Mei Ling returned to the Sentinel Press. The office seemed busy, with her colleagues typing past interviews, rehearsing broadcasts, and sending out press updates.
She remembered Lian Chen's warning that the district would grow more dangerous, and her fingers shook slightly.
She set her bag down, turned on her computer, and opened the interview transcript. On today's live segment, she would report on the district's rising insecurity without revealing her sources.
Just then, the producer walked in and said, "Going live in five."
Mei Ling nodded, and followed him into the broadcasting room. She felt tense.
She took a seat, straightened and adjusted her microphone as the camera clicked on.
"Good afternoon. I'm Mei Ling Lù from the Sentinel Press. Today we address the rising incidents in the district and their impact on public safety," she began. She added statistics, street observations, and insights from her interview with Lian Chen that the district would get worse.
She explained that crime patterns had changed, listing areas where local citizens felt unsafe.
The segment ended and she exhaled softly. She returned to her office, her fingers still slightly unsteady. She typed out her private interview with Lian Chen, choosing every word carefully. When she published it, the article instantly attracted comments and speculation.
Her phone vibrated. She checked the caller ID, it was Bao, her childhood friend. She had asked Bao to help tace the number that had sent the photo.
"Mei Ling," Bao began.
"Yes? What's the update?" Mei Ling asked.
"I traced the sender, the number connects to a local syndicate. We should meet. I have details," Bao said.
Her pulse quickened. "You did? That's good news. Where do we meet?"
"The old tea shop on South Road. Be there in twenty minutes," Bao said.
"Sure, I'll be there."
The call ended. Mei Ling grabbed her notebook and coat, locked her computer, and left.
South Road was busy, cramped, and full of small shops. The tea shop sat between a stationery store and a noodle stall.
When Mei Ling reached the small tea shop, a bell above the door rang softly as she stepped inside.
The warm smell of tea eased the tight knot in her stomach.
"Mei Ling?" A familiar voice whispered.
She looked up to see Bao, her childhood friend, sitting nervously at a table.
"Bao," Mei Ling called out, sliding into the seat across from her.
Bao gripped her teacup. "I need to warn you," she began softly. "I don't know the exact group, but the number is linked to an affiliate in the district. You need to stop investigating," Bao said firmly.
"Or what?" Mei Ling asked.
Bao glanced at the door. "If you keep digging, they will come after you. I'm saying this to you because I care," Bao warned.
A long silence stretched between them.
Mei Ling leaned closer. "Did someone threaten you?"
Bao shook her head at once, and said, "No. I just know enough to say this. Walk away, this is all I can say,"
She stood abruptly, pushing the chair back.
"Bao, please wait," Mei Ling pleaded.
Bao hesitated, then spoke without turning back. "After today, we shouldn't meet again. It's safer that way."
She left the tea shop without another word. The bell chimed as the door closed.
Mei Ling stayed seated, staring at the empty chair, Bao's warning lingering in her mind.
Bao hurried. It was only after several streets, she slowed down, breathing hard, with shaky hands.
The memory came. It had been the evening before.
A hard knock came at her door, she barely reached it before it was forced open. Three men stormed in, their faces cold as ice. One grabbed her arm, pushing her aside.
Another went for her sister. Bao screamed, but a hand covered her mouth.
"Quiet, or she dies," one of the men warned.
Her sister cried out as they held her.
"You know Mei Ling Lù, the journalist," he said.
Bao nodded, shaking.
"She's digging too deep into the syndicates. She also asked you to trace the number that sent the photo,"
Bao's hand's trembled nervously.
"You will warn her. Tell her to stop everything,"
he said, and dragged Bao's sister toward the door.
"If you fail, she doesn't come back," the man said, pointing to her sister.
Bao dropped to her knees. "Please,"
"There is more. After today, you must cut ties with Mei Ling. No calls. No meetings."
Bao stared at him in fear.
He leaned closer, and added, "You and your sister will travel abroad, and you'd never return to this district. Otherwise, you'd die." He said finally.
Bao exhaled sharply as the memory faded. Her heart raced as she reached the district's edge.
She followed the narrow streets to a quiet building behind a shop, and knocked once.
The door opened. Her sister was pushed forward. Alive.
Bao caught her before she fell and held her while tears ran down her face. Her sister clung to her, whispering her name again and again.
They were waved away.
Bao didn't look back. The warning was delivered. She had to disappear.
Mei Ling was on her own.
LIAN CHEN FÀN
Lian Chen returned to his penthouse. His home was big, with high ceilings, tall windows, and dark fancy furniture. It was a perfect reflection of a wealthy lawyer and a mafia heir.
A girl waited inside. She smiled as he came in.
Their lips met quickly, full of desire. He gripped her, his hands roaming all over her body. She gasped, laughing nervously.
Lian Chen's hands cupped her chin, enjoying the control he had over her.
He pulled her closer, their bodies pressing against each other.
The front door opened. Lian Chen straightened, his eyes darkened. His father stepped in, taking in the scene.
"Out," Jianyu commanded.
The girl blushed and left quickly, leaving a faint scent of perfume behind.
Lian Chen adjusted his coat, and said calmly, "Father,"
"You were reckless. What's the update on the journalist?" Jianyu asked.
"I warned her... If she continues her investigation, it has nothing to do with me,"
"Nothing to do with you? Her choices affect this family," his father snapped.
"I warned her as you instructed, Father. What more do you want!?" Lian Chen yelled.
"Do you understand the gravity of your actions?" Jianyu asked.
"I do. I've been careful," Lian Chen said, his jaw tightening.
"Careful is not enough. If she
keeps digging and anything happens, I'll kill her myself," Jianyu said, coldly.