Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
The chef, a tall man with a kind smile, spotted Lei and came over. “In addition to tomorrow’s tea ceremony, we are preparing your dinner also, Mountain Master. Your father said that you would like to have an early dinner in the garden this evening, right before the sun sets.”
Lei frowned. “Oh, did he?”
“Yes, sir.”
Lei shook his head and looked at me. “Where do you want to have dinner tonight, Moni?”
“The garden works for me.”
“Then, it will be the garden.” Lei turned back to the chef. “I have a question for you.”
“Yes, Mountain Master.”
“Did you have orders to make breakfast and do a tea ceremony for today?”
The chef’s smile faded slightly as he considered the question. “Today?”
“Yes.”
To my shock, the chef shook his head. “Not today, sir.”
“Hmmm.” Lei glanced at me.
What the fuck? But they said it was today, and when Lei arrived we couldn’t anymore.
Lei turned back to the chef. “What did my father tell you?”
“Early this morning, the Grand Mountain Master called my phone and told me that the official tea ceremony would be tomorrow. He instructed us to spend all of today getting the house ready and that he would be around soon with the new Mountain Mistress to show her the house, but to remain quiet and focus on our duties.”
Oh shit. Leo played me?
Lei’s frown deepened. “So to get this completely straight, there were no preparations for a breakfast or tea ceremony today?”
“No, Mountain Master,” the chef confirmed. “We were only told to prepare for tomorrow’s event.”
“And how many people would be there?”
“The Grand Mountain Master explained that seven people will be seated at the main table and there should be a buffet table for the news, as they will be eating out in the garden once filling their plates.”
Seven people?
Lei ran a hand through his hair. “Thank you, chef.”
The chef nodded and returned to his work, leaving Lei and me standing there in the bustling kitchen.
“So, what does this mean?”
“It means my father had a bigger plan all along.” Lei’s voice tinged with frustration. “Even more, this entire day was a setup for something bigger. He knew the tea ceremony would never happen. His bringing you here and having time alone was to get you to guarantee that it would happen tomorrow.”
“Okay. . .so. . .what the fuck?”
“I’ll explain.” He gently took my hand and led me out of the kitchen. “So, when you were with my father, he tested your ladies-in-waiting?”
“Yes. They fought on the porch.”
“Once he was satisfied, he brought you inside?”
“Yes, but I think he wanted to fight more, but your aunts made him stop. They kept talking about time—”
“They knew I would be coming soon, not reporters and they knew there damn sure wouldn’t be a tea ceremony.”
“How would they know that?”
Lei stopped me back in front of the staircase. “Because Moni. . .the tea ceremony meant that you would be making your first pot of tea in the East.”
“Okay.”
“And. . .the act of making and sipping tea is more than just a daily ritual.” Lei took me in, dropping his gaze on my lips and raising them to my eyes. “It’s a graceful dance, a. . . silent conversation of respect, love, and harmony between the one who prepares it and the one who receives it. The first cup is a very public, yet sensual act of love.”
“Wait a minute. Your father explained it as a way of tradition whereas you’re explaining it like we’re about to fuck.”
“Now you understand.”
“No, Lei.” I shook my head. “I don’t. You’re going to have to further break it down for me.”
“I will.” He chuckled. “But, what happened next?”
“I walked in and was blown away by the house, and then he stopped me right here where we are standing now—”
“And what were the tests he gave you?”
“Hold up. How did you know he tested me?”
“Because all my life there have been tests. What was yours today?”
“He asked me if I loved you.”
Now it was his turn to blink. “You’re still alive so. . .you said yes.”
I blushed. “I did.”
He licked his lips. “I love you too.”
“You better.”
That silly grin returned to his face. “What was the other question?”
“How did you know there was another question?”
“Because I’ve known this man all my life.”
“Well. . .he asked me if I was in love with Duck.”
Lei raised his eyebrows. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re still alive, so you said no.”
“True. Then. . .that was when I noticed he had his knife out.”
“He is a fast son of a bitch that can kill you in less than a second.” Lei shook his head. “You can never be alone with him again.”
“But Lei. . .the tea ceremony.”
“Oh yes. The tea ceremony.” Lei took my hand and guided me up the stairs. “Did you hear the number of guests that the chef said would be at the table?”