CHAPTER 10: NEW ALLY?

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The phone rang a few times then an irritated voice answered "What do you want this time?" "Ah, long time no see my good friend" The man greeted him cheerfully but his tone can immediately send chills to someone just by hearing him.

"Just get to the point" the voice demanded impatiently. Seems he wants the call to end up quickly. "Okay, if you say so" the man paused, leaving the voice in the other end antsy for his little favor.

"I want you to arrange her to be my partner for the up coming assignment"

"Ahhh, that. Listen, the thing is, this is just a part time job for her. So, she can just refuse the mission" The voice turned apologetic when he heard the favor. "Oh, are you okay my friend? I just thought I heard that you can't help me with my favor" The man replied, even if his tone is soft, it still can send chills down someone's spine.

"Okay, okay, I'll think of a way to persuade her but don't get your hopes up" And with that, the call ended.

The man smirked, his devilish grin did not hide his handsome face that is hiding in the shadows of the moonlight.Thinking of something, he picked up his phone once more and dialed a number.

Xia went out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel. Suddenly, her phone rang. Picking it up, she saw the number calling and raised her eyebrows.

"Hello?" Xia answered the call. "Hello! Is this RAVEN?(assassin codename of Xia)" Xia hesitated but still replied "Yes I am, who is this?" "Ahh! I have an assignment for you" Xia's suspicions raised even more.

"Sorry, but I don't take any favor from an anonymous number"

"Who says I'm anonymous?"

"Talking to you is wasting my time, I'm hanging up" Xia was about to hung up when the voice pleaded her.

"Wait!! it's only a little part time assignment. I received your number from someone in charge and let me call you personally"

"Okay, continue" Xia sighed and listened to the details of the mission.

"How is it?" the voice asked.

"I've heard of this before but about my partner" Xia's tone already gave hints that she is already refusing the assignment.

"Dont worry, your partner in this mission is actually a professional. Rest assured, I handpicked him specially for you" the voice knew that persuading this girl is simply impossible but you never know.

"It's fine, I may not be able to collaborate well with this person. I'm afraid that I will have to refuse" Xia replied politely. A sigh can be heard from the other end of the phone.

"I'll let you call me just in case you change your mind"

"Okay, thank you" Xia hung up the phone and gaze to the horizon. Shaking her head, she disposed all thoughts that are bugging her mind. Ever since Xia started this career, she is never paired with anyone except Ann. Though requests kept coming, she always refuse. Weird, an eerie feeling bothers her.

Looking at her phone she is having second thoughts about her response with the request. Xia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. *I'm just stressed* She opened her eyes and searched for her book.

"So, did she agree?"

"Ahhh~" the voice hesitated

"Well?" the man can sense what has happened. "From your tone, I can say that she refused" the voice remained silent. "No need to worry. I know very well the outcome" "Then why?" the voice felt helpless. If he knew that Xia will refuse, why threaten him? Why did he make him do this?

"Always look out for her call. Just because she refused doesn't mean she won't change her mind" the voice fell deep in thought. Why would she change her mind? "I don't get it" (chuckles) The man hung up, he is gazing at a miniature house. The design is simple and it looks warm and comfy.

"Do you like it?" A little girl asked the boy sweetly. The boy remained silent, he has a miniature house on his lap. He is sitting at the porch looking at the object with a serious face. "Come on, say something!" Looking up he met the girl's eyes. They are big and round, black like a bottomless pit, as if there is an eternity in them. She has sweet cherry lips, she looks so innocent.

"What are you looking at?" She kept asking questions but the boy remained silent. "Smile a little, it is your birthday" The girl seemed excited, direct opposite of what the boy is feeling.

"Why bother?"

"Huh?"

"Why bother preparing a present when the celebrant himself doesn't even care?" The girl is dumbfounded by his words. She smiled "It doesn't matter what you think, all I care about is what I feel when I'm preparing it" The boy was surprised by her response, she doesn't care if he doesn't like the present all that matters is she inserted effort into something she looked forward to.

Honking of a car can be heard from the entrance. The both of them looked towards the gate then the girl waved her hands. Looking back at the boy "Well, I'll be seeing you next time" The girl turned around and ran to the car. He watched as the car disappeared from his sight. He looked at the little model house the girl made.

It is neatly built, everything is carefully placed to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The boy stood up and smiled, *At least someone remembered his birthday.*

The man snapped back from his thoughts. He turned off the lights of the model house. Silence filled the room, sounds of the rustling leaves can be heard. The night is so quiet.

The next morning, Xia and Xander are in the town near the seaside. The market are full of native delicacies and souvenirs. Tourists are roaming around the place. The town is quite busy, not much vehicles are seen on the streets. The street is full of people, stalls are calling for customers. The scent of street foods are in the air.

Xia's eyes kept looking around, she is fascinated by the surroundings. Entering a coffee shop, the waiter lead them to the table where their business partner is seated. The woman seated is conservative and old fashioned. By the attire she wears, it is clear that she likes this place. Everything here is simple, practical and traditional.

Xia and Xander sat on vintage designed chairs. The cafe is lit with warm lights, it is filled with retro furniture. The style is old and looks boring but is warm, having the sense of home.

The woman is of 40 years but her complexion is beautiful and young, if it weren't for the file, one would mistake her to be 10 years younger. The woman placed down her teacup and looked at the siblings. She smiled at them gently, "How charming it is that you two are the ones whom I am supposed to collaborate with" The siblings smiled.

"Mrs. Carley, shall we discuss about our cooperation?" Xander asked straightforwardly.

The two chatted but Xia stayed quiet at her seat. She is always bored inside her room at night. An idea struck her head, excusing herself from the table she went outside and took out her phone.

"Yes Miss Xia, changed your mind already?"

"Shut it, I'm just bored. Besides I need something from this"

"Alright, I'll send you the details later"

Hanging up, Xia thought of the prize that she will get from the mission. Enduring few moments with a stranger will be worth it for the reward.

"She agreed"

"Good, arrange the assignment a day after she got back"

"Understood"

The man turned his chair facing the window. "Xia you still haven't changed. You won't agree on something if the price doesn't meet your standards." The man smiled, he seemed to have gotten into something exciting.

Xia is sipping her coffee while listening to Mrs. Carley and Xander talking about business. "Dear, how is the coffee?" Xia looked at Mrs. Carley who is smiling at her. "Yes, everything here is comfortable. A good place to relax." Xia answered softly.

"Dear, do you have a boyfriend?" Xia is flabbergasted by the question. Xander choked but quickly covered his face with a napkin.

(cough cough) "Umm, it didn't cross my mind" Xia replied. Surprise reflected on Mrs. Carley's face "My dear, for such a sweet young girl. Surely someone pursues you" Xia smiled and shaked her head "I don't think it's necessary"

Mrs. Carley smiled "Such a strong personality. I've met a lot of people and I can count with my hands how many are like you." Xia nodded. After bidding goodbye, the two set off back to the hotel. Tomorrow is their flight back to the city.