The night was cold, and the sky looked like it had swallowed a secret. Linda zipped her thick coat and pulled the hood over her head, slipping into a pair of leggings and boots. The wind tapped gently against the windowpane, and the clouds above grumbled like they had something to say. She didn't wait for the suspicious weather to pop up —she picked up her umbrella just in case it rained.
She had gotten a call earlier from Secretary Kim.
"Mr. Fang Leng would like to see you. Location: Happy Hub restaurant."
"Sophia, I'm heading out," she said, grabbing her phone and adjusting her sleeves.
Sophia raised an eyebrow, "At this hour?"
"I won't be long."
She left before more questions could be asked. A taxi arrived ten minutes later, headlights glowing like sleepy eyes in the street fog. She got in, gave the address, and sank into the seat, her fingers tracing lines on the fogged window as the city rushed past.
They pulled up in front of a fancy restaurant dressed in neon lights. The bright pink glow from the sign buzzed softly above her head like a drunken lullaby. She paid the driver and stepped out, greeted immediately by the scent of fried chicken and something sweet, like fresh wine or some kind of dessert. Her stomach growled quietly, reminding her she hadn't eaten since noon.
Inside, the place was alive with soft chatter, clinking glasses, and soft and inviting music. She looked around, scanning the tables.
Then she saw him.
Secretary Kim stood by a table, sharp as ever in his dark suit. And beside him was Mr. Fang Leng. Secetary Kim smiled as he sighted her.
She walked over and gave them both a slight bow. "Good evening."
"Linda," Mr. Adam said warmly, standing up and pulling her into a light hug. She smiled and hugged back.
They all sat down, and after a few minutes of small chatter, Mr. Adam waved for a waiter and ordered wine.
"How's school, Linda?" he asked, settling into his chair as if they were longtime friends.
"It's been great. " she replied, flashing a small grin. "I'm really doing fine, thanks to Secretary Kim, who keeps showering me with gifts—and money sent by you or sometimes himself," she added, glancing sideways at Kim teasingly.
Secretary Kim smiled raising his hands in the air like a criminal being caught, and said.
"Woah, what's with the look?. I am innocent"
Mr. Adam chuckled.
"Seriously, thank you. Both of you." she added more quietly, her fingers brushing the edge of the table. "you've both helped in covering a lot of things."
"You're welcome," Mr. Adam said simply and Secetary Kim smiled.
Soon, the wine arrived—red and glowing in the light like melted rubies. Linda insisted on pouring for both men. She raised her glass.
"To... good survival," she said with a wink and they clinked gently.
As they sipped, the mood softened. The restaurant buzzed around them and they sat silently sipping.
Then Mr. Adam asked question breaking the silence.
"So... I heard some military officers visited your school to pick some talented students. Were you one of them?" Mr. Adam asked casually, though his eyes watched her closely.
Linda placed her glass back on the table, her smile fading into something more serious.
"Yeah. I was picked but I turned the offer down. "
"But you turned it down?"
She nodded. " Yeah, I did."
"Why?" Mr. Adam leaned forward slightly. "A smart and talented girl like you could make a difference to the world. You could save different people with your skill."
She took a breath, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"I have my own plans. I've shaped my life in a certain direction, and I'm not letting anything change that. "
Her voice was quiet, but her words were firm. Like she was talking to him and also reminding herself.
He leaned back again, eyes thoughtful. "I see."
There was a moment of silence. Then Mr. Adam seemed to have remembered something and he reached into his laptop bag, unzipped the side pocket, and pulled out an envelope.
"My boss asked me to give you this," he said, sliding it across the table.
Linda blinked, looking at the envelope like it might bite her. "What's this?"
"Something to say thank you—for saving my life," he said softly. "I owe you more than words. He made sure I deliver this myself and thank you again personally."
Linda smiled staring at the envelope and said.
"I saved you months ago, and till this day, you, Secretary Kim, and your boss continue to express your gratitude. It's just a normal act you know."
"Saving a life is no ordinary act, Linda," Mr. Adam said with a smile. "It's worth celebrating for a thousand months. If not for you, I'd be gone, and my family would still be grieving my loss. Please, take this. You've earned it and you're really worth it." Secretary Kim nodded in agreement too, and Linda accepted with a mix of gratitude and humility.
"Tell him that I'm truly grateful. I hope to meet him someday. And judging by the gifts and money he always send, he must be quite wealthy," she said with a nervous laugh.
