Crack of Dawn

The training lasted until it was dark outside. Yi Lan taught Xin Tuyong how to handle different guns and different knives with severe methods.

The stress was almost too much to bear and Xin Tuyong was covered in a layer of sweat each time she spoke.

During "break time," she taught him how to conduct himself.

"Look, son, anyone could tell that you were a nobody when you walked in. Where's your dignity? Sit up straight and carry your own weight," she had barked at him, along with a slew of cuss words.

By the time they had gotten back to the house, it was nearly midnight and the rain lightly trickled down. Huan Mao was silent for most of the time.

When they went in, she patted his shoulder. "Please be up by seven tomorrow. We'll review what you learned, and then you'll put it into practice. Good night."

He practically dove into his bed, disregarding his empty stomach that hadn't seen food for hours. It was like a curtain closed on him, and he could feel nothing.

That nothingness was cut off by the shrill alarm by his bedside as the sun was beginning to rise behind the hazy clouds.

Exhaustion dragged his heels, so by the time Huan Mao came to the door, he wasn't entirely ready.

She tossed some clothes on his bed and gave him a 10-minute warning.

"Put these on and meet me outside."

Changing into the clothes, he couldn't help but feel appreciative. The dark grey suit fit well. Most importantly, it was better than his plain work clothes.

The belt alone seemed like it was made of money, with small jewel embellishments on the buckle.

He hurried outside to meet Huan Mao. Confusion filled him as he saw her in the car.

He entered. "Are we reviewing?"

"Yes." She pulled some photos out of her purse. Various weapons, all of which Xin Tuyong had worked with the day before.

She randomly pulled one out and he had to tell her how to use the weapon, and if it was a gun, how to reload it. Then they went over the code of conduct.

His spine subconsciously straightened itself and he controlled his expression and voice. His hands were frozen in his lap.

When Huan Mao was satisfied, she shifted through her purse and brought out a sparkling silver watch.

Xin Tuyong gawked as she handed it to him.

"You want me to wear it?" She nodded with a deadpan expression. "Oh, thank you!"

"It's just a necessary part of today's outfit. Take care of it well or you'll owe me. You'll probably need to wear it again sometime."

"Thank you. I will." He wondered if that meant he could keep it, but didn't say anything.

The car ride was even longer than the ride to the training building and before he knew it, he fell asleep.

Huan Mao nudged him sometime later. "Pull yourself together. We're almost there."

Xin Tuyong straightened his clothes and made sure he hadn't drooled. The car parked at the side of the road.

Ahead was an abandoned warehouse. Were they dressed all fancy just to go there? He still had no idea what to expect.

As if reading his mind, Huan Mao spoke, "We'll be dealing with some associates from another company. I have other employees who will be meeting with us. If you're ever unsure, follow what they do.

"The people we meet might get a little intimidating, but stand your ground. Be a lion even if you're paper. Okay?"

Xin Tuyong nodded as she continued gravely, "Just remember to stay out of the way, but be prepared if anything goes wrong. Not a word. Don't let your training go to waste."