" It all started twenty years ago, when you ruined my life....."

A man in his late forties drenched in rain water rushes in with haste to the door step, the front door creaks open as he walks in, as he quietly took steps inside the house the floor boards creaked loudly.

"Dad?.....Dad! "

A young girl rushes down the stairs in haste to greet her father, he looked at her with great worries in his eyes, the rain hammered down the rumbling sound sent a chill down Xiu Ying's spine. "Xiu Ying! go back inside, it's not safe here.... Go back upstairs" her father said with a hint of fear in his voice as he pushed her back inside.

" But....Dad? What's wrong?" Xiu Ying asked as she slowly moved towards the stairs. Right outside the Zhang Family residence, a black limousine was parked very close to the house, the window went down slowly and a young boy glanced at the house..... he hurriedly retrieved a loaded magazine and drove it firmly into the pistol's base until it locked. He then produced the long, heavy suppressor and began to carefully thread it onto the barrel. It took a few rotations, the metal cool under his fingertips. Once secured, he gripped the rear of the slide, yanked it back and released it, the sound of the action cycling was music to his ears, as he came down from the limo and gazed at the house, he cocked the hammer and stared at his target.

"I guess I have to do everything by myself...." he let out a deep sigh. Heading towards the house he put up his hoodie and walked in the rain, he jumped the fence and walked towards the front door. "Mr. Zhang...." the young man said pulling up the gun and pointing it at the man. With bullets to his heart and brain, he was dead, the young girl screamed as she watched this happen, she rushed downstairs and saw her father lying down flat, not moving or saying a word, she fell on her knees and cried out loudly..... She looked at the young boy who was looking at her with no emotion, he gazed at her and left. She quickly memorized his face and rushed to the telephone, with different emotions clouding her mind she was devastated. In tears the four-year-old Xiu Ying called the ambulance and her aunt who was her only relative from her father's side. Without the paramedics, Xiu Ying knew her father had died the moment he was shot.....

Aunt Mei Li and Xiu Ying were devastated, they consoled each other day by day and plan his funeral

TWO WEEKS LATER

Another raining day, in Beijing.... Xiu Ying wore a modest black gown as she stood by her father's grave. She burst in tears once again, her aunt quickly approached her after greeting the guest.

AN FUNERAL HOMES

Aunt Mei Lin and Xiu Ying stood in front of his grave, Xiu Ying wiped her tears and looked up and Aunt Mei Lin who looked at her brother's picture endlessly, then she finally spoke in a slow and sweet voice " Xiu Ying, I want you to make a promise to me-...

"I'm sorry Aunty, but I can't make you any promises.... My father was killed by a twelve-year-old maniac..... And I swear that I will avenge his death, if he couldn't finish those mafia people I will" she said with determination in her eyes.... Aunt Mei Lin looked at her with pity and hugged her tightly. "Oh dear brother, how do I convince her not to follow in your steps ? How do I fix this? I can't let her walk on the same path as her father" Aunt Mei Lin thought to herself as she let go of Xiu Ying. Xiu Ying goes to meet Mr. Ito who was the owner of the Spy company her dad once worked for.

YEARS LATER

Xiu Ying graduated from Junior Police Academy, a middle school for future security officers , spy's and bodyguard. This is a school where the government chooses the best of the best to secure the country and its people. Entering the Spy's Official Cooperation but globally known as Security Official Cooperation (SOC) , Xiu Ying becomes a successful spy just like her father and wins a lot of awards and is recognized by the whole Asia. Having many medals and being a high ranked agent and spy made her somehow untouchable, and she hardly had any friends or rather any female friends.

Whack, whack

"Yo, get up " a guy said as he hit some files on her desk, she slightly tilted her head and said "Do you have a death wish? ". He scoffed and sat down.

-Agent Lee Soo Bin-

Age : 27 years old

A transfer from the Korean Branch

Xiu Ying ex-boyfriend

"Mr. lto and the other board of directors wanna see you now" he said as he glanced at her. She grunts loudly and stretched a little before getting up , " Let's see what this is all about" she said in a more serious tone as she wore her jacket.

