Shanghai, China

He knew he was being followed. A young man dressed in dark jeans and a black coat quickly turned around the corner of an old building. Dark, cat-like eyes peered out between a black medical face mask and black wool hat. His pursuers tried to blend in with the surround crowd of people, but he could clearly see them. Three men in black suits under black wool coats scanned the crowd as they made their way towards him. He pulled himself out of view and ran down the street. The young man weaved himself into the crowd and made way for the center, always watchful of narrow alleyways and corners.

After three blocks he slowed his pace and turned a corner. In his mind he let out a sigh of relief but didn't remove the face mask. It was still too early for that. He walked on, hands in his pockets and head down. His hands still shook in his pockets and he fought to slow down his breathing. The young man began to relax. He looked around and began to observe where he was. He needed to go home and study.

Soon there were fewer people and he found himself nearly alone in a narrow side street. He felt a chill and panicked a little inside. He was almost alone.

He stopped in his tracks and could feel his heart violently pick up speed against his sternum. Footsteps were coming up behind him. To his ears, it sounded like three people. His tremors became worse and he could feel a subtle shaking in his legs. The young man slowly turned.

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