A Game of Schemes & Fortune

6: New Beginnings

I instinctively turn around, and come face to face with Qing Ren himself. Funnily enough, "we were just looking for you," is what I want to say. But that's what you say to a friend, not an opponent. I miss being in school, being friendly with everyone, but then I realize where that got me.

Murdered. Dead. I wonder what happened to Alan? Did he lie and say it was an accident? He loved lying. I see that now. I'm not going to fall for any tricks from now on. I'll be careful with who I trust in this life, starting with Qing. I didn't trust Jun De's opinion that much, but if he didn't like Qing, then there had to be a reason for that.

Qing merely smiles innocently as I try to analyze everything about him. He's wearing blue commoner robes, and not the black robes I saw when he... tried to kill me. This is the second time I'm seeing his face out of the three times we've met. Still, I've grown to hate that coy grin.

"Why are you here?" I ask, suspicious. "At my house no less?" Qing Ren ignores me, and instead looks at my front doorstep, where the bouquet of flowers is leaning against the front door.

"You have a lovely home. I hope you like hydrangeas." Is all Qing Ren says. I put my foot down and scowl. This is so annoying- Why can't he answer all my questions?! He literally just tried to attack us. I start to wonder why I even tried to help Jun De. Right, because Jun De was desperate... And because I needed answers of my own.

My eyes dart to Jun De's sheathe, which is tied around his waist. I stick my arm out , grab the golden hilt of his blade, and pull out a dagger. "Answers. Now." I put the dagger's blade to Qing's neck just like how I threatened Chen. BUt Qing Ren doesn't flinch. Ugh. Empty threats aren't going to work on this guy. I was hoping to interrogate him. I tuck the blade into my fabric belt.

"Hmm..." Qing Ren doesn't give me answers, he merely hums in acknowledgement.

"Wait guys-" Jun De tries to say something but it can't be as important as this.

"Stop avoiding my questions and-"

"Guys! Daiyu, look!" I feel Jun De's hand clamp my shoulder. He practically shoves me so that I turn to face the doorway. The doorway where my mom is standing looking absolutely delighted, but also a bit confused.

"I hope I'm not interrupting?" She says, unsure. Mom tucks a loose strand of her brown hair neatly in place. "It's just, I heard yelling and I was worried. Your father was out in the garden, so I thought I would just take a quick peek..."

I turn to face Jun De and Qing, they're in the respect positions. They're hands are clasped together and resting on their belly. Ah, yes. The author based the respect positions on Chinese bows. In these respect positions, they look...elegant. What happened to them?! Since when were they- Right. Jun De and Qing are both heirs to emperors. I sigh in relief. Before realizing-

"Oh hi Mom! No, you're not interrupting. Jun De and I were just getting back home from a lovely day out!" I say with a forced smile and gritted teeth. Mom, I love you, but please leave.

"Okay," Mom speaks slowly, hesitantly. "But who's this?"

'Drat! I forgot about him!'

Qing Ren stands still, with his eyes pressed closed, and his head down. He's still in the position of respect, he should have stopped being so formal and stiff by now. The position of respect, Gratie, only lasts for about 30 seconds max. I notice Qing Ren looks anxious, his head is so low I can't even get a good look at him. But then Qing Ren looks up with a calm smile.

"Hello Lady Lei Jin." Qing bows forward once more. "My name is Qing Ren, I'm visiting from a nearby kingdom. I was just passing by." I expect Mom to react in fear and surprise at the mention of the Blue Warrior's name, but she keeps a calm posture.