Su Xiaoxi took the box and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was an exquisite silver pendant shaped like a tiny whistle.
"Anti-harassment alarm," Lin Yi explained. "Press the bottom, and it emits a 130-decibel alert while sending your location to my phone."
Xiaoxi cradled the pendant in her palm and suddenly laughed. "This might be the most practical birthday gift I've ever received."
"I hope you never have to use it," Lin Yi said solemnly.
They shared the small cake—chocolate-flavored, overly sweet, but Xiaoxi insisted it was the most delicious cake she'd ever tasted. Lin Yi only took a small bite, spending most of the time watching her eat.
"Do you do this often?" Xiaoxi suddenly asked. "Celebrate birthdays for the people you protect?"
Lin Yi shook his head. "First time."
The answer sent a strange warmth flooding through Xiaoxi's chest. She was about to say something when Lin Yi's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen, and his expression instantly turned professionally stern.
"Trouble?" Xiaoxi asked warily.
"We need to leave," Lin Yi stood up, swiftly packing away the cake box. "Someone followed us here."
Xiaoxi gasped. "What? How did I not notice?"
"Silver Toyota. Been tailing us since the office," Lin Yi had already closed the windows and checked his weapon—Xiaoxi only then noticed the pistol holstered at his waist. "We'll take the back stairs."
They hurried downstairs, Lin Yi staying alert the entire time, one hand protectively hovering behind Xiaoxi. The underground parking lot was dimly lit as he led her between rows of cars, suddenly stopping at a corner.
"See that silver car?" he murmured, pointing to a parked Toyota in the distance. "The license plate's fake."
Xiaoxi nodded nervously, her heart pounding. Lin Yi pulled out his phone and tapped rapidly.
"I've disabled the surveillance. Now follow me—stay low."
They crouched and quickly moved to another car—this time, an inconspicuous gray sedan. Lin Yi unlocked it with a key and gestured for Xiaoxi to get in.
"This isn't your car either?" Xiaoxi asked in surprise.
"Backup," Lin Yi started the engine but kept the lights off. "Hold on tight."