Su Xiaoxi's mind was in complete chaos. "Wait, how do you know all this? Who exactly are you?"
Lin Yi took a deep breath, as if weighing how much to reveal. "I was sent to protect you. Those people know you took photos and are looking for you."
"Protect me? Who sent you? The police?" Su Xiaoxi pressed.
"I can't say more," Lin Yi shook his head. "But you're in danger right now. The person who broke into your apartment last night was after that photo."
Su Xiaoxi recalled the scratches on the door lock and the disturbed belongings, a wave of fear washing over her. "So that text message was from you?"
Lin Yi nodded. "Your phone might be tapped. From now on, discuss important matters in person."
"This is insane..." Su Xiaoxi rubbed her temples. "I just accidentally took one blurry photo. Is it really worth all this trouble?"
"That photo captured their faces and the batch number of the goods," Lin Yi said gravely. "It's enough to serve as evidence."
A sudden realization struck Su Xiaoxi. "Wait, you said you've been tailing me 'since I left the company'... So you were at the office all day today?"
"Yes."
"So you're not actually a new colleague at all?" Su Xiaoxi's eyes widened. "That job was just a cover?"
Lin Yi avoided a direct answer. "We need to get out of here now."
He took Su Xiaoxi's hand and led her quickly out of the alley, all while scanning their surroundings vigilantly. Su Xiaoxi let herself be pulled along, her mind racing. Was this mysterious man who had suddenly entered her life a protector—or another threat?
Back at the office building, Lin Yi stopped. "Listen, from now on, don't go anywhere alone. Don't trust strangers. If anything seems off, notify me immediately."
"Why should I trust you?" Su Xiaoxi bit her lip.
After a brief silence, Lin Yi reached into his inner pocket and flashed a credential—a black leather case with a silver emblem. She only caught the words "Special Agent" before he tucked it away.
"Convinced?" he asked.
Su Xiaoxi gave a reluctant nod. "For now... But I need more answers."
"We'll talk when I take you home tonight," Lin Yi checked his watch. "For now, go back to work and act like everything's normal."