The labs behind windows only required a personal code, which Daiyu didn’t bother to hide from me when she used it for the third time.

Daiyu greeted a woman in her thirties, who was tall but stocky, her black hair pulled back in a tight bun. The overall effect would have been severe if not for her face lighting up with pleasure when she caught sight of Daiyu. “Miss Jin!” she exclaimed. “What an unexpected surprise.” The woman stood beside a long white table with a light blue suit laid across it. It was unfinished, but one sleeve was lit in an intricate webwork of silver stars.

“I was working on a project with my friend”—Daiyu nodded toward me—“and had to stop by to see my favorite designer. How’s the new suit coming, Vivian?”

Vivian nodded, barely giving me a glance, but waved Daiyu over to the table. “You came just in time. I was beginning to set the design.”

They discussed what Vivian was working on for Daiyu’s newest suit: a star theme. Daiyu talked enthusiastically about her favorite Chinese constellations and the stories behind them. I glanced around the large lab where everyone worked diligently at their stations. The entire room was filled with white furnishings, glaring almost in its lack of color other than what was displayed on work screens. One young man in his twenties gave me a curious look. He obviously knew who Daiyu was but went back to his work a moment later. I saw a life-size 3-D rendering of a suit design projected on the back wall of his station.

During their animated discussion, a message flashed across my Vox from Lingyi: Got it. We’re good.

A copy of Daiyu’s brain wave scan had transferred successfully from Lingyi’s device.

By the time we left Jin Corp, over two hours had passed. Ah Ming was still seated in the grand vestibule, and Daiyu gave him a smile as we exited. “Have a good evening, Miss Jin,” he shouted after us.

It was past nine, and her white limo pulled up to the curb a minute later. “Want to grab dinner?” Daiyu asked.

I was caught off guard and didn’t hide my surprise. “I can’t,” I said. “I’m meeting someone.”

I wanted to report to Lingyi immediately, but I also couldn’t go because I did want to spend more time with Daiyu. I liked being with her too much. I liked her too much. And it needed to stop. When we parted ways, she drew closer for a hug, but I blocked her by putting a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you for the private tour, Miss Jin,” I said.

She smiled a small smile, but not before I saw the disappointment in her eyes.

I had gotten what I needed from her.

My job with Daiyu was done.

•  •  •