Beat Down
Li Jing glanced at the alleyway that branched off from the busy street. It was dark and narrow, with piles of garbage and broken bottles lining the walls.
She walked faster into the alley. Moving through the clutter, before reaching an old, rusty door. Looking around one last time, she knocked on the door—three times, then two, then one.
The person on the other end said, "Who's there?"
"It's me, Li Jing. Open up."
"What's the password?"
"Old Tiger."
The door clicked open. Li Jing pushed it and stepped inside. She was greeted by a blast of music and a cloud of smoke. She coughed and blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The large room filled with people.
In the room, different things were happening. Some people danced, moving to the music. Others played cards at tables, making noise with the chips. In one corner, a few used needles, and in another, people smoked pipes, filling the air with a strong smell of weed.