The Lotus's Trials

Su Hu sharply turned to Ren Ling before he could chase that train of thought. A wet strand of hair flipped from his face as the last note of the melody synched up with the final pose of the dance. No irregularity in Su Hu's breath betrayed the fact that he had just danced. He stared back at Ren Ling, challenging him to speak first as the air between them was still aglow with tension.

Ren Ling swallowed the lump in his throat. "You surprised me, Su Hu, I didn't expect you to be so fierce at all!"

"Every courtesan learns something like this. I am no exception."

Ren Ling slipped Xiao bamboo back into its place at his waist, wiping away a raindrop that rolled down his forehead.

"Let's go inside now, Su Hu! I've had my fun!" Ren Ling made a grab for that wrist again as he led the other down toward the end of the hallway, where his chambers were.