The light turned green and the two cars that were following Mei and Jackson split up in an futile search for them. Of course, they didn't manage to catch up to them, much less see an ounce of their shadows for the next half an hour that they spent searching on foot and by car around the area. With much helplessness and defeat they returned to the headquarters for a good scolding and perhaps a beating.
Mei on the other hand had safely reached the five star hotel where Jackson was to stay. The motorbike came to a halt right in front of the grand and yet low key entrance of the hotel.
Just as Mei was about to turn off the engine and get Jackson to get off, she heard a mumble behind her.
"... here"
Clearly not understanding what he wanted to say, Mei asked him. "Did you say something?"
"Please not here."
His voice was slightly higher than a whisper but Mei heard him. She also heard the underlying vulnerability in his voice as he spoke those words. Mei heard his words and took the motorbike into the basement and parked it.
Both of them got off and Mei helped him take the private elevator from the basement into the Sub-Presidential suite on the twentieth floor. She heard a thanks from Jackson before he disappeared behind the door of the hotel room.
Mei who still had on her helmet only glanced at his loney back that was then blocked behind the vintage wooden door. When the door closed shut she stood there silently for a good few seconds before walking away towards the elevator.
When the elevator doors opened, she got in and caught a glimpse of one of the "shadows" assigned to watch over the safety of Jackson. Just as the door closed, Mei let out a slight nod of acknowledgment towards the shadow who returned the nod back to her.
After coming out of the hotel, Mei hopped on her motorbike and got ready to roll out. She put in her keys before letting go and taking out her phone. She dialed a number on her phone before putting it away. As she heard the rings, she started the motorbike and left the basement. By the time the motorcycle rolled out of the basement parking entrance, the call on had connected.
"J reporting. Mission complete, Sir."
"Good job." The person happily praised her.
Silence ensued within the other side of the phone call. Mei knew there was more to the response so she silently waited for his words all the while riding her motorbike.
"Are you going to come to headquarters before going on your break?"
Mei went silent for a second. Normally she could just leave after the mission after all it wasn't necessary to go to the headquarters before or after every mission. Since he was asking there must be a reason for it. Thinking so, Mei responded with a nod even though the person on the other side couldn't see it.
"I'll be there in 30."
"I'll wait for you inside my office." With that said, the person ended the call.
Mei was riding along the main streets of the lower city. The traffic had subsided and even though it was barely six in the evening the sun was already starting to set.
Lights turned on and the crowds lessened. Mei took her time riding down the streets towards headquarters when she felt a sudden chill run down her back. A strange yet so familiar sense of bitterness spread throughout her mouth.
For a second Mei's mind went blank.
Confusion seeped through her slightly wide eyes as she visibly slowed down her motorbike. She already drank the Lemongrass Bliss so why?
Not daring to have an unruly fit in the middle of the streets, Mei sped up and arrived at the headquarters within a mere five minutes later. When she pulled up at the dim parking lot of the famous tech company, Mei didn't waste any time before taking the elevator to the private office on the fiftieth floor.
A secretary was seen seated at the counter. The female secretary cast her a quick glance followed by a slight nod of acknowledgement before turning her head back to the computer in front of her. Mei merely cast a glance at her before rushing towards the left of the elevator. In front of her stoof two gigantic wooden doors. They were big and imposing.
Mei lifted her hand to knock twice on the door before pushing it open without waiting for a response. When her body was fully inside, Mei rushed to close the door. In her haste she slammed her back against the door and used the force of her body slamming against the door.
Slam!
Despite the door being heavy, the force she used caused the door to slam shut, startling the female secretary who didn't stop her when she came in.
Mei took in deep breaths and tried to calm her frantic heart but the chill that ran throughout her body didn't subside nor did her heart stop beating frantically. When she finally gathered herself, Mei felt an intense gaze on her.
Standing up as straight as she could, Mei cleared her throat and looked up. Her eyes met his bright blue eyes that seemed too clear to hold any form of impurities. His beautiful ores held a deep sense of worry and sympathy that Mei, to this day, was still accustomed to.
Seeing his brows furrowed together, Mei couldn't help but sigh. Why did she even come here in the first place?
Clearing her throat, Mei decided to break the awkward atmosphere. "Ahem. You wanted to see me?"
The man didn't speak. He merely stood there in front of the wall to ceiling window, looking at her with his eyes filled to the brim with sincere worry. So sincere that Mei felt bad to accept it.
The man, who went by the code name, Y, stood there staring at her for a few more seconds before retracting his gaze. "I thought it wasn't until tomorrow?"
Mei squinted her eyes and a cold glint passed through them as she stared hard at her supervisor Y.