Writer's note: I will be editing the other chapters as I decided to change the plot a little (minus the reincarnation part). So, this fic will just be a modern HuaLian fic. I will make sure to upload once a week and the other chapters, which were unpublished for the meantime, a little earlier. HEHE. Thank you for still reading this fic. I am back to writing it and it will have regular updates. YAHOO!

I am not confident with my writing skills and I have a very limited vocabulary. So, please be kind. HEHE~

~

Xie Lian's POV

Today was Xie Lian's first day as Mayor Jun Wu's private investigator.

Surprise was an understatement the moment he received a phone call from the supposed Mayor's office. He was in utter disbelief at that time, disbelief that resulted in skepticism because who would not be when he did not have the best credentials out there. He was not oblivious to such a fact and it was normal for him to feel that way. But by nature and values, Xie Lian was a kind and optimistic man, so he remained polite while on the phone. And he was glad he did because the next morning, when he went to the Mayor's office for an interview, it really was a legitimate offer from Mayor Jun Wu's good office.

He was confident all throughout the interview, even when he was asked about his educational background. Xie Lian knew he was lacking at that point and he thought he was doomed not to be hired because, unfortunately, due to some circumstances, which he would rather not be reminded of, he was not able to acquire a higher educational degree. However, he just kept getting lucky and it was something rather unusual since all he experienced from that day was bad luck. To his delight, the Mayor said that it would not matter anyway because the work given to him would not require a college diploma.

Xie Lian was a jack of all trades, master of none. Over the years of being free, he gained connections, but none of those connections ran deeper. Most often, they were for convenience and work. Although he wanted some genuine connection, something he could hold on to as a social person, there really was nothing for him. It was just inevitable though to establish some sort of connection, even a little, with those who hired him to do bits of things.

He could hack, sneak, gather, crawl and if needed, sing and dance. But there was a limit to that, he could not kill, harm, do things for evil, or cook delicious food. But, basically, he would do all things to get by and to get the work done.

He was good at getting things done no matter how seemingly hard it was.

He chased someone's lover to the airport just to stop them from going away because the other said so. That time, he had to run for fifteen minutes straight under the heat of the sun because the metro's traffic was heavy.

Xie Lian also experienced cleaning someone else's house, doing other's laundry, following someone's son, pretending to be a tree, being a clown, and many more. There were some sketchy things he did too, but not enough to put him in life and death danger. (Xie Lian lost his sense of what's dangerous or not.)

Xie Lian wiped his sweaty palms on his worn-out faded blue jeans. He was a little tense. He fixed his hair and patted his cheeks because he felt really pale. Some slight slapping on his cheeks might add color.

Standing in front of the tall dark wooden door of Mayor Jun's office with a name plate on it, he took in another gulp of air. The secretary just pointed him to the direction of the office and he was all by himself to deal with the Mayor. Do not get him wrong. Mayor Wu was not known as a snobby, arrogant politician. He was quite the contrary, that was why Xie Lian put him on a pedestal. The man was an admirable leader, a man of the people, well-loved, transparent, and did not have a lavish lifestyle.

Mayor Jun Wu did not have a family of his own and many were regretful of that. It resulted in some people teasing him in the news about his romantic life. The Mayor easily dismissed any nosy remarks about his personal life with a simple smile and a wave of a hand. It was quite cute and endearing for Xie Lian.

Despite knowing the Mayor's character to the masses, it did not help calm his nerves down.

After all, having him as a Mayor was different from being his employer.

Slowly, Xie Lian lifted his hand up, fingers curled loosely, his knuckles knocked the door.

"Come in," the muffled welcoming warm voice of the Mayor was heard from the inside.

Hearing this, Xie Lian slowly twisted the knob with his clammy hand, thinking of wiping the knob with a handkerchief because he thought he sweated too much and it would make the doorknob dirtier. However, clearly, he had no time to do so.

His eyes did a quick scan of the office. It was spacious and cozy. There was a small coffee table and a sofa on the right side, and shelves of books and files with a long table to hold more guests on the left. The room was well-lit with lengthy, beautiful pale blue curtains that allowed little light from the outside to peek. The light in the office was the right brightness of yellow, giving off a relaxing feeling. The room temperature was cold from the air-conditioner. The furniture was mostly made of shiny dark wood that Xie Lian could tell they had seen a number of mayors for generations. The smell of books, coffee, and wood reminded him of a home, a home he wished to have back. His current home was far from that. Please! I can only smell cat's poop everywhere!

