Li Na's entrance at GQ the next morning was quiet. The usual flutter of greetings dulled to wary glances—everyone looked under some pressure over the proceedings. She walked with a slight limp, glass-cut still fresh beneath the bandages hidden by her shoes, but she didn't flinch. Not on the outside.
The bulletin board outside the director's office glowed with fresh printouts: SCRIPT REVISIONS - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATE
Chen Xinyi met her outside the room with her arms folded like armor, mouth drawn in a tight line. "You should've taken another day off," she said, but the flicker of relief in her eyes said otherwise.
Li Na offered a faint smile. "If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't be here."
Chen Xinyi gave a quiet nod, then pushed open the door.
