Chapter 2

While Chun-Li got the dirt on the recent attack of MI6 agents by the crime group Shadaloo, Ryu had finished his morning exercise. He had decided to impress Chun-Li with his cooking skills, and grabbed some things from the store. He then returned to their apartment, put the groceries away, and turned on the TV.

Meanwhile, Chun-Li continued to track Shadaloo's actions. Other than the blatant attack on the Mi6 agents in Italy, there wasn't much of anything else to read about. Deciding that she had done as much as she could, she powered off her monitor and decided to call it a day. She heard a beep, and pulled out her mobile phone. She saw a message-'Chun- The colonel and I decided on a meeting-you, me, and him. We'll be in Beijing within the next couple of days. Looking forward to seeing you- Cam."

Chun-Li felt relieved when she saw that message-it let her know that she wasn't alone in her fight to bring down Shadaloo. She left the Interpol HQ and hailed a cab. Within a half-hour, she was back at her apartment. She opened the door, and was soon hit with a pleasant aroma. She announced, in a playful tone, "Honey, I'm home!" Ryu walked out of the kitchen, and greeted Chun-Li with a kiss on the cheek. He said, "How was your day?"

She replied, "Fine. But it's always difficult that first day back. I mean, if you go a long time without a good fight, then when you do have a fight, you're kinda rusty." Ryu smiled, and said, "That's true. Come-I have prepared dinner." Chun-Li looked at him, and said, "You made dinner?" Ryu answered, "Yes! I learned how to cook-because even though I am a wanderer, it's rather expensive to eat at a restaurant all the time." They headed into the kitchen, where they shared a meal of spicy-sauced chicken, green beans, and white rice.

After dinner, they sat in the living room, watching movies. Chun-Li softly said, "Things with my job are going to be more difficult." Ryu asked, "What do you mean?" Chun-Li replied, "I learned that the gang-Shadaloo-may be on the move. My friend Cammy-you know, the blonde with ponytails-was involved in an attack in Italy." Ryu said, "That does sound troubling." Chun-Li then said, "And we always seem like we're behind. By the time we've caught up to them, the damage has been done-and there's no telling how many innocent people will be hurt."

Ryu could hear the sadness and anger in Chun-Li's voice. Ryu said, "Hey…it's still early. Why done we change and go out? Just for a little bit-it might cheer you up." Chun-Li smiled, and replied, "Sure! Give me a few moments."

A half-hour later, and Ryu and Chun-Li were in one of the trendier night clubs in Beijing. It was a fun, energetic scene. As Ryu and Chun-Li were enjoying their drinks, they heard a clamor. They turned, and Chun-Li exclaimed, "Ryu! Look-it's Fei-Long!" Ryu turned towards the door, and saw a group entering. But his sight was focused on the man in the middle, who was wearing a traditional Chinese gung-fu outfit. And despite looking out of place-especially in the club-no one looked like they would tell him he was improperly dressed. For not only was Fei-Long one of China's best martial artists, he was also a world famous actor. In fact, it was believed his appeal rivaled that of his mentor and idol, Jun Fan Lee.*

Fei-Long and his entourage were shuttled off to an exclusive area of the club. Ryu turned to Chun-Li, and said, "You know him?" Chun-Li replied, "Of course! There's no Chinese man, woman, child, or anything in between who deosn't know who Fei-Long is! But…I know him personally. We both trained under Sifu Gen when we were younger." Ryu said, "Well, maybe you should go and talk to him." Chun-Li said, "C'mon, then! Maybe we can spend a few moments with him."

They headed towards Fei-Long's group, where they were stopped by a large, burly security agent. The agent said "Sorry, folks. This is a private party." Chun-Li said, "I'm a friend of Fei-Long's." The security agent replied, "Yeah…and so's the last 15 people who came up to him. Get lost!" Meanwhile, Fei-Long had come behind the agent, and said, "Wait. Hey, miss?" Chun-Li looked, and said, "Yeah?" Fei-Long came up to her, and said, "It that you, Chun-Li?" Before she could answer, Fei-Long had came up to her, and picked her up in a hug.

Chun-Li laughed, and said, "I'm happy to see you, too! It's been a while." Fei-Long said, "Yes! But come and join me for a drink." He noticed Ryu, and said, "Your friend came join me, as well." Ryu and Chun-Li then sat at the table, when Fei-Long was sitting with other people. Fei-Long said, "So, how have you been?" Chun-Li replied, "I'm well. Things are crazy at work. What about you?"

Fei-Long said, "Well, we've come to Beijing to film a few scenes for my new movie. We'll be here for a few days." Fei-Long noticed Ryu, and said, "I'm sorry. I did not mean to be rude. I'm Fei-Long." Ryu replied, "I know who you are. As a martial artist, I must say that I am impressed with your abilities and techniques. I'm Ryu." Fei-Long nodded, then looked as though he was in thought. He then said, "You're Ryu? The fighter who defeated the 'Invincible Emperor of Muay Thai'? That Ryu?" Ryu replied, "Yes. It was the first of many victories." Fei-Long then said, "Someday, I would like the pleasure of a fight with you." Ryu said, "I would be honored-facing one of China's finest martial artists would be great."

Fei-Long then said, "so…Miss Chun-Li…have you found someone yet? Met any interesting men?" Chun-Li, rather than divulge her personal life, said, "Well…sorta." Fei-Long then said, "So then…how about you join me for lunch tomorrow?" Chun-Li then said, "Well…I don't know…" Fei-Long replied, "It's just lunch with an old friend." Chun-Li said, "OK, then. I take lunch at about 12." Fei-Long replied, "Well, then. I'll call about 11 with the details. I'm looking forward to it."

Chun-Li said, "Deal!" She then looked at her watch, and said, "Oh, my. It's getting late. Ryu, we'd better leave." Ryu simply nodded, then got up and said, "nice to meet you." Chun-Li noticed Ryu's tone was colder that when they first met Fei-Long. They took a cab back, and Chun-Li noticed that Ryu wasn't sitting close to her. They weren't engaging in their little acts of affection-holding hands, sitting close. And this puzzled Chun-Li…in fact it puzzled her so much, that as soon as they got in the apartment, Chun-Li asked, "Hey! What's wrong?"

Ryu said, "Why did you accept that date with him? And why didn't you tell him about our relationship?" Chun-Li replied, "I'm sorry. I accepted the date because I wanted to catch up on old times with a friend. And I didn't tell him about our relationship because I thought it was something between us-and that it was something no one needed to be made aware of." Ryu replied, "That seems fair…but you are a beautiful woman…and I don't want those other guys to get the idea that you may be available."

Chun-Li squeezed his hand, and said, "Don't worry! I'll be sure to let Fei-Long know the deal with us tomorrow. You don't have to worry…you're the only man for me. Now let's go to bed." As she headed to the bedroom, Ryu had a strange feeling. Was I…jealous? I know she loves me…but…what if there is someone else? And with that uneasy feeling, Ryu headed off to bed.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a black van was parked several blocks from the Masters' residence. The passenger's window lowered, and a pair of dark eyes looked towards the mansion. Juri-the onlooker-said, "My information is correct. I found the Masters' residence. Soon, Bison's plan will unfold!"

Has the relationship between Ryu and Chun-Li hit a bump? And how will they handle this? And what is Bison's plan? Find out next time!

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