C14 Seeing the Person Behind Her

I located the individual's phone number, gave it a once-over to ensure accuracy, and without any delay, I hit the call button. As soon as I did, my gaze shifted to the surveillance feed.

I was curious to see who would pick up.

But scanning the room, it became clear that no one was answering.

In the vast expanse of the office, within my line of sight, not a single person reached for their phone.

The call connected, yet the recipient didn't pick up. After several rings, they simply hung up.

I paused, momentarily taken aback. Why would they hang up without answering?

Doubt crept into my mind, hinting at a potentially bigger issue behind the ignored call.

After taking a deep breath and collecting my thoughts, a realization dawned on me—if all was as it seemed, this person had to be somewhere in the office.

But given the size of the space, my earlier call might not have been visible to everyone.

Moreover, the General Manager had his own private office, his actions there beyond my view, especially since there were no cameras in his sanctuary.

With this in mind, I dialed the number again, hoping for a different outcome.

This attempt, however, ended in disappointment. The phone was now switched off.

Seeing no other recourse, I reluctantly ceased my attempts to call.

The rest of the afternoon, my mind was restless, too preoccupied with thoughts of the evening's impending encounter to focus on work.

Around four o'clock, the General Manager seemed to be heading out for an errand as he passed the entrance to my office. I took the opportunity to greet him.

Setting everything else aside, our General Manager—with his polished image, appearance, and wealth—truly embodied the term "tall, dark, and handsome."

A man of his caliber seemed quite a match for Zhong Ling.

After exchanging greetings, the General Manager offered a forced smile. I was about to assess his zodiac for any issues when he abruptly left, denying me the chance.

By the time I turned to look, all I could see was the back of his head as he departed.

For some reason, I've begun to harbor doubts about the general manager. Yet, as it stands, my suspicions are unfounded—mere conjecture on my part.

Before long, the workday drew to a close. Sitting in the security room, I watched as my colleagues filed out one by one.

Suddenly, Zhong Ling appeared in my office. "Time to head out, security bro," she announced.

I mustered a smile for Zhong Ling and replied, "You go ahead, Zhong Ling. I've still got a few things to wrap up."

In the past, Zhong Ling had a way of subtly hinting at overtime, but as we grew more familiar, she stopped suggesting I stay late. She seemed to want to leave together today, but I genuinely couldn't accompany her.

"Go on ahead, Zhong Ling. I've got a bit more to take care of," I told her.

Zhong Ling gave me a surprised look. "Security guy, you're not off to meet your girlfriend, are you?"

I was at a loss for words.

Struggling to explain, I finally conceded, "Zhong Ling, that's pretty much the case."

At my words, Zhong Ling seemed taken aback. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. But she quickly composed herself, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "Well then, enjoy your date."

"Thanks," I responded, my tone neutral.

I watched her leave, and as she did, she playfully stuck out her tongue at me.

Zhong Ling's flirtatious demeanor was indeed hard to ignore. Once she had gone, the office was nearly empty. It was eight o'clock.

I gathered my things and set out, heading for the nearby plaza—a bustling hub in the city center.

The plaza was lively at this hour, and I had no concerns about my safety.

It wasn't far from our company—just a fifteen-minute walk. I decided against a cab and made my way there on foot, leaving at eight.

As I made my way, the sight of numerous pedestrians and the glow of street lamps along the road provided a comforting sense of security.

I reached the plaza around 8:20. True to its reputation as a bustling marketplace, it was teeming with life. Groups of aunties were dancing joyfully, and the area was dotted with women dressed in vibrant reds and greens. Upon my arrival, I immediately began scanning the crowd, searching for anyone who might look out of place.

Despite several minutes of observation, nothing unusual caught my eye. Then, at precisely 8:30, my phone rang. Without a moment's hesitation, I answered.

A raspy voice on the other end instructed, "Come up to the 28th floor." The plaza's structure boasted over sixty floors, with the lower levels housing a shopping mall and an array of luxury brands. The fifth floor and above were predominantly dining establishments, while the higher levels were occupied by various company offices.

The mention of the 28th floor gave me pause, and I asked, "Why the 28th floor?" The voice replied, "It's quieter here, a suitable place for our conversation. Rest assured, it's very safe." It was as if he could sense my apprehension.

Continuing the conversation, I looked up, my gaze tracing the building's height until I spotted the neon sign illuminating the 28th floor. It was simple and to the point: Graceful Guqin Shop.

A guqin shop on the 28th floor? Confusion mingled with a creeping sense of unease within me. Nevertheless, I had come this far, and fear was not an option. With my belongings in tow, I made my way to the 28th floor.

Stepping into the elevator, I noticed the dim lighting as it ascended. Upon reaching my destination, the elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. Peering out, I saw the words "Graceful Guqin Shop" directly across the corridor.

Instinctively, my hand pressed down on the object I had brought for protection. To claim I wasn't nervous would be a lie; I proceeded with caution. As I approached the entrance, the sudden sound of a piano key being struck resonated. The note seemed to press directly upon my heart, sending a jolt of anxiety that left it fluttering in my throat.