Once Chinese New Year was over, the days seemed to fast-forward.
New York's winter still clung on, but the trees along the streets had begun to bud. The biting chill in the air gradually faded, replaced by a mild warmth.
And so, without any hurry, April arrived.
Early one morning, Lin Hai opened his eyes at the usual time. Dawn was just breaking outside his window, and the distant Manhattan skyline flickered in and out of the morning mist.
He lay in bed for a while, staring into space, then threw off the covers. He was about to wash up and head downstairs to make breakfast when his phone suddenly vibrated on the bedside table.
He turned back, picked it up, and lit the screen. The caller ID read: Nick Fury.
Lin Hai raised an eyebrow.
More than half a year ago, he had told Nick Fury to call if anything unusual happened in New Mexico. Nothing had come of it until now. If Fury was finally calling, something must have happened.
He answered with a smile. "Morning, Director Fury. Calling this early—has something happened in New Mexico?"
The other end was silent for three seconds before Nick Fury's unmistakably deep voice came through.
"As Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., I wouldn't call myself a materialist, but I have to say, this... Prophecy? Divination? Whatever ability you have, it's pretty outrageous."
"Just as you said, something happened in New Mexico last night. Since you said you wanted to help, I'll send you the location. Head out whenever you're ready."
He paused, then added, "Coulson should be almost there by now. I'll send you his contact information too."
Lin Hai pursed his lips. "Leave it to the director to get straight down to business. All right, I'll contact Coulson when I'm ready. Talk