Chapter 11: Eileen receives a terrifying video. 1st of May 2021.

Eileen Lu was back in her home in Shanghai. She felt anxious knowing Jing's AI monitored her. Fortunately, she had found a way to secure her laptop from government interference. At least she hoped that government couldn't check her computer.

Jing opened her email application. There was a message from Ming Shebao, a human right activist that she had defended in a recent court case. Ming's emails annoyed her. He was putting her at risk by sending information to her. Knowing too much was dangerous, and although she wanted to oppose the dictatorship, she also wanted to live.

Eileen couldn't contain her curiosity and she opened the video. It was terrifying. In the video as dozen half naked prisoner, were screaming in agonizing pain. A bark-like rash was growing on their back and spreading rapidly. At the end of the video clip, guards in hazmat suits came in and burned the prisoners alive with flamethrowers.

Eileen closed the video. She didn't know what to believe. The video didn't make sense and it was very likely to be fake. But why would Ming Shebao send her fake video? Perhaps Ming Shebao had swapped sides, and the Columnist Party wanted to discredit her movement. If she released a video that was later proven to be false, the Chinese dictatorship would use this as an argument against the civil rights movement.

Eileen closed the email and was about to head out for lunch when another email hit her mailbox. It was from Jared Pond, the goofy Australian spy, who had failed to seduce her. What did he want? Eileen opened the email. It read:

"Hi Eileen. I am visiting Shanghai at the moment. I recently resigned from RAKI, so you don't need to worry about what I do for work anymore. I bought some tickets for Moulin Rouge playing at the Pearl tomorrow night. Would you like to accompany me?"

Eileen shook her head. She couldn't think of a worse way to spend her time than going on a date with the boofhead that had hassled her twice in New York. The first thing they had met, he had spilled coffee on her, and during their second meeting he got into a fight and ended up in jail. What a loser!

But then an idea struck Eileen. What is she could give Jared a USB memory with the video that Ming had sent her, and ask Jared to post the video online? If the video was authentic, it was crucial that the world found out. If the video was fake, Jared would look like an idiot and Eileen's movement would not be discredited. Eileen sent the following reply:

"I would love to see the Moulin Rouge with you tomorrow. See you at the Pearl at 6PM tomorrow night. Cheers Eileen."

Having sent her reply, Eileen put her phone in her handbag and she went to her work place.