As we exited the plane, I couldn't help but notice our desert surroundings. Sand dunes stretched as far as the eye could see under a bright blue sky. No sign of civilization in sight, only the arid immensity that surrounded us. My eyebrows instinctively furrowed at this unexpected scene.
-Where are we ? I whispered, casting a puzzled look at Sheng Xing.
He remained impassive, watching the plane take off and disappear into the horizon.
-We are at a secure meeting point, he replied calmly. HQ didn't want to risk landing the plane near our destination to avoid attracting attention.
I sighed, the reality of our isolation enveloping me.
-Very good, I said, turning to him. But you haven't put on your costume yet. How do you plan to blend in without that?
He gave a quick smile before taking a small backpack out of one of the holds. He pulled out a smart suit, neatly folded, along with other accessories to complete his outfit.
-Don't worry, he said as he started to change, "everything is planned"
I watched him undo the buttons of his uniform lost in my thoughts. Once all the buttons were undone, he took off the top of his uniform revealing his abs and muscular forearms.
-Do you often show your body to others? I asked him suddenly with furrowed eyebrows.
Why the fuck did I say that?!, I thought, sighing internally.
-Are you jealous?, he teased me
-No, I laughed amusedly, I just don't like using what others have already used
-Don't worry about that, I'm clean, he said, smiling at me.
-...
I looked away as he started to unbutton his pants. I heard the rustle of the pants he had taken off then the rustle of the suit he was putting on.
-I'm finished, he told me
I watched him transform from a soldier to a businessman. Once dressed, he adjusted his tie and turned to me, now the perfect embodiment of an influential tycoon.
-Are you sure you're just a simple soldier?, I asked surprised
-I was CEO for a short time to manage my father's company, he says.
-In any case, it suits you, I said to him with an approving look.
-Are you already falling under my spell?, he teased me
-No, I replied, rolling my eyes before adding, now all that remains is to reach the auction site.
We started walking towards a barely visible old road, guided by the coordinates Sheng Xing had recorded. Each step brought us closer to our destination, and I could feel the adrenaline rushing through me. The desert landscape began to change slightly, revealing signs of human activity in the distance.
After walking for about an hour, we finally saw a small village, half hidden by the dunes. Stone and earth buildings stood modestly, but in the center, a more imposing structure caught our attention: this was where the clandestine auctions would take place.
Sheng Xing turned to look at me, his eyes shining with a mischievous glow.
-Remember, we are here as a married couple. We must stay close and avoid separating ourselves. Follow my instructions and everything will be fine.
-You'll see when I play a wild woman, I muttered under my breath
I nodded, feeling the weight of our mission, but also a strange form of budding complicity with him. We entered the village, our roles assumed with conviction, ready to face the dangers and accomplish our mission.