Shuttered Impulses [HIATUS]

Chapter 17

A/N: I apologize to all my Readers who really love this book. It's slow releases due in part to writing my other series 'I'm the Mother of the Heroine?' and also because ... it's VERY difficult to write a story with Cultivation in it. I'm unsure how the Chinese Authors do it; honestly. There's so many damn things you need to remember and make up or create. I'd probably have more releases if there was another person helping me come up with things but since it's just me and I've got other projects going it's rather strenuous. Thank you for your patience. 

Senri had gone above board with Mei's request for tea to be prepared for her and their guest. She'd gone to her own small garden where a table had been set up. Not only had he used their finest table cloth but also used their finer tea set as well.

If that had been all it wouldn't have shocked Mei as much but he'd even gone and lit a long row of candles from the entrance into her courtyard towards the table.. even though the sun was still out and it was slightly windy. Some of the candles had already been blown out from a strong gust of wind.

"Senri, I said prepare some tea not set up a table for a date."

Senri looked confused and glanced at the table before responding, "Young Miss, I've not added any dates to the snacks."

Mei gave up on talking to this idiot. Sooner or later he'd have to smarten up. Maybe if he had hands on experience it would help? Or maybe I'll need to create a medicinal pill, maybe liquid, that will help increase brain functioning?

"... Senri, go wait for Kai's arrival. He should be arriving any minute now. He didn't seem to be the type to keep anyone waiting."

It would be high noon in 3 minutes and so Mei sat herself in one of the chairs at the table. She took one of the pastries that had been set on a plate and begun to nibble on it as she waited. 

As soon as High Noon hit, a Servant from the Main Entrance arrived with Kai following close behind. Senri stared at the handsome face of the man and couldn't help to praise his straight back as he walked into a Noble's Household. Even if it was a Minor Noble Household, the fact that he didn't seem nervous was already something deserving of high praise. 

Kai took in the courtyard with a queer look on his face as he noticed the candles that lay slightly melted and half unlit upon the pathway. Senri seemed to not have noticed his strange look and continued to walk towards his Young Miss. Mei sat on her chair calmly and waited for Kai to take a seat across from her. 

"Mr. Boatman, I'm glad that you've decided to join me," Mei gave a cute smile that put her dimples on display. Kai was struck slightly by how very beautiful she was but shook it off. 

"I'd have to be a fool to not come today. If you can truly allow me to advance in the Water Element then I would be the one benefiting the most."

He was telling the truth. No matter how one looked at it, Mei would be getting the shorter end of the stick if they agreed on any terms. 

"True but I think that in the long run, it is I who would be the one gaining the most benefits. I've got here the manual that will allow you to advance but as to whether you can take it away with you is up to you."

Mei took a sip of the Raspberry Mint Herbal tea and watched as different emotions flashed across Kai's face. She hid a smirk behind her cup as she waited patiently for him to ask. 

Mei turned to Senri as she waited for Kai to think through what he wanted to say, "Senri did you grab the Star Grass and Lavender? If so, begin to burn it at the four directions in this courtyard."

Kai shook himself from his thoughts and paid attention to what Mei was saying but couldn't understand what she wanted with those two herbs. 

"Star Grass and Lavender?"