06. The fist sight

Liu Mei seriously had no idea where she was going. Luckily she could hear people around talking about this and that and found a couple of places where she could sleep overnight that were not overpriced. She sighed in relief.

Now she started strolling, holding her sleeves so no one would reach into them. At the moment that is her whole wealth, as the coins she had in her space were not many. She looked around and saw a strange sign. Then she remembered what sign it is. It was an old word for beauty.

She curiously peeked inside and saw many women and men and then almost jumped back. Better stay away from this place. This is, as it seems, some kind of red-light district place.

She turned around and on the other side, she saw sign for herbs. Slowly she entered the herb hall that was as filled as other and stood in line. When she saw an annoyed looking woman she hesitated.

''What is such an attire looking for in this place? Take it off if you want to make a deal with us.'' Said the woman viciously.

''Then I better leave. I have no plans to make any business to anyone who can't respect my privacy. Have a nice day. '' Her heart thumped as she slowly walked out and the woman started sending curses at her back.

She left and slowly walked forward with her bag. ''How unreasonable.'' She muttered while patting her bag.

''Young lady why don't you go to the main gate? There is an old family that won't harm you with their prices.'' The old man stopped in front of her and smiled toothlessly.

''Someone recommended this place. I didn't expect to be treated like this. Thank you for showing your care. '' She bowed politely and went straight towards the exit of the town.

He turned his head and looked at the medicine hall. ''Close this place. It will harm the town sooner or later. And keep your eye on that woman. The Emperor has been quite furious lately, as some women have been robbed and no one could catch the robbers.''

''Yes, chief.'' The toothless grandfather straightened up took his wigs and fake teeth and turned into a good looking royal guard.

''I will give a report to the Emperor. You need to find those people as soon as possible.'' He then turned around and smiled. '' The Emperor will be interested in this.''

Liu Mei walked for a while around listening to the prices and comparing it with the amount of money she had. It seems she could live for quite a while with that amount, even in the city.

Some other day she will go to the mountains to harvest more herbs. Or just find a job here. But where can she look for a job? Even with this money, she had no place to stay. She thought about it and went back to the first medicine hall.

She hesitated. How can she explain another batch of herbs? She went to eat something in a nearby restaurant first, asking for a private room. When she arrived she sat down and ordered a tea first, and then a list of foods.

''Miss, would you like to try today's meal. It's always from the freshest meat and vegetables.'' He recommended while looking at her countenance.

''How much is it?'' Her calm was neither hurried nor scared. Just asking the fact.

''The whole meal would be twenty bronze coins.'' He calmed down and just stated the price.

''Bring it. I hope it tastes good. I really dislike food that tastes bad.'' She slowly took off the hat and sighed while looking at the streets.

He was stunned by her attire. She actually had really cheap items on her, but the way she was wearing it made it look expensive and refined. Even such wooden accessories could look refined as it seems. But only on people like her, it would look like that.

He lowered his eyes and left in a rush while his ears were red. She was not pretty like in stories or had expensive stuff like those nobles, but the calm air surrounding her was something not even many noble ladies could present.

Liu Mei was actually in thought. She just waited for him to bring the food so she could take the rest of the herbs out of her space as well. In a big crowd, no one saw how she suddenly had filled bags. But now she planned to bring more herbs out. She looked at the bag and then outside. She lowered the bamboo blends and hid from the outside world, while taking all the herbs she needed out of her space, without entering it.

She luckily had a big expandable bag and the herbs could all be stuffed inside. She then pushed the bag almost behind her and sat there while peeking trough the blinds outside, with a slight smile.

The light knock could be heard and she called them in. Inside came the young waiter and another man, with as it seems cooking uniform.

She scrunched her eyebrows as she saw the glances they gave her. ''Presporteous! Who gave you permission to stare at me like that? Is this a restaurant where I can eat or should I leave right away?''

Her loud voice could be heard through the whole hall and many doors opened curiously looking at the door.

The two men still stood there frozen not knowing what to do. Suddenly they saw her standing up and putting her hat on. ''Disgusting. I have nothing to do here as it seems. I can't even have privacy and I thought this restaurant could give me some peace. Horrible.''

She pushed the two men aside and with hurried steps rushed out while holding her now big bag.

Her angry yell actually made a few people in the other rooms pause. They looked at the storming female that had the protection hat on and got a feeling of sudden anger.

They were old fashioned families that felt the women should not show their face in public, even if she has some business to do. It was her own choice to cover her face, but some people didn't respect that. The moment those two fools made that mistake that restaurant was doomed to never be visited by those noble families.

She was actually not angry. She was hungry, that is true, but why giving so much money for one meal if she could buy a few simple street dishes for one bronze coin or two. Now she needs to save money. This new world is scary enough. Who knows if she will be able to survive from now on.

A pair of eyes followed her steady walk until she disappeared from the other side of the tea house. He saw her real face and a small smile with dimples, as she looked at those people down on the street, but then she sighed and pulled down the protection hiding her appearance. It seems she really cared about her family's face.

How foolish and old fashioned...