Dewdrop in the Morning Mist

Chapter 04: Routine Check Up

Although she hadn't recovered, Lu Si managed to come closer to the border between Jin and Baimu. Rather than entering immediately she stayed at the outskirt in a lodging before contacting her own people to come escort her. She feared the bandits at the border were still at large. Adding to that, there were men trailing after her.

Lu Si did not remember what happened a year and a half ago but recalled one particular phrase: Do not enter Jin if you value your life. Although she never meant to enter this country, but the line of death and this country's border was just one that she was forced to step on. It would be hard not to believe in superstition after that whole ordeal.

Cai Ying have traveled across many towns and cities in Jin, but she found no traces of her father. Armed with just the dagger that Zhen Rong left her and a bit of money that she took from the Zhou manors she managed to keep herself well fed and healthy. However, there would come a day of her running out of fund for this journey. She could become a mercenary with her martial art skills, but she didn't want to kill anyone either. To save some money she lived only in abandoned places, but tonight was the night she wanted to rent a room to rest her back and clean herself, and then have a little feast to feed her tiring body.

Lu Si occupied a table away from the inner courtyard where the skylights was most prominent. She hid away to a corner with a mask covering half of her face, enjoying her dinner while listening to the rumors passed around by the many merchants and residences of the lodging.

Cai Ying entered the lodging and was greeted by the receptionist, also the owner of the place. Her eyes landed on the many guests eating and chatting in front of her. The layout of the lodging was simple enough for her to escape if anything were to go amiss.

"Miss, what bring you here to our Tian Guang Inn? We have restaurant and lodging, or perhaps you prefer both?"

"Sir, I would like a room for one night and possibly some food."

"Yes, I will have it for you. Would you like to eat in your room or in the skylight hall?"

"I will dine in the hall."

While the owner scrambled to get a room prepare, Cai Ying was led to an unoccupied table neared a table where many brutes were frozen by her graceful beauty.

When she sat down and smiled at the waiter they hooted and roared like an animal in heat.

"Beautiful!"

"Majestic!"

"Elegant!"

"Gorgeous!"

They repeated one after another while they moved their seats over to surround her. Cai Ying kept her cool facade without giving them attention. Words could not describe her rage from within. The disrespectful hooligans.

The waiter gulped with shaken hands. He tried to insert himself to get her orders but was stopped by the men.

"Patrons, please let me take her orders." He pleaded.

"I'll do it!" Roared one of them, and he pushed the waiter away before turning back to Cai Ying, "Beautiful Miss, what would you like to eat? Fish, Pork, Beef, or vegetables?"

One of them leaned in close and whispered, "Or...me?"

They guffawed at their stupid jokes. They became the loudest bunch there. The people either ran off to their room or showed their disgust through their eyes instead of interfering.

Lu Si continued her food as usual despite growing impatient inside. She ate her food slowly, but her eyes were glued to Cai Ying; if those rude men lay a hand on her she'd kill them all.