Facing the door from which he came in is the Mayor's wooden table, with two chairs in front of it. On the table were stacks of papers, a globe, a clock and a cup of coffee.

Xie Lian looked at Jun Wu, still young looking at the age of 51 years. He was a fit and tall man, handsome in his own right and even the signs of aging could not deny the almost perfect features of his face. No wonder why the media were still interested in his love interests even when he clearly expressed he had no intention to find himself a love. His eyes were obsidian black and his voice was calm yet held power. He had fair skin. Mayor Jun Wu was neat-looking and wore decent, professional clothes. He was smiling warmly at the sight of Xie Lian and Xie Lian could feel his tensed shoulders relax at the assurance that it would be well.

He slowly closed the door behind him as he beamed formally at the mayor. "Good morning, Mayor." He slightly bowed as he tried to keep his voice firm. Xie Lian never pegged himself as a nervous, jittery type of person but this was a bit different than usual.

He was meeting one of the people he admired!

"Come here, boy. Take a seat." He was like a father calling his son, except that Xie Lian could not remember the feeling of having a father to call him, to beckon him to sit on his lap or play with him.

Xie Lian meekly walked over and sat from across from the Mayor.

"Ahh~ Xie Lian, good morning. It is such a privilege to finally see you in person." Jun Wu let out a chuckle. "Let's get straight to business as I still have a meeting afterward." The Mayor squinted his eyes on the clock.

"You are not the first private investigator, just how I termed it for convenience's sake, I've had. Although it is not possible to contact your predecessors, I can assure you that the works I will give you are clean, of course. They are cases the police cannot look deeper into and sometimes, immediate justice and truth about something is so urgent to be set aside. I hope you understand my need to have a private investigator. I just want to be as transparent as I can to not cause any misunderstanding with you in the future." The Mayor explained to Xie Lian in a solemn demeanor with hands clasped lightly on the table. His mouth curled into a soft and sincere smile as he finished.

"Oh, it's nothing, Mayor. I know you mean well and you are a good person. I have watched you over the years." After blurting that out, Xie Lian realized that he might have chosen the wrong words. I don't sound like a stalker, right? Seeing no change in the reaction of the Mayor, but feeling a little guilty, he quickly said, "I didn't mean it that way. I meant to say that I have watched your political career as a citizen who looks up to his leader." He peeked through his lashes. Now, I sound like a Mayor's fan.

Xie Lian, get a grip. You're not facing a god.

Mayor Jun Wu chuckled. "You amuse me, son. Try to relax. I know this is your first time working for a politician, but you sparked my interest as a number of my friends who came across you recommended you and they have nothing but words of praise for you. They said you are a good kid and a hard-working one." For a moment, Xie Lian wondered who these people could be. Perhaps, it was one of his wealthy employers before. "But your uneasiness is understandable. After all, today is your first day."

Is Mayor Jun Wu really this talkative? I might start to talk more and will take up too much of his time.

Xie Lian smiled brightly, "I am glad to know that they talk well of me." That he really was, not that he minded anyone talking badly about him as everyone had opinions of their own. But Xie Lian appreciated being praised. He grew up without someone praising him for his work. Plus, he never wanted to make an enemy out of good and respectable people.

They are the scariest! He had a glimpse of the measures they would take for whatever their hearts desired.

"Now, son, I really do not have a task for you this morning. You can go on with your day. But, make sure that you meet Mu Qing and Feng Xin. Both are police officers of the Special Crimes Unit of our city police. I hope they can be of great help so you can finish the tasks faster, especially in the future."

He nodded in understanding. Two helping buddies would be of so much convenience. He was used to doing things alone and wondered how it would be to have a helping hand. He just hoped they would not be a headache. "Do they know I will be seeing them today, Mayor?"

The Mayor nodded. "I already informed them yesterday."

"Okay, Mayor. Is that all for today?" Xie Lian asked.

"No. Son, I want you to go to the Jinxing Club. I have no idea what is going on there. But I have gotten talks of women who are illegally prostituted there." The Mayor massaged his left temple and the subtle distress about such a matter was clearly written on the man's face.

