Why did you save me?" Mei Ling Lù asked trembling as her eyes met his cold, calculating gaze.
Why will a stranger risk himself for me?
He gave a short, but authoritative response, "Because you were in danger. That's all you need to know."
"Follow me." He commanded.
It's clearly not safe here. I should follow him.
So, she followed him.
She noticed the narrow streets, flickering lights, wet ground, and faint sounds in the distance.
She tightened her grip on her bag until her knuckles ached.
She watched him as he walked ahead. A shadow moved toward them and she gasped.
The stranger jumped forward instantly, striking down the threat.
The man fell, staggered to his feet, and fled. A sudden chill crept over her as she watched.
He isn't just protecting me; he could kill.
He reassured her, "You're safe for now. But only temporarily."
Temporarily? Does that mean there's more danger?
"You're not used to this life, that's okay. You'll learn quickly, or you won't survive." He said.
Mei Ling stayed silent, refusing to show her fear.
He said, "You'll stay with me until it's safe. No questions. Just follow my instructions."
Mei Ling stood still, torn between fear and survival.
Finally, she nodded.
I don't have a choice. I have to survive.
They arrived at a safe location, a small, secure apartment. Dim light revealed hidden security measures.
Mei Ling glanced around, she felt anxious. Her shoulder brushed the brick wall, cold and damp through her sleeve.
Her shoes clicked softly on the old wooden floor as she stepped into the small apartment. It was almost empty, like a place one wouldn't notice.
Outside, the city noises from afar came through the thin windows; honking cars, and voices of people.
But inside, it was calm, as if it had been set up purposely for safety and not for comfort.
This stranger had chosen it for a reason. It was a quiet and secure hideout, far from anyone who might be watching a man like him.
He moved first, blocking the nearest window, then scanned the room once before nodding.
"Do you think they followed us?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though her hands shook slightly.
"No," he said, looking around the room. "But I don't want to take any chances."
She stepped closer, noticing how strong and protective he looked.
"It smells… strange in here. Leather? Metal?"
"Security measures," he replied without looking at her. "Cameras, strong doors. You'll get used to it after a while."
Mei Ling glanced around. A mini couch lay against the wall, a small metal table in the corner, a few empty shelves.
Nothing seemed dangerous, yet her heart said otherwise. "I don't know if I'm ready for all this. What if they…" Her voice trailed off.
She knew how dangerous the city could get at night.
"They won't get you," he interrupted sharply, then softened when he saw her flinch. "You're safe, that's all that matters right now. Sit down. I'll check around the apartment to make sure it's safe."
She paused, then sat down on the couch. With her fingers, she nervously traced the stitched lines on the couch.
He leaned on the window, looking at the dark street. "No one's there," he said flatly.
Mei Ling bit her lip. "I don't even know why I keep running into trouble like this."
"You're not running, you're only trying to survive," he said coldly.
Mei Ling took a slow breath, trying to calm her nerves. She wanted to argue, but his sharp, steady gaze made her stop.
Minutes passed in silence, broken only by the traffic of cars, and the occasional creak of the floor. Mei Ling glanced at him; his sharp jaw, and restless eyes.
"You always… watch like that?" she asked quietly.
"Always," he said simply, without looking at her. "It keeps people alive."
She nodded to herself. "I guess I need to learn that then."
A shadow moved outside one of the windows.
Her pulse spiked.
The stranger turned quickly, his boots moving on the floor. He looked at the street, one hand sliding toward the object on his belt, his fingers brushing it lightly, ready.
"Did you see that?" Mei Ling whispered.
"Yes. Stay down."
The shadow stopped under a dim streetlight. Mei Ling's hands shook. "Is it… them?"
"Maybe," he said without hesitation. "Maybe not. Stay still."
He moved, one hand on the leather couch for support, the other near the object on his belt. The metallic smell in the room seemed stronger, mixing with the tense air.
Mei Ling muttered to herself,
It will take everything in me to not collapse at this point.
"I… I don't know if I can do this."
"Yes, you can," he said, meeting her eyes briefly. "Do what I say. Not because I care, but because it's necessary."
Just then, the shadow disappeared. The apartment felt heavy, as if they were being watched.
He stepped away from the window. Mei Ling sank into the couch. She realized being careful was about control, not comfort.
"I don't know your plan," she said quietly.
"Plans don't matter, only actions do. If something happens, we'll handle it." He replied.
She looked around again, everything felt like a threat.
"And if I panic?" she asked, curious.
"You won't. Just follow instructions."
For the first time, Mei Ling felt a little calm. It wasn't safe, but it was enough.
She closed her eyes briefly. She could survive this. She would.
Just a few hours ago, she had been a 25 year old criminal journalist, returning from work after long nights of research. Now, she was trapped in a world she barely understood, under the watch of a man who could decide whether she lived or died.
How much danger really surrounded her in this city she thought she knew? Which of her investigations had led her here? Had her pursuit of the truth brought her straight into the shadows? Could anyone ever be trusted again?