Xiu Ying wore her jacket and exited her office. She walked down the hall heading straight to the conference room where all the Board members were seated. All the employees of lower rank and other ranks watched Xiu Ying pass by. They knew where she was heading, and they all chattered and murmured about Xiu Ying and her desperate attitude towards finding the killer of her father.

She approached the conference room and knocked loudly on the door. She took a deep breath as she reached for the door knob, slowly turning it and opening the door. Xiu Ying looked across the room and sighted her boss. She took a deep bow. "Oh! Now, she shows us some respect" a woman sitting next to Mr. Zhao said as she smirked slightly. "Ms. Zhang, please take a seat" Mr. Zhao said as he gave Xiu Ying a warm welcoming smile. Xiu Ying quickly sat at one end of the table directly facing her boss.

The silence in the room was quite unsettling. For a few minutes the room was left silent....."Ms. Zhang I'm sure you are wondering why we summoned you here". A man who sat at the other end spoke, and his voice alone filled the whole room with chills. He glared at Xiu Ying for a while.

"..... Actually I'm not..... I'm sure you want to give me a raise of something like that.... Isn't that right, Mr. Ito?" she said, shrugging. "You are a great agent.... A wonderful partner and trainee..... The best our company has ever seen since....you know....Ms. Zhang" one of the board members said with a low tone.

"....." Mr. Zhao stayed quiet and silently observed the meeting... " What is this? Rejection? No.... it's not possible..... Are they firing me?" Xiu Ying thought to herself, she frowned heavily after hearing this..... It triggered something in Xiu Ying she didn't know what it was, but she hated it. "You have won a lot of awards..... Your record as a soldier is one of a kind," Mr. Ito said as he flipped through her profile..... he continued," You have caught a lot of criminals and brought pride to our secret organization, you carry out mission accordingly and just the way it should..... The nation as a whole has recognized you as a good soldier and the company has as well, but..... You have one passion and one drive only.... your father's death".

Xiu Ying froze after hearing this...." What is this? Why would they suddenly be mentioning his name now?" she thought to herself. She clasped her fingers tightly beneath the table as she stared at the table.

"We would love to think that you did this for the good of our country, not -

"To be honest, I don't like the way this conversation is going.... Why are you saying all this? What are you all saying? Huh?.... What? My father's death isn't enough reason for me to become a spy or a soldier?...." she said angrily cutting off one of the officials. The room was left silent for some time until Mr. Zhao spoke, "Xiu Ying! You are here to listen..... Your continuous thirst for revenge will put us in big trouble..... Your father's case was closed due to lack of evidence and a testimony of a little girl of four years couldn't be enough reason to keep the investigation going.

Xiu Ying banged her hands on the table as she shouted angrily, "Bullshit!.....". She angrily stood up to leave as she approached the door. Mr. Zhao said, "Your taste for revenge is making me reconsider whether you deserved all that glory; medals, awards, post and promotions....I'm sorry to inform you, but as of today.... You cease to be an agent here at SOC"

"What? Did I hear you correctly?"

FOUR WEEKS LATER

TORONTO, CANADA

WELL - BORN VILLA

The privacy and mystery of the exclusive residence glowed with outstanding luxury, all soft amber lights and the faint crackle of a fireplace tucked into a wall of old stone. Polished wood gleamed beneath crystal glasses, and the air carried the gentle perfume of maple, cedar, and something slow-cooked and expensive. Conversation drifted like music, low and refined, blending with the smooth hum of a jazz piano somewhere near the bar. Guests lingered at their tables, voices soft, laughter distant. The whole place felt suspended — golden light, good wine, the hum of music wrapping everything in silk. It wasn't loud, not like a club. It was intimate and the kind of music meant for people who had nowhere to be but here, now.

The staff moved with practiced grace, their footsteps muffled against the floor, their voices soft but sure. Every smile seemed measured, polite but warm, the kind of charm that came naturally in Canada, where courtesy was an art form. Outside, snow clung to the windowsills, but inside, the light held a quiet heat, wrapping every table in gold. It wasn't loud or show. it was elegance that whispered instead of bragged.

"Mr. Xue Ying!"

