SURVIVOR: Ghost – Bodyguard Series (S01 • E18)🩸🔞
By:- Adewole Kelvin
“THE PREPARATIONS”
Omni-pov
{Hours earlier in Lorenzo’s house…}
As Lorenzo entered the bathroom with Bao comfortably lifted on his back like a baby, he gently closed the door behind them with his leg. Bao’s eyes scanned the bathroom as she slowly turned her head from side to side, admiring the setup—especially the shower enclosure they stepped into. Then, the moment they got inside, Lorenzo teased her and squatted playfully.
Lorenzo: This is the stop… for that gentle flow of water waiting to run down your body. (in a hoarse voice) Ha, get off me.
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Bao: What?
Bao retorted, still comfortably on his back, showing no intention of getting down—as if his back was the only thing giving her comfort in that moment. Lorenzo continued teasing in an agonized voice, pretending to wobble on his feet, his manhood dangling as he did.
Lorenzo: For Fuck’s sakes, you’re crushing me to death with your weight! How’d you suddenly get so heavy? Oh, hell no–don’t tell me you want me to bathe you again after all the stress I went through just getting you into the bathroom?
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Bao: Dear, Is that supposed to be a joke right now? As far as I know, you only took 12 steps to get us into the bathrooms.
Bao said sarcastically with a playful tone after getting off his back and facing him boldly, her arms folded across her bosom with one leg slightly apart. Amused by her tone, Lorenzo stood and held his waist, arching his back. He also faced Bao and looked her in the face with no concern for her slim, hourglass, naked body—just as Bao was also unconcerned about his own nudity—as they focused mainly on each other’s faces and exchanged playful words.
Lorenzo: Oh, I’m disappointed. I would’ve preferred a small apology for nearly crushing me with that formidable weight of yours, you know. And since when did you become a human pedometer?
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Bao: The moment you lifted me on your back, I’m going to ask right away–where’s the beast I knew back in the bed room?
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Lorenzo: You broke the beast with just a little pressure–imagine how glad he’d be to hear how tasty his moves felt to his tamer.
Lorenzo answered with a smirk and held her chin, maintaining eye contact. As she processed his statement, her gaze slowly scanned down to his midsection. The memories of what happened between them in the bedroom replayed in her head. Then, she gently pulled away and turned around, rubbing her arms with a shy side glance. Quietly, she admitted it to herself. Despite that, she still felt his arms gently wrap around her upper arms, aligning their bodies together.
Bao: There are three unbelievable things here:
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Lorenzo: (sigh) And what might this three things be?
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Bao: First, I can’t believe we actually had sex. Second, I can’t believe we’re talking about it. And third, I can’t believe we’re in the bathroom together—naked and about to bathe. (snorts) My parents would be so disappointed, especially my mother. In China, something like this is taken far more seriously than people think. We don’t do things like this casually. When a woman gives her body to a man, it’s not just sex… it means everything.
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Lorenzo: I know. But I truly believe Mother would have been more disappointed if I had given you up to the organization instead. I’m certain she’d understand this… us—and be glad to know we didn’t do it casually. What we did was real, a testament to the love we have for each other. I’m sure she’d understand we did it as two people who care… deeply.
After saying that, moved by his words, Bao turned around and looked at him. She pursed her lips under the slow stream of water from the shower, which soaked her hair, and she blurted out in a challenging tone, her arms folded.
Bao: Wow, look at you—so confident and bold. Rrr! Just who do you think you are?
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Lorenzo: I’m just a guy who believes in principles!
Lorenzo retorted as they shared eye contact, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. Bao gave him a quick blink and pursed her lips before asking.
Bao: Would you be confident enough to say that in front of my parents if they were still alive?
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Lorenzo: Absolutely. I’d look them in the eyes and say it without hesitation—because what we have is real. And I don’t regret loving you for a second.
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Bao: (snorts) I believe in you. You see, considering what happened between us earlier, especially if my father were still alive, he’d say I was being too reckless. A girl shouldn’t do this before marriage; it’s something serious in my culture—he’d probably skin me alive. It might sound a little funny, but we’re talking about what could have been the consequences, you know? Even if they’re not alive to witness it, I’m sure their spirits are aware by now.
