Page 6 of New World

She didn’t miss the glance he exchanged with the major, nor the way the officer’s jaw tensed. This wasn’t just about discovery—it was about control. Intelligence gathering. Spying.

Xiao Cheng spoke then, his voice firm, clipped, confirming her suspicions. “Your mission is not simply exploration, Ms. Li Hú. You will be trained to gather intel on the technology being developed onboard and report any findings once contact is made.” His dark eyes measured her reaction. “You are to bring back anything of value.”

Mei felt a thrill of excitement coil in her chest, but she did not let it show. She simply inclined her head, her voice steady. “I understand.”

Her father studied her, his gaze piercing. “I called in many favors to ensure your assignment to this mission, Mei. It was not easy and came at a substantial cost. You must not fail.”

He didn’t say it with concern, only expectation. Success was the only thing that mattered to him.

“I will not disappoint you,” she said evenly.

The words came easily, practiced over years of training. But this time, for the first time, they held a different meaning to her.

She turned and walked out of the office, careful not to let her stride betray the anticipation humming beneath her skin. This was it—her chance. A way off this planet. A way out from under his control.

The rhythmic clicking of her heels down the corridor was abruptly interrupted by the heavier sound of following footsteps. She maintained her pace, recognizing her companion before he could speak, as he hastened to join her.

“Ms. Li Hú, a moment, please.”

Mei glanced sideways, meeting Major Cheng’s assessing gaze. He wasn’t just studying her—he was fascinated.

“You are… different from what I expected,” he said.

She kept her expression neutral. “Oh? How so?”

“I have read about you,” he said casually. “Your father was very… thorough in sharing your accomplishments.”

Of course, he would be, she thought with disdain.

Mei had spent years ensuring that the world saw only what she wanted them to see. If this man thought he knew her, he was mistaken.

“Then you must know everything there is to know about me,” she said, her voice smooth, careful.

His lips quirked slightly. “Not everything, I suspect, but I would like to remedy that. Perhaps at dinner tonight?”

They reached the entrance of the building. A sleek black car pulled up, its tinted windows gleaming under the city lights. The driver stepped out, opening the door for the major.

“I’m afraid I have to decline, Major Cheng,” she replied with an edge of coolness to her voice. “I already have a previous engagement.”

“Regrettable. Perhaps we will have another chance in the future.” Xiao paused on the sidewalk and turned to face her. His dark gaze flickered with something unreadable. “You remind me of a lioness.”

Mei arched a brow. “How so?”

“There is a stillness in you,” he said. “Most people would not see it, but I do.” He hesitated, then added, “It is the lionesses who hunt. And if necessary, they will bring down a male who threatens them.”

Mei smiled slightly, tilting her head. “Interesting.”

Xiao held her gaze for a moment longer before he slid into the car. As it pulled away, his eyes remained on her, watching. Mei suppressed the urge to frown. There was something in his expression—not admiration. Something sharper. Calculating.

Mei chuckled under her breath, her mind already focused on her next move. Neither her father nor her government had any idea how deadly she had become.

And soon, she would be beyond their reach.

Six months into the voyage aboard the Gliese

* * *

Mei knelt in front of the open panel, her fingers deftly running along the smooth wiring as she ran her final diagnostic. It was a routine check, one she had done countless times before. The hum of the ship was steady, a comforting rhythm she had grown used to over the last six months.

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