sorry for the long wait Spidey. i've been busy lately but here's an update. =)
CHAPTER 19: Getting Noticed
Characters:
Mok Ming Hei - Benny Chan
Tong Siu lan - Leila Tong
Tong Yi Ting
Mung Wai Hung - Sammul Chan
Mung Deep Ting - Myolie Wu
After getting ready for the day, Siu Lan and Yi Ting headed for the city to sell their flowers with a new cart the three of them worked on fixing as Ming Hei stayed home to enhance his martial arts. As they did, Mung Wai Hung was home trying to finish a painting capturing every feature of Siu Lan’s face outside his garden. When he completed his task, he lifted the painting up as he gazed upon it with admiration. Though his painting skill was not of excellence, about a third of the painting did seem like Siu Lan.
“Siu Yeh,” greeted a servant as he entered the room.
“Three days have passed since I’ve gave you your assignment, what do you bring forth?” asked Wai Hung as he sat down.
“The maiden’s name is Tong Siu Lan. She and her mother sell flowers in the city for a living. Her father died at an early age, therefore she has no siblings. People said that they live outside the city on a hill that no one ever goes near because there was once a deadly battle there with many lives sacrificed. Today, strong wind currents always lie upon the mountains paths, which were suspected to be the dead not wanting intruders upon their land. Because of this, people believe that the hill is under a curse,” reported the servant.
“Siu Lan—such a cute name. Though they are living in such an odd place, it doesn’t matter,” said Wai Hung as he got up and started walking out the door.
“Where are you going Siu Yeh?” questioned the servant as he blocked his way.
“To find Tong Siu Lan,” said Wai Hung as he pushed him aside.
As he stepped was about to step out the door, Deep Ting entered with a tray of tea in her hands and blocking his path. She smiled to Wai Hung. Though he acted like he didn’t see her by going around her, Deep Ting stopped him.
“Where are you going, Wai Hung? I brought you some Monkey Picked Tea. I know that you always love it. Here, have some.”
“No. I’m not in the mood,” said Wai Hung as he slightly pushed her aside and walked out the door.
Confused about his actions, Deep Ting shouted his name from afar. Though, Wai Hung ignored her voice and continued walking at a speedy pace until he was out in the streets, where he started wandering around for Siu Lan. Soon, he spotted them selling flowers on the side of a street and walked over happily.
“Siu Lan!” called Wai Hung happily when he came over.
Siu Lan jumped at his sudden greeting. Seeing his face, Siu Lan’s fright increased her blood circulation, rising her body temperature. She instantly took a few steps back, and Yi Ting stepped before her.
“Good morning Mrs. Tong,” greeted Wai Hung with a friendly attitude.
“May I ask your reason for being here?” questioned Yi Ting.
“No special reason. I just wanted to see Siu Lan,” answered Wai Hung with a cheesy smile. Yi Ting glanced at her daughter, who was shivering at the sight of him. Never has she seen Siu Lan like this, for she had always stood tall and strong in front of massive sects like the Monkey Clan, but why is she so scared of this man who was by himself and not as worthy of an opponent?
“I’m sorry, but sundown is approaching and we need to get home. Please leave before I make you, Mr. Mung,” Yi Ting then started organizing her flowers as if Wai Hung was never there.
Seeing her playing with them, Wai Hung then said, “Say, I’ll buy ten daisies.”
“Very well then, it’ll be 20 coins,” said Yi Ting as she took his money and handed him the flowers. “Goodbye.”
“Can I ask your daughter to bring the flowers to my home and help me plant them? I can pay more for that,” said Wai Hung. Yi Ting stared at her daughter. Seeing their skepticism, he continued, “These flowers are yours. No one else and plant them into the soil better! If you do not help me plant them, they won’t live as long and that’ll be a waste of your hard work. Please?”
Yi Ting thought for a short while and said, “Fine. That will be an extra 6 coins though.”
“No problem at all!” said Wai Hung as he handed her the money.
Siu Lan looked at her mother unwillingly and tugged on her sleeve, but her mother placed her hand on top of hers to calm her. Then, she packed the daisies and said grumpily, “Shall we go now?”
“Yes, yes! This way!” said Wai Hung as he opened the path for her to walk
Wai Hung caught up with her and said, “How old are you Siu Lan?”
Siu Lan glanced at him with her scintillating big eyes and replied with a gentle voice, “Nineteen.”
“Nineteen? I’m twenty one! Our ages are pretty close, aren’t they?” asked Wai Hung, trying to get her to talk. Siu Lan didn’t answer.
“Are you scared?” wondered Wai Hung.
Annoyed, Siu Lan stopped walking and glared at him with annoyance in his still so bright and big eyes. Wai Hung continued to watch her with a big stupid smile on his, unaware of her irritation.
“You look cute when you look at me this way,” stated Wai Hung stupidly.