Bao rubbed her face after saying that, her head slightly lowered. But Lorenzo gently held her upper arms, prompting her to look up at him as he asked.
Lorenzo: Understandable, but do you feel like you’re being… reckless with me?
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Bao: No, I feel safe, loved, protected and I’ve never regretted doing it and being with you.
Bao responded boldly with a faint smile. Then, Lorenzo tilted his head to the side and placed a French kiss on her lips. They made out, their lips moving in a slow frenzy, but soon stopped kissing. With Lorenzo’s hands on her cheeks, their foreheads rested against each other while Bao held his wrists. They exhaled under the gentle stream of water flowing from the shower, their eyes slightly closed.
Lorenzo: And I don’t regret loving you.
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Bao: Do you?
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Lorenzo: Not even a second.
Then, Bao turns around, holding his arms and wrapped it around her necks herself into an embrace as their body aligned, closing the space between them, except for the water from the shower that run down on their body in that moment. Despite that, the water still actively run through their body, leaving them to close their eyes. Then, they began to move their aligned body side to side in a subtle slow rhythm, as they felt connected to each other. Moving side to side in that slow rhythm, they spoke heart to heart.
Lorenzo: So..?
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Bao: So what?
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Lorenzo: After the shower, we’ll get dressed, go shopping, and get your replacement passport ready.
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Bao: Yeah?
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Lorenzo: Do you have your ID, or did you forgot it back there too?
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Bao: Err, I may have to check my skirt to see if my phone has been in my pocket the whole time. I can’t vividly recall whether I took it with me or not after what happened back home—my mind was carried away. But it’s the only way to find out, because I kept my ID and two passports in the pouch at the back of my phone.
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Lorenzo: Luckily, if you check and find your phone in there, it saves us the trouble of any further delays. But if it’s not there, then we’ll have no choice but to get you another ID and passport as soon as possible.
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Bao: Let’s just hope so.
Bao thought back to the tragic scene at her house, her mind skipping to the moment her father was shot. But then, Lorenzo turned on the shower, changing its slow trickle into a swift downpour. The sudden rush of water startled her, washing away those thoughts. She gasped, a hint of a smile forming on her face as the quick drops hit her skin, and Lorenzo pulled her into an even tighter embrace.
Minutes later, they both walked out of the bathroom—Bao with a white towel wrapped around her body, and Lorenzo with one around his waist. Beads of water clung to their skin, slowly trailing down, while Bao’s soaked, dark hair stuck to her back. Mindlessly, she went to pick up her skirt from the bed as soon as they stepped out. Lorenzo’s eyes followed her, feasting on the smooth, tanned skin of her body with affection and desire etched into his gaze, a faint, loving smile curling on his lips. Nothing made him smile more than knowing he had earned her trust and the love they now shared.
Bao, unaware of his gaze on her, raised her maxi skirt and slipped one hand into the right-side pocket. She felt something inside and silently prayed it was her phone and not something else. As her fingers grasped it, she pulled it out—only to find that it was indeed her phone. She heaved a sigh of relief and showed it to Lorenzo.
Bao: Good grief, It was in my pocket all along.
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Lorenzo: Great! But let’s not start smiling just yet. We still need to confirm if the ID and your passports are in the pouch of your phone.
Lorenzo urged, still gazing at her.
Bao: Oh, right! I’m quite sure about that, but it’s good we confirm.
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Lorenzo: I love that!
Lorenzo blurted, sending her a warm smile, which made her smile back at him. She then gently pulled the pouch off the phone a little, checked it, and nodded to him before covering the phone back with the pouch.
Bao: I can’t believe it–my phone’s been with me all this time! How did I not notice?
Bao said, putting her phone back into one of the pockets of her skirt. As she did, Lorenzo slowly walked up to her, speaking in a gentle voice.
Lorenzo: It doesn’t matter, does it? What matters is that you checked your skirt and found your phone, along with your ID and passports. Anyways, get dressed and wait for me in the living room.
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Bao: What are you going to do?
Bao asked, dropping her skirt on the bed and looking him on the face, as she held his hand.