Xie Lian's eyes widened at the thought. That is horrible! "That is unacceptable," he quietly added.

Mayor Jun Wu slowly nodded. "They might be forced to work in such a job. The club has high security and is restricted only to members. However, it has been a secret talk to some of my colleagues. They thought I was dense enough not to understand." The Mayor's hand was clenched and his lips pulled down in a frown, in contrast to the warm person he had known the Mayor for. But, the situation merited anger and distress. Absolutely understandable.

So, who are these 'colleagues' he is talking about and tolerating such?

"How are we gonna enter the place, Mayor? Do you have any connection there?" He asked simply. Xie Lian heard of the club, passed by it, but he had never entered it and he had no interest in doing so until now. Those kinds of places never attracted him. Actually, he only entered clubs for his work's sake. Other than that, he could not find the necessity to do so. Xie Lian could see why it was fun for others, but he was not really a fan of alcoholic drinks and blaring noises and he could blame that on a certain person.

This is a heavy job. He thought. Although people tried to hire him, it never involved something on this level. It baffled him because the Mayor could easily pull someone from the police or someone more capable and let them do the work. Why hire me?

Xie Lian shrugged his cares away. Instead of overthinking, he should just be grateful to be given a somehow stable-looking job. This job was the way he could finally eat regularly and in larger amounts. His cat, Ruoye, would be happy too.

I need to be brave because I need to eat. Xie Lian took note about such. If he could live without eating, he would have had.

"Sadly, I have none, son. I had no interest in it until I heard of the talk. But I know you and your companions can find a way, right?" The old man sounded so hopeful that he could not find it in his heart to disappoint him.

In the end, Xie Lian offered the Mayor a tight smile. "Of course, Mayor. I will find a way to gather as much information."

Xie Lian frowned as he thought of ways to enter the club and no matter how much he thought about it, he really could not come up with a concrete plan and he badly needed a concrete plan. He was aware that he could not walk right past the security without getting caught. That place had its own reputation after all.

I hope the two police officers could help me out. He could only hope.

The food, Xie Lian. The food. His brain reminded him again not to chicken out. It was just his first task and he was getting scared.

"So, Mayor, I have to go." Xie Lian straightened his back and a pleasant smile was plastered on his lips. He had an air of confidence and gentleness around him. They might be a peculiar mix but Xie Lian exuded them perfectly. Gentle, yes, he was. Confident, not really.

The Mayor smiled at him as his fine lines were showing. "I am happy to work with you, Xie Lian and I hope to hear from you as soon as possible. Here is my personal calling card. Call me whenever you have something important to say." A white card was given to him and Xie Lian accepted it politely.

He stood up. "Thank you, Mayor. It's an honor to work with you. I will call you as soon as I have the information you need. See you around, Sir." He bowed his head a little.

The Mayor nodded in acknowledgment.

Xie Lian turned to his heels and walked towards the door, exhaling heavily as he did to temporarily relieve himself of the pressure he was facing. There was that constant nagging at the back of his head that he would not be lucky enough to complete his first task.

But there was no knowing without trying.

He had to go to the police station immediately.

The door clicked closed.

The City Police Station of Wuyong was fifteen minutes away from the City Mayor's Office and Xie Lian decided to just walk since he had time to spare but not money. Who was he to complain now?

He was walking under the heat of the sun with a bottle of water in his hand. The clothes he was wearing are not helping him at all. He was clad in a white turtle neck top with long sleeves, and long faded blue jeans. If only he had a choice of what style of clothes to wear, he would have chosen the clothes that would give him the least warmth. He wiped his sweat with the back of his hand as he squinted his eyes because of the brightness of the sun.

Growing up having to experience pain made Xie Lian numb to the aching of his feet. He was used to pain and the slight soreness on the soles of his feet was nothing.

He continued to walk until he reached the police station. The bottle of water was already empty.

Xie Lian stood outside the station to take some deep breaths and to cool down. He had to fix his short, clumpy hair and make sure he looked presentable. His reflection was of the glass door and he could vaguely see his entirety. But this would do.

He entered the station.

"Good..." Xie Lian looked at the clock on the wall. "...noon, officer, may I talk to Officers Mu Qing and Feng Xin? The Mayor sent me," said Xie Lian with a kind smile to a strict-looking uniformed lady. Her brows were drawn strong and furrowed.

