Xiaodan had a problem. Her assigned people were royal people; she couldn't walk into the palace and befriend them like she owned the place. She figured if she started spreading the story of the water dragon again, they were bound to seek her. She found a nice tavern to work in. She knew the tavern was the best place to spread the word, as many people came to drink, eat, and sometimes get entertained by storytellers.
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Xiaodan cleared her throat, "This is the story of the water dragon, who is locked up on the Mountain Su. Long ago, lived the water dragon, who took care of the forest. She lived peacefully until one day, she met a poor scholar..."
Xiaodan was sitting at the far back of the tavern with a white, transparent screen in front of her. She wore a white, silk, transparent face mask that covered her nose to her chin.
"Oh my, I haven't heard that story in ages. I was still in my prime when this story was going around. How does a young lady like yourself know this story?" an old man said, as he was drinking wine with a couple of other old men.
Xiaodan lightly chuckled, "How do you know I'm a young lady? I may be quite old."
The old man laughed with his buddy. One of the other men said, "Young lady, we can tell by your voice. Even though we can't see you. Your voice is quite young."
"Oh, is that so? Then I thank you for your compliment," Xiaodan said, flattered.
Soon enough, Xiaodan finished her shift and was taking a break. She stretched her arms out before a petite young girl in a worn-out tan hanfu dress appeared behind her.
"Xiaodan, look at how many people you brought in. Ever since you arrived here, we have been busy as ever," the petite lady said.
Xiaodan turned back and smiled at her. "I don't think so. I think they came for the famous plum wine and peach wine...or maybe for the hard-working little lady working in this tavern."
"You're such a tease, Xiaodan," the lady said, slightly pushing her. The small, timid lady's name was Chen Yang. She worked in her family-owned tavern to help her parents out. Ever since Xiaodan arrived and became their storyteller, she admired Xiaodan and treated her like a big sister.
Xiaodan smiled and tapped her finger on Chen Yang's nose. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you helping your parents out?"
"I already told my parents that I'm taking my break with you!" Chen Yang said cheerfully.
"Jie Jie," a small voice came from behind. They both turned around and saw a small boy in school clothes and a small bag.
"I'm hungry," the little boy said, walking toward them.
Chen Yang crossed her arms and looked at her little brother. "Chen Mo, did you finish your schoolwork? Every time you come home, all you care about is eating."
"Not yet...but I'm hungry and tired," Chen Mo grinned before grabbing his sister's arm and starting to swing it.
"Do you know how hard mother and father work to get you in school?" Chen Yang lectured her brother.
"I know..." Chen Mo said with his head down.
"Cut him some slack. He needs food to give him energy to do his schoolwork," Xiaodan said.
"Yeah," Chen Mo immediately popped a smile and looked up at his sister with gleaming eyes. "See, Sister Xiaodan understands me," he said, nodding his head frantically.
"Xiaodan, you baby him too much," Chen Yang said.
"Why not. He is still young," Xiaodan smiled before patting Chen Mo's head.
"Yes. I need food to give me energy. Isn't there a saying we need to nurture the young?" Chen Mo smiled.
"Alright," Chen Yang said, giving up.
"Is our little Momo back?" Chen Yang's mother said.
"Mother!" Chen Mo ran into his mother's arms.
"What are you guys doing here? Why haven't you guys eaten your meal? Hurry now before you guys get sick," Chen Yang's mother said, hugging her son back.
"Li Xiaodan, don't mind these two. Go on and have your meal. Dinner rush is coming soon," Chen Yang's mother added. Xiaodan nodded her head.
——-
"For those who are wondering about the Taoist priest who sealed the dragon. Some say he is still alive to this very day. The name he goes by is Taoist Priest Feng; however, you will never recognize him as he likes to dress as a simple old herbalist..." Xiaodan continued to tell.
"Little lady, how do you know?" A drunken man said.
"I heard from many old travelers," Xiaodan calmly responded in a lie.
YOU ARE READING
Cupid's Assistant
FantasyCupid. A small chubby boy with wings who carries a bow that shoots arrows of love to anyone in his way. Whoever gets struck by his arrows will fall in love with whomever they see. However, time has changed and Cupid no longer works alone. Now he has...