Lorenzo: Glad you asked that. I’m going upstairs now to get dressed in something better while I discuss with the passport agent on phone. I’ll be back in a jiffy.
Lorenzo answered assertively, and Bao nodded. Then he cupped her neck, pulled her close, and planted a kiss on her forehead before heading out of the room, grabbing his clothes from the floor along with his phone. As soon as he left, Bao gathered her skirt and underwear scattered across the floor, along with the rest of her clothes, and walked into the bathroom. She placed them on a hook, then gently patted her body dry with a towel in front of the mirror. Afterward, she dried her hair and continued.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the room, Lorenzo walked in energetically and tossed his clothes into the laundry hamper while scrolling through his phone. As he did, he walked over to his wardrobe, pulled out a grey oversized sweater along with a pair of dark baggy trousers from a hanger, and laid them on the bed. He then placed his phone on the bed and began changing into the clothes, his eyes still fixed on the screen as it dialed the passport agent. Shortly after, he picked up the phone and held it to his ear.
Passport agent: Hello, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
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Lorenzo: Hey, it’s me, Conti Lorenzo.
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Passport agent: Oh, Mr. Conti. I didn’t know it was you…
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Lorenzo: No worries, I’m calling from my second line.
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Passport agent: Okay, I’ll make sure to save it now. It’s been a while since we last spoke on the phone. What can I do for you today, Mr. Conti?
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Lorenzo: Good! Can I trust you with this?
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Passport agent: What’s a business without trust? Please, feel free to share anything with me, Mr Conti.
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Lorenzo: Then, what I’m about to say stays between us. Understood?
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Passport agent: I promise, whatever you say stays between us, Mr Conti.
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Lorenzo: Listen, an incident happened today that almost cost my girlfriend’s life. In fact, it recently happened, and it is truly a matter of life and death. She and her father were trying to leave this afternoon when a gang raided their compound, intending to harm them. Her father was killed in the process, but luckily, she managed to escape the gangsters’ clutches. Right now, she’s at my house, and we’re both worried the gang might still be after her. I fear it’s only a matter of time before they catch up with her if nothing is done.
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Passport agent: I’m guessing she’s from a Chinese family. Am I right, sir?
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Lorenzo: Right. This isn’t just a guess. How the fuck did you know?
Lorenzo asked suspiciously and assertively, sitting on the bed with a furrowed brow and side-eyed glance.
Passport agent: It’s on the news, Mr. Conti. I’m currently watching it on TV. Six members of the Red Wolves invaded Dundas Street, both east, murdering a Chinese man named Wei Yang in cold blood. Ten people were wounded while trying to run for their lives. This is.. this is more horrible than we could ever imagine, Mr Conti.
The passport agent apprised Lorenzo, who didn’t utter a word after, quietly facepalming and sighing softly. Her last statement didn’t surprise him much; he already understood when she lamented that it was more horrible than they could ever imagine. To him, it meant one thing—mutilation. The poor man was likely either decapitated or hacked into pieces like an animal, or perhaps his intestines or heart were ripped out. Knowing the kind of gang he was dealing with, they don’t offer a quick death; their kills are filled with deep pain and agony, which they view as a sign of loyalty to the organization.
As for Bao’s father, on the other hand, Lorenzo knew the kind of man he was, especially considering he was a martial old man. He knew he wouldn’t give up his family no matter what. But for some reason, Lorenzo thought he was a fool. He couldn’t still help but wonder why he would go to such lengths to borrow money from his organization, implicating his daughter in something she knew nothing about. As much as he hated what the man did, a part of him pitied him for dying such a miserable death, trying to save both wife and daughter.
Still facepalming and rubbing his eyes, Lorenzo exhaled softly and dropped his hand from his face to his thigh. Noticing how quiet he was, the passport agent asked.
Passport agent: Hello, are you there, Mr Conti?
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Lorenzo: Yeah, I’m here.
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Passport agent: What should I do?
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Lorenzo: Here’s what we are going to do. She and her father were set to relocate earlier this afternoon before the violence erupted. After the gang attacked and killed her father, she had no choice but to flee—leaving everything behind, including her passport and other essentials. Now, she needs a replacement passport immediately. Getting her out of the country within 24 hours is not just necessary—it’s critical for her safety. I can’t imagine what’d happened if she stays here one more day.
