The sky began to weep as I stepped out of the mall. I walked with a chilling coldness, as if the world around me didn't exist. I pulled a silk handkerchief from my pocket and began to wipe my hands with a slow, deliberate disgust—as if Akane were nothing more than filth that needed to be purged from my skin. I tossed the cloth into a trash bin, a faint, satisfied smile dancing on my lips.
I slipped into a narrow, dimly lit alley to reach the subway station. But something was wrong.
Wait... do you hear that?
The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed behind me. Someone was following. I quickened my pace, and the shadow behind me did the same, matching my every move. My heart didn't race; it turned to ice. I slid the hidden dagger from beneath the silk sleeve of my Qipao, gripping it firmly in my palm.
In one swift, lethal motion, I spun around.
Ming was standing there, barely five paces away. He was shrouded in a black cap, but I could see the fire of rage burning in his eyes. In that heartbeat, he looked like a complete stranger—someone terrifying. The "Sweet Ming" I knew was gone.
S: "What?! Ming... you scared me! You looked like a predator stalking me. Why didn't you just call my name?"
Ming: "Can you explain what I just witnessed at your workplace this morning?" His voice was a low, dangerous growl. "Who was that girl I saw in that office?"
I forced a nervous, high-pitched laugh. S: "Haha! Did my little trick actually fool you? It was just a prank to scare Akane. I wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. You know how he and Mika treated me with such utter disdain."
Ming: "What I saw wasn't a 'prank,' S. It looked like the work of a professional syndicate. And even if we pretend it was a play to scare him... tell me, who were those three Chinese men? They didn't look like actors."
S (Angrily): "What is this? An interrogation?! What is your problem, Ming?!"
Before I could blink, Ming lunged forward, closing the distance between us until the only thing separating our chests was the razor-sharp dagger in my hand. He leaned in, his breath hot against the cold rain.
Ming: "This Qipao... it looks incredibly expensive. And this specific silk weave? Only one family in all of China possesses it." He paused, his eyes piercing through my soul. "Isn't that right, daughter of Tian Long?"
The world stopped. My breath hitched. S: "I have no idea what you're talking about. Who even is this 'Tian Long'? I thought you were just an Idol... but it seems you have quite the collection of intelligence on neighboring countries too. Who exactly are you, Ming?"
Ming: "I'm the one asking the questions here, not you. Do you understand?" He gripped my wrist lightly, his gaze hardening. "If what I suspect is true... you will regret ever stepping foot in this city."
Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It was Typhon—the man my father assigned to be my shadow. I tried to hide the screen, but it was futile.
Ming: "What's the matter? Aren't you going to answer Typhon?" He let out a cold, mocking smirk. "Answer him. Tell him you met 'The Hunter' today. Tell him that, and let's see what he says to you."
Without another word, Ming vanished into the shadows of the alley, leaving me standing alone in the rain. I stared at the phone, my fingers trembling as I swiped to answer.
S: "Hello, Typhon... listen carefully. I'm sending you a photo of someone. I want to know everything—every secret, every move. And do NOT tell my father about this request."
I stared into the darkness of the alley, the rain washing away the cold mask I had worn all day. A name escaped my lips, a whisper from a past I tried to bury.
S (Whispering to the shadows): "Papa... Sai is in danger."