Scarlet managed to skip ahead a few years, and with Madame Brown’s support, she was home-schooled by volunteers from the staff, with exams taken at the local school for certification. She was largely self-taught, turning to others only when she needed help. The staff and volunteers - mostly mothers or elderly ladies from the church - were delighted to assist, but soon enough, her level surpassed their abilities. One of the volunteers even brought in her son, a university graduate, to help answer Scarlet’s more advanced questions.

It was around this time that Scarlet decided to slow her pace and concentrate on preparing for various competitions.

She entered contests in maths, word puzzles, science, painting, drawing, handicrafts, storytelling, singing, and story writing. She won some, lost others, but her most significant achievement came from a novel-writing competition, where she won three thousand pounds and the opportunity to publish her book. Technically, she could now call herself an author.

Her name became well-known, enhancing the orphanage’s reputation and attracting more donations. However, Madame Brown had insisted to reporters that Scarlet’s face remain unrevealed. This was a relief to Scarlet, as she didn’t want to be recognised by strangers while she was out exploring the possibility of encountering new spirits.

Recently, she had discovered that, according to some Asian beliefs, ancient or old objects could sometimes develop spirits. These items, having existed for a long period, being located in places with good feng shui, or serving as spiritual symbols, could gather a sort of aura or energy. Spirits could then form, based on the item’s characteristics.

It was believed that some ancient swords, armours, or accessories - such as crowns that once belonged to high-ranking figures like warriors, kings, queens, emperors, or generals - might house spirits. These spirits were said to haunt whoever possessed the item, and only those they deemed worthy could wield them. One of the famous swords that Scarlet thought might harbour a spirit was called Mikazuki Munechika (interestingly, the sword had both a first and last name), kept in a Japanese museum. The sword was forged by a master craftsman during the early days of Japanese sword-making, and it was said to be the most beautiful among the five most famous blades in Japan’s history. Such a sword, with strong beliefs surrounding it throughout history, would have a high chance of having formed a spirit.

However, Scarlet didn’t suppose she could ever own such a famous sword, let along one that was an antique, carefully preserved in a museum. She wouldn’t dare damage such a miraculous artefact. Instead, she thought about searching for a less well-known item that she can afford when she had enough money in the future. In the meantime, she’d try her luck, though she didn’t think it likely she’d find one in an antique shop, but it was worth a try. So she began requesting outings to these sorts of shops, which a volunteer was more than happy to arrange.

She visited several antique and second-hand shops, and this time, the volunteer - a friendly housewife named Mrs. Bones - took her to a stop in Chinatown.

“We’ve got a friend from Hong Kong who often stays here during his holidays, and we’ve been to Chinatown for gatherings quite a few times,” Mrs. Bones explained. “We often pass by this shop, but never pop in for a look. My friend mentioned that the shop has all sorts of things, from antiques to offerings for ancestors. I thought you might be interested in having a peek.”

“Yes, thank you for bringing me here.” Scarlet looked around this cluttered yet oddly organised shop, “It’s quite an eye-opener for me.”

“For me as well.” Mrs. Bones agreed, holding Scarlet’s hand as they both browsed through the shop, moving aisle by aisle. Mrs. Bones was fascinated by the unusual items, while Scarlet, aside from being amazed, was on the lookout for something specific. They saw teapots and cups, chairs and tables, mahjong sets and decorative carvings, yellow papers and red candles, and quite a number of statues in various size, which Scarlet recognised as gods and Buddhas from East Asian culture. She explained this to Mrs. Bones, who was curious and praised Scarlet for having such a broad knowledge.

After an hour of eye-opening exploration, they reached the reception desk by the door, signalling the end of their visit. A young man around 25 years old, was sitting lazily behind the desk, absorbed in reading Japanese comics. When he noticed the customers were about to leave, he made his last effort – though it didn’t seem much of an effort at all - to sell them something.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Didn’t find anything that took your fancy?” He gestured towards the rack beside him, “How about some jade pendants for necklaces or bracelets? The light green would look lovely against your complexion, and it’s considered a blessing for the young.”

