Chapter 33: Under Her Wings

Chapter 33: Under Her Wings

As we get closer, I can sense several hidden people around. The one closest to us appears to be a simple shrub. Somehow, theyve hidden themselves perfectly though I cannot tell how. Unconsciously, my eyes flicker to shrub and I can feel them look back.

Shit, shit, shit.

Quickly, my eyes shoot straight ahead of me. However, I cant help but glance at two others nearby to see if they are about to move. Seeing that they dont, I try to act relaxed. As my eyes focus again on the older woman, I can see Gong bowing to her, with Ai and Lin following suit. I just manage to mimic them in time to match their bows.

Almost subconsciously, I can just barely see the outline of the bow for myself, using my shadow scan. It looks like my daily scanning practice hasnt been going to waste.

Gong speaks first, Aunti I can practically feel a wave of heated irritation come from the woman, even with my head bowed.

I can practically hear Gong gulp.

I-I mean, Big Sister Crane. The heat goes away, as if it was never there. Note to self, get the terms of address correct for older people.

The older woman responds with a strangely elegant and silky voice, Oh, Gong. It is quite nice to have you by. You should visit me more. She gives a slightly exaggerated sigh. Come on, come on. Stand up straight for your sister.

She motions to have us all stand up. As I rise, I get a better look at her. She appears to be a traditional Chinese woman, perhaps in her late 30s. Which in this world must mean sh I better not finish that, even in my own head.

As I jump out of my thoughts, I can see her smiling softly at me. A shiver goes down my spine.

Yep. Good choice.

She smiles even wider and looks at Gong. Somehow, I sense her smile softening as she looks at her.

You are looking good. Healthier. You must have been eating more! Ive been telling you, if you eat more, youll feel and look better. I mean look at me, I eat as much as I want and I still have this dynamite body.

Gong looks like she wants to say something, but knows it isnt the best idea.

Big Sister Crane, for her part, smiles at her own comments, before a slyness comes over her.

Dont tell me, this new youthfulness from you, is because youve captured this young mans heart and want to get married?

Both Gong and I freeze, our minds stopping in their tracks. Gongs face is completely red, and she begins to stammer.

Miss Crane seems pleasantly surprised and teasing, Ohoho, I wasnt actually expecting for that to be the case---

Nononono, h-h-hes jus a f-tch-wiend is all.

With a huge, entertained smile, Miss Crane continues Ohhh, so is that the case, hmm? Well, I will leave it alone for now.

Both Gong and I relax before she continues with, Though if you want the wedding, we could do it tomorr-

Soon after, she seems to get serious. You can control them? Yeah, Im just about there.

Miss Crane nods to herself a few times, appearing to come out of business mode, slightly.

In that case, Ill see if I can update your positioning. This is good, very good. They were just beginning to get antsy.

She follows up with, Still be careful though. You know what happens out here.

Gong quickly nods and appears serious. Yes. Thank you for the advice, Big Sister Crane. As always, I am hon-

Stop that, there is no need for that between us. Even during business and especially now.

She waves her hand, and an attendant runs in from the store.

How did she notify them? They were nowhere near her

With a glance back at us, she speaks You should hurry and finish your errands. With this change, there will a lot to do. For both of us.

Gong bows to her, as we also stand and bow to her.

Something just happened and I believe I got some context but there is a lot I am missing here.

As we head out, I can no longer see the men using my scan, hidden along the area. The things they were hiding in are still there. Im not sure if its a failing of the scan or if they bypassed it. Maybe they left so quickly, that I couldnt even register it. Ill need to do more testing.

Something tells me to not bring this up to anyone, though.

Before we actually head back out to the street, though, Big Sis Crane stops us with some measured, quiet words.

Oh, and Gong? You should remember to limp a little more and to replace your wraps from now on. Otherwise, people may suspect something.

She can tell she was healed from just that?!

Gong just mutely nods her head in affirmation, almost as if she assumed she would already know.

Definitely need to be cautious around her.

I can practically hear the giggle from her direction, behind us.