Chapter 15: Shadows Overlapping

The man then pulled out a box from behind him and handed it to Tang Yan, opening it with a calm explanation. "Inside this box is your target for tonight. This client recently acquired something in the black market—something vital to the organization. We need you to retrieve it. Of course, after the job’s done, we’ll return it to him."

Tang Yan picked up a photo inside the box—and nearly lost her breath. The client was none other than Li Chuzhe, the one she’d been desperately trying to avoid. "This…"

"What's wrong?" The man noticed her sudden shift in demeanor and asked, puzzled.

"Nothing," Tang Yan snapped back instantly, shifting into full professional mode. "What's the deadline?"

The man reached into his coat again and produced another box. "Yangzhao. This is the identity you'll be assuming tonight. Your dossier’s already on your phone. Deadline: 11:30 PM. Take this. Once you’ve secured what we need, replace it with this item. Try not to let the original owner notice anything unusual."

They discussed tactics briefly. After changing clothes, Tang Yan transformed completely—another person entirely. "Ugh, those clothes were wasted. And I didn’t even pay for them," she muttered under her breath.

As night fell, the bar filled up fast. More people meant better cover for Tang Yan. She positioned herself precisely behind Li Chuzhe, eyes locked on him like a predator. Just then, a middle-aged man strolled over from the bar and slid into the seat across from her.

"Miss, alone?"

Tang Yan had no intention of engaging—but then an idea struck her. She smiled coyly. "Yes, sir. Are you alone too?"

The man lit up instantly. "Yeah! Since we’re both single… how about a drink?"

"No thanks. I can’t handle much alcohol." Her tone was just shy enough to tease, just distant enough to keep him hooked. That was exactly what she wanted—just enough tension to make the act believable.

The man got the hint. His grin widened, turning lecherous. He leaned in, practically sitting beside her. "Come on, brother’s buying. I’ve reserved a private booth. Want to go? It’s getting crowded here—kinda rough on someone as delicate as you."

Tang Yan smiled faintly. "Really, sir, I should be going soon."

She stood up, ready to leave.

But the man wasn’t letting go so easily. He grabbed her arm without hesitation.

Tang Yan’s heart skipped—just for a second. Then she feigned panic, voice rising. "Sir! Please, have some decency! Let go!"

Her cry drew attention. But the man seemed to hold some weight—others glanced over but stayed silent, their eyes flicking toward the scene like curious vultures.

Then she saw Li Chuzhe at the bar—still motionless, still drinking. No reaction. So she raised her voice louder. "Please! Someone help me!"

No one moved. No one dared.

Finally, the silence broke. The man who hadn’t stirred until now—Li Chuzhe—stood up slowly. He walked over, expression dark, eyes sharp as blades.

"What’s all this noise about?" he snapped, irritation dripping from every syllable.

The man froze. Recognition flashed across his face. His tone softened instantly. "Li少, sorry to bother you. My girlfriend’s just being stubborn. We’re leaving right now—really, we are."

Tang Yan shot a glance at Li Chuzhe. To her shock, he actually believed it. Coldly, he turned away, lifting his glass as if to resume drinking.

Panic surged through her. She lunged forward—only for the man to grip her wrist tighter.

"Sir! Please, help me! He’s not my boyfriend! You have to save me!"

But no matter how loud she screamed, Li Chuzhe remained seated, sipping his drink like nothing was happening.

Just as the man began dragging her away, the silence shattered.

"Wait," came a low, icy voice. "You. Let her go."

The man blinked—stunned. He hadn’t expected *him* to interfere.

Li Chuzhe repeated, sharper this time: "Let go."

His gaze was pure hellfire—unforgiving, merciless.

The man released her wrist instantly, face pale, and shuffled off without another word.

Tang Yan stood frozen, staring at her wrist. It was red, bruised from the grip. She rubbed it gently.

Out of the corner of his eye, Li Chuzhe caught the mark. His expression tightened—then quickly returned to indifference as he took another sip.

Free at last, Tang Yan couldn’t help but smile wider. One step closer to the goal.

She approached him with genuine gratitude. "Sir, thank you for stepping in."

"Hmph." He gave only a single syllable.

Awkward silence hung between them. Tang Yan pressed forward, bold despite the chill in the air.

But Li Chuzhe’s eyes narrowed. A warning. "Get lost if you’re done."

"Sir, you saved me. I owe you something. But I don’t have money…" She leaned in fast, pressing her body against his, hands wandering—feigning affection, searching for the object.

"Get off!" He shoved her hard. But Tang Yan had anticipated it—she braced herself and stayed upright.

She pouted, playing hurt. "Fine. If you don’t want me, I’ll just go."

She turned and left the bar in a hurry, heading straight for the back room—the private booth.

"Here," she said, handing over the item. "Mission complete."

She changed back into her original clothes and slipped out of the bar before anyone could stop her.

Meanwhile, Li Chuzhe sat in silence, face stormy, mood darker than the night outside.

Walking down the street, a cool breeze brushed past. Tang Yan exhaled, grinning wildly. "Ah, that feels *so* good. Watch me make you sick, you bastard. Ha-ha! You deserve it!"

She spun around in the middle of the sidewalk, laughing, then hummed a tune as she walked home.

Back in the living room, Tang Yan waited—ready with her prepared statement. All she needed was a quick chat with Li Chuzhe, and she’d be free to work again.

Not long after, he returned.

Unusually, there was no trace of alcohol on him. No drunken haze in his eyes. He spotted her sitting alone on the couch and approached slowly.

"Tang Yan… were you waiting for me?"

She turned at the sound. "Mm. You’re back earlier than usual."

At that moment, under the warm glow of the orange lights—like the last rays of sunset—the two silhouettes seemed to blur… merging into one.