This could be a mistake. Adrian worked in intelligence. He was trained to manipulate, to extract information.
But he was also right—Lin Yuer needed allies who weren't emotionally compromised.
He shook Adrian's hand. "Friends. But if you betray me, I'll know exactly how to make you disappear."
"There's that Phantom energy." Adrian laughed. "Don't worry. I'm loyal to my friends. Annoyingly so, according to my previous partners."
They ate their dessert—which was, admittedly, the best tiramisu Lin Yuer had ever tasted—and talked about lighter things. School, classes, Adrian's culture shock moving from London to China.
It was almost normal.
Until Adrian's phone buzzed and his expression changed.
"What?" Lin Yuer asked.
"Security alert. Someone's been asking questions about you in some very dark corners of the internet." Adrian showed him the screen. "Underground forums. Mercenary networks. Someone's looking for information on a teenager matching your description."
The Master.
