Li Feng was already waiting by the sleek black helicopter, its rotors beginning their slow warm-up spin, the distinctive whup-whup-whup cutting through the quiet suburban air.
He'd been Mu Yunchen's assistant for more than ten years. Had seen him through business wars, family drama, hostile takeovers, and corporate espionage. But he'd never seen his master look quite like this, hollow-eyed, pale, moving with the mechanical precision of a man running on nothing but willpower and stubborn pride.
"Everything arranged?" Mu Yunchen asked as he approached, a single leather bag slung over his shoulder. He hadn't packed much: a laptop, a tablet, and his phone. This was supposed to be a quick trip, after all.
"Flight plan filed. Landing clearance confirmed. The New York office is expecting us." Li Feng's tone was professional, but his eyes held concern as they swept over his master's appearance. "Master, are you certain about this timing?"
