Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
“Alternatives? You do not get to tell me what to do with my life.”
“I do when you control the East, when you are in charge of thousands of lives—fathers, mothers, children. You were to let go of your obsession of Chanel and choose the way of the Lord—”
“Enough!”
He went silent.
“You did not call to simply ask about Monique or explain why you brutally murdered Romeo and Chanel.” My hand shook as I gripped the phone. “Why did you really call?”
“Very smart.”
A cold shiver ran through me. “Get on with it.”
He let out a long breath. “I called to discuss the plans for my death.”
I sneered. “Plans? You think I’m going to let you have some say in how you die?”
“Eight days from now, we will meet at a specified location.”
I quirked my brows. “What?”
“We will meet right before the sun sets. I have the mansion. Negotiations are being finalized now—”
“What the hell are you talking about? Why not meet now?”
“Because you know I love the number eight, and these extra days will allow me time to get all of my final wishes in order.”
“You do not get to schedule your death—”
“Why not?”
“Romeo and Chanel did not—”
“That is not my concern. Regardless, back to my guidelines, guests must wear traditional Hanfu clothing in vibrant shades of gold and blue.”
“Guests? Have you truly lost your mind?” With my free hand, I rubbed the throbbing pain at my forehead. “Are you planning a party?”
“Much more than that, son.”
“I am not your son.”
“First, we will feast in the dining hall. Have your aunts handle this part. They will know what I want—long, rosewood table, golden table settings, jade bowls, and ivory chopsticks.”
“I am not doing this.”
“Lanterns.”
“What?”
“I want many lanterns adorned with red tassels and dragon motifs hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, flickering light throughout the space. Suzi and Min will argue over the color. I do not care—”
“And I do not care either, which is why I will not be—”
“The dinner commences with a traditional tea ceremony.”
“Enough, you die when I catch you—”
“But you will never catch me, son. Have you forgotten that I have taught you everything you know?”
I lowered my hand and fisted it at my side.
“Your searching for me is an impossible mission—”
“It is not—”
“I have known you before you knew yourself, Lei. I wiped your bottom when you were a baby. Any move you will make, I will know it. Do not test this. If you do, more blood will be spilled. Spend these next days training. Go to Mount Utopia, fast, and meditate.”
I closed my eyes.
He is crazy. Do not listen to him.
My father continued, “Following the tea ceremony, the dishes should make their way to the table. Golden, crispy Peking duck, Kung Pao chicken bristling with red chili, sweet and sour pork glazed in—”
“Is this supposed to be a celebration of you?” I kept my eyes closed, needing the darkness to calm the rising headache.
“A photographer will be there. The East must be given the visual story of this night, or you will have difficulty ruling after my death. This is to help you—”
“I do not care about the East or—”
“Once dinner is done, we fight.”
I opened my eyes. “What?”
“We fight—you and I.”
I stiffened.
“No guns will be permitted. You must fight with Soaring Precious. I am having it delivered to you this evening.” His voice lowered. “I have always dreamed of that sword being what takes me out.”
My stomach twisted.
“Do you know the legend, Lei?”
I couldn’t even answer. The honorable finality of what he was asking clawed at my senses.
“It is believed that this splendid sword possesses an ethereal awareness, discerning the honor of those it is wielded against.”
My throat grew sore.
“If Soaring Precious finds the target to be a person of significant honor and virtue, the sword will sing a mournful whistle as the blade cuts through the flesh.”
I swallowed.
“I often wonder. . .”
I widened my eyes.
“I wonder what Soaring Precious’s final judgement of me will be when you slice my throat open.”
My vision clouded.
“Back to our fight,” He cleared his throat. “This will be a duel of Wushu, under the dimmed light of the moon, surrounded by our guests.”
I shook my head. “No one will allow this. You really think my aunts, Uncle Song, and—”
“I will talk to them.”
“This is insane.”
“Monique must be there too.”
I parted my lips. “W-why?”
“She must understand our ways.”
“There is no reason for her to understand—”
“You cannot see the possibilities of you and her, but I see it—”
“Monique is an amazing woman, but there will never be anyone else for me. When Chanel died, my future for love died too.”
“No, Lei. In the face of Chanel’s death, your new love for Monique will become a beacon. Its glow intensified by the encroaching shadows, revealing the depth and breadth of what you truly need in your life.”