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Passport agent: I completely understand your concern, Mr. Conti, and we’ll take care of everything as swiftly as possible. Given that she fled the scene of the violent attack and had to leave behind her passport and other essential documents, she will definitely need to replace them. However, considering the danger involved, it’s also important that she obtains a new Chinese Resident ID card, alongside the passport replacement.
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Lorenzo: I got you, but that won’t be necessary. Luckily, she already has her ID and passport with her. As for the official police report, it’s not strictly necessary, right? I can start taking her to the Chinese embassy now after those requirements.
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Passport agent: Er, while the police report isn’t strictly mandatory for the passport, it’s highly recommended in cases like this — especially since the passport was lost in such a dangerous and violent situation. It will help expedite the process and validate her case. She should bring the police report and any supporting documents to the Chinese embassy for processing, and we can begin the replacement process right away. We can also apply for expedited processing if needed, depending on the urgency of the situation. But then, I’m afraid your girlfriend might not be able to get the passport within 24 hours, Mr. Conti.
As she finished her statement, Lorenzo tried to intimidate her, consumed by the way she ended it. But then he closed his eyes and exhaled, maintaining his composure before opening them and speaking.
Lorenzo: Let me be real with you here: you’re trustworthy and pleasant. In fact, your professionalism is quite impressive—unlike any other agent I’ve dealt with. But as reliable as you are, your words always seem to carry some unexpected twist—and they never fail to disappoint me at times. Honestly, I’m fucking disappointed. You mean to tell me she won’t be able to get the passport within 24 hours? Are you serious right now? Do you even understand the kind of danger my girlfriend is in? This is literally a matter of life and death—you get that, right?
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Passport agent: Yes, I understand, Mr. Conti, and I apologize if my previous words upset you. The standard procedure is to issue a replacement passport within 48 hours, provided all necessary documents are in order. However, I assure you that we will do our best to ensure she receives her passport within that timeframe.
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Lorenzo: You better make it happen in 48 hours. No excuses.
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Passport agent: Yes, within 48 hours! You have my words, Mr Conti.
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Lorenzo: I don’t care if you have to wake the entire consulate—just make it happen. Anything else I should know?
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Passport agent: Oh, yes. Wow. (Clicks, clicks, clicks) I just figured she can check our embassy’s official passport replacement portal and fill in all the required details for urgent processing and expedited passport service. If approved, she could receive her new passport within 48 hours—without stressing about coming to the embassy, unless her biometrics are needed, and that would be after submitting the application online. I’ll send you the link so she can get started right away.
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Lorenzo: That’s better. Send it right away!
As soon as he said that, he ended the call immediately, dropped his phone on the bed beside him, and walked over to the shoe rack a few meters away. He carefully picked two pairs of classic sneakers from it, sat back on the bed, and put them on as quickly as possible. Next, he entered a four-digit code to unlock a strong drawer built into his bed, then pulled it out. A new silver Glock 17 with bullets came into view, resting atop 10 bundles of CAD dollars.
For a while, he examined the items before picking up the gun, followed by the bullets. Within seconds, he loaded it with focused attention, then smoothly slid the rack back and tucked the gun behind his back into his trousers. After that, he grabbed a bundle of $100 and $20 CAD dollars for emergency purposes and stuffed them into his front trouser pocket. At that moment, his phone beeped with a notification, but he didn’t bother to check it, assuming it was a message from the passport agent. He then closed the drawer and locked it as usual before picking up his phone from the bed to confirm the message.
As soon as he confirmed the message, he walked out of his room with a confident stride, locking the door behind him before jogging downstairs. He found Bao in the living room, just as he had instructed earlier. She was sitting quietly and nervously on a chair, fidgeting with her fingers on her knees and her legs clasped together. The moment Lorenzo reached the bottom of the stairs, she stood up immediately and looked in his direction, asking a question right away with a nervous, hesitant look on her face.
Bao: Did you get a chance to talk with the passport agent? What did she say?
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Lorenzo: Alright. Take a deep breath and chill out, dear. I already discussed with the passport agent on phone. But there’s good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?
