19 Ch 19: A Warning, Two Days

**

"Sir, can you make a ginormous flower that looks like this?" I display a sketch of the hydrangea flower I drew earlier to the senior. He nods, proceeding to motion his hands and drizzle the melted sugar mix onto the platform.

By the time he had completed the first sugar painting, I ask for another one: a peach flower. My eyes are being hypnotize by the essence and beauty of the art.

Reminds me of when I used to watch people watch other people make street food. Good ol' days.

He attach a bamboo stick to the completed products with his spatula. I left soon after paying the gentle geezer.

As I wander along the streets, I remember that I had brought Xiu Ying with me; however, she left to purchase some rouge, and powder, and every cosmetic possible for me. She endeavors to make me the prettiest Miss of the city; I laughed at the thought.

This body is quite fragile and beauteous, according to my 21st century standards. When I first woke up, I felt my body become lighter and my complexion brighter.

I couldn't believe how alluring and enticing she is, when I first saw my reflection in a mirror. Then again, she is a ball of fury and desperation had I not transmigrated into her.

Now that I think about it, I should head to where the cosmetics are being sold, huh?

A swift wind passes. I am pushed by someone past my left shoulder, startling me.

What was that? What a discourteous man. He didn't even bother to apologize.

I glance at my hands, as they feel a bit void. At least my—

No way.

The hydrangea sugar painting is gone. "Hey, you! How dare you steal my stuff!" I begin chasing after the man wearing a bamboo hat; he quickly speeds through the crowd of people. For the past ten minutes, I am racing to reach a closer distance to him but to no avail. Past corners and more corners, I huff and puff my way through.

And then I stop— I experience an epiphany that this might be a setup. I've seen this in movies before. The villains use this tactic all the time.

The number of people around me is minimal, the alley way is clear and darker, and the atmosphere is dreary. I cannot stay any longer here. I twist myself and run in the opposite direction before it's too late.

Just when I did so, a pair of hands wrap around my face, with a saturated cloth covering my mouth and nose.

Ah, lord. I just got myself into more trouble.

I quickly lose my consciousness, dropping the sugar painting that embodied a sense of relief.

**

"WAH!!" Xiu Ying wipes her eyes, which is swollen from the amount of tears she has shed. "Please, Madam and Master Yuan, permit this one to plead for the help of the Brocade-Clad guards!"

Xi Ning nods worriedly, "Yes, mother and father. Such audacious action to be taken in the broad daylight! Please," she begs her parents with a hint of impatience. "Sister's life may be in danger right now."

Madam and Master Yuan, looking at each other, concurs to the request, offering Xiu Ying a decent amount of silver to report for help from the brocade-clad guards.

Meanwhile, Xu Kai is resting in the Li Manor, awaiting for his repetitive routines for the next few weeks. His condition is getting better; his task now is to allow his wounds to heal and prevent them from being torn open.

A knock is at the door.

"Come in," he says faintly.

It's Wu Lan Jun. "Sir," he bows, "You have a letter."

Co-Commander Xu forced himself up, grunting a bit on the side. He takes and opens the letter, with his eyes widening.

Stop investigating into the case. This is your first warning. What an appealing little lady you have kept to yourself. You are given two days to solve this mystery, since you favor doing so. Remember, should you create an uproar, she will be the first to suffer the consequences.

Enjoy your gift.

He clenches onto the letter, his expressions displaying a sense of distress and distaste. "Wu Lan Jun, get five troops to investigate the whereabouts of the Yuan household's Elder Miss. I need results today. But don't raise any attention and keep it a secret," Xu Kai speaks with vehemence about the news.

"Yes, Sir."

Xu Kai exerts all his power to propel his body up. A faint and deep, inarticulate sound is uttered aloud.

Wu Lan Jun notices his Sir's persistence and stubbornness, despite his pallor appearance and the noticeable fatigue. "Sir, shouldn't you rest for now? I can take care of it. You are still injured. See, your wounds are—"

Xu Kai raises his hand to hush Wu Lan Jun, signaling him to begin the mission right away. Wu Lan Jun bows with his fists, exiting the room in silence.

The Co-Commander swiftly dresses in his clothings, picking up his sword and heading for the city.

If she expects me to be the first one, I will be.