Episode 4: The Game Begins
AUTHOR
"Not every enemy hides a scowl. Some wear your favourite smile" -- Luna Noir
[Scene: LinTech Corporation - Rooftop Garden, Next Morning - 8:00 AM]
The rooftop is quiet, kissed by soft golden sunlight. Wind brushes against tall plants and rustles the leaves of a cherry blossom tree in bloom. Aria stands alone, staring at the skyline with a coffee in hand.
She watches the city pulse with life, knowing each moving piece could change everything if nudged just right.
Aria Lin(FL)
(thinking)
I have nine days before the pitch is stolen. Nine days to build a trap... and bury Lila's lies.
A voice breaks her thoughts.
Ethan Zhao
You're really into rooftops, huh? Or just hiding from your team?
Aria turns. Ethan walks up with two coffees in hand
Aria Lin(FL)
(smirking softly)
Maybe both
Ethan Zhao
(Handing her a coffee)
Well, hide with this. It's your favorite. No sugar, extra strong. You haven't changed.
She pauses, surprised. That detail how did he remember?
Aria Lin(FL)
(Thinking)
Or maybe I never noticed how closely you were watching.
[Scene: LinTech - Marketing Office, 9:30 AM]
Lila Chen struts in, chatting loudly with other team members. Her lipstick is sharp red today. She glances at Aria and walks over.
Lila Chen
So, Aria... about that new proposal? Think we should add those market stats we discussed? I mean, it was kind of our idea, right?
Aria smiles politely. Inside, she's boiling.
Aria Lin(FL)
Oh, don't worry. I've got something fresh for the VP today. I'll handle the presentation myself.
Lila's smile stiffens. Just a flicker of panic in her eyes but it's enough. Aria saw it. The first crack
[Scene: VP Lee's Office -- 10:00 AM]
Wood-paneled walls, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a faint scent of old cologne. VP Lee sits behind his massive desk, tapping a pen.
VP Lee
Let's hear it, Ms. Lin. This better be good.
Aria steps forward, confident, her laptop connected to the screen. She clicks through slides-her real strategy.
Clear, smart, numbers-backed. She adds a twist she didn't include last time-a unique campaign model she once held back, but not now.
Lila sits to the side, fidgeting. Her version was the old one. Aria just outpaced her-and publicly.
VP Lee
(impressed)
Interesting... very interesting. Prepare a full report by Monday. I want this ready for the client meeting next week.
Aria Lin(FL)
(with a calm smile)
Of course, sir. I already started the report
[Scene: Elevator -- Just after the Meeting]
Lila Chen
What was that? You went off script. We were supposed to be a team!
Aria Lin(FL)
(coldly)
were we? l must have forgotten how teamwork feels after last time.
Lila turns to her , eyes narrowing. But Aria just leans in.
Aria Lin(FL)
(whispering)
Tick-tock, Lila. Enjoy the spotlight while you can.
The elevator dings, and Aria walks out leaving Lila frozen,her fake smile cracking wide open.
[Scene: Underground Parking Lot - 8:00 PM]
Dimly lit. Fluorescent lights flicker. Aria walks toward her car, heels clicking. Suddenly, a tall figure steps from the shadows.
Damien Wu(ML)
You've started your move.
He's dressed in a dark coat, leaning casually against a pillar like he owns the night. His face unreadable, but his eyes... watching everything.
Aria Lin(FL)
What do you want, Damien? A progress report?
Damien Wu(ML)
No. Just a warning. You're not the only one who came back.
Aria Lin(FL)
Eyes widening)
What?
Damien Wu(ML)
(Low voice)
Someone else remembers the future. And they're not here to rewrite it. They're here to break you.
AUTHOR
"The past isn't just a mirror... it's a battlefield." - Luna Noir
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