Bao exhaled heavily before answering, her eyes fixed in his direction as he got closer to her.
Bao: Okay. Start with the bad one.
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Lorenzo: Based on what I was sent, we have to reach out to the police station and file an official report about the incident — especially since it’s a Grade A crime involving murder. I’ve been trying to avoid the cops, I won’t lie. With the deadly violence going on lately, especially from the Red Wolves, the authorities are cracking down hard. They’re arresting anyone affiliated, even those who haven’t caused any trouble — no exceptions. But still, it’s one of the few ways to make the process faster and cleaner, and more importantly — to avoid any future complications, like being flagged or banned for vandalism or suspicious activity. Now here’s the catch — the Chinese embassy’s website doesn’t accept uploads of official police reports, so we’ll have to submit that in person during your biometric screening. That’s where your fingerprint will be taken too.
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Bao: (gulps) So… I’m going to the embassy?
Bao asked nervously, fearing that the Red Wolves members might still be out there, searching for her. She also feared that her escape from the deadly gang may not be repeated, believing it was only luck that saved her the first time. As much as she felt safe with Lorenzo, the fear lingered—but Lorenzo gently placed his palm on her cheek, offering silent reassurance and giving her a little more hope. His comfort was the only thing keeping her going, and she couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened without him.
Lorenzo: I totally understand. You’re nervous about those men who might still be out there looking for you—but you’re not alone in this. We’re going to get through it together, and I promise you, we’ll overcome this. Besides, as long as I’m with you, they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you. I’m still the right hand of the organization, and you know exactly what that means. Yeah, I know I haven’t said that before—but worry less, dear.
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Bao: I’m not only worried about that. I’m also worried about you—especially regarding the police report we want to file at the station. You said it yourself—you’ve been avoiding the cops because these days, they’re apprehending Red Wolves members whenever and wherever they find them. But you’re not going to get arrested because of me, are you? Tell me!
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Lorenzo: Do you trust me?
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Bao: Should I not?
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Lorenzo: Then quit worrying. There’s always a way, alright?
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Bao: (sigh solemnly) Alright!
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Lorenzo: But the good news? You don’t need to go to the embassy for every step. Most of the key requirements for the passport replacement — aside from the biometrics and police file — can be done entirely online. The agent just sent me the link to the embassy portal with clear instructions. Since your ID and passport are luckily still with you, all you need to do now is log into the portal. Come. Sit. Let’s get this done together. Bring out your ID and passport — I’ll walk you through it on my phone.
Lorenzo explained gently, holding her hand as he sat beside her, his eyes locked on his phone with sharp focus. Bao quietly reached into her phone pouch, pulling out her ID and passport, and handed them to him. Then he guided her through the online passport replacement form on the Chinese embassy portal, carefully filling in each detail while she watched, silent and trusting, but nods In anticipation as he did. When they finally completed the submission, both leaned back into the chair with a soft exhale. Bao rested her head on Lorenzo’s shoulder, wrapping his arm around her, fingers gliding up and down her upper arm, his face towards the ceiling in thought.
Then — Ping!
A sharp notification tone broke the moment, coming from Bao’s phone. They both sat up instantly. Lorenzo’s eyes darted to the screen, brows rising as he blurted out.
Lorenzo: That should be the code, am I right?
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Bao: Right! I’ve received an email with the confirmation code…
In that moment, the passport agent call came through Lorenzo’s phone, which stopped Bao from proceeding, allowing him to answer the call to know what’s the passport agent got to say.
Passport Agent (on the phone): Hello, Mr Conti. I’ve just confirmed the application went through on our end. Since it’s an urgent request and she selected expedited processing, she should receive her application tracking number and confirmation email within the next few hours — usually between one to six hours. Just make sure she checks her inbox and spam folder. Once the tracking number arrives, we can begin tracking the progress. And remember, she doesn’t have to go anywhere yet. The only thing we’re waiting on now is the biometric appointment. But for now, she’s doing great. I’ll send you the direct tracking link as soon as the system generates the tracking number.
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Lorenzo: I was just about to inform you that she’s received the confirmation code already, but I understand now. We’ll update you once she’s received the tracking number.
