The scene of Shenan and Eleanor dying flashed in Celine's mind, making her heart hurt sharply.
She wiped her tears hard and took a deep breath.
She forced down the tightness in her throat and turned to Shenan. "Brother, I'm going to the restroom."
Shenan acted like he didn't notice anything. "Be quick. It's almost time for check-in."
The restroom at the high-speed train station was bright and clean. The cold white tiles reflected the lights, making it a little too bright.
Celine walked to the sink. Looking at the tear-stained face in the mirror, a wave of self-hate rose in her heart.
Twice.
Just from hearing about Lorenzo, once through a crowd and once on the phone, she had broken down twice.
The hopeless ending from her past life, those terrible images, were like cancer growing deep in her soul.
Her hatred was real, and so was the fear that reached deep into her bones.
She had thought that coming back to life with a space ability would let her plan calmly, step by step.
But every time she faced Lorenzo, even from a distance, the deep pain and mental suffering would return. It tore apart the strong mental wall she had worked hard to build.
How could she continue like this?
Celine suddenly turned on the faucet.
Cold water splashed on her face. The icy feeling cleared her mind and washed away the last bit of her tears.
She closed her eyes and let the cold water pour over her, as if trying to wash away her fear and weakness.
When she looked up again, the eyes in the mirror had no more sadness. They were cold and sharp, filled with a strong and cruel determination.
If she couldn't even face her enemy, if she still feared Lorenzo and Vanissa, how could she talk about revenge or winning?
She couldn't be weak anymore.
After calming herself down, Celine was about to leave when she suddenly felt a burning sensation on her earlobe.
Someone had entered her space.
Her heart tightened. She quickly looked around. When she was sure no one was paying attention, she stepped into a nearby empty stall.
She locked the door quickly.
The next second, her body disappeared from the small stall and entered her private space.
Inside the space, Hogan was standing there in a dark Qin-style robe, waiting quietly.
Celine walked toward him with surprise. "Hogan? Why are you here? I thought you said…"
She remembered that Hogan had said he needed to go back to the capital city, Xianyang.
Before she could finish her sentence, she noticed something strange. On his usually calm and cold face, there was a rare look of awkwardness.
He turned a little and politely gave her a respectful bow. "Miss Celine."
The way he said it was very formal, even a bit careful. It made Celine raise her eyebrow.
Hogan then cleared his throat slightly and explained why he came. "Sorry for showing up without notice. I came because… I want to trade for some food."
"Food?"
Celine was truly surprised this time. Her clear eyes opened wider.
Since Hogan first contacted her through the strange space tunnel, every trade they made had always been about crystal cores.
But food? This was the first time he clearly asked for it.
Could something have happened in Xianyang?
As if he had seen her confusion, Hogan stepped aside and revealed two large open wooden boxes behind him.
Inside the boxes were many small but very beautiful items.
There were smooth, warm-colored jade rings and pendants with very detailed carvings.
There were also simple and elegant clay figures of people playing music and dancing.
Some pieces were small bronze containers with cool light shining off them, covered in complex patterns. They looked like ancient wine cups and cooking pots.
Celine's eyes lit up right away.
These small items had a strong feeling of age and history. They reminded her exactly of the national treasures she had seen in big museums, protected behind thick glass.
What did this mean?
It meant that even just one of these items could be sold for a huge amount of money.
"This collection was picked based on Miss Celine's past preferences," Hogan said, with a careful tone.
"Would you be willing to trade some flatbread and sweet snacks for them?"
"Yes. Of course I will," Celine said right away.
Her voice was full of joy, and she couldn't hide how excited she was. Even her smile reached the corners of her eyes.
Hogan noticed her happiness and felt relieved. He knew his plan was working. Giving her what she liked was the right choice.
This mysterious woman, Celine, truly loved these old and finely made objects.
He decided in his heart that once he returned to Xianyang and the situation there was stable, he would call all the best craftsmen across the land. He would have them make more of these beautiful items for Celine.
Not just more, but better ones. The finest, most perfect, one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else had.
Only in this way could he continue to trade with her and receive the amazing food and crystal cores that could feed soldiers and make warriors stronger.
This trade, in the long run, was very important. For the future of Qin. And for Hogan himself.