At the moment, Li Wei was a fair distance away, and he heard someone call-summon about all the servants. He was curious enough to step out and see what was taking place. The courtyard ahead was abuzz with whispers and action-especially with so many people there. He could not begin to tell what they were all gathering for.
A young maid passed in front of him, and he quickly stepped forward to stop her.
"What's all this?" he murmured, low yet urgent.
The maid halted and turned toward him. "It's a meeting," she said. "Miss Mei is introducing someone… a new guest. She wants it clarified."
Without any uncertainty, Li Wei became part of the crowd. A circle of servants had already formed around the garden path, and all gazed at the tall front gate.
After some time, the main carriage rolled in, moving its wheels softly over gravel. The horses slowed to a stop, and the doors creaked open.
Then a young man stepped out.
He wore his hair loose and wavy brown that fell just above his shoulders, with a few strands braided and tucked loosely over sharp cheekbones. His striking green eyes glimmered under thick brows. Dressed in an almost Western-with-foreign-touches well-fitted suit, he looked just as if he had stepped out of a noble portrait, exuding charm and elegance.
The servants watched in silence as he walked confidently beside Miss Mei; the two, indeed, moved side by side between rows of colorful flower beds.
Some of the staff exchanged uncertain glances. Didn't Miss Mei just a few days ago walk the same way with Li Wei? And now… this stranger?
She used to be warm towards Li Wei-gentle, smiling, even holding his hand once. But now, with this newcomer beside her, things felt distant again, unfamiliar.
Miss Mei stopped near the middle of the garden and turned to face everyone.
Li Wei was, a few paces behind the others. His eyes were lowered as reverberations raced through his heart. He fought the urge to look at her-to look at them. Useless: he had thrown away the thought long ago. Such a girl? This bright, drenched-by-silk-and-pearls reality did not concern someone like him, a servant with rough hands and nothing to offer.
Still, he glanced up.
In the morning sun, she looked something like heaven. Elegant. Beautiful. Like a bride preparing for a ceremony.
Miss Mei had been speaking for a few minutes, but Li Wei wasn't listening. There was too much noise in his mind. Now, he caught the last sentence.
"He is a friend," she said, loud and clear. "Not a stranger, not a threat. And certainly not a killer. So from now on, accord him the same respect you show to me."
Then, she dismissed them.
The servants bowed down and started to leave in turn. Without saying a word, Li Wei turned and walked up to the old wooden bench at the far side of the garden-hidden half among some vines. It was the only place he would be able to get to after the work was done, or when he felt this particular kind of ache.
As he moved away from it, Miss Mei caught a glimpse of him at the corner of her eye. For a second, her lips parted, as if she might call his name. But no sound came out.
She stopped herself. Calling out to a servant now, especially with Sebastian beside her, would seem too personal. Too informal.
So she said nothing and continued walking.
"Let's go rest," she told Sebastian softly. "Maybe somewhere in the courtyard at the East Wing or at the garden."
The two strolled side by side and came to rest under the shaded arch of the courtyard. Neither spoke for a while.
Then Miss Mei stirred. "Ah, I left my bag in the carriage," she murmured, brushing her forehead. She turned to one of the nearby maids. "Could you find Li Wei for me?"
The maid did as she was told and set off. It took a moment, but eventually she spotted him in the hidden bench area, sitting with his elbows on his knees, lost in thought.
She approached carefully. "Miss Mei is asking for you," she said.
Li Wei stood without question. Work took precedence over the pains in his chest.
When he opened the courtyard door, the two were seated side by side under the arches in silence. He bowed respectfully and was still, hands clasped behind his back.
Sebastian studied him in silence. Li Wei gave an impressive performance for a servant-and despite the simple clothing, there was a sort of quiet strength to him. Not bad looking either.
"I left my bag in the carriage," Miss Mei said, glancing up. "Could you please bring it for me?"
He bowed again and turned to leave.
As he walked down this hall, his boots brushing against the tiled path, thoughts stirred within. He passed through the flower beds and quickly found himself at the carriage, without even realizing it .
"She could've sent any maid," he thought, lifting the bag. "But she sent someone just to come and get me…"
A bitter smile flickered on his lips.
"She just wanted me to see them together. To make me jealous. That's all."
But then-another thought.
"No. Wait. That 'please' she added…"
Something was behind her words. A tenderness. An undertone that didn't seem to hold mockery.
"What's she plotting?" he murmured under his breath.
His brows furrowed as he returned along the hallway.
If Miss Mei was planning something… he would find out.