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Passport agent: Alright, Mr. Conti. In the meantime, I’ll be monitoring the system for any updates. If there are any changes, I’ll let you know. Looking forward to hearing from you.
As soon as she finished her statement, Lorenzo ends the call immediately and looked at Bao, who placed her ID and her passports back in her phone pouch
Lorenzo: I hope you were listening carefully.
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Bao: (sighs softly) Yes! Loud and clear. We must be time-conscious about the application tracking number and confirmation. My phone won’t fail to notify me. So, what’s next?
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Lorenzo: While we wait for the tracking number to be generated, let’s get you somewhere safe—this place isn’t secure anymore. Come to think of it, the embassy just gave us a window of opportunity. We’re going to take it and handle everything needed for your travel. By the time we’re done, that tracking number will likely be in your inbox. It’s just a 2-hour ride, plus a few stops for the essentials. So let’s move—now’s our chance.
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Bao: (exhales) Okay, let’s make it happen.
Bao agreed, and Lorenzo grabbed the car keys. They both walked out of the house, holding hands, with Bao just closely behind him. As soon as they emerged, Lorenzo unlocked the white Challenger with a tap on the key fob, urging Bao to get in quickly while he locked the mansion door. Moments later, he walked to the car, casting furtive glances around the area before getting in. Once inside, he started the engine and pulled off with a sharp J-turn. As he turned onto the next road, he executed a powerslide, the car drifting sideways until it regained balance—then he sped off.
First of all, Lorenzo drove to a nearby ladies’ boutique and bought Bao some beautiful dresses, shoes, slippers, and other items of her choice. He even had the sales attendants help her get dressed. Considering the danger surrounding them, he didn’t want to risk any exposure or recognition, believing the men who killed Bao’s father were still looking for her. By the time they left the boutique, Bao was wearing a brand-new blue short-sleeve blouse with dark straight jeans and stylish shoes. Both wore face masks, while Lorenzo also had his head covered with the hood of his large sweater. He also bought her a large piece of luggage to pack her belongings.
Next, they stopped by a local police station to file the official police report, with Lorenzo staying by Bao’s side until it was completed. Now, back in the car, Bao sat close to him, snuggling against his side. They both had their eyes on the official police report she held in her hands, freshly issued just minutes ago. Silence had lingered between them the whole time, until Lorenzo finally broke it.
Lorenzo: (exhales) Two out of five–done. The report is filed and the code has been acquired.
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Bao: Yeah, so what’re these last three remaining?
Bao asked quietly, not fully focused—her eyes were scanning the words in the report. Meanwhile, Lorenzo inserted the key into the car’s ignition by the side of the steering wheel and answered her without hesitation, assertively.
Lorenzo: Now, we’re still waiting on the tracking number, the passport isn’t ready yet, and the flights are still pending, yet to be acquired.
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Bao: Right. Ahem, I saw what you did back there–at the police station.
Bao said quietly, took her eyes off the police report, leaned back against the seat of the car in a relaxed position, and looked in his direction.
Lorenzo: (pretending) Can you remind me what I did back there?
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Bao: Bribery? Smart move, but a bad one!
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Lorenzo: Great! My thoughts eventually came to pass. I figured you’d comment on that. Well, if you must know, I couldn’t risk waiting ten minutes for the report to be filed. I didn’t even expect the police officer would accept the bribe after I told him we needed the files in one minute without any delay. Otherwise, I’d risk getting caught, even though the officers were too busy to notice that I’m a member of the Red Wolves. It’s a miracle I got out of there. I did what needed to be done.
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Bao: (Holds his hand) And that’s why I feel much better right now—things are progressing without any hindrance, and most importantly, seeing you sitting by my side in the car without… getting caught or anything. Honestly, I don’t know what might happen if something like that were to happen to you.
Bao uttered, caressing his hand, her eyes fixed on him. Lorenzo snorted, tilting his head toward her face and dropping a kiss on her lips. For a moment, she held his chin before they unlocked their lips, their faces so close to each other. They looked into each other’s eyes, and Lorenzo spoke.
Lorenzo: I told you there’s always a way, didn’t I?
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Bao: Yes, how could I ever forget that?
