The sun set behind the estate walls, casting a warm amber light on the polished tiles. Miss Mei had gone to the East Wing earlier that afternoon. Her feet were sore from the long journey.
As the other workers went about their taskscleaning floors, emptying bins, and feeding the estate's exotic pets ;she slipped behind a sliding door, mostly unnoticed.
Li Wei, always the quiet helper, had no set role in the house. He moved from task to task, sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, helping in the gardens, hauling waste, and working in the stables. Although he had no title, everyone knew that his presence brought order.
By late afternoon, the mansion gleamed with cleanliness. The mirrors sparkled, the marble floors were free of dust, and the scent of jasmine filled the open courtyards.
Li Wei took a quick shower, cool water washing away his sweat and fatigue. As he changed into his worn clothes and lay down to rest, he heard a soft knock on his door.
He got up and peeked outside. One of the younger maids stood there, holding a basket wrapped in blue cloth.
"From the kitchens," she said with a small nod.
Inside the basket were steamed buns, white rice, tender chicken in soy glaze, and sweet pear slices. Li Wei's eyes softened. He hadn't had a meal like this in weeks. He bowed in thanks and brought it inside, placing it gently on his wooden table. Instead of devouring it, he paused. Then he carefully divided the food ;one portion for himself, and the rest wrapped again for his mother.
In Miss Mei's Room
Books filled the polished shelf next to her bed. After a warm shower, she lay on the futon wrapped in a silk robe, her hair still slightly damp. She reached for a book—poetry from the old dynasties, something she always sought for comfort.
But a face lingered in her mind.
The boy… that boy. She had seen him before, hadn't she?
Somewhere. But where?
She frowned slightly, then shook off the thought and returned to her reading.
Meanwhile, Li Wei approached the senior maid, a woman with gentle eyes and gray streaks in her hair. She was kinder than the others, one of the few who noticed when someone looked too tired or too thin.
He bowed respectfully. "Please, may I visit my mother? I won't be long."
She examined his face, seeing the quiet exhaustion in his eyes.
"Go," she nodded. "Just don't stay out too late."
With a grateful bow, Li Wei slipped out into the dusky street. On his way, he passed Mr. Huang, his old employer. The man hardly glanced at him now, ever since he found new workers for less pay. But Li Wei didn't flinch or wave. He had no need to.
He arrived at the small clinic, where the walls were cracked and the roof was patched with clay tiles. His mother lay inside, propped up by pillows, color slowly returning to her cheeks.
"Where did you get all this?" she asked, eyeing the food he unwrapped beside her.
Li Wei smiled gently. "I told you, didn't I? Stop worrying so much. I'll take care of you… always."
She did not say anything more. He sat by her side and fed her piece by piece, just like he used to when he was younger.
Before the moon rose too high, he was back at the estate. The halls were quiet now. The workers had retired to their quarters, and the sound of crickets filled the air.
He slipped into his room, body aching, mind restless. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting into dreams. He imagined wealth—not gold or titles, but peace. A proper home for him and his mother. A life without begging for permission.
Then, there was a knock.
He sprang up, half-expecting trouble. At the door stood Miss Mei's handmaiden, her expression unreadable, a folded note in her hand. Without a word, she handed it to him and left.
Li Wei unfolded the paper. Just one line was written in delicate brush strokes:
"You will now work in the East Wing."
He stood there, heart racing—not from fear, but from the weight of something unknown beginning to unfold.
Tomorrow he would work close to Miss Mei in the East Whatever Happens he stands it.