107 NOT DIFFERENT PEOPLE (1/2)

Hu Lei found herself standing in the middle of a dark forest. She could feel that there was something chasing after her through the woods. Though she did not have a clear picture on what was happening, she began running instinctually.

The scent of danger was strong, and she felt overwhelmed by her surroundings. However, when she slowed down, that scary thing was always just behind her. She did not care when her beautiful white dress was torn by the branches, and she ignored the pain when her bare feet were injured.

She kept running for hours, perhaps days, before she ran out of breath. The forest was still dark when she tired. It was almost as if the sun had never fallen in the place. She wanted to keep running, but her body failed her. She could only collapse to her knees.

”Do you think that you can run from me?” A domineering voice called out to her.

There was amusement and mocking in the laughter that followed. The force that had been chasing surrounded her. It felt suffocating. Hu Lei stood up on her bleeding and aching feet. She would not die on her knees.

”Show yourself.” She shouted.

”Do you think that you can beat me?”

Hu Lei looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. However, the sound seemed to be coming from nowhere and everywhere. It was intangible and untraceable.

”Even if I can't beat you, I will die trying.”

Hu Lei maintained her fighting stance.

”I am glad you feel that way because fighting me will certainly kill you.” The voice was dark, thick and sensual.

Hu Lei realised that the person was behind her. She turned fiercely to face her assailant.

”After all, I am you.”

Hu Lei felt confused as she looked at the person who had appeared behind her. There was no doubt about it. This person was her. However, it was not the current her. While she wore a white dress and her hair flowed over her back, the other person favoured a black bodysuit and her hair was held up tightly in a bun.

”Who are you?” Hu Lei asked foolishly.

”Mmmh… You insult our intelligence but sinking into rhetoric. Surely, you must recognise me.” The woman smiled at her taking a step closer with swinging hips.

”You are Jane.” Hu Lei steeled her heart even as it beat faster.

The other woman laughed and lifted a hand covered in black gloves to touch Hu Lei's cheek. The cold leather felt freezing to Hu Lei. She slapped the hand away and stared at the person who was her and yet not her.

”I am no longer Jane.” She added.