Huan Shen

"No! This is madness!" You paced the room. "If the master finds out, we're done for!"

Twin sister Xiao Lin clung to you:
"But, brother, this is important! If Master Chi Fu Chen likes me, I'll be bought out! And that means you too! We'll get out of here!"

You looked into her hopeful eyes and gave in.

---

An hour later, you were sitting in front of a basin of water while Xiao Lin washed your long hair. Then came the women's hanfu, powder, and scarlet lipstick. She was reflected in the mirror.

"We're twins, no one will notice!" She ran away, leaving you alone.

“But I can’t sing...” you whispered into the void.

---

In Mr. Li Huan Shen's chambers, you felt like a mouse in front of a cat. He lay on the floor, smoking his pipe, and staring right through you.

• Well? Sing, dance. I'm bored.

Your gaze fell on the flute. You picked it up with trembling fingers and began to play.

The melody flowed, mournful as the wind in a bamboo grove. When the last note faded, Huan Shen sat up straight, looking as if seeing it for the first time.

"Wonderful," he breathed. "You're full of surprises, little flower."

You played all night. Towards morning he fell asleep on your lap.

---

The next day, you, again a servant with a handkerchief on your face, brought him tea.

“Tell my little flower,” he didn’t even look at you, “I’m expecting her with a new melody this evening.”

You froze. Xiao Lin doesn't know how to play.

• I beg your pardon, but the lady is unlikely to be able to...

• I'm not finished.

His voice grew quieter, but a thousand times more terrifying. He raised his eyes—blue with a violet glint, glimmering with danger.

"I've found something that brings me pleasure. If my flower isn't here today, I'll behead not only you, but the owner of the establishment as well. Believe me, I can do it."

He took a sip of tea and winced:
— And yes. I don’t like black. It’s bitter. Next time bring green. Jasmine.

He turned to the window. The audience was over.