Chapter 2: Underhanded Tricks

6 o’clock in the morning.  Bai Jin Xi opens her eyes.

A greyish white ceiling is in view, and she can hear the fan blowing in the corner.  A couple of simple but warm hued furniture bathe in the sunlight.  A common houseleek sits on the window sill; quietly growing with jade green leaves.

Bai Jin Xi presses her hand to her forehead to make herself more awake, and then sits up on the bed.

She is strongly addicted to smoking, but worries that her teeth and fingers will turn yellow.  She contemplates for a bit as usual before she takes out a cigarette from the box on the table.  She begins smoking while sitting in bed.

It’s another new day. Read more