We headed to the airfield where a military plane was waiting, ready to take off. The soldiers around us were bustling around, checking equipment and making sure everything was in order. Sheng Xing led me to the aircraft, an imposing transport plane, where the crew was already in place, awaiting orders to take off.
As I boarded, I couldn't contain my frustration. I turned to Sheng Xing with a dark look.
-Because of you my brother wants to kill me, I said, anger piercing my voice. And you didn't have to ask everyone to show me the same respect as you. It was completely over the top.
He looked at me completely amused with a teasing smile on his lips, as if he had prepared himself for this reaction.
- I understand your resentment, he said in a calm voice. But it was important that everyone knew that you are with me, that you are part of this mission. This ensures your security and credibility.
I gritted my teeth, unhappy with this logical answer. However, before I could retort, the crew closed the plane's door and the engines began to roar. We settled into the seats provided, and the plane began to taxi down the runway.
The vibrations of the aircraft and the noise of the engines filled the cabin. I looked out the window, watching the base move away as we picked up speed for takeoff. My mind was still spinning around what Sheng Xing had said and the looks I had received from the soldiers.
-Very well, I finally sighed, I'll do my best. But know that I won't forgive you if something happens to my brother because of this mission.
-It's a promise, he replied
The plane gained altitude and we plunged into the clouds, leaving behind the military base and everything I knew. The next few days would be filled with challenges and dangers, but deep inside me, a new determination was beginning to arise.
Sheng Xing turned to the crew, giving precise instructions. I sat back in my seat, trying to calm my mind tormented by uncertainty and fear. The mission had begun, and there was no turning back.
-General, here are the clothes for the mission, said one of the flight attendants
-Perfect, you can go, Sheng Xing said coldly, taking the things.
After giving the clothes, the soldier left.
-I'll take you to my room to change, Sheng Xing smiled at me
-I can change in the bathroom, I told him
-The toilets are too small, he replied.
-As long as it's not broken I can change there, I replied with furrowed eyebrows.
-They're broken, Sheng Xing quickly added.
-Really?, I asked him suspiciously
-Yes, he said to me
-Hey there, I said, calling out to a soldier
-Yes ma'am?, he said
-It's sir, I retorted in a soft voice
-Yes sir?, he corrected himself
-Are the toilets working? I asked him
-No, they are out of service, they don't work, the soldier explained to me
-You deserve a salary increase, smiles Sheng Xing, after all honest people must be rewarded
-You better not lie to me, I said to him, smiling nastily, otherwise I risk making you regret it