THE REAL PROTEGE

"First things first," Ling Li continued, her voice gentler now, "tomorrow, Chu Yan and I will return home to serve tea to my parents. It's a tradition I won't neglect, even amid chaos." Her gaze flicked to the twins. "You'll come with us with your grandparents."

She turned to Shi Min with a steadied breath. "Shi Min, continue your training with Lily. I know your long absence from work troubles you, but this moment requires full focus. Otako has recalled the Samurai from Heavenly Valley. That means Solaris will strike, likely on the day of the competition. You must be prepared."

Shi Min nodded firmly, his eyes dark with resolve. "I'll resume my training today. Lily and I will push beyond the choreography. It won't just be dancing — it'll be a diversion."

Lily gave a quiet nod of agreement. "I can make it look convincing."

"Good," Ling Li replied. "That's what I need."

Ling Li inclined her head in gratitude, then looked to the rest of the group. "We must enter Chinese territory discreetly. Moving as a large unit will draw too much attention."

Her gaze settled on Ren and Shun. "You two will continue your training in Beijing. I've arranged everything. Reginald will accompany you, along with Nicu and Ailun, who have both been training with Otako. One of Otako's Samurai will oversee your martial arts training and act as your shadow guard, and Dr. Norman, one of the androids, will be assigned to stay by your side."

Ren leaned forward, voice tight with urgency. "Mom... when do we leave? And... when will you come join us?"

Ling Li turned toward Ren, her gaze calm yet heavy with the weight of strategy. The morning sunlight glinted off her earrings as she folded her hands with deliberate poise, an empress-like composure.

"Soon," she said gently, but her voice carried the gravity of thunder just beyond the hills.

"You will leave by the end of the week. The timing is critical. I will join you in stages, once the tea ceremony is complete and the tides around Solaris begin to shift."

Shun leaned forward, nodding respectfully but unable to hide the spark of adrenaline surging in his veins. "What should we prepare, Auntie?"

Ling Li's eyes flicked toward him, measuring. "You will continue your espionage studies, master the Chinese government and constitution. And enhance your martial arts the furthest you can."

Shun nodded as he gave Ren's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Ling Li remained composed, her tone unwavering as she turned toward Quan Ye. "You have one week to prepare," she said, her words deliberate. "Then you'll depart for Belgium. The transfer of your business has been complete for over a year — it's thriving."

Fatty's lips parted, but nothing came out.

Ling Li continued without pause. "Your parents have already settled there, thanks to Mushu's arrangements. They're waiting for you. It's time to solidify your image, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a European businessman. A symbol of our global reach."

Fatty swallowed hard. The room had grown quieter still.

Ling Li's gaze sharpened as she concluded, "Goldie will be at your side. He will assist and train you. Do not slack, Quan Ye."

There was no room for protest, no thread of leniency in her voice. Her words rang like a verdict.

Fatty blinked slowly, his usual bravado muted by the weight of responsibility suddenly thrust upon him. He turned helplessly toward Lily, his eyes searching hers for comfort, assurance — perhaps even a lifeline. But she only gave him a soft, encouraging nod, her fingers brushing his beneath the table.

Fatty "...." He truly wants to cry, but no tears come.

Ling Li leaned slightly forward, her tone lower now, confidential. "Shi Min, I want your opinion," she said. "I'm considering transferring Camp Phoenix to Myanmar — gradually, of course. Suppose we're going to confront the Chinese government head-on. In that case, it's only a matter of time before the President tightens his grip and accuses us of violating the law. El Padre agrees with this course."

Shi Min narrowed his eyes, thoughtful. His fingers found his chin as he scratched absently, a quiet gesture that betrayed the swirl of calculations behind his composed exterior.

"It's a good idea," he said finally. "We should move all firearms and specialized equipment first, and discreetly. If we wait too long, we risk losing everything in a crackdown. There's no room for hesitation."

Ling Li nodded, her expression steely. A flicker of resolve passed between them — leaders and strategists bound by a shared sense of impending risk.

"Mushu," Ling Li said, her tone crisp and deliberate, "make all the necessary arrangements. Coordinate thoroughly with Dane and El Padre—no missteps."

She shifted her gaze to the window, where the dusk shimmered with quiet promise.

"El Padre has secured everything in Myanmar. The location is ready; it's waiting for us."

There was a weight behind her words, the kind that carried history and expectations.

Ling Li turned back to Mushu, her expression unreadable.

"You don't need to accompany me tomorrow. This operation is now your domain. Make it airtight."

A subtle nod followed, barely perceptible.

"Pharsa and Rockie will come with me."

Mushu straightened, already recalibrating.

"Yes, Madam. I understand," he replied, the faintest edge of urgency undercutting his measured voice.

"Eh, what about me? What about me?" Chatty's hand shot up like a schoolboy desperate not to be overlooked. His voice was laced with mock distress.

Ling Li's lips curved into a soft chuckle just as Pharsa leaned in and pinched his side.

"Ouch! Honey, I'm just saying — I got worried the Madam forgot me," Chatty whined, rubbing his waist with theatrical flair.

Ling Li crossed her arms, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

"Murphy, I never forget my people. You and Pharsa are coming with me tomorrow."

She let the weight of her next words settle around them.

"After that, you'll focus on your training at the race track. With Pharsa keeping you sharp, it's time to carve your name into the racing circuit. I expect you on the starting line before year's end."

Chatty puffed up instantly, pride lighting his face.

"Ah, yes! Rest assured, Madam!" he chirped with infectious cheer.

Pharsa snorted beside him, half amused, half exasperated, already bracing for the whirlwind her partner promised to be.

Ling Li's voice carried a quiet finality as she addressed the room.