Beauty used to resided here. But now it doesn't. Not in a world full of lies and shadows. We are too low for such regalement, and so we make do with what we have, trying to perfect a copy that will have worth, but naught to the heavens. If this is so, then why-
There is a crash and I hear Lǜ Niǎo curse. I twitch and continue in my work, trying not to be seen. Honestly, Lǜ Niǎo is going to loose her hands the way she fools around. I wish she was more careful. I can still hear the words that she said to me this morning clearly: "You may not think of me as your friend, but I consider myself to be. I will always help you no matter what, even if you don't do anything in return." Then she smiled. "So feel free to ask for anything you need!"
I shake my head and walk out of the room I'm in. Now I have to go gather some more ink and brushes so the nobles can use them. Maybe Brother can help me, he should know where they are. I walk away and over to the baths; Brother is sometimes here this time of day. Not to spy on girls (if there were any), I should know why, but to wash his master. I've actually never seen his master before, but Brother says that he's a very special worker of the emperor.
Why Brother can't just give me a straight answer when I need one is so stupid. I know he doesn't want me to be interested in other men, but still, why can't he-
"Jiéjīng..." All of a sudden I feel Brother behind me, wrapping his arms around me and resting his head on my shoulders. "Brother, please let go, I need some-"
"Jiéjīng, say my name. Please. Say it."
"But I need-"
"Say it. I'll help you. Xìn..." Brother's mouth goes up my neck. "Tú... Xìntú. Say it, please."
"Brother, for the last time, I need you to help me to get to the storage. I need some ink and a brush. Hurry, before they find out I haven't done my job, please."
Brother sighs and kisses my jaw. "Okay, it is the small room at the parallel hall. You'll recognize it at once." His head rests back on my shoulder. "Tonight, Jiéjīng, please?"
"No," I say. "Maybe, when you reclaim your title. Aren't you supposed to be with your master?"
"Hmm... Yes. But he just got out of the baths, he doesn't need me just yet."
I let a few seconds slide past. "Brother-"
"XINTU!" I turn around sharply and Brother curses. It is the man who hit me, and he is turning the corner with his robe put on poorly. "Xìntú! Because of you, I had to dress myself!" Brother runs over and bows to the ground apologizing. The man hits Brother's head and continues to yell at him. Then he sees me. "You-"
I bow and run off. I can't be delayed in my work any more than I already have.