Chapter One: After the Final Buzzer

“There are two reports,” Xinglan continued. “The staff version marks my risk yellow. Management's version marks it green. Luo doesn't want me resting with broadcasters and sponsors here tomorrow. But he wants Zhou Yan handling the ball, so he'll play me tired and blame the lost efficiency on form.” Only the ventilation system disturbed the silence. “Are you guessing?” Yanqiu asked. “Call it that.” Xinglan could not explain rebirth, nor would she trade her secret for trust. She needed evidence, a healthy body, and one clean cut through the web before anyone knew she had seen it. At last, Yanqiu opened the laptop. A red curve crossed the warning level three days earlier. In management's version, it had been neatly flattened.