Siu Lan was furious. She just couldn’t stand him. “Mr. Mung! Are you trying to track down my family history or do you need me to help you plant these flowers in your backyard? If you don’t really want these flowers, then I can give you back your money! They have a life too, like us. Please do not treat them like trash.”
Wai Hung just kept that stupid smile he had on his face and said, “Please don’t be mad, Siu Lan. I’m not going to waste the flowers. They are so pretty, who can do such a thing?”
“You—” started Siu Lan as she lifted her hand as if she was going to slap him, but she couldn’t. Placing her arm down, they walked in silence until they reached the Mung Residents, where Siu Lan started planting the flowers as Wai Hung watched her. He just couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.
“Siu Lan, are you hungry?” asked Wai Hung.
“No,” replied Siu Lan as she continued planting.
“Are you sure? I bet you are. Don’t worry! I’ll go to the kitchen right now to get you some snacks,” said Wai Hung as he headed towards the kitchen without waiting for reply.
“Hey! Hey!” called Siu Lan, but he was already too far. Siu Lan nodded her head and went back to planting, but at a faster pace so she could get home earlier and see Ming Hei. In the corner, Deep Ting walked out with two servants by her side. Upon entering the yard, she saw Siu Lan’s presence.
“Who are you?” questioned Deep Ting as she approached her.
Siu Lan stood up and greeted her upon recognizing the voice, “Miss Mung, My name is Tong Siu Lan. Mr. Mung ordered me to plant these flowers in the yard.”
“Daisies? I hate daisies. Get them out of my face.”
“But Mr. Mung told me to plant them here.”
“Do you need me to repeat again? I hate daisies. The only flowers that can be in this backyard are orchids and lilies. Understand? If Wai Hung tells you to plant them here, then I tell you to take them out of here. NOW!”
“Deep Ting!” yelled Wai Hung angrily as came back. “What are you doing? Siu Lan, are you okay?”
Siu Lan just looked onto the ground, attempting to stay out of the bickering, but no matter what she did, she was their topic.
“Deep Ting, what did you do now?” queried Wai Hung seriously.
“Nothing. It’s all her fault. I said that I don’t like daisies and she refuses to take them away,” answered Deep Ting as if it was Siu Lan’s fault. Wai Hung placed his snacks on the table.
“Deep Ting. I told Siu Lan to plant them here. If you don’t like daisies, it does not mean that I don’t. You have no right to take them out of here when I bought the. This house is my family’s possession! Besides, there are many things and people whom I do not like who are in my face every single day. What can I do? I can’t get rid of them!” yelled Wai Hung angrily.
“You—” started Deep Ting. She glanced at Siu Lan and then back at Wai Hung. Angrily, she stomped off with her servants.
“Siu Lan, are you okay?” asked Wai Hung as he accidentally touched her hands. Siu Lan quickly pulled her hands way in a frightened manner.
“I—I’m fine,” said Siu Lan nervously as she went back to planting the flowers.
Wai Hung watched her for a short while and then said, “Are you hungry? Here, have some of these cookies. They are freshly made and are very tasty!”
“No thank you. My mother is waiting for me at the edge of the city. There! I’m done. Thank you for your business Mung Gong Zi. Goodbye,” said Siu Lan hastily as she started heading out the door. She was too quick. Even though she lost her martial arts, Wai Hung couldn’t catch up to her.
At the edge of the city, Yi Ting began to pace, for she has been waiting for quite a while and has started getting worried. Just then, Siu Lan appeared in the distance.
“Mother,” greeted Siu Lan.
“Ready? Let’s go,” said Yi Ting as they started heading their way home. “Siu Lan, remember to not tell Ming Hei about this okay? You know how he reacted last time when you told him what happened the other day. What do you think he’ll think this time?” clarified Yi Ting.
“Yes mother,” said Siu Lan.
Upon approaching the bottom of their hill, the winds blew very hard and strong, sending a chilling sensation down one’s body. Of course, the two knew that it was Ming Hei practicing his martial arts once again. This time though, the wind was more powerful than usual. It seems like the wind had its own sense of direction and place that they want to go to. The attachment of the Extreme Sudden really did seem like it aid the Ching Sum Kuet. At home, Ming Hei flew from tree to tree with ease as if he was using the gusts of wind as a foot support. As he did so, he swiped his fan from side to side. Each strike he directed with his fan, a stream of fire formed along the ground. He quickly recovered by flicking his fan open and motioned it from his right side to his left side. He then lifted it into the air and motioned it in the pattern of the Ying and Yang sign. As he did this, the wind stirred up and a small stream of water exited the sky, putting out the fire. Ming Hei landed back on the ground with his fan opened before his chest as he watched the fire being put out, all under his prediction and control.
A loud ovation was heard from behind. “Siu Lan?” said Ming Hei as he turned around.
“That was excellent!” applauded Siu Lan as she gave him a hug. Ming Hei pinched her nose.