“A blessing?” Mrs. Bones looked at the rack adorned with various jade pendants. They came in different hues - some red, some pink, but mostly shades of green. The deeper the green, the higher the price, though those with lighter streaks were quite affordable. She was touched by the meaning behind the blessing and the colours; indeed, the light green would suit the little girl’s skin tone...

She bowed her head and looked at Scarlet, who was also inspecting the pendants, “Which one do you prefer? The brighter shades are all within my budget, and I’d like you to have one.”

Scarlet blinked and shook her head, “Thank you, Mrs. Bones, but you really don’t have to. It’s not a necessity, I--”

“I insist.” Mrs. Bones said, patting her on the head, “I admire your determination in pursuing your dream. Such resolve is rarely found in someone your age. I wish I could do more, and this is the least I can offer.”

“Well...” Scarlet said after a moment’s thought, “I don’t think it’s suitable for me to have one while others don’t.”

“Oh...” A pang of sadness touched Mrs. Bones’s heart, but she respected the girl’s decision. She looked up to decline the young man’s offer, only to see his puzzled expression.

The young man asked, “She’s not your child?”

“No,” Scarlet replied before Mrs. Bones could. “I’m from an orphanage, and she’s a volunteer. We came for a walk at my request, and we’re heading back now.”

The young man was taken aback for a moment, then asked, “How many children are there in your orphanage?”

Mrs. Bones grew cautious, “Why do you ask?”

The young man smiled, “Does the orphanage accept donations of accessories to bless the children?”

Both ladies were surprised, and Mrs. Bones thanked him warmly, “It’s nearly Children’s Day! Could you send them as gifts for the children?”

“Of course!” The young man took out his pen and paper, jotting down the orphanage’s address and contact number, “I’ll pack them nicely and send them on time. Perhaps a cake as well?”

“Cupcakes would be ideal. They’re easier to distribute and prevent any squabbles among the children.” Mrs. Bones smiled, shaking the young man’s hand, “I’m Angeline Bones, and you are?”

“Kyle Hong.” The young man replied, grinning and giving Scarlet a wink, “Remember to keep it a secret. I hope it will be a delightful surprise for the children.”

“I’m sure it will be.”

As they were about to leave, Scarlet turned back and pointed to a pendant with her tiny fingers. “Could you choose one for me that you like the most?”

“Why?” He asked, but chose one anyway and handed it to her.

She looked at the price, which was reasonable, and placed the pendant in her pocket. She then took out the exact amount from her little pouch and handed it to him, which he accepted blankly in surprise.

Mrs. Bones grinned. “Well, she’s a child prodigy who manages her finances well. But I think she wasn’t just buying the pendant, right?”

Scarlet nodded and looked at Mr. Hong, “I’ll decorate it and gift it to you. See you later!”

“...See you later.”

Mr. Hong waved them goodbye, not giving much thought to the gift the little girl had promised. He phoned the orphanage, spoke with the director - a lady with a gentle voice - and then went to a nearby gift shop for some nice boxes. He selected pendants of similar colours, packed them up nicely, and ordered the cupcakes on his way back to his place.

He arrived at the orphanage on Children’s Day with the cakes and presents. The children greeted his gifts with enthusiasm, much to his surprise, as he hadn’t expected much appreciation for the pendants. Jade pendants weren’t widely understood among Westerners; their value primarily recognised in Chinese culture.

“Scarlet tells us stories about them.” one of the children said. “Only relatives give jade pendants to children as blessings for a happy and healthy life, right?”

“...That’s right.” Mr. Hong replied, glancing at Scarlet. The little girl was quietly eating, looking after the other children with messy faces from the cupcakes, acting like a big sister despite being the shortest.

Not long after, his shop was visited by the little girl again, accompanied by another volunteer he hadn’t met during Children’s Day.

She handed him the jade pendant she had bought that day, now decorated with a thick red string braided in traditional Chinese designs symbolising happiness and prosperity. It looked more like a valuable ornament than a simple pendant.

“Keep it with you, alright?” Scarlet said, showing him her own pendant now worn as necklace. “Just like mine.”

“Alright, I’ll do that,” Mr. Hong said, putting it on immediately and tucking it into his shirt, just as Scarlet had done.

Little did he know, this pendant would one day save his life in a rather unscientific manner.