"Oh, yes. Mayor Jun informed me. You can wait in that room and I will phone them for you." The strict-looking lady smiled at him. She pointed to a small glass door ten steps from where he was standing.

"Thank you, officer." He was glad to have met good people so far. He needed to establish a good rapport with whomever he would encounter more in the future. Again, he did not want to make enemies. That would be scary.

"Make yourself comfortable. You look tired. There is an available water dispenser in that room and you can get some water from it," she said while pressing the dial button of the telephone.

He beamed at her and said his thanks.

Wasting no time, he went inside the small cold office which had a table for six and a water dispenser in the corner and on the side of it were paper cups.

How perfect. Xie Lian swallowed thickly at the sight of cold water. His throat was parched from dehydration. The sun drained the water out of him, quite an exaggeration but not really.

He filled the cup with water and gulped it quickly. Xie Lian repeated it three times until he felt relieved and hydrated.

While waiting for Officers Mu Qing and Feng Xin, he sat on one of the chairs.

Hmm, am I gonna be fired after this day? He asked himself, alone in his own thoughts. He was worried again about his mission later. It would have been okay if it weren't for that specific club.

His thinking was interrupted as soon as someone pushed the door open.

There he saw two gentlemen, having the same height and both were taller than he was. Both were holding their chins up, confident and proud.

Xie Lian stood up to greet them. "Good noon, officers."

The man with a manly feature who had been frowning since they entered, snorted and looked at the other whose face was more delicate and whose complexion was a bit lighter. "You call this an officer?" He asked in a condescending manner.

"Feng Xin!" Noted. The frowning one is Feng Xin. Xie Lian was not a dumb person. He was smart in his own rights. But he could be a little forgetful with names. "Do you not have any shame in front of a stranger?" Xie Lian's smile faltered as he felt awkward being caught up in banter and referred to as a stranger.

"Hehe. I am Xie Lian, 27 years old," he interjected. He looked young for a 27-year old man. He could actually pass as someone along 23 and below.

"In front of Xie Lian? I am Mu Qing and this chaotic idiot is Feng Xin. We'll work together for a time being," Mu Qing said in a calm manner and Xie Lian was relieved to see that the persons he would be working with looked quite capable. Maybe they could help me with my dilemma? Xie Lian just wanted to cover his face and groan pitifully. Just what have I gotten myself into?

Work! Of course! I need to work my ass off. He disregarded the fact that the Mayor did not even give him job security. Maybe he still wants to see what I'm capable of.

"I am not an idiot, dummy," Feng Xin grumbled. "Xie Lian, please take a seat."

Xie Lian sat down smiling, amused at the duo.

"So, did the Mayor task us to do anything?" Feng Xin asked.

"Ahh~ Yes. I was told that we need to get into Jinxing Club to observe or confirm about illegal prostitution that is rumored to be happening there," Xie Lian informed in a serious manner. He did not know what to expect and he really wished for these two to have an idea of what to do.

His wish was short-lived.

After saying this, Xie Lian could sense the pressure building up in the room. Both Mu Qing and Feng Xin tensed and looked at each other. What is it? Surmising that they would not say anything, he continued, "The problem is we do not have any pass to enter the highly restricted and regulated club. Or do you have?"

"No. Why would we have?" Feng Xin shook his head while biting the corner of his lip while thinking. "Yes, that is a problem. But there is a greater one."

Mu Qing rolled his eyes at the other.

Xie Lian looked at them with confused eyes. What? Am I gonna be fired for real? In my first job?

Mu Qing shivered a little when he thought about something. "Hmm. The problem is we heard that Hua Cheng is a regular there."

Hua Cheng? Xie Lian had his brows knitted in confusion yet again.

Feng Xin face-palmed and spoke, "For a private investigator, you know little." He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. Xie Lian just shrugged. It was not required of him to know everything. "Remember this name: Hua Cheng. He is an enigma, dark, and limitless. Even the Mayor would not dare to stand against him. Hell, I don't even know if someone would have the guts to do so. He is bad news." Feng Xin's mouth was drawn to a frown and Xie Lian could hear the slight anger in his voice.

I really haven't heard of him.

Mu Qing added to this. "But don't beat yourself that much. Nobody likes to mention that name. No one. Thinking about him makes me sick."

