The taxi rolled to a stop in front of the facility, and Qingran stepped out, stretching briefly before heading toward the entrance.
The security guards barely glanced at her as she flashed her ID, their attention more focused on their morning coffee than on checking personnel properly.
Not that she minded—it was less hassle for her.
Inside, the building was the same as always. Cold, sterile and efficient.
The air smelled of disinfectant and machinery, and the quiet hum of activity filled the halls.
She had worked here long enough to know the rhythms of the place—the way people moved, how their expressions shifted depending on what projects they were working on. Right now, everything seemed normal. But that wouldn't last.
Lingquan's voice broke her thoughts. [Are you going straight to your supervisor's office?]
Qingran adjusted the strap of her bag. "Might as well. The sooner I submit the leave request, the sooner I can get out of here."