Mr. Adam chuckled, but Secretary Kim coughed lightly into his fist. She caught it and raised an eyebrow at him. He looked away and giggled.
"I just hope he won't throw me out the moment he sees me," she added jokingly. "You know, poor little me in the house of a billionaire. And his son, is a freak. He hates me as well as I hate him. Or even more."
This time, Secretary Kim almost chocked and Linda quickly helped him with a napkin asking him if he was alright and he nodded his head saying he was fine.
At the other side, Mr. Adam felt a flicker of unease, but he masked it with a smile and continued the discussion.
After another ten minutes of soft chat, Linda checked her watch.
"It's getting late. I should get going," she said, standing up.
"Let me get my driver to take you," Mr. Adam offered immediately, already reaching for his phone.
"No, it's fine," she replied, raising her hands. "Really. I just need a walk. It's good for my legs."
He looked uncertain, but she was already reaching for her umbrella. "Thank you again. Really. You've been good to me. And extend my greetings to Mr. Adam."
Mr. Adam nodded and smiled. "Don't forget, my door's open. Always."
"I'll keep that in mind."
She smiled, turned, and headed out. The air hit her face first—sharp and wet. It had started to drizzle. The kind of rain that makes the whole world look shiny and soft. She popped open her umbrella and stepped into the dimly lit street, walking past glowing signs and puddles reflecting neon pinks and greens.
As Linda walked on the quiet street, the rain began to fall harder, drumming gently on the surface of her umbrella. She walked steadily, her boots splashing through shallow puddles as she made her way home. The scent of wet earth filled the air, and the distant buzz of neon signs faded behind her.
Her thoughts wandered to the dinner she'd just had. Mr. Fang Leng had been so kind. And his mysterious boss, the one she hadn't met yet, had gone out of his way to show gratitude. The envelope he'd sent through Mr. Adam was tucked safely in her coat pocket, but it wasn't about the money. It was the gesture. She had always thought that the rude guy she had met would have a rude father like him. But Mr. Adam was... mysterious but clearly kind. She never thought that the man she saved was an employee to the father of the rude guy she met. The chain was kinda long and shocking. Funny how destiny works.
She was so lost in thought that she almost didn't notice the quiet, soft and faint shuffling foot steps.
Her whole body froze for a second.
Her senses kicked in. She didn't raise her head or stop. She just kept walking, eyes still on the slick pavement, acting like nothing had changed. But her ears? Her ears were doing overtime. Listening.
There it was again.
Footsteps. They were Light, deliberate and keeping pace with her.
Her heart started racing. The rain fell harder, the street growing darker as she entered a quiet bend with fewer lights. The kind of place you wouldn't want to be alone in—especially not at night.
She clenched her jaw. Think, Linda. Think.
Without hesitating, she took a sharp turn down a narrow side alley. Then, just as quickly, she ducked behind a low brick building and crouched. She held her breath, heart thumping in her ears, her umbrella clutched in one hand like a makeshift shield. Her other hand was clenched into a fist, ready for anything.
The footsteps followed.
Closer.
Faster.
Now!
As the figure emerged, Linda sprang forward and swung. Her punch landed squarely, knocking the person backward.
Linda quickly dropped her umbrella and rolled across the wet pavement, coming to a stop as she faced the person who had landed gracefully in a feline stance—one hand on the ground, the other extended, one leg bent and the other stretched behind. It was a girl. Wearing a mask and all black.
It was actually Jae Min, but Linda didn't realize it because she was in her true female form—not disguised as a boy—and also a mask covered part of her face. Her hood had fallen back, revealing a cascade of long, dark hair and striking blue eyes.
Linda frowned, confused and still catching her breath.
"What's with people these days?" she muttered. "I thought I was about to get attacked by some creep, and it turns out to be a cute, jobless girl. What do you want?"
"Cute, jobless girl?" the masked girl snapped. Her voice was sharp—young, but annoyed. "You might wanna take back that little 'encouraging' comment."
Before Linda could react, the girl lunged like lightning—swift and precise. Linda barely had time to lift her arms before a solid punch connected with her jaw, sending her stumbling back to the ground.
"Okay… wow," Linda muttered, rubbing her cheek. "You're strong."
"This won't take long," the girl said, eyes blazing behind her mask. "I just need to teach you a quick lesson."
"Oh, you're one of those."
The rain poured harder as Linda sprang to her feet, ready. They both moved at the same time, bodies tense, eyes locked.
Then they charged.