A man who was in his late forties' walked towards a young man who was dressed in a silvery gray suit, it was custom-made especially for him. He was very tall and elegant, and his looks aren't breathtaking, he had a scary look more like a tyrant. He's black eyes and silver hair were the most notable features, he's slim body structure gave off a weak vibe from the young man. "You didn't have to come all the way here to greet me" the young man said as he looked down at the old man. "No, no way.... You came all the way here to see me I'm truly honored". The young man responded with a chuckle, "This way, sir" the man directed towards his reserved room.

TOP FLOOR

[ Private Villa ]

The villa glowed with understated luxury — all soft amber lights and the faint crackle of a fireplace tucked into a wall of old stone. Polished wood gleamed beneath crystal glasses, and the air carried the gentle perfume of maple, cedar, and something slow-cooked. Servers dressed neatly in black and white or simple uniforms, they move quietly and respectfully, serving the young man and the old man.

THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM

"So what brings you to Toronto?" the man asked with a sign of happiness and joy in his voice. " I'm sorry if I intruded your vacation..... it's all about work for me, I hope you are enjoying your vacation Congressman Ono" he said smiling at him. " Mr. Xue Ying, you flatter me" the Congressman said while taking his seat. Mr. Xue Ying picks up his cutleries and begins to eat his served steak, the plate clatters as they both enjoy their meals. The room was filled with silence that it began to worry the Congressman. "Why is he being so quiet? What is the main reason he came all the way from China to America?" the man thought to himself. "How is your vacation going Congressman? Are you enjoying yourself?" Mr. Xue Ying voice broke the silence.

" Yes, yes sir of course I am" he answered nervously as he drank his whole glass of water...." So you got your share, huh?" Mr. Xue Ying said as he angrily banged his fork on the table.... he stared at Mr. Ono before he stood up. In fear Mr. Ono dropped his table knife and froze. " Our shipment was totally successful.... I got my share, so did you and the rest of your people but yet....". He stood before Congressman Ono and picked up the table knife...." All these Japanese officials are all the same....don't you think so, Congressman Ono?".

" Mr.... Mr... Mr. Xue Ying, I know what you are thinking... But it's not what it seems I swear to you" He stammered as he tried to explain himself..... "Failure doesn't lead to success, and it's success I need to make money and pay you..... If you can do this little task for me, then it will be your head" he said as he gave off a cold gaze. Xue Ying admired the knife and forcibly grabbed Congressman Ono hand, he smirked and said" Maybe this will teach you not to mess with my business.... Let's be clear on this, get me the President of Korea and your share will increase". He angrily presses his hand on the table, he lifted the blade slowly, not rushing, not angry. Congressman Ono trembled, his breath ragged. One word from the boss, and it was done. A sharp sound, a gasp — then nothing but the faint clatter of metal on wood.

Congressman Ono let out a loud shout and struggled as Xue Ying started cutting off his smallest finger. Xue Ying bodyguards outside increased the volume of the music player. No one apart from Mr. Ono and Mr. Xue Ying could hear his scream. After he was done , he placed the cut-off finger on his plate and said, " Fix your fuck up...or I will fuck you up" he whispered that last part into his ear. " Yes! Yes , boss I will, " Congressman Ono said, crying heavily and holding his bleeding hand.... He took a deep bow as Xue Ying left the room.

SANYA, Hainan, CHINA

In Xiu Ying's vacation house, which was near Yalong Bay which was a well-known site for tourists and a good place to relax and enjoy a nice vacation. She stayed in a spacious villa filled with a lot of fancy and expensive items. Each room had a specific essence and aura that would make one speechless. The living room was very large with a glass table in the middle, some paintings hung near the newest version of LG OLED television, the couches matched all the other items kept in the living room and kitchen, which was really close to the living room. The kitchen had everything and was almost as spacious as the living room, not to talk about the room.

Xiu Ying laid on the couch in the living room. She was fast asleep after drinking a lot. She was drunk and devastated. She felt sorry for not being able to figure out her father's murder. The room was filled with the buzzing of Xiu Ying's phone and the ringing of the doorbell. Xiu Ying groans loudly, she slowly opens her eyes and puts her right hand on her forehead.

