Outside Suiyang, the rolling yellowing grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see. Sparse clusters of trees dotted the landscape like patches of lichen. A narrow, winding stream meandered under the bright white moon, the only source of light in the quiet night.

Zheng Qingrong awoke to the cool touch of the evening breeze. Groggily, she sat up, realizing she was on a sloped grassy hill. Around her, there was nothing but the open field and the faint gurgle of the stream stretching into the distance. 

A tall, imposing figure stood nearby, silently watching her.

“You’re awake,” said Li …