Chapter One: Price Tags on the Lens

Cheng finally glanced at her as though she were lint on his sleeve. “The instruments found nothing unusual. The consultants are here, Jianwei. Do not delay the sale with a personal impression.” Two years ago, she had discovered a batch of watches fitted with replacement skins; Cheng had signed his name to her report. Last year, she had traced an international counterfeit chain, only to watch the promotion go to a colleague who drank with clients. She had learned not to fight for credit in meetings. She had never learned to stay silent before a fake. “Then record my objection in the file.” Cheng closed the catalogue. “Redo the inventory numbers after the meeting. I want them tonight.”