FOUR WEEKS AGO

SPY OFFICIAL COOPERATION (SOC)

 [Headquarters]

-Chairman Ito's Office -

Xiu Ying sat down calmly, staring at Mr. Ito as he poured her a cup of tea. He offered her the tea cup...she glared at him for a while before bowing as she reached for the cup. "Xiu Ying, I know you won't agree to our proposal to go on a vacation for a year" he said as he poured himself a cup of tea, "..... Our proposal? Or your means of getting rid of me?" Xiu Ying said, frowning heavily as she stared at Mr. Ito. He chuckled and then took a sip of his cup of tea, "Is he serious? Why? Mr. Ito, why?" she thought to herself as she glared as different emotions blocked her sense of reasoning.

"Do you know why we are a secret organization? Do you know our main purpose as members of the SOC?" he asked abruptly.

"To protect the people, arrest criminals and keep the government in a good image" she said, shrugging. He nodded in agreement....." Exactly.... And you are one of those people we are protecting..... tracking down an invincible murderer over the years, just like your father" He said the last part with a sad tone as he dropped his cup of tea before he continues "He was obsessed over a particular family and their business, and eventually they murdered him.... You know the same family your obsessing over.... The Lee Family"

The Lee Family, that family was a very prestigious family well known for their love for Chinese culture and aid in the development of China. For 40 years, they made a huge impact on China, but suddenly they disappeared from the face of the world. But a few years later, they suddenly appeared and turned their backs on those they once helped. They became the worst China had yet seen. They formed gangs all around Asian and made big waves in the drug business, led by the one and only heir of that family.... Lee Chan Juan, was only 10 years old when he took his father's place. People said the cause of his father's murder was out of revenge.... They were envied and hated for everything they did, whether good or bad. All those people he helped in the past, friends, turned into enemies. Chan Juan sought revenge for his family and got rid of all those who stood in his way and ended up in the grave... Just like Xiu Ying's father, and then he died a few years ago.

"I don't think Chan Juan is dead, I know what I'm saying..... My hunch is very wrong.... Chairman-

"Your father knew that you were becoming obsessed with the whole following in his footsteps' thing, you are just like him that's why I can't lose you..... If you die, your father will never forgive me..... So, go.....go to Sanya.... Stay there for a while, for at least a year" he said and smiled softly at her.

"...."

"These were your father's last wishes before he went on that last mission, it's like he knew he was not going to survive.... Retiring now will be best. Don't be stubborn like your father..... Before those people catch on to you, go into a short retirement" he says as he brings out an envelope and slides it towards her. Xiu Ying was very furious as she stared at the envelope.

Hearing this was her father's last wish, she forced herself to agree, but the rage was still there. "I didn't really persuade Chan Juan for my whole career, it's my main reason for becoming a spy and national security agent..... I don't want to retire now!" She shouted her last statement and stood up. "Xiu Ying! If you don't cooperate, I will have no option but to cancel your body-guarding license and fire you!" he said with an angry tone, he brought out a Smart card and a black card. " The envelope contains your airplane tickets and car keys... The Smart card leads to your already paid villa in Sanya. The car is parked there just for you, the black card is a company's card, and it will cover all your expenses...."

"Why are there two Smart cards and tickets? I'm not going alone, am I ?" she said, checking the envelope. Mr. Ito stayed quiet for a while and then finally looked at her and said, "You are going with Hyo-ru, he will be your personal bodyguard and chauffeur till your retirement is over..... Give up on your obsession and relax during your vacation".

"Let me guess, Hyo-ru is watching me for you..... But why him? As depressing as it is.... I must abide by Dad's last wishes" she thought to herself as she stood up to leave with the envelope and the cards. "Oh... And Xiu Ying..... I will be watching you... so don't try anything foolish or dangerous or else I will be forced to fire you" he said, giving her a cold gaze. She glanced at him and left.

PRESENTLY

She sighed deeply as she remembered this. The living room was filled with empty whiskey bottles, champagne bottles and broken wine glasses. The front door opens, Hyo-ru walks in and drops the grocery bags in the kitchen. "It's fucking dark in here" he says as he walks towards the living room. He hits a champagne as he walks into the living room, he puts on his flashlight in search of the smart curtain controller. The soft whirring sound of the curtain fills the room. Xiu Ying groaned loudly as the light shone on her face. She slowly opened her eyes. " Was I not destined to be a spy? Was I not supposed to follow in your footsteps?".