Chapter Four: Lost and Found

Beyond the old studio wall, there was no road—only rails swallowed by weeds. Wen ran quickly, but her heels were not made for escape. When one caught in a rail for the third time, she kicked both shoes away and crossed the gravel barefoot. Lin Jianwei followed, clutching Shen Lan's pass. The short-haired woman led them as if she knew every shadow. Security lights swept over the wall. Tang Li did not order them to stop. From a distance, she called, “The eastern warehouse is sealed.” The woman immediately turned east. “She's helping us,” Jianwei said. Wen did not answer. They entered a prop store as footsteps approached. The woman lifted a painted seascape, revealing a narrow maintenance passage. “Who are you?” Wen blocked the entrance.