As we crossed the dunes to reach the village, I couldn't help but feel more and more lost. The fine sand was seeping into my shoes, and the desert heat was starting to become unbearable. I turned to Sheng Xing, irritation clearly visible on my face.
-Do we still have a long time to walk? I asked, exasperated. Are you sure where you're going?
He smiled slightly, shaking his head.
-Don't worry, we'll arrive soon, he replied in a soothing tone. A train will drop us off in the city where we need to go. This is just one step in our journey.
I looked at him, incredulous. A train ? Here, in the middle of this desert? Still, I had to trust him. He seemed to know what he was doing. We continued walking, and after a few minutes we reached what looked like an old railway line, partly buried under sand. Sheng Xing glanced at his watch, then at the horizon.
-It shouldn't be long, he said, adjusting his suit.
I looked around, trying to spot any sign of this mysterious train. And then, in the distance, a low rumble was heard, gradually growing louder. Little by little, a locomotive appeared on the horizon, its outlines becoming clearer as it approached. It was an old train, but still working, with sturdy carriages and a plume of smoke rising into the sky.
When the train stopped in front of us, men in uniform got out to open the carriage doors. They greeted us respectfully, immediately recognizing Sheng Xing.
-General, your private wagon is ready, announced one of the men.
We boarded, and I was surprised to discover a luxuriously appointed carriage, in stark contrast to the rustic exterior of the train. Comfortable armchairs, a small solid wood table, and even a mini-bar were at our disposal. I settled into one of the armchairs, trying to relax after this grueling walk in the desert.
-How long until our destination? I asked, wanting to know how long we would have to spend on this train.
-About three hours, replied Sheng Xing, sitting down opposite me. This gives us time to review the final details of our coverage and prepare for the auction.
He removed a folder from his bag, containing additional information on the auction participants, the items for sale, and the security plans for the venue.
-I guess I have no choice, I muttered, yawning.
During the ride, we went over every detail, anticipating possible complications and strategizing how to overcome them.
The desert landscape passed by through the train windows, and little by little, the sand dunes gave way to rocky hills, a sign that we were approaching the city. Despite my initial apprehension, I began to feel a little more comfortable, confident in our preparation and in Sheng Xing's skills.
Finally, the train slowed down and stopped at a small station at the entrance to the city. We went downstairs, greeted by another group of Sheng Xing associates, ready to guide us to the auction venue.
Sheng Xing turned to me, a determined expression on his face.
-Ready?, he asked.
I took a deep breath and nodded.
-Yes let's go.
We headed towards the city, determined to complete our mission successfully, each step bringing us closer to the infiltration we had carefully planned.