As he took a final drag on his cigarette, he made a decision and dialed a number on his phone.
"Hey." His tone shifted, softening as he spoke.
On the other end of the line, a feminine voice answered, relaxed but curious. "Xiao Wang? What's going on?"
"I've got a situation here," he replied, his voice low and grave.
"A situation? Are you alright?" The voice sharpened, turning concerned.
He smiled slightly. "I'll send you the address. Just come."
"Wait, Xiao Wang—what happened? I'm in the middle of a case—"
But he had already hung up, glancing briefly at the missed calls that followed.
He sent her the address and room number, then ignored his phone as he turned back to the city, knowing she'd come.
There would be consequences. And he would be ready.
____
Thirty Minutes Later!
Slap!
A sharp silence descended before—
Bang!
