Leaving the little garden, they came to a winding covered walkway.
Lush plants grew on either side of the walkway, and now and then the sound of night dew dripping could be heard.
Beyond that, however, there was not a single sound. Insects and birds alike seemed to have been erased, leaving nothing behind.
"Miss, where are you?"
"Miss..."
The maid walked ahead, calling out as she went and glancing around from time to time. Occasionally, she climbed onto the beauty-resting railing along the walkway, leaned out to part the plants, and carefully examined what lay within.
Pei Ling trailed far behind, keeping a considerable distance and constantly using pillars, railings, and the like to conceal himself, ensuring he could slip out of sight if she suddenly turned around.
At the end of the walkway stood a hexagonal garden gate. Beyond it lay a stretch of blue-brick paving, ancient trees towering overhead, and flowers and plants spilling down the rockeries, their luxuriance a sign of great prosperity.
The maid followed a winding path that led deeper into the garden, calling out from time to time, "Miss, where are you?"
Throughout it all, she never once looked back, as if she had not noticed anyone following her.
Suddenly, the maid's calls came to an abrupt stop.
Pei Ling immediately hid. But after waiting for a while, he saw no sign of her turning back. A thought stirred in his mind. Had she found "Miss"?
He looked around, confirmed that no one was nearby, then stepped out of his hiding place and cautiously made his way forward.
Behind the rockery stood an elegant house.
Lamps had been lit inside. Bright candlelight shone through the window lattice and cast the silhouettes of two people—one seated, one standing—onto the partition screen.
The seated figure