***** Vol.2 Chap.52 An unforeseen turn of events *****

May-Ling strolled to the back to search for the mat. As she was fumbling around, she thought she heard a sound. Startled, she turned around, but it was too dark to see anything. She waited, but not a sound was heard. Still somewhat apprehensive, she continued to search for the mat.

Suddenly, she was seized by a muscular arm covering her mouth while another arm pulled her aside, holding her captive. The way she was held captive reminded her of something, but she could not put her finger on. She tried to struggle, but the powerful arms would not yield.

“Don’t make a sound and I will release you.”

May-Ling tried to nod.

“Shh, I am a friend.”

She was promptly released.

“Who are you?” May-Ling swung around and her jaws dropped open. “Jar-Li!”

“Shh. Here they called me Ah-Jar.”

“So, you are Ah-Jar, Ah-Ching’s girlfriend.”

“Yes. No time to talk. Why are you here?”

“I would like to go to the village.”

“You are crazy. You don’t want to stay here? You can stay here as long as you want. No one will bother you. In fact, the men adore you after tonight.”

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“I came to the mountain with the purpose of getting to the village. I did not come to be your doctor.”

“But we really need a doctor. I…I…need you as my doctor.”

“Jar-Li, you are doing fine. I want to find Grace Village so that I can bring the cure to the entire world.”

“I guess you are right.”

“Will you help me?” She was out on a limb. But somehow, she felt she could trust Jar-Li. She knew he would not turn her in.

“It is difficult to go to the Village.”

“Have you ever been there before?”

“I have only gone there once. That is how I met Ah-Ching.”

“You don’t have to bring me to the Village. Just bring me out of this compound and show me the way up the mountain to the Village.”

“There are guards at the back.”

“Tell me where they are and I will avoid them.”

“Hmm.”

“Will you help me? I am not a spy. I just want to research the diet of the villagers and bring back the cure to heal the sick.”

“It is difficult.”

“I know, but will you help me?”

“Well, it is not easy. The Boss will never let you go.”

“I don’t want to let the Boss know.”

“You want to escape unnoticed?”

“Yes. Will you help me out of this compound?”

“Hmmm.”

“Please?”

“OK, I will help you.”

“Thank you.”

“Now listen carefully. Wait till everyone is asleep tonight. I will come and get you. I will tap on the rear kitchen door three times and you better be ready to leave immediately.”

“Don’t worry, I will be here.”

“OK. I’ll be back.”

“Oh Jar-Li, thank you.”

“I owe you at least that much.”

“You don’t owe me anything. You are risking your life to help me.”

“I better go.”

“Yes, you better go back before you are missed. I will wait for you tonight.”

May-Ling picked up the old straw mat and headed into the kitchen. She tried to conceal her joy, but could not keep from letting a smile show up.

“What are you smiling about?” Ah-Ming asked.

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking back to what one of the men said tonight. I don’t know his name. Ha, ha,” May-Ling laughed. “He said something about smell, like I have never taken a shower in my life. Ha, ha.”

“Oh, that was Ah-Ton. Don’t mind him, he is a funny guy.”

“Ah-Ton, I need to remember the men’s names.”

“Well, good night.”

“Good night, sleep well.”

That was a close call.