Page 30 of The Wind Dancer
Demons!
Mei Lin had found me.
It didn’t seem like a coincidence that she appeared when people from the islands were trying to break into my house.
“Thank you for the information.”
“Be careful, Brother Lao. And remember, you are a part of these streets, unlike those who are looking for you.”
I bowed politely. The last sentence felt too formal compared to how he had spoken earlier. It seemed the mistress of the Garden of the Nine Gates already knew about my new title and had sent a message.
I opened the door of the teahouse and was greeted by the lovely smells of freshly brewed tea, toasted nuts, and sweet treats. It was cozy and beautiful. The dark wood walls were decorated with scrolls of elegant calligraphy, and shelves displayed ceramic teapots and cups with delicate patterns. A small hearth burned in the center of the room, and a copper pot filled with water simmered above it. The customers were seated at low tables, some in quiet conversation, some playing dice, and others simply enjoying the peace.
This was one of my mentor’s favorite places to visit. We often came here after long days of training or jobs so that wecould have tea and he could talk with the owner, who was an old friend. I fell in love with the tranquility and warmth of this teahouse.
As soon as I stepped inside, a familiar server approached me. Xiao Lan was still young, though she had been working here for quite some time, and her smile always felt genuine.
“Feng Lao!” she exclaimed, bowing slightly. “You’ve been away for so long. How are you?”
“I’m good,” I replied, smiling back. “Thank you for remembering me. A woman is waiting for me?”
She nodded, smirked, and motioned for me to follow her.
“She’s at the corner table. My, she’s as beautiful as a celestial maiden. And she’s waiting just for you.”
I followed her, feeling my heart begin to beat a little faster. The place wasn’t big, but every step seemed like it took forever. Finally, Xiao Lan stopped at a table in the far corner where Mei Lin was seated.
The deep blue silk dress made her look like a prosperous merchant or even a noble. Its silver embroidery, high collar, and long sleeves spoke of wealth. Her black hair was piled up in a complicated hairstyle, and thin silver bracelets glimmered on her wrists as her hands moved. She sat with her back straight, holding a cup of tea, and she caught my gaze with a smile.
“Here he is,” Xiao Lan said, bowing. “If you need anything, call.”
I nodded, thanking her, and sat down across from Mei Lin. As soon as I was close, I felt her scent — a mixture of jasmine and something that I couldn’t quite describe that mademy heart beat faster. I yearned for her, but I had to control my feelings and stay composed.
“Mei Lin,” I began, tilting my head slightly. “You found me faster than I expected.”
She smiled as she set the cup down.
“I always find the ones I need, Feng Lao. With each day that I spend in this city, my net spreads wider.”
I watched her, trying to figure out what was hidden behind her words. She was beautiful, but her eyes were cold, calculating. She wasn’t just any woman, she was a deadly weapon wrapped in silk and silver.
“So why are you here?” I asked bluntly, since I didn’t see a point in beating around the bush.
She tilted her head slightly, as if considering her answer.
“To remind you that it’s time to decide, Feng Lao. But before that...” She lifted the teapot and poured hot water into a cup with fragrant leaves. “Green tea with jasmine. That’s your favorite, right?”
I took the cup, feeling the warmth spread through my palms. She knew too much. And it unsettled me.
“Thank you,” I said, taking a sip. The tea was delightful, fragrant, with a hint of grassiness. She grinned, and there was a twinkle in her eyes. And the next moment, she was no longer a beauty smiling over a cup of tea, but a representative of the Secret Chancellery.
“I’m giving you time to decide until you drink this tea.” Her tone was as harsh as the crack of a whip.
“Haven’t you heard?”
“About what?”
Now I was pretty sure that she and Tang Fei weren’t working together. She didn’t know that I was already forced to agree to work for the Chancellery. And if that was the case, then the best course of action for me would be to pit them against each other.
