Chapter Five: A Date Destined to Succeed

Wanxing cried. Yet the ledger's ranking did not change. Xiaoman remained second. The driver remained first. After leaving Xiaoman in a new safe house, Wanxing asked Jibai, “Does the dance still count?” “The operation is over.” “That's why it counts now.” Under a streetlamp he played the unidentified music from his phone and offered his hand. When she took it, his watch vibrated: twenty-four hours. “What were you going to tell me today?” He drew her half a step closer. “I meant to tell you not to fall in love with me.” “And now?” “Too late.” Their kiss was light, like two people who knew the bridge would collapse briefly exchanging directions at its center.