Prostitute

The loud bang from a table echoed inside the meeting room.

Lian Qiang, her dark eyes blazing with fury, couldn't help but burst into anger when she heard the Chief talk about her new mission. She hit the table hard with her hand, making a loud noise. She had worked for the organization for many years, going through many tough times and putting herself in danger. She stood up, looking shocked and upset, thinking about all she had done and how hard she had worked. No wonder she was asked to come to the headquarters so early. She assumed it would be a new details or information that will be discuss regarding to the case. But instead, she will be given more task. She thought of something good news.

Maybe they had found a clue or had an update to share. She had hoped for something that would help her solve the puzzle faster. But when she got there, it wasn't about any new information at all. Instead, they had another job for her. It was like adding more weight to her already full plate. She had been so hopeful when she first walked in, thinking this was her chance to hear some good news. But now, she felt a mix of surprise and disappointment.

"What do you mean, Chief?" She asked in a hoarse voice. She couldn't believe how he wants to give her another mission when, in fact, her current mission wasn't even finished yet.

Chief Wei Xi, an aging man with greying temples, looked back at her, his eyes steady. "It's not exactly a new case, Officer Lian. But this will be one of your missions—a one-day mission, to be precise." He paused, letting his words sink in, then added, "I wouldn't assign it to you if I didn't believe you could handle it."

"This is not about complaining about this new mission, Chief. But Chief I--" She couldn't even finish her words, frustration was evident on her face. She took a huge sigh coming out from her lips. "I was having a hard time with this current case that I have, and yet you'll be giving me a new one?" She scoffed.

"Officer Lian, listen." Chief Wei Xi started. He sighed and his face was watching her intently. "You want to be promoted, right?" He asked with a serious tone.

She was left dumbfounded; it seemed like the question that was asked to her was caught in her ear. She couldn't speak a single word.

"Tell me. You want to be promoted, right?" He asked again, repeating his question. "If you are just an officer then you should start taking opportunities that come after you. I know you have so much more to give, Officer Lian. That's why I want you to succeed in this." He continued, knowing this was her weakness.

"But why is it supposed to be me, Chief?" Her eyes were now gentle, and even his anger subsided upon hearing the Chief that made her conscience eat at her.

"It is because I have trust in you, Officer." The Chief was now in his soft voice as well as if he was talking with his own daughter. "I knew you for a long time. I have seen your skills even before. I could see how you improved a lot."

The words that the Chief uttered left her speechless again. She bowed her head to ensure the Chief couldn't see how struck she was by what he was trying to say.

"You are one of the most trusted and respected individuals in this special organization, Officer. It is because of your incredible abilities and expertise in battle. You were different from all of them."

"...I thought you were hungry for more missions? But what are you doing to yourself now, Officer Lian Qiang? Have you become a coward now?"

She was insulted. Yes, by what he said and that was the reason why she should have to try something new. She was hungry for more but she's such a coward.

"But how about Liu Xian? He has some skill as well." She said to know some reason why the Chief wants to give this to her. In her thought, Liu Xian was the best option as well, he should be the one to take this new mission since she still has an ongoing case.

Chief Wei Xi shook his head," This mission wasn't suitable for him."

"What is this mission all about, then?" She asked, waiting for him to reveal what this mission is all about. "What about the person I'm guarding?" Her questions came one after another.

"Since the case that you have been handling right now hasn't even shown any signs yet, you should never let him get out from their mansion."

"But Chief, what if he leaves again?"

"Then bring him here to the headquarters. I will let him be free for a moment here. So that you could possibly do your new mission without thinking about your true mission," he responded to her question.

"Then what is it that you need me to do? What mission?" She asked, preparing herself for what it's about to be.

"You need to become an undercover for this mission. Pretend to be someone else," he seriously said with his elbows on the table, gazing at her intently.

As the Chief was about to reveal which specific 'someone' she would portray for this mission, her heart raced, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through her. She was all ears, awaiting his statement with bated breath.

"That's why you are suitable for this mission because..." Chief Wei Xi maintained his gaze on her. "...you have to pretend to be a prostitute."

"A what?! Did I hear you correctly, Chief? You want me to pretend to be a PROSTITUTE!?" She laughed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You heard me right, Officer Lian," said the Chief. His voice was strong and firm, showing he meant what he said.

Lian felt a rush of mixed feelings. Now, she felt more worried and unsure. The room felt very quiet. The Chief's words made her think hard about the big task in front of her. She tried to be strong, but she couldn't hide her feelings. Deep down, she wondered if she could really do it.