When I stepped out of Maggie's room, I trudged up the stairs, muscles aching and mind heavy. At the top, I froze, spotting Chen waiting there like some dark omen. I already knew why he was here—what question was burning behind those sharp eyes.
"Kāng sìhū hěn gāoxìng." (Kang seems really happy.)
"When isn't Kang happy?" I muttered, dragging my feet.
Chen shrugged, voice low. "When things don't go his way."
I snorted. "Maybe that's why he turned out like this—always had his way, never been told no. Spoilt brat through and through."
"He has, hasn't he..." Chen murmured, trailing off.
I cut him off, impatient. "Enough small talk. Just ask me, Chen."
He frowned, puzzled. "Shénme?" (What?)
I planted myself in front of him, arms crossed, eyes narrowing. "Skip the games. Ask what you've been dying to know since you showed up."
Chen blinked, clearly trying to keep up. "Wǒ bù míngbái nǐ zài shuō shénme." (I don't understand what you're saying.)
I raised an eyebrow. "Really? You don't?"
He shook his head. "Méiyǒu." (No.)
Liar.
I rolled my eyes. "Looks like you got what you wanted, brother."
Chen blinked again. "And what exactly was that?"
"She passed."
His eyes went wide. "She passed the test?"
I nodded slowly. "Tā quèshí, shì de." (She did, yes.)
Chen stared at me, disbelief written all over his face. "Honestly, I didn't think she had it in her."
"Wèishéme nàme shuō?" (Why say that?) I asked, curious.
He scoffed. "You're joking, right? She's a wild one—can't be tamed. I've never met a girl like that before, brother."
I smirked, recalling. "Kang and I managed just fine."
Chen smirked back. "I bet you did."
I frowned, suddenly remembering something. "Speaking of which—where were you?"
He lowered his gaze, shaking his head. "You know group stuff isn't my thing. Besides, Kang didn't exactly give me a chance."
I laughed. "You mean you don't like sharing your women."
"Exactly." Chen looked me dead in the eye. "I don't."
I raised an eyebrow. "But what about… what's her name?"
"Maggie."
I snapped my fingers. "Right! I thought you'd have fucked her regardless of Kang or me."
Chen grimaced. "I'd rather be with a woman who actually wants me, not one I have to force."
I laughed. "Where's the fun in that?"
He shook his head. "There isn't. I just don't want to do things because of who I am."
I grabbed his shoulder, leaning in. "Chen, these girls are whores, hǎo de? (Alright?) They're here for you to use. Anytime, anywhere."
He watched me closely, absorbing every word.
I pushed on. "And now that Maggie's passed the test with flying colours, she's yours whenever you want. She can't do a damn thing about it."
Chen looked uncertain.
I slapped his shoulder hard. "She'll be yours in no time, brother."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed back toward my shitty room. But before I could shut the door, Chen called out.
"Shì?" (Yes?)
"I got your text, by the way."
He only just saw it? I sent that message ages ago.
"How did things go with father?" Chen asked.
I turned back, raising an eyebrow. "Did you lose your phone or something?"
"No, I've been busy."
I nodded slowly, not buying a word. "Understandable."
"How is he?" Chen pressed.
Hands shoved deep in my pockets, I exhaled. "Still pissed, and honestly, I don't blame him. His cargo got stolen again."
Chen's eyes went wide. "What? That's three times in one month."
"Exactly what I said."
We stood in silence for a beat.
Chen shook his head, frustrated. "Who the fuck's doing it?"
I shrugged. No clue.
"Yuta, this has never happened before."
"I know. Father's sick of it—he thought he had a suspect, but it turned out to be a dead end."
Chen muttered, "Shit."
I leaned in, lowering my voice. "Don't tell Kang, but father thinks there's a spy in this place."
Chen's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
I gave him a hard look. "Because how else is the cargo disappearing?"
Chen offered, "Could be one of father's enemies?"
I shook my head. "No. He suspects the new girl—Maggie."
Chen blinked, surprised. "Maggie?"
"Yeah."
"Why does father think she's involved?"
"Because she knows too much about him. Someone here's feeding her information about the outside world, and someone else is leaking details about this organization. Things she shouldn't even know."
Chen thought for a moment, then his eyes widened. "I think I know who it is."
I squinted. "You think? You don't sound very sure, brother."
He held up one finger. "Who's always around her? Who does she see every day?"
I shrugged. "I guess… the guard outside her door?"
"Bingo."
"The young guard? Hao?"
Chen nodded. "It has to be him."
I frowned. "No, I don't think it's him."
"I do."
"Why?"
"Because she doesn't see anyone else besides us three. And I don't think any of us would betray her."
Minutes passed as I wrestled with the idea. Hao being the spy felt wrong, but I couldn't pin it on anyone else. My head was pounding, and all I wanted was a drink and some distraction.
"And what if he's innocent? Then what?"
Chen's hand landed firmly on my shoulder. "It's him. I'm sure of it."
I searched his face for lies but found none. I yawned, grabbing my phone. "Fine. I'll call father. Tell him we found the spy."