Wang Zen and Shibi walked across the mansion after his training session. He did not feel fully comfortable training with Wei’s watchful eye always on him. Made even worse was the fact that Wei refused to spar with him. He sighted that he needed to preserve his energy and not impede his awareness in case he needed to defend Zen.

He decided to take a break and just walk about the mansion grounds. In the distance, he saw a girl bent over a wheat garden. He smiled to himself mischievously and gestured to Wei to lean in closer. The bodyguard leaned in closer.

“Yes, Master Wang?” he said in a quiet voice.

“You mind staying quiet and out of sight?” Zen said. “I want to give my friend over there, Jun Nee a little scare.”

Wei did not look impressed but shrugged. “As you wish, Master Wang.”

Zen began stalking forward, moving on his tippy toes, followed by Wei and Shibi. The three of them looked more like a comedy trio than stealthy stalkers as they moved from tree to tree in order to maintain their cover.

They got closer and closer until…

“Hello, Master Wang.” Jun Nee said, not looking up from her task.

Zen and Shibi fell on the ground. “Aww, you saw us.” Zen looked at Wei. “Looks like you gave our position away, Wei.”

Wei shrugged nonchalantly.

“That’s not true!” She picked up a watering can. “I saw you when you first appeared.” Tipping the can over, she began watering the wheat plants.

“You’ve done a really good job with these.” Zen said, admiring the plants.

“Thanks!” her smile beamed at him. “The gardener really helped a lot too.”

“Ding Wu will really like these.” Zen picked one wheat stick up and putting it in his mouth. “Ha! I am Ding Wu!” Kicking and punching the air, Zen continued. “I’m a lightning master, pew pew pew!”

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“Ding Wu better not catch you doing that.” She placed the watering canister on the ground.

“I’m not scared.” Zen put his fists on his hips and puffed his chest.

“Oh no, Ding Wu!” Gasping, she looked behind Zen.

Zen spat the long piece of wheat out of his mouth and whipped around, expecting to see Ding Wu. Instead, he was met with nothing and a moment later, he could hear Jun Nee giggling.

“I’m sorry, Master Wang, I could not help it.” She said, covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her giggles.

“Oh,” Zen smirked at her. “You think that’s funny do you? I’ll show you something real funny, Shibi, lick her face!”

She stopped laughing and tried to hide her smile with a look of horror but she failed miserably. “Don’t you dare lick my face Shibi.”

Shibi ran after her and she giggled as she tried to get away from the fast Scorch Ape. Shibi was able to tackle her onto the floor and lick her face while she giggled. Zen giggled along with her.

She sat up. “Okay, I surrender.”

Jun Ne patted Shibi on the head while the Scorch Ape sat on her lap. She looked up at Zen.

“Zen… I mean, Master Wang.” She briefly glanced at Wei at her slip. “My brother came around today.”

“Oh?” Zen also sat down opposite her. “That’s nice of him.”

She nodded. “He was checking up on me. He told me Shibi visited him a few days ago and left some coins. I guessed that was your doing?”

Zen shrugged. “Shibi is the one who delivered the silver coins. I think he gave him his allowance. I know nothing about it.”

She nodded. “I never mentioned they were silver coins.”

“Uhm… really? I’m sure you did!” Zen said.

“Well, thank you anyways.”

Zen sighed and smirked. “You’re welcome. I like your brother and you’ve been so busy that you haven’t seen him in a while. I thought I’d send Shibi to tell him what’s going on.”

“Thank you for your help.” She said, getting to her feet. “Now, please excuse me, Master Wang. I need to go to the stables. Apparently, someone told the stable master that I loved beasts and would be happy to brush them clean.” She narrowed her eyes at Zen.

Zen shrugged. “Well good luck with that.”

“Mhm…” she said as she began to leave.

“Wait, where is your guard?”

“Guard?” She tilted her head in confusion. “I don’t have a guard.”

“What?” Zen was horrified. “But you need a guard, The Black Mark…”

“I don’t need it. I’m not in danger, not like you and your grandfather.” She said. “The Black Mark mentioned you two by name, so you both need a guard.”

Zen opened and closed his mouth; no words were uttered.

“Don’t worry, Master Wang. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded. “Okay… just be careful.”

She nodded and began walking away.

Zen sighed, “I guess I better get back to training. If anything were to happen, I must be ready.” He smiled at Wei. “You’ll also be there if the worst comes, right Wei?”

Wei nodded, “Of course Master Wang.”

And with that, Zen returned to the training ring.