Chapter Text
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The city’s lights were a blur as you ducked into a small diner, your heart pounding like a war drum inside your chest. You darted a glance over your shoulder, expecting to see them—your pursuers, relentless and calculating. But for now, the coast seemed clear.
Inside, the place was nearly empty. There was only the hum of a buzzing neon sign and the clink of a lone spoon against ceramic that filled the silence. Once you took a brief inspection of the place, you approached the booth farthest from the door, where a man with sharp features and a casual arrogance sat sipping coffee.
You didn’t ask or say anything. You just slid into the seat across from him, the weight of exhaustion finally catching up to you.
The man barely looked up from his coffee. “You’ve got the wrong guy,” he said flatly, not bothering to hide his irritation.
“Do I?” you shot back, eyes blazing with defiance.
He glanced at you then—really looking at you. Expensive coat, muddy boots, and the kind of desperate confidence that only came from being cornered.
“Alright,” he said, leaning back with a slow smirk. “Let’s say you don’t. What’s your pitch?”
You hesitated for a moment, gripping the edge of the table as if it might steady you. “I need to get out of the city.”
He raised an eyebrow, already wondering why someone like you was on the run. “And what makes you think I’m running a taxi service?”
“Because I know who you are.” You lowered your voice, and your words edged with urgency. “Shiu Kong. Problem-solver. Handler. Whatever people call you these days.”
“Flattering,” he said dryly. “But if you know that much, you also know I don’t work for free.”
You figured just as much and already knew prior that he wouldn’t do this for free. With a sigh, you dug into the inside pocket of your coat to pull out a gold watch. Its face gleamed under the flickering diner lights as you slid it across the table towards Shiu. “This should cover the ride.”
Shiu tilted his head, inspecting the watch but making no move to take it. “That’s a nice trinket. You could pawn it off, buy yourself a one-way ticket. So… why me?”
Your jaw tightened as a moment of silence between you two passed. There was no use in trying to hide the truth from him. With a deep breath, you finally spoke and answered his question. “Because a train or a plane won’t stop them.”
That’s when his smirk faded. “Them?”
You didn’t answer immediately, your eyes scanning the windows for any sign of movement outside. Finally, you whispered, “There’s a group of them. Hired men. They want to grab me for ransom money. My father… he’s wealthy. Powerful. But he’s also the kind of man who doesn’t negotiate with criminals. If they get their hands on me, I’m good as dead.”
Shiu whistled low. “Rich girl on the run. Should’ve guessed.” He tapped his fingers against the table, his expression unreadable. “You could’ve just gone to the authorities, you know. Why didn’t you?”
You frowned and your voice now turned bitter. “I tried. This… this situation is really complicated. As much as I love my father, living with him only brings trouble. For him and for me. I am constantly surrounded by personal security… unable to have any sort of freedom. I can’t keep living like that. I need to run and go somewhere far away from here.”
“I see,” Shiu muttered. “Alright, so… you’re looking for someone with no strings, no loyalties, and no reason to sell you out.” He sighed, tipping his head back. “Sounds messy and very risky. You realize they’ll still go after you, right?”
“Is that a no?” you didn’t bother answering Shiu’s question. At this point, if he wasn’t going to help, you needed to know quickly so you could move forward.
He went silent, studying you for a long moment before shaking his head. “It’s not a no. But if I’m going to be risking my neck for you, we’re doing this my way.”
“Fine,” you said as relief flashed across your face.
Shiu slid the watch back towards you. “Keep it. You’ll need it. Consider this… a favor.”
Your brow furrowed. “Why?”
He stood, throwing a bill on the table for his coffee and throwing his coat on. “Let’s just say I’ve got a soft spot for trouble.”
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