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Lorenzo: We’re on track, which means the others will be acquired too. I’m very sure about that. Do you know you’re so beautiful?
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Bao: And do you also know that we still have somewhere to go?
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Lorenzo: Hm, right! And here we go now. Put on your nose mask and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt. Lastly—and most importantly—stay sharp for the tracking number. A few hours from now, it should drop in your email inbox.
Lorenzo answered and winked at her, while she nodded with a hint of a smile on her lips and quickly fastened her seatbelt. Seeing that smile filled him with happiness—so different from the nervous look she wore earlier. He started the engine and sped off, holding her hand gently while steering comfortably with the other.
As their car sped along, overtaking others without a care in the world, they chatted with each other. After a long ride and conversation, they found themselves stuck in traffic. It was still broad daylight, and the sun was scorching. Bao adjusted herself in the seat, planning to take a quick nap—when her phone pinged loudly with a notification. Instantly, sleep vanished from her eyes, hoping it was the tracking number. She checked her phone and saw it: the tracking number had arrived in her Gmail. Calmly, she informed Lorenzo, whose eyes remained fixed on the road, both hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Bao: Lorenzo, guess what? I just got notified—my request was successfully submitted, and I’ve been sent my tracking number. Take a look!
Showing him the email notification on her phone, Lorenzo narrowed his eyes and scanned the message before saying
Lorenzo: Oh, perfect. That’s the code we needed. Now we can track the progress. Login with that number ASAP.
Bao didn’t hesitate to access it using her tracking number. As soon as she opened the portal and viewed her application status, she read out what she saw.
Bao: “In Review. Biometrics Pending…”
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Lorenzo: Fuck! Your biometric appointment has not been scheduled yet..
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Bao: So, that means the application is currently under review.
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Lorenzo: That’s the point. We need to call the agent ASAP to have your biometric appointment scheduled.
As he said that, he took out his phone from his pocket and called the agent, who answered immediately with a question.
Passport agent: Any updates on the tracking number, Mr Conti?
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Lorenzo: She’s got her tracking ID, but the appointment is still pending. Her tracking number is CHN2024-********. Fix that immediately.
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Passport agent: Roger that. I’ll get back at you as soon as possible.
Within minutes, the passport agent called back.
Passport agent: (on call, updates them) Okay, Mr Conti. Her file is already in the queue. Since it’s an emergency case with a verified ID, I’ll escalate it manually to secure a biometric slot by this evening. She won’t need to go to the embassy for now, but we’ll need her to be ready by 5 p.m. Her biometric capture should be the final step before approval.
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Lorenzo: Very well. I’ll make sure she’s ready and has everything she needs. Good job — I like how this is progressing. 5 p.m., we’ll be there. Please, no delays or change of time — I’m counting on you.
After that, Lorenzo ended the call and looked at Bao. Then, he wore a reassuring smile and said in a comforting voice:
Lorenzo: Just one more push, baby. One more push.
Hearing that, Bao nodded and tilted her head up slightly, resting it against the car seat’s headrest, followed by a sigh of relief. Although they were both informed that they had to be at the embassy by 5 p.m. for Bao’s biometric appointment, the two lovebirds decided to drive to the Chinese embassy in their car, believing it was the safer and faster option to save time. However, they didn’t get out of the car upon arriving at the embassy’s parking lot in Vancouver. Instead, they waited patiently inside the vehicle. Bao fell asleep along the way, while Lorenzo stayed awake, watching over her.
But before their arrival, they had already printed and prepared the documents needed for Bao’s biometric appointment—documents they would likely be asked to provide. Once it was 5 p.m., Lorenzo made a call and alerted the passport agent about their arrival. Soon, the agent rushed out of the embassy, exchanged pleasantries with them, had a quick discussion, and then accompanied Bao into the Chinese embassy. Her biometric appointment had been completed quickly by a colleague of the passport agent, thanks to the connections the agent had there. Bao was able to leave the embassy as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Lorenzo sent a voice message to someone on his phone while in the car, saying this just before Bao emerged from the embassy. Then, they departed.
Lorenzo: Hello, friend. How’ve you been? Listen, we don’t have time for small talk. Get your team ready, arm up, and head to the location I just sent. Now.
Tbc…