"A young lady's hurt her hand—let me do it," Aunt He volunteered.
Leon looked awkward. "Those are Mr. Jin's instructions."
Aunt He frowned, puzzled by Jason's meaning.
If he didn't care about this girl, why bring her into the house to be looked after? But if he did care, why have her pack his luggage knowing she was injured?
Kristen came back to herself, not particularly bothered. "I don't know what he needs to take."
Leon, ever considerate, handed over a prepared checklist. "Just follow this. The suitcase is in Mr. Jin's dressing-room wardrobe—use the black one."
Checklist in hand, Kristen went upstairs, found the black suitcase Leon had mentioned, set it on the sofa, then opened the wardrobe to select three suits and four shirts, matching different ties and cufflinks.
Underwear and socks were in the drawers. Seeing the neatly folded black briefs, she flushed and, without looking closely, grabbed a few and dropped them into the case.
Razor, aftershave, facial cleanser, skincare—those were in the bathroom.
When everything was packed, she closed the case and locked it.
"Miss Liang, allow me." Leon had been waiting at the bedroom door; the moment he saw her wheel out the suitcase, he stepped forward and took it.
"Thank you." Kristen didn't stand on ceremony and followed him downstairs. "Um… how long will Mr. Jin be away?"
Leon stopped, turned his head, and didn't answer immediately.
Kristen explained, "I'm not trying to pry into his schedule. I'm about to join a production. If he's still away then, please pass it on to him."
Leon nodded. "Mr. Jin is only going to Hucheng. Leaving tonight—back in three or four days."
Kristen nodded and saw him out.
If Jason wouldn't be back tonight, then for the next couple of days there'd be no worry about being summoned to "share his bed." Better to stay at the apartment for two nights.
There was a lot to bring for joining the crew, and most of her things were still at the apartment.
Starlight Apartments, downstairs.
Kristen declined Old He's offer to see her up. "The security here is solid—no need to worry. If I head out, I'll call you first."
Her tone was firm; Old He didn't insist and drove off.
In the elevator, Kristen received a message from Martin: Director Hong had sent over the contract. Details were settled, and once legal reviewed it, she could sign.
There'd be a month of etiquette and action training before filming.
Fingerprint unlocking as she texted back, Kristen pushed the door open without sensing anything amiss.
Just as she was about to shut it, a hand reached from behind. A white towel clamped over her mouth and nose, a sharp chemical reek flooding her senses.
Thud!
Her phone dropped to the floor. Kristen clawed at the man's hand, struggling desperately. "Mmm—mm—mmm…"
But he was too strong. With her breath cut off, the room blurred. Her eyes slipped shut and she went limp.
A dark shape caught her in time, gathering her close. The tenderness in those eyes turned to ice as the head lifted. "Search carefully."
It felt like she slept for a very long time. When Kristen came to, she was lying on a bare mattress, the air thick with dust. She couldn't help sneezing three times in a row.
A dim bulb lit the cramped space. Junk piled along the walls under a mantle of grime—it looked like no one had lived here for ages. At the doorway…
A tall, straight figure stood silhouetted.
( End of Chapter )