Maybe I got tricked...

-Sorry but that won't be possible, I told him shaking my head 

He moved closer to me, I could feel his breath next to me and honestly it was a little unsettling

-And why?, he asked me 

Now I had to find a valid reason, I thought quickly

-Did I shut you up, darling?

-Because I'm not the type to sleep with my future patients, I replied, and I'm not your darling

-Oh yeah?, he smirked at me, yet your actions tell me the opposite 

I suddenly laughed amused before grabbing him by the collar and licking his lips before taking a few steps back.

-You see that, I said to him, smiling amusedly, it doesn't mean anything and I don't feel anything for you

-Nothing, he repeated darkly

-Yeah, I confirmed with a smirk. 

He placed his forehead against mine so that he was staring at me without me being able to look away.

-You're lying, he suddenly laughed, because I know I have an effect on you 

He then took a few steps back to lean against the wall behind him.

-Okay, you make an impression on me, I said to him, but I will never fall in love with you

-You should never say never, he told me

-...

I internally rolled my eyes.

I don't really have time to fall under the spell of a bad guy..., I thought 

-I leave you the choice: either you become my psychiatrist or your brother will regret having known me, he suddenly threatened me 

-Give me another option, I sighed 

-There are only two darling and I'll give you 10 seconds to choose, he said to me in a teasing tone.

-I have a job!, I exclaimed 

-I will pay you triple your salary, he said to me

-You're not so cruel after all, I replied surprised 

-The time is up, he told me satisfied, since the time is up you will work for me 

-On the other hand, I want to draw up a contract, I ordered with crossed arms 

There's no way I'm going to be stupidly trapped, I thought. 

-As you wish, he simply told me before adding, but you have to accompany me I have to go give a speech to the soldier 

I nodded silently and followed him out of the control room.

Why does he want me to accompany him to give a speech?, I thought perplexed 

As we walked towards a large auditorium, I could feel the growing commotion around us. Soldiers were pouring in from all directions, and the atmosphere was saturated with anticipation and tension. The corridors echoed with whispers and the sound of boots. Sheng Xing walked with a determined step, leaving no room for doubt or weakness.

We arrived in front of the auditorium, a large room where hundreds of soldiers were already crowding. The place, lit by pale lights, was filled with palpable energy. As we walked through the doors, my gaze swept through the crowd, finally landing on my brother's. His expression of surprise mixed with concern upon seeing me alongside his superior struck me right in the heart.

Sheng Xing walked onto the stage, motioning for me to follow him. I stood slightly behind, feeling all eyes on us. He raised his hand for silence, and within seconds the noise died down, giving way to complete attention.

-Soldiers, he began in a loud and clear voice, we are faced with an urgent situation. A threat is looming in distant territory, and we must act quickly and precisely.

The murmuring resumed briefly before Sheng Xing raised his hand again to restore silence.

-I know it's not easy. That many of you have families, commitments. But the security of our nation and the lives of our comrades depend on our rapid and coordinated response. We're leaving in an hour. Prepare yourself and be ready to face the unknown.

He then turned to me, a determined look in his eyes.

-Before you go, I want you to know that we have unexpected support. This man here, even if he is not a soldier, showed courage and dedication that we can all salute. He will accompany us, and I am counting on each of you to show him the same respect and cooperation that you show me.

I felt the weight of the soldiers' attention turn towards me, and despite the nervousness, a new determination was born within me. I glanced at my brother, who looked angry, even angry.

Oh damn, I thought worried 

Sheng Xing concluded his speech with specific instructions and the soldiers began to disperse to prepare. He turned to me, the shadow of a smile on his lips.

-Why did you say it like that?!, I whispered discreetly to Sheng Xing

-Let's go, he said simply. We have a lot of things to do.

Great…now my brother is going to want to kill me, I thought in despair 

I followed him.

-Wait, what?! I accompany you to r go where?, I exclaimed in a low voice 

-I'll explain to you once on the plane, he smiled at me mischievously, and I can't wait to receive my reward