"I'm not comfortable with this arrangement," Evelyn said firmly as we stood outside the hospital entrance.
The cool evening air carried the scent of rain, and streetlights cast long shadows across the parking lot. After the chaos inside, the quiet felt almost surreal.
"Your grandfather can be quite persuasive," I replied, adjusting the small bag containing my few possessions.
"Persuasive is one word for it." Evelyn's keys jingled as she searched through her purse. "Stubborn and overbearing are others."
I watched her profile in the dim light. Even frustrated, she maintained an elegant composure that spoke of years of handling difficult situations.
"We don't have to go through with this," I said quietly. "The engagement, I mean."
She paused, finally locating her keys. "It's not that simple. When my grandfather makes a public declaration like that, backing out becomes complicated."
"Family pressure?"
"Business pressure, social pressure, every kind of pressure you can imagine." She sighed deeply. "The Reed family has a reputation to maintain."
We walked toward her car, a sleek black sedan that probably cost more than most people's annual salary. Everything about Evelyn Reed spoke of wealth and success.
"Your grandfather seems to think I'm some kind of prophetic figure," I said.
"He's always been superstitious about fortune tellers and prophecies." Evelyn unlocked the car doors. "But he's also incredibly shrewd about business and people."
"And what do you think?"
She considered this as we got into the car. "I think you saved his life using methods I can't explain. That's enough to make anyone curious."
The drive through New York City revealed a bustling metropolis far different from the mountain wilderness where I'd grown up. Neon signs advertised everything from luxury goods to street food. People crowded the sidewalks despite the late hour.
"How long have you lived here?" I asked.
"My whole life. Born and raised in New York City." Evelyn navigated the traffic with practiced ease. "I've traveled extensively for business, but this is home."
"Must be nice, having roots somewhere."
She glanced at me. "You mentioned being an orphan. That must have been difficult."
"My master provided everything I needed. Training, knowledge, purpose."
"But not family connections or childhood friends."
"No," I admitted. "Those are things I'm still learning about."
We turned into an upscale residential district where manicured lawns surrounded elegant homes. Each property looked like it could house a dozen families comfortably.
"This is where you live?"
"The family estate is nearby, but I prefer my own space." Evelyn pulled into the driveway of a modern villa. "Privacy is important when you're running a company."
The house was impressive without being ostentatious. Clean lines, large windows, and carefully planned landscaping created an atmosphere of refined luxury.
"It's beautiful," I said honestly.
"Thank you." She seemed pleased by the compliment. "I had it designed by a friend who specializes in feng shui principles."
"Interesting choice."
"My grandfather's influence. He believes in harmonizing with natural forces."
Inside, the villa was spacious but comfortable. Neutral colors and modern furniture created a sophisticated atmosphere without feeling cold or impersonal.
"The guest room is upstairs," Evelyn said, maintaining professional distance. "There's a private bathroom and access to the balcony."
"This is more than adequate."
"Good." She paused at the foot of the stairs. "I should mention that I leave early for work. Usually around seven."
"I'm an early riser myself."
"Coffee maker is in the kitchen if you need it." She handed me a spare key. "This is temporary, obviously."
"Obviously."
An awkward silence settled between us. Despite our supposed engagement, we were essentially strangers sharing living space.
"Mr. Hayes," Evelyn said carefully, "can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"What do you really want? Not just the marriage arrangement, but from life in general."
I considered how to answer. "I have several objectives I need to accomplish."
"Such as?"
"Finding people who were important to me years ago. Learning more about my background. Taking on responsibilities my master left behind."
"Responsibilities?"
I couldn't explain about the Divine Emperor Token and the mysterious organization without revealing too much. "Business matters that require attention."
"You're being deliberately vague."
"Some things are complicated to explain."
She studied my face, clearly frustrated by my evasiveness. "We're supposed to be engaged, even temporarily. Shouldn't we be more honest with each other?"
"Honesty works both ways. What do you really think about your grandfather's proposal?"
Evelyn was quiet for a long moment. "I think he sees something in you that he believes will benefit our family."
"And you?"
"I think you're unlike anyone I've ever met. That could be good or bad."
"Fair enough."
She started up the stairs, then paused. "There's food in the refrigerator if you're hungry. Make yourself at home."
"Thank you."
After she disappeared upstairs, I explored the main floor. The kitchen was modern and well-equipped. The living room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden.
Everything was comfortable and expensive, but it felt empty compared to my simple mountain home. Too much space, too many possessions, not enough life.
I settled into meditation position on the living room floor, trying to center myself after the day's overwhelming events. But something felt wrong immediately.
The spiritual energy here was almost nonexistent. In the mountains, I could draw power from the earth itself, from flowing water and growing trees. Here, surrounded by concrete and steel, I felt disconnected from natural forces.
I attempted to circulate my internal energy, but progress was painfully slow. At this rate, advancing my cultivation would take years instead of months.
This was a serious problem. My master had warned me about the challenges of practicing ancient arts in modern environments, but I hadn't expected the difference to be so dramatic.
I needed herbs. Specific plants that could be refined into pills to supplement my cultivation. But finding them in the city might prove difficult.
The next morning, I woke before dawn and prepared to search for an apothecary. Evelyn had already left for work, leaving only a brief note about door locks and security codes.
My first stop was a traditional medicine shop near the city center. The elderly proprietor was knowledgeable but lacked the rare herbs I needed.
"Thousand-year ginseng?" He shook his head. "Very expensive and difficult to authenticate. Try the Hundred Herbs Residence downtown."
The second shop had better inventory but still fell short of my requirements. The third suggested the same place the first had mentioned.
By midday, I was walking through the entrance of Hundred Herbs Residence, hoping their reputation for quality and variety was justified.
The shop was larger than the others, with walls lined with wooden drawers containing dried herbs. The scent of medicinal plants filled the air, reminding me of my master's laboratory.
"Can I help you?" A middle-aged woman behind the counter looked up from her ledger.
"I'm looking for several specific herbs," I said, handing her a written list.
She studied it carefully, her eyebrows rising higher with each item. "These are very rare and expensive ingredients."
"Do you have them?"
"Some of them. But items like dragon bone powder and phoenix root will require special ordering."
"How long?"
"Weeks, possibly months. And the cost would be substantial."
I felt my hopes deflating. Without these herbs, my cultivation would remain stagnant, and time was not on my side.
"I understand. Thank you for your time."
I was turning to leave when the shop's front door burst open violently. A man stumbled inside, carrying an unconscious woman in his arms.
"Someone! Someone! Save my wife!"