Tea Leaves and White Pearls

Birthday, Yao, and Temptation

Tea Leaves and White Pearls

Match One: Birthday, Yao, and Temptation:

-Ju-

My name Liao Ju and today is my birthday. That's right; I'm going to be eighteen this year. That means I will now have full power over the clan. Fei-xiansheng and Hen-to-xiansheng will still be advising me. Yet, the paperwork will be handed over to me. In fact, I had to do some this morning to authorize that I was now in control of the clan from here until and I die. That sounds like fun!

Bah! Why am I thinking about work today?! It's my birthday. I should be thinking about fun and happy things! I don't want to be an "old lady" as Qian called me this morning. (I'm going to get the little jerk later. What made it worse was Szu was laughing at me as well. I'm going to get them both later on.)

Anyway, I will be eighteen, as I already said. In China, you are an adult when you reach that age. So, I am legally an adult now. Yet, Bik still calls me her baby. "You'll forever be a little girl to me," she told me. I forced myself to smile and nod at that. I can't complain; she practically raised me when I was baby. That reminds me; this will be my second birthday without my father. It's been a year since his death. So far, the clan is holding up rather well. I've been doing good myself. I'm in my senior year of high school and business is going smoothly for the first year under new leadership. Tonight, however, is a good day to party and relax.

This year, the girls of the clan and my female friends decided to pull a surprise on me after school. Tina kept asking me what I had planned for my birthday this year. I took a moment to think about that.

"I guess the usual with a nice dinner out," I said. Tina frowned at me.

"Anything else?" she asked. I took another moment to think about that. I frowned a bit.

"No?" I asked. Tina looked rather frustrated at my answer.

"Wrong!" she said. I blinked at her.

"Wrong?" I asked.

"Yes!" she shouted. "That's wrong"

"Why?" I asked. Tina leaned in close to my face, grinning.

"You'll have to see this evening!" she said. I blinked at her. Okay, what are you plotting now?

"Girls!" we heard Bik calling from the doorway. "Anyone want some treats?" Tina and I looked up to see her carrying a tray of fresh sweet buns.

"Kee just made these for the birthday girl and her friend," the lovely nurse went on. Tina sat up in surprise.

"Kee cooks?" she asked.

"Oh yes," I said. Bik chuckled.

"Cai's son may be a lazy bum, but that boy can certainly cook!" she said. "If he would only apply his skills to actually hitting the books." Bik set the tray on my desk. "I'll just leave these right here," she said. Then, she turned and walked out of the room. I couldn't help but notice her mouthing something at Tina before she left. Confused, I turned to my best friend.

"What did she say to you?" I asked.

"What?" Tina asked back. I shook my head at her. Instead, I crawled off my bed and picked up a bun. They were actually quite tasty. Kee outdid himself this time.

Six o'clock came around hours later. I stood before my mirror getting dressed.

"You done in there yet?" Mei yelled at me.

"Just about!" I yelled back.

"Come on!" she called. "I want to go now!"

"Stop rushing her! It's not about you!" I heard Qin yell at her daughter.