Shari said with a beaming smile. "But as I just mentioned, aside from our family, a huge number of people in Blue Sea City want to go as well. My father donates a rge sum of money to the Sanctuary every year trying to earn a spot, but we still haven't managed to secure one."

  Rulu put on a look of surprise and said: "Your family is already one of the wealthiest in Blue Sea City, Shari—and you still can't get a pce on a tour?"

  Shari said: "Our family is well off, but the number of people who want to travel to the Sanctuary is enormous—especially those with power and influence. We simply can't compete with them."

  Rulu said: "Has your family signed up for the next round of the Sanctuary Tour Group yet?"

  "Yes, of course. My father registers for every session, hoping to finally secure the right to go. I think there's less than half a month before the next tour begins. I hope our family gets lucky this time and actually gets a spot."

  "Don't worry, Shari—you've been waiting long enough. I'm sure it'll be your family's turn this time." Rulu said. Then his brow furrowed, and he fell into what seemed like complex thought.

  Noticing his expression, Shari couldn't help but ask: "Rulu, why are you asking me all this? Don't tell me you want to join the tour group and go to the Sanctuary yourself?"

  "I'd like to see the Sanctuary if I get the chance," Rulu said, still musing. "Shari, can you tell me more about the details of this tour group? Things like who organizes it, who the key people in charge are, and how the process works exactly."

  "So you really are interested in this!" Shari said, pleased to have something in common to talk about with Rulu. She thought for a moment and said: "But my father is the one who registered for the tour group, so he knows the details better than I do. If you really want to know, how about I go home today and ask him everything, then get back to you?"

  "That works. Just send me an email once you've got the information." Rulu said. After that, he steered the conversation away from the topic and they chatted about lighter things for a while. Eventually, Shari mentioned wanting to take a walk through the nearby shopping street—she had some things to buy—and asked if Rulu would come along.

  Rulu figured he had nothing pressing to do anyway, so he agreed. The two left the restaurant and strolled through the nearby shopping district, and afterward went to an amusement park to enjoy themselves. When they parted ways that evening, Rulu reminded Shari to find out everything she could about the Sanctuary Tour Group as soon as possible—the more detailed the better. Shari readily agreed.

  The following morning, Rulu received an email from Shari. She had id out all the details of the Sanctuary Tour Group for him—including the key organizers and the specific procedures—in full. Armed with this information, Rulu immediately headed out and set his next pn in motion.

  A few more days passed. The day came that Rulu had agreed to meet with Captain Guan. That morning, Rulu left home alone, got into the car, and drove out of Blue Sea City in the direction of the location Captain Guan had named.

  The meeting pce Captain Guan had chosen was a secret Rebel base tucked away in a remote mountain region. When Rulu arrived, the sentries on watch quickly reported his presence, and within a few minutes Captain Guan came out to receive him.

  "Rulu, you made it—I've been waiting for you. Hm, you're still dressed like that, I see." Captain Guan greeted Rulu with a warm smile, then paused slightly upon noticing that Rulu was still wearing his bck cloak and mask, face completely concealed.