Unseen Threats

The construction site in Xiaolong bustled with activity as workers toiled under the setting sun. Wooden beams were lifted into place, bricks stacked, and the steady hum of progress filled the air. Ning Li moved through the site, clipboard in hand, ensuring every detail aligned with their timeline. The construction was progressing rapidly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Ming Hao had been keeping a close eye on the surroundings ever since spotting the suspicious man near Li Mei's pottery shop. His instincts told him that Tang Jun wasn't just watching from a distance anymore—he was preparing to make his move.

That evening, as the sun dipped behind the mountains, Ming Hao was patrolling the village outskirts when he heard rustling in the undergrowth. He stopped, gripping the knife hidden in his boot. The sound came again—a slow, deliberate movement, not the random stir of the wind.

"Who's there?" he called out, stepping forward.

Silence. Then, suddenly, a shadow darted between the trees. Ming Hao sprinted after it, weaving through the dense foliage. He glimpsed a figure in dark clothing, moving with calculated precision. The person knew the land well enough to avoid making unnecessary noise.

Ming Hao lunged, grabbing the stranger's sleeve, but they twisted free and bolted toward the village's outer road. Just as he was about to follow, another sound stopped him—a sharp whistle from the opposite direction. Someone else was out there.

Realizing he might be walking into an ambush, Ming Hao pulled back and let the figure escape. He cursed under his breath and hurried to warn the others.

When Su Lan passed by, carrying fresh produce from the market, he caught sight of another unfamiliar figure near the alleyway.

Su Lan stopped, adjusting her basket. "Is something wrong?"

Ming Hao shook his head. "Just making sure everything's fine."

But in truth, he wasn't convinced.

Across the village, the pottery shop was unusually quiet. Li Mei sat inside, her hands gliding over a half-formed vase on the wheel. She didn't need to see to know she was being watched. It was a feeling that had lingered for days—an unseen presence lurking just beyond reach.

The door creaked open. "Li Mei," Su Lan's voice called. "Are you here?"

Li Mei smiled slightly. "I was waiting for you."

Su Lan entered, setting down a woven basket. "You're not still thinking about that man outside, are you?"

"He was there again today," Li Mei murmured.

Su Lan stiffened. "You're sure?"

"I may not see him," Li Mei said, fingers pressing into the cool clay, "but I can feel him."

Before Su Lan could respond, the door swung open again—this time with urgency. Ming Hao stepped in, with his usual casual demeanor replaced by something sharper and urgent.

"There's trouble," he said, glancing at Li Mei. "And I think it's about to get worse."