Yan had been listening from the kitchen, and she turned away to hide the
look that crossed her face. Bai never seemed to realize how much she
gave away when she talked to Lili. She could be blunt and severe with
adults, impatient with foolish decisions, and ruthlessly practical in a
fight, yet she treated the child like a person whose thoughts mattered.
Yan admired that side of her more than she knew how to say. She also
knew she had to be careful, because admiration was becoming harder to
distinguish from something much more personal.
"Breakfast is ready," Yan called. "And Bai Li, your tea has gone cold
again."
Bai looked toward the kitchen as though the accusation had come from an
enemy camp. "I was doing something important."
"I can see that. The screws are probably thrilled."
Lili giggled. Bai gave Yan a look that was supposed to be stern but
failed because Yan was smiling too brightly. Then she took Lili's hand
and led her toward the table.
