For a fraction of a second, the world shrank to the blinking red numbers.
00:50:23
00:50:22
00:50:21
Jia's mind did not panic. Training stepped in where instinct might have failed. Her heartbeat accelerated, but her voice came out levelled.
"Don't move," she said quietly.
The man didn't. He looked like he had already forgotten how to breathe. Jia lifted one hand slowly, palm facing him, not in surrender but control.
"What's your name?"
He blinked rapidly, as if the question confused him. "That's not really relevant here, is it now?"
00:49:51
Outside the glass panel of the interview room, Huojin stood with his breath held. They could have emptied the Bureau but the threat was clear. If they tried anything funny, he would press the button right now itself.
Tang Haitao stood beside him. "I was in a holiday mood today, you know?"
"Such is a cop's life, Sup," Huojin said.
"We would be sent to a permanent holiday if we don't stop him. The bomb squad is here."
