21 Your identity
Dusk was approaching as the orientation ended. The new disciples would have to submit their 'study plan' by tomorrow morning. Lai Ming made Zhi promise her a meetup the next day so they could hand them in together.
"Zhi~ you've worked hard today."
Upon pushing the door to her room, Zhi was greeted by a cheerful Meng Xun. Meng Xun excitedly pulled her in and gently pushed Zhi to a seat. Some biscuits and two cups of steaming hot tea were prepared.
"How was it? Did you find anything interesting?"
Meng Xun sounded like a caring parent asking her child about school. She nudged the biscuits to gesture Zhi to have a bite.
In her mind, Zhi began her storytelling. She had lots to tell Meng Xun, from how there were many little sisters from the new batch, the dancing seniors, the gossip about the annual event, about Lai Ming, about Economics class and the lady in purple.
"It was fun. I made a friend. And I've chosen few good subjects."
Meng Xun blinked, Zhi blinked back.
Zhi was a reserved child, only saying what was necessary. It was difficult to get her talking about her day. Meng Xun should be proud that she managed to squeeze a three full sentence from Zhi.
'One day, I'll be sure to turn Zhi into a talking monster. We'll see...'
And in the future, a certain person would talk by herself non-stop. Just to dismiss the great hole in her heart...
"Ah, I almost forgot. Zhi, master is calling for you. After dinner, find Master at her quarters."
Zhi blankly stared back at Meng Xun, her mouth munching on a biscuit halted.
"I'm not sure why. You may ask Master herself after dinner."
Even though Zhi had half her mask still on, Meng Xun could read her perfectly.
"You are a mysterious person Zhi. Master might interview you more. But don't you worry sister, Master does not bite people like us."
***
After dinner,
Zhi was led by an old lady towards Master's quarters. The location was considerably deeper inside the whole area. There were even two gates guarding the entrance. Rather than a quarter for a headmistress or someone who held great importance, the atmosphere seemed like a desolate place. A place suitable for one to cultivate solitude.
Recalling Meng Xun's stories about Master, she was just sixteen years old but her height was almost the same as Zhi. And her achievements were far greater.
To have such fearsome accomplishments at merely sixteen years old, Master must have had a lonely childhood. When other girls spent time drawing and indulging in girly stuffs, Master was studying dilligently.
A picture of a little girl holding a pen while her little cousins and neighbors were playing flashed by her mind.
"Master is inside the study. I can only accompany you up till here."
The old lady courteously asked Zhi to enter the study alone. She then bowed her head and left Zhi by the door.
In a small voice, Zhi announced her presence and came in noiselessly.
A figure was sitting straight on the chair. She flipped the pages and read in silence. At the side, an incense was lit, the aroma of agarwood spread across the modest room.
Zhi bowed her head a little to the little woman in front of her. The awkward atmosphere made Zhi timid. A low voice rang out, instructing Zhi to sit by the guest table.
Master turned around to face Zhi. Her half mask glittered under the candle lights. She took a casual stance and observed Zhi carefully like examining an unknown specimen.
"I've heard from Meng Xun. You got into trouble day one in the city."
She let out a soft sigh and tried to penetrate her sight beyond Zhi's disguise.
Master deliberately slowed down her speech.
"You... what is your identity?"
