Wang Zen and Yin Zheng entered the mansion. Yin Zheng’s mouth hung agape as he took in the sights around him.

“Woah, this place looks good.” Zheng said.

The large room was lit up with red and gold lanterns. Nobles and the wealthy were talking, the hum of their conversations drowned out by the music playing. There was a band of four women, with makeup, at the center of the hall. They sang and played Guzheng, a flute and a pipa while dancing.

“Yep!” Zen said.

“Oh, you should see Jun Nee. I think she is with Shibi!” he said as they made their way through the crowd. “There she is.”

Jun Nee saw Zen and waved at him and approached.

Zheng caught up with him and froze when he looked at her. She wore a fine dress and had a pretty hairstyle with a flower hairpin. In one hand, she balanced a silver tray with food. His eyes widened and his mouth shut.

“Yin Zheng?” Jun Nee pushed a strand of hair behind her ear as she shyly looked down. “Why-Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re pretty.” Zheng said, as if he was in a trance.

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She smiled, growing a little pink in the warm light of the hall. “Thank you, you look good too.”

He smiled. “I have Wang Zen to thank for that.”

“Nonsense!” Zen said, waving away the compliment. “Where is Shibi?” Zen said, looking around.

“He was following me a moment ago.” She said, looking around also.

“Probably at the food section. Help me look?”

Both of his friends nodded.

Jun Nee looked around and saw Shibi, picking peach slices while nobles looked at the ape in disgust. Shibi was wearing white cloth cuffs and anklets. He also had a white collar, from which a golden cape flowed down to his butt.

“Shibi!” Jun Nee said.

Shibi ran to Jun Nee, his cape fluttering behind him as he nimble dodged the plates of food. When he reached her, he climbed onto her shoulder, with a glossy peach slice still in hand. She almost lost her balance but her time as a hostess made her find her balance easily.

“Why am I not surprised,” a familiar voice said.

Jun Nee turned around to face Li Yue, who was walking over to her, flanked by two boys. One was tall and lanky and the other was well built. Li Yue was the smallest, walking between them.

“So, the mangy wild beast belongs to dirt commoner.” Li Yue continued. “Sad, it’s hard to find good help these days.”

“Sorry, Ma’am.” Jun Nee gave a curt bow before she made to leave.

“Wait a minute!” Li Yue stopped Jun Nee and turned her around.

Shibi bared his fangs at Li Yue.

“I know that rabid Scorch Ape anywhere.” She narrowed her eyes at Shibi. “I met you at Yellow Market last time!”

“Yes,” Zen said, appearing. “You also met me.” He stretched his arm out. “Shibi!”

Shibi leapt from Jun Nee’s shoulder and landed on Zen’s arm and ran up to his shoulder, where he continued to bare his fang.

“I think you also met me at the market.” Zen said.

“You,” Li Yue said.

Zen faced down Li Yue and her friends.