Chapter Five: A Delivery Rider in Couture

Someone seized his collar; in the next instant, another hand wrenched the attacker away. Yanci had come in person. They tumbled into a narrow wine cellar. Yanci pinned him between racks to check for injuries, his breathing uncharacteristically uneven. “I was told to come alone,” Jibai said. “You said you sold time, not your life.” “Worried about me?” “About the ledger.” Jibai caught his tie and pulled him closer. “It's on my body. You checked my face first.” Someone passed outside. Yanci did not retreat. One hand still held Jibai's waist. One fraction of movement would turn the test into something else. “Make it convincing,” Yanci suddenly said. “What?” The door opened. Yanci bent and kissed him.