Xie Lian just noted the name. He had no idea who this person was and had no idea about this person's personality or background. Who was he to believe from mere hearsay? Until he knew the man himself, no conclusion shall ever be made.

"Okay. Noted." He nodded thoughtfully. "So, how are we gonna penetrate the formidable tower?" He asked lightly to create a light atmosphere and steer away from talking about Hua Cheng.

Both of them frowned.

Seeing the two downcast, Xie Lian laughed a little. He needed to make this possible. "Come on, gentlemen. Fear not. We will manage to get through with this task. We only have one problem and that is how are we gonna enter the club. Other than that, there is nothing really. I was just told to observe and report."

Feng Xin sighed, "All I can think of is to try to sneak in if the Mayor is adamant to have results right away."

"Idiot! The place is stricter than jails! Are we gonna risk our lives? We are still too young to die. Plus, Darkness could be there." Mu Qing sounded horrified and Xie Lian thought it was more because of Hua Cheng's presence. How much power does this person hold?

"Do you think I wanna die?! I love my life too!" Feng Xin retaliated angrily.

"Did I say you want to die?! Stop twisting my words!" Mu Qing argued.

Oh no. Xie Lian had a hesitant smile on his lips.

"Uhh, gentlemen, please calm down." The two heaved a deep sigh before turning back to him to listen to what he had to say. "I don't think it would be that hard. Do not get discouraged easily. I can do it. This is what I am here for."

Xie Lian continued to speak of his plan. "So, Mu Qing and Feng Xin, to keep you safe, I want you to stay in a car or somewhere around the corner. If ever I needed back up, I will just phone you, okay? You are police officers and I am the private investigator. It is my job. Having you around would mean another two people to sneak in and that would pose serious trouble." At least, no one would look for him if he died. Xie Lian brushed off the thought. His mind was used to thinking that any mistake would cause his death. It was just a club with high security. The worst thing that could happen to him was getting kicked out of the place or being told off by the security. It would not hurt to try and although that was the dumbest plan he had ever thought of, Xie Lian wanted to keep the job longer.

Feng Xin squirmed a bit on his seat. "Are you sure, Xie Lian? I would have volunteered-"

"He would have volunteered if he wasn't scared of women," Mu Qing scowled. Feng Xin threw a dirty look at Mu Qing.

"There is no other way, Feng Xin. It will be fine." Xie Lian tried to comfort the man before the two would burst into another argument again.

"I will ask the same question. Are you okay with it?" Mu Qing asked solemnly to which the investigator smiled with assurance.

Feng Xin scoffed. "He is scared to die." Everybody is at some point.

"I will be fine." I am not sure if I would, but, eventually, I will. I have to take care of my needs and myself. I have to be okay.

~

It was exactly ten in the evening when they arrived at the club's perimeter.

The club was across the street and they were still in a black car with Xie Lian sitting in the backseat occasionally wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans. He was nervous and there was no point denying it. No matter how many times he had tried sneaking in, it would always make his heart thump in anxiety.

Nothing good would ever come out from covert works. He knew that and he was mostly scared of the consequences. The consequences he had to go through were no joke. Punishment was something he would rather steer himself far.

It was raining cats and dogs outside and from a distance, he could see the mysterious entrance of the club and the big muscular men guarding the entrance. From the sight alone, he knew he was too small to go against them.

There is no harm in trying. He reminded himself.

Xie Lian would not go seemingly unprepared. He tried to match his clothes with the place by wearing his other pair of jeans, a black one and a black turtle neck long-sleeved top, which is quite fitted around his body. This is all I have. Half of his hair was tied in a small bun at the back while half of the slightly wavy hair was free. His hair was not long enough to reach his shoulder nor was it short enough not to be tied.

He felt he looked good and it would have been great if he looked good for real clubbing, not that he was comfortable with the thought. Xie Lian was just distracting himself from the anxiety.

"Uhh~ are you-"

He cut Feng Xin off. "I will be fine, Feng Xin. I want you to park further or they will get suspicious with you lurking too close. I can do this." I don't really think I can. But I will die trying. I am Xie Lian.

"This is such a short notice. We could have planned better," Mu Qing complained. "I know the Mayor wants results as soon as possible. And I can understand that. And I don't like that I can understand that we cannot easily raid the place because of..." Mu Qing stopped. Hua Cheng. Xie Lian finished the sentence in his mind.

