Chapter One: Beyond Kilometer Twelve

Lu Xiao recognized Su Wan at one hundred and eighty kilometers per hour. She stood beyond the median of the East Cape Expressway in a white continuity cap, holding the slate for Edge of Speed 7. The sea wind lifted her hair across her lips. She watched the black sports car hurtling toward her with polite, untroubled eyes—the eyes of a stranger. Three years ago, Su Wan had vanished from his life just as completely. No body. No farewell. Only a cold cup of coffee in her editing suite and forty-seven missing seconds in the security footage. “Lu Xiao, watch the road!” Director Shen Mo snapped in his earpiece. The end of the opening shot rushed toward him: the twelve-kilometer marker, an overturned tanker, and a row of gasoline charges rigged to