Goose Shadows in the Imperial Palace

In the cabin ten thousand meters above the ground, the dry chill of the air conditioning brushed past Bai Da’e’s slightly furrowed brow. Facing her laptop, she tapped rapidly at the keyboard. The screen was packed with itineraries and reminders. It was all in a day’s work for her as secretary to the general manager of Global Vision Travel Experiences: precise, efficient, and with an endless stream of details to handle. “Secretary Bai, the local guide meeting us after we land has confirmed. The hotel room types have also been changed as you requested. The general manager’s river-view suite is all set.” Assistant Xiao Chen’s voice came through her earpiece, tinged with the nervous caution of someone who had just joined the company.