Red Light

Daylight

Yu Bin came out of the guest room hesitantly. He was a little awkward. It was his first time in a suit that actually fit. The muscles and broad shoulders that his clothes normally hid, were on full display. The simple black suit looked stunning on him.

Nie Huaisang looked at the young man. Yu Bin didn't have a clue how gorgeous he truly was. What a set of shoulders... The Inspector cleared his throat.

"You look very handsome, Yu Bin. We have to do something with your head however."

Yu Bin just stared. "Pardon?"

"Your hair. Your hair says 'I'm twenty-two and have no idea how to work a comb.' That has to be remedied immediately. Come sit down."

Somehow, Yu Bin wasn't surprised The Spider knew his exact age. He sat down in the dining room chair Nie Huaisang had pulled out so he would have 360 degree access to its occupant.

"I'll be back." He walked to Lan Wangji's bedroom and knocked on it imperiously. A startled Lan Wangji popped his head out. The bare shoulder said he was half dressed and did not want company at the moment. Nie Huaisang ignored it.

"I need a few things. Do you have..." his voice trailed off as he gave Lan Wangji a list.

Some nods. Some head shakes. "I'll be back." and the door was firmly closed. Within moments, the door had opened, a few bottles were thrust through the opening and the door was shut again.

Nie Huaisang came back and got to work. A dab of this, a spray of that, a new part, the hair combed back and Nie Huaisang stood back to examine his work. The previously slightly messy bangs down style was gone. Yu Bin looked sophisticated. A man of business moving up in the world. But there was an innocence in his eyes as he looked up at Nie Huaisang that he found almost intoxicating. He tapped himself on the chin with his fan. Yu Bin never looked away from his eyes.

'This man can be so dangerous for me and so enticing.' The thought was warm and, unconsciously, he smiled at Yu Bin.

Yu Bin smiled back. "Do I look okay?"

"Of course you do! Go look and see what you think for yourself." Nie Huaisang turned and gathered the products to return to Lan Wangji. He watched Yu Bin walk away and smiled again.

'Ten years older isn't too much. Maybe...' he cleared his throat. 'This is neither the time nor place for such speculation.' he chastised himself. 'But maybe, just maybe, when this is over...'

Thirty minutes later, the three men were in the car headed toward the convention center. Nie Huaisang had provided sunglasses for them. Black aviators looked quite rakish on Yu Bin. Lan Wangji was wearing a pair of Ray Bans. The Spider glanced at them. Both men looked their parts.

"Now remember no in depth discussions at the convention. Just sneak a couple of cards and other freebies for your pockets. Then you're out the door." He handed Lan Wangji a piece of paper with the address written on it. "You're his friend so you get the address."

"Day operations have different rules, gentlemen. During the day, everything has a paper or digital trail. That is why you've been given ids, cards, pictures. Your lives are documented. At night, no one wants to be traced or found. No one would ask Chen Li for his id. The night hides us while the day exposes us." He glanced at them again. His face serious. "Be careful to stay in your persona. Don't expose too much of yourself."

"Oh and Lin Cheung?"

"Mn?"

"Don't forget a gift for Mei-Mei. Two year olds get grumpy when they don't get presents." Nie Huaisang grinned.