The Poisoned Pen: A Guardian Story

Chapter Four: The Difficult Dilemma

Shen Wei was at a loss.  If he revealed his identity now, it would cause the man standing in front of him a world of embarrassment.  The polar opposite of starting off on the right foot.  Weighing his options, he decided to continue the façade for just a little while longer, buying himself some time to think, even though he knew he was only delaying the inevitable.

He reached out and clasped the other man's hand, holding on a little longer than he intended.  He said nothing, figuring it was safest to remain silent.

Zhao Yunlan realised that he had never actually heard the man in front of him speak.  Maybe he couldn't.  He reached up and ran his fingers through his hair as he thought.

Perhaps he should ask a direct question.  It was worth the potential awkwardness, he reasoned.  He pointed to the closest shrub, which was an unusual shade of pink.

"What species of plant is this?"

A moment of silence.  Then, finally, a response.

"It's a mirror bush.  Imported.  It likes warmer climates."

The detective broke out into a wide grin.  It was progress.

"It's a very striking shade," he said.  "Does Mr Shen like colourful things?"

Shen Wei was immediately flustered by the question.  The fact was, he usually didn't.  His own clothing and many of the colour schemes within the house were more muted, natural tones.  It was only the gardens and grounds where he appreciated splashes of bold accents, and he had never really considered why.  He looked around before responding.

"Only outside."

"I see," said Zhao Yunlan, although he didn't really.

"You know, it may sound strange, but I haven't actually met Mr Shen yet.  Could you tell me a bit about him?  Just so I know what to expect when we do meet in person."

Now Shen Wei was really flustered.  How on earth was he supposed to describe himself?  He thought carefully, determined to give an honest but brief appraisal of his own qualities.

"He tends to keep to himself.  Doesn't go out much.  Doesn't talk too much either.  He likes old black and white films."

The author surprised himself with that last one.  He had no idea why he had suddenly thrown it out there.  It was most unlike him to reveal information like that.  Feeling his face start to flush, he turned around and knelt back down, busying himself with trimming the branches of the plant in front of him.

Zhao Yunlan smiled to himself.  It looked like that was all he was going to get today.

"Will I see you again tomorrow?" he asked.

The other man gave a "hmph" in reply.

"I'll take that as a yes," he called out over his shoulder as he walked away.

Shen Wei sat back on his heels and let out a long breath.

It was clear that he was now digging a huge hole, and not in the gardening sense.  Still, he wasn't prepared to put an end to the misunderstanding just yet.  One more day, he told himself.  He would wait just one more day before he told his new personal assistant who he really was.

Zhao Yunlan made his way through the side door, and found that it led to a utility space, and then beyond that, to the kitchen.  Entering the room, he saw the back and legs of a man dressed in white, the rest of his body obscured by a large fridge he was currently rummaging in.

Not wanting to startle the person, he waited patiently until he emerged.

"You must be Chef Yu," he said, eventually.  "We didn't get to meet earlier."