Chapter Four: Two Su Mians

My double tore the black coils from Xiao Qiao and pushed her at me. “Take her.” “What about you?” “They're here to repossess me.” The doors opened. Bai Zhi stepped out in her gray-white uniform, carrying the transparent bottle. Its mist was gone, but scratches scored the inner glass, as if someone had tried to claw free. “Dr. Su,” she said gently. “Your deposited property has suffered a placement anomaly. Please do not interfere with maintenance.” My double placed herself between us. Bai Zhi raised one hand, and every ceiling light ignited. In the glare, my double became thin and translucent, her skin like ink diluted by water.