80 SECOND SEKHMET

"What's ominous?" Xiao Zhan's mother stood by the entrance, turtle neck sweater softening her sharp chin, sweeping trousers wide edged, just brushing the tiled flooring. Xiao Zhan's mother was beautiful, yet Xiao Zhan looked nothing like his mother.

"Yibo's threatening me," he told her, wrapping his arms around his mother to hug her.

She smiled as he let go. "You're threatening my son." She reached for Yibo to come closer. "I approve. Give that to Star." She motioned to the package. "Let me have a proper look at you. My son surpassed himself this time. You're gorgeous. Pictures do not do you justice. It's unfair to be this pretty."

Yibo laughed, glancing at Xiao Zhan's mortified expression. "Thank you. I try to remind your son of this, frequently."

"I can tell. You can call me Miri. Come in. My husband's in the kitchen, eyeing the cream puffs for dessert. We ordered from Xiao Zhan's favourite pâtissier at Gorley."