Mei and James ditched the bus three stops later, leaping out just as the doors closed, leaving James's new, slightly annoyed friend and his bonsai behind.
They raced back towards the initial market, James having to jog to keep up with Mei's powerful, economical strides. They arrived at a tiny, smoky stall where a plump, cheerful woman with a ladle was stirring a massive wok of sizzling chestnuts.
"Auntie Liu," Mei greeted, dropping her guard slightly for the first time. "I need the usual—and a secure line."
Auntie Liu nodded, sliding a piping hot bag of chestnuts into James's hands, which he immediately fumbled. "You've brought the funny foreigner, Mei-mei! He looks like he needs a good meal and a strong cup of Pu-erh."
"I am fine, thank you," James mumbled, trying not to burn his fingers on the chestnuts. "Though I do find the preparation method a tad aggressive for a sensitive nut."
Mei leaned close to Auntie Liu, speaking too fast for James to follow. He was momentarily distracted by a small child who was fascinated by the stain on his jacket. He offered the child a chestnut, which was accepted with wide-eyed reverence.
"The chip is moving towards a rendezvous point at the Temple of Tranquil Harmony," Mei translated once her conversation was done. "We must intercept it before it leaves Beijing. The meeting is in two hours."
"The Temple of Tranquil Harmony?" James frowned. "Isn't that the location of the Whispering Dragon oolong?"
Mei blinked. "Possibly. It's also the current home of the chief suspect's courier. Focus, James. This isn't a tea-tasting trip."
"For me, it is," James insisted. "If I'm going to risk my life, I might as well retrieve the legendary tea while I'm at it. I already lost my Earl Grey, I can't leave without the Oolong."
Mei just sighed, pulling out a handful of specialized climbing hooks disguised as chopsticks. "Fine. But if you stop for a leisurely brew, I am leaving you to the Grey Suits."