"I can't. I don't have time," Lin Lan refused flatly, already walking away.
The man in the flat cap watched Lin Lan walk away quickly, muttering at her back, "Damn it, I'm not going to hurt you. What are you running so fast for?!"
Lin Lan walked through the alley, the various smells of cooking from the homes on both sides making her feel even more anxious.
She wiped the sweat from her forehead, adjusted the strap on her back, and broke into a jog.
By the time she reached the secluded alley, the sky had already darkened. Lin Lan gripped the dagger in her pocket, warily watching for any movement in front of or behind her.
When she reached the middle of the alley, she heard the ringing of a bicycle bell up ahead.
She moved to the base of the wall and continued forward with her head down. After just a few steps, a bicycle braked sharply in front of her.
"Lin Lan!" a clear voice called out.
