Ling Wei watched as Jiang Jian's expression changed.
"Alright, I'll be right there," he said, already standing.
His face turned downcast, and Ling Wei knew he had to go.
Jiang Jian looked at her guiltily.
"It's work. I promise I'll make it up to you."
"Come, let's go," he offered.
But Ling Wei shook her head.
"Don't worry, I can make my way back home."
Jiang Jian hesitated, but Ling Wei reassured him.
"Go, handle your emergency. We'll catch up soon."
With a swift kiss on her forehead, Jiang Jian disappeared into the night.
Ling Wei walked home, lost in thought.
Now, sitting in her darkened living room, she checked the time.
1:15 AM.
Jiang Jian was yet to return.
She tried calling, but it went straight to voicemail.
Worry crept in.
Was everything okay?
.....
Ling Wei's world froze.
"What?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
Ah Zhong's panicked voice echoed through the line.
"Young Master Jiang was ambushed while leaving the meeting. We can't contact him."
Ling Wei's mind raced.
This can't be happening.
"Who's behind this?" she demanded.
Ah Zhong hesitated.
"We're not sure yet. But we're doing everything to locate him."
Ling Wei's heart sank.
Fear gripped her.
What if...
No, she couldn't think that way.
"Keep me updated," she ordered.
Ah Zhong assured.
"Yes, Miss Ling."
The line went dead.
Ling Wei's hands shook.
Tears threatened to spill.
Not Jiang Jian.
Anyone but him.
She dialed Gu Xun's number.
"Gu Xun, Jiang Jian's been kidnapped."
Gu Xun's voice turned serious.
"I'm on my way."