“How clever of you.” Xia Lei’s gaze went to the woman’s face. The layer of black cloth and thermal imaging device over her eyes melted away, revealing her face to him. A faint smile appeared in the corners of his mouth when he saw her face. “You think I won’t recognise you if you cover your face?”

The woman froze, but only for an instant, and she calmed again. She believed it impossible for Xia Lei to recognise her with her head covered and in this dark environment. He must be probing for a clue. 

“I’m running out of patience. I’ll give you another chance. Give me the backpack or I’ll shoot you!” The woman aimed the gun at Xia Lei. 

There was no fear on Xia Lei’s face, not even a trace of nervousness. He spoke evenly, “Must I say your name? Yelena.”

The woman paused. She was the Russian agent, Yelena. Being recognised in darkness like this was unbelievable, and strange. 

Yelena’s...