Ding Yin, her hair styled in a tall updo, sits in the seat of honor, one elbow propped on the armrest of a carved chair as she rests her chin in her hand. She appears to be savoring the fragrant tea in her cup, but is actually observing the people in the hall without giving herself away. She has also heard every word of the conversation between the new sect leader and the girl.
She looks once more at the dogskin cloak draped over the girl's shoulders. Hmm... interesting!
Setting down her cup, Ding Yin rises leisurely and walks over to the two of them. Up close, she sees that the little girl isn't actually that small. She's just so thin that she looks frail. She must come up to Ding Yin's chin.
Hua Qiangu looks up at the tall man, who hasn't said a single word from beginning to end, and sees him staring intently at her now that he's come closer. She immediately smiles sweetly and greets him. “Elder Ding.”
“Mm.” Ding Yin still looks as nonchalant as ever. “What did you say your name was?”
“My name is Hua Qiangu. Hua as in flower, Qian as in a thousand years, and Gu as in bone. You can call me Xiao Gu from now on, Elder.” She smiles and repeats herself to the man, not at all displeased by his asking again.
“Oh! So you're Xiao Gu.” Seeing the girl nod vigorously, Ding Yin gives a crooked, mischievous smile. “Since you have ties to the former sect leader, we'll let you stay, even though the old man has passed away. But... since the former sect leader sent you up the mountain to study under a master, then by rights, you should now become the new sect leader's disciple!” She looks meaningfully toward the person she calls the new sect leader.
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