THE first note of the guqin echoed through the pavilion.
The figure in red remained still for a moment before lifting his arms. His sleeves slipped back, exposing his pale wrists. One hand rose while the other moved toward his hip. He tilted his head, his eyes half-lidded.
A flute joined the guqin, and he took his first step.
He moved across the stage with small, careful steps, placing each foot in front of the other. His robe brushed against the floor as he turned, the red fabric catching the lantern light. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other before taking another step.
His hands followed the rhythm of the flute. One moved across his chest while the other reached outward. He turned his wrist and drew his hand back, then changed direction without stopping. He spun once and stopped with his back to the audience.
