Year of the Golden Dragon by B.L. Sauder Read Free Book Online Page B

meet them and escort them here to the capital – with their jade, of course. You will fly to Hong Kong immediately.”
    Hong Kong? Hong Mei’s mind reeled.
    “To ensure that everything goes as planned, you will travel alone and not discuss this with anyone. I will remain here in Beijing, close to your mother and father.”
    Madam Ching tilted her head. The action made Hong Mei look at the woman’s old-fashioned hairstyle more closely than she had before. It looked like one of those wigs women wore in movies about ancient China. Why was she dressed like that? Weren’t people from monasteries supposed to not care about clothes and fancy hairstyles?
    “Of course your father is very excited about seeing you again,” Madam Ching went on, “but I cannot allow you to speak with him just yet. It is only my vows to the monastery that causes me to be so strict in this matter.”
    Hong Mei’s eyes filled with tears and her mouth twitched.
    “If you are a true Chen, you will work with your family’s legendary skills to entice the heirs to come to Beijing. Then, when this is accomplished, the three of you will use your jade as bait – I mean – as a way of convincing Black Dragon to come to the capital. He will be thinking he is coming to retrieve his jade, but we will also have a chance to prove to the world that Chinese dragons really do exist.”
    “Why can’t I go and get the other two pieces of jade and bring them back by myself?”
    “Because, Miss Chen, that is not the way I wish it to be done. Nor is that the way it has been written. Perhaps your father didn’t have a chance to go through this with you?”
    “When do you need to do my blood test?”
    “There’s no need. We already know who you are.”
    “What if I say no?”
    “That’s entirely up to you, Miss Chen, and whether or not you wish to see your father again.” Madam Ching turned and glided toward the door. “It is your destiny, dear. It always has been.”
    Hong Mei felt tears flood her eyes. Her whole world was toppling over. How could she have been so stupid?
    Madam Ching stopped to look back at Hong Mei. “I’m sorry. It was not my intention to be cruel. You may write a note to your mother saying you have left home ‘to sort some things out’ or something like that. Tell her that it is a surprise and you will return home after the New Year. Your parents are going to be so proud of you!” Madam Ching turned gracefully on her heel. “I’ll leave you alone for a few moments to write your letter. When I return, I will give you more explicit instructions.”
    As soon as she left the room, Hong Mei heard the bolt slam on the other side.
    She collapsed onto the floor and pulled her body into a tight ball. Why had she responded to that email? Did she really have to do this alone? Why couldn’t her father help her? And did he, wherever he was, still have his second sight?
    If he could use it, would he see her here on the ground?
    She pulled herself together and stood up, brushing off her clothes. Madam Ching was right. This was her destiny, and Hong Mei knew it.

Chapter 6

    East Meets West
    Moments after the jet touched down in Hong Kong, Alex stood up.
    “Sit down!” Ryan said, pulling at the hem of Alex’s jacket.
    “Why? Nobody else is.”
    Alex was right. Everyone was either getting up or already pushing into the aisles to get their bags and duty-free goods from the overhead bins. After such a long flight, passengers just wanted to get off the plane.
    Ryan remained seated and looked down at his wrinkled clothes. Before leaving for the airport, he’d put on a crisp white shirt and carefully tucked it into pressed khaki trousers. He wondered why he’d spent so long ironing his clothes. They were a mess now.
    After they got their luggage he’d find a washroom and change into the clean shirt he’d packed in his carry-on bag. He hoped that the bathroom at the airport was okay since he also wanted to brush his teeth. That was the