I gave Ling Yan a disdainful look, “Look how gentle she is, and you? Hmph!” Ling Yan’s face flushed, “If you keep talking, I’ll throw you out!” Shuang had just spoken when a middle-aged man in a demonic cult night garment walked in.
Ling Yan and Ling Shuang quickly put on their masks and knelt down, “Hall Master.”
I was frustrated. The Hall Master glanced at me and said, “Bring that young lady to the Assembly Hall.”
The Cult Leader wants to see her,” Ling Yan said, leaving without another look. Ling Shuang’s expression turned grim as she asked, “Han’er, what relationship do you have with the Cult Leader?”
I shook my head, “None at all. I don’t know him at all. He knows me, but I don’t know what he looks like. Why does he want to see me? Why are you two acting like this?” Ling Yan sighed, “Ling girl, you’re in trouble this time.”
Helplessly, I was taken to the Assembly Hall by Ling Yan and Ling Shuang. On the way, I asked, “Is your Cult Leader male or female?” “He is male,” Ling Shuang answered. “Does your Cult Leader have a family?”
“Shut up! If you keep chattering like a fly, I won’t even help collect your body!” Ling Yan said impatiently. I pouted, “Fine, I’ll be quiet. Besides, flies don’t chirp, they buzz.”
“Keep talking and I’ll cut out your tongue!” Ling Yan roared. I quickly covered my mouth. It was best to be obedient given Ling Yan’s unpredictable nature.
I remained quiet until we reached the ‘Assembly Hall.’ Ling Yan and Ling Shuang stopped, and Ling Yan said in a low voice, “Go in.” I nodded and was about to push the door when Ling Shuang grabbed my wrist, “Han’er, be careful.” I nodded again, gave a reassuring smile, and entered.
I walked for a while before reaching the inner hall. Although it was daytime, the hall was pitch black with candles lit. I looked around at the people—some wearing masks, others in black clothes with coverings. Looking up, I blurted out, “Wow! A beauty!” Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. Realizing my mistake, I quickly corrected, “Handsome man!”
After a long silence, I said, “Come on, brothers, say something. Silence is so boring. Did I say something wrong?”