Who is he? What does he look like?

"Okay, guys. I have to go. Drive away immediately." Xie Lian did not wait for a reply as he opened the car's door and shut it.

He hurriedly jogged to the entrance or he would be drenched in the rain before he could even enter the club. It would be unsightly! He felt cold from the slight wetness of his hair and shoulders. Xie Lian had his fingers crossed. Please, I mean no harm. I don't even have a firearm. Please, let me enter. He prayed inside.

In a poor attempt to shield himself from the rain, he covered the crown of his head with his hands as he ran towards the entrance. His gaze was cast to the ground.

Xie Lian did not notice he was at the entrance. He should have known better. He should have waited for a crowd of two or three to enter so he could sneak in. That was the best option he got but even that he failed to do so. His luck was not the best and he should have known better.

I am not a master of sneaking in. He could sneak in but he was not the best at it. After all, he was fairly tall, unlike a petite maiden.

"Where are you going?" A loud voice boomed and a hand yanked his elbow harshly. "You don't look like you belong here."

"Uhh~" When was I stupid? He never was stupid but the lack of preparedness made him stupid. Even if there was a crowd, he could not enter easily. The main entrance fit only a few people. And did he actually underestimate the protocols of the club?

The big man eyed him suspiciously with the hand tightening around his arm.

The rain shower still hit him a little and the small extension of the roof did not help from the heavy rain and occasional blow of the wind.

It was cold. And he did not know why he was shivering. Was it from the rain or from his nerves or both?

"Are you a spy, a homeless person? We have dealt with the likes of you." The big man shifted and held the part of his cloth close to his collarbone. I mean no harm. Xie Lian's breaths came more shallow. He was sensitive to being held near the neck. He knew his face was fear-stricken.

"You haven't even asked if I have a membership I.D." Lian, you know you do not have one. He managed to squeak and fake his confidence.

The big man glared. "Do you have any?" The man's fingers were still curled tightly on Xie Lian's shirt. Don't hurt me. He was close to crying.

What do I do?

Xie Lian's eyes darted everywhere, thinking of an escape from the grave he dug for himself. He expected this. He knew there could never be a way to enter the club. He was shooting the stars but it was not in him to give up. But his persistence did not help in the predicament he was caught in.

"Answer me, you piece of shit!"

Xie Lian paled and flinched at the curse. He did not like being cursed at. It irked him because it drew him back somewhere in his dark past, which, again, he did not like to remember or be reminded of.

"N-No."

Xie Lian saw how the irritation in the big man's dark orbs turned into flames of rage. He snarled at him and he could feel himself being lifted. He was sure he was gonna be thrown on the street and there was a speeding van from a distance.

His luck was that bad.

He closed his eyes. He was a tall person but he was physically weaker and lighter than the big man who had other men beside him. He tried to squirm but to no avail.

I'm gonna die before I get fired.

He was about to give up hope, although not really. Giving up was not in his vocabulary. If he would be thrown, he would roll and hoped he would roll well.

All of a sudden, someone put a large coat over his head. Too shocked to react, Xie Lian remained frozen as he felt the big man lower him down. He was drowning in the coat and he could not see anything.

A warm arm wrapped around his shoulders and he could feel the big hand tighten securely in his right shoulder. He could not sense any danger from the man but the novice investigator was quite shocked.

Xie Lian was pressed into a hard body, hard but warm and comfortable, so comfortable that he was tempted to lean in closer. It probably was the rain. Or it probably was because this was the first time somebody held him this way. And he liked it, even though did not know what type of man the person holding him was. He liked the momentary comfort and security provided to him. The scent of the faint cologne was youthful and manly, and warm and comforting.

No words were said and no one dared to say a word. There was only silence as he was guided to enter the club. He could not see his steps, but the warm arm gently willed him somewhere.

Strangely, he felt genuinely safe. He knew he should not feel this way. But he felt safe.

Xie Lian wanted to know who the man was. So, the moment his shock wore off, he squirmed from his hold to take the coat off of him, and amazingly, the man did not forbid him to do so.

When he successfully shrugged the large coat, all he could see was a dimly lit area of the club. It had to be the club. The muffled sound of music could be heard from the outside.

But the man, the warm man was nowhere to be seen.

Just like that, without saying anything, he disappeared.