Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
While Chen was on my left, my father sat on my right talking with Uncle Song and my aunts.
It was the first time in a long time that we had been this close without the shadow of violence looming over us. Surely, I wanted to grab my decorative sword and slice his throat, but I could tell he was ready for a surprise attack.
Hadn’t he taught me to be that way too?
I studied him.
In the chair, he sat with an alert readiness that was impossible to miss. His jacket was open, allowing easy access to the array of knives I knew he had concealed within. While his face was turned slightly toward Uncle Song and my aunts, engaging in casual conversation, his body was angled more towards me.
It was a subtle, almost imperceptible posture, but I recognized it for what it was—a combative stance, poised for action at a moment’s notice.
He’d taught me that very positioning too.
Meanwhile, I kept my own posture equally prepared, mirroring his readiness without betraying my intent.
This was a delicate balance of power.
A silent battle of wills played out under the veneer of civility.
The elegance of the room and the ceremony’s significance were almost overshadowed by the undercurrent of potential violence.
But for Moni, I would keep my composure and he would too.
At least we both agree that she’s important. For that, I won’t try to kill you today.
This tea ceremony would make Moni’s life much easier in the East and that was my only focus. Today, we all had roles to play and for now, mine was to honor her efforts and keep the peace.
I’ll kill you tomorrow, father.
I moved my view to the front of me.
Look at them. Ready to catch the big news of the day.
The tea ceremony room was not just a space for a gathering, it was also a stage. In front of us, news cameras and reporters had set up. The bright lights from the cameras illuminated the room.
Several reporters stood in a semi-circle with their eyes trained on us, microphones and notepads at the ready. Additionally, the cameras were positioned strategically, capturing every angle of the room.
Long, slender tripods held the lenses steady, their red recording lights blinking ominously. Wires snaked across the floor, leading back to the vans parked outside, probably ready to broadcast the ceremony live to the world.
A few reporters whispered among themselves. Their hushed conversations were a constant hum in the background.
Some of them adjusted their earpieces, possibly receiving instructions from producers and directors behind the scenes.
Others tapped away on their phones or scribbled notes furiously, preparing their questions for us at the end of the ceremony.
I forced myself to meet the gaze of the reporters and kept my expression carefully neutral.
This ceremony was more than just a ritual; it was a public performance, a demonstration of power and unity.
For Moni’s sake and for the sake of our future, I had to play my part well.
The East would be watching.
Behind the scenes, the real battles and decisions would take place, but for now, we had to maintain the facade.
Chen glanced at me.
I gave him a reassuring nod and my thoughts momentarily drifted back to the pink blossoms that had brought me a fleeting moment of warmth amidst the tension.
How could I honor her love with the color?
Perhaps, I would get some jewel that had pink in it.
Or a gown that had dominate blue with hints of pink.
Perhaps, I was thinking too small.
I could get her a pink car—to only be driven outside of the East of course?
Or a pink jet?
I’ll figure it out.
To the right sat Aunt Suzi and Aunt Min. As usual, they were elegantly dressed. Aunt Suzi’s eyes met mine briefly and she gave me a small, encouraging smile.
They’d made me late entering Lotus Blossom due to making me listen to their curses and threats for several minutes. I just stood there taking the verbal assault, knowing that once done, all would return to normal.
It was comical how they claimed in their rant to be old, defenseless women. . .when they had put twenty of my men in the hospital.
My crazy aunts.
And then to my surprise, my father turned to me. “Thank you for allowing this event to occur, son. I know it was hard for you to agree to this.”
I was momentarily taken aback by his relaxed words.
His tone was expectant, as though he were waiting for me to reject the sentiment.
But I didn’t.
I simply nodded, keeping my face neutral. “It’s what Moni wanted.”
“And you would give her anything she wanted?”
“Almost anything.”
“Love her as much as possible. I don’t think I showed you that in my love for your mother.” He let out a long breath. “I was. . .a stubborn, selfish man, only focused on what I wanted.”
I blinked.
“There were so many times when I ignored what Jing desired and simply did it my way. It didn’t matter how much she begged.”