Oh, Youth, Volume One

“Stand here and don’t move.”

Wen Pei’s legs felt weak. She sniffled. If everything about her could be seen through, why couldn’t anyone see her thoughts and how wronged she felt? At that moment, she obeyed as if under a spell, daring to think and feel angry but not speak. She was nothing like the spirited young man who had calmly and decisively locked the door without a second thought.

Zhang Lin pushed a cup of tea in front of her. “Drink it all.” When she finished, she poured her another cup. “Drink.” The tea was much warmer than her tone, gently moistening Wen Pei’s dry lips and throat.

“Pei’er, get ready.”

She said only that, as casually as if it were nothing, then stood and left.