“Ming Hei, you really captured the power of the ‘Extreme Sudden’ really well,” complimented Yi Ting.
“Really?” wondered Ming Hei.
“If you pay attention to your stepping as you fly in the air, you powered the wind to have its own sense of direction so they form a stepping rock for you as you walk and disperse immediately after you pass, as if they built you a path. That is the power of the fourth level of the Extreme Sudden,” enlightened Yi Ting proudly. Ming Hei’s eyes widened at the news he just absorbed. Seeing his surprised but proud face, Yi Ting gladly continued, “I’m sure that the power of the Ching Sum Kuet and the Extreme Sudden combined will be more powerful than what I see before my very eyes just a moment ago. Your control of just water and fire that I saw was already incredible. I’m sure you could even control them at a higher level with all the other forces of nature in the grasp of your hand.”
“Higher level? What do you mean? And what are the other forces of nature?”
“Your powers are not limited, because of the lack of environment. If you really wanted to use your powers, you will be able to change the flow of the water in the river, put out or start a whole forest fire, and even launch or stop a flood. The Ching Sum Kuet allows you to control nature, and nature is everything in this world, with the exception of humans, for the controller is a human. With a blow of your flute, you can even divert the direction of shooting arrows back to your attacker. Typhoons, hurricanes, thunderstorms—all these natural disasters lie within your hands.”
“Please don’t joke with me, Tong Ma. It’s just martial arts, not magic.”
“Ah, but the Ching Sum Kuet is different. Let’s see, shall we?” Yi Ting then picked up a stone and threw it at Ming Hei.
“Tong Ma! What are you doing?” queried Ming Hei as he dodged it.
“Take out your flute and blow a few note into it.” She threw another rock at him.
“What notes though?” He dodged it again.
“I don’t know, why don’t you find out?” She threw another stone at him.
Ming Hei quickly pulled out his flute and two peaceful notes were heard. The stone immediately dropped to the ground. Ming Hei stared at his flute. “Did—did I do that?” asked Ming Hei.
“Power of the Ching Sum Kuet,” said Yi Ting as she smiled. “The more dangerous a situation a person is in, the more they desire to live. At that point, the only thought you have is to live. As you kept that thought in mind, the available options given for you to live skims through your soul and body. The power of the Ching Sum Kuet follows those thoughts to help you to strive, Ming Hei. You can try its power down by the river where you and Siu Lan used to hang out. Keep on walking west and there is a spot where no one goes to because of its odd smell. Even though it smells odd, the place is empty and safe. With your current powers, I’m sure you’ll be able to take the stink away. Am I right?”
“Yes, Tong Ma,” said Ming Hei gratefully. Therefore, that was where he ventured the very next day.
That following evening when Yi Ting and Siu Lan returned from the city was calm and peaceful. However, this calmness was the beginning of disaster. As they pushed their cart back up the mountain, a group of 10 men in black who carried heavy, long swords jumped out and circled the two.
“Who sent you?” demanded Yi Ting as she clasp a dagger between each of her finger.
The men in black did not reply, but charged right towards them. Though Siu Lan lost her martial arts, her reflect was still fast and quick, and dodging was definitely not a problem. With a few kicks and aims, all the men fell down with a poison dagger in their hearts. Grasping the only alive men by the neck, Yi Ting demanded, “Who ordered you to assassinate us?”
“It—it’s Miss Mung!” yelled the man.
“Mung Deep Ting?” queried Yi Ting madly as she turned around, noticing movement in the bushes behind. Terrified that they knew of her existence here, Deep Ting tried to escape. Before she was able to, Yi Ting grabbed her by the collar and forced her to face her. “Why did you do this?!” required Yi Ting madly.
“Wh—who told your daughter to bother my Wai Hung?!” yelled Deep Ting.
“It’s your Wai Hung who is bothering us! What kind of person are you?! Just because you can’t have the man you want, it doesn’t mean that you should kill the women that your man likes! It’s your problems if you can’t gain his heart! Not ours! Don’t think you can do whatever you want JUST because you are an upper class! Do you hear me?!” shouted Yi Ting furiously and let go of her collar. Deep Ting just glared at her as she fixed her clothing. After that, she stomped away quickly with an attitude.
“I have NEVER. I have NEVER seen someone as arrogant and ignorant as her,” said Yi Ting as she shook her head.
“Mother, let’s go home,” said Siu Lan as she pulled her mother away with her strength. She may have lost her martial arts, but she was still surely strong and powerful. As Yi Ting got dragged, she kept her head turned, just to make sure that Deep Ting wasn’t following them or anything.
The next morning, Wai Hung was in his yard as he admired the ten daisies planted in his backyard. He was so focused on them that he started daydreaming. He dreamed of him being in a field of daisies, all planted by Siu Lan. As he examined that big field, Siu Lan walked up front behind and hugged him from behind. There, he stood up and looked right at her eyes as he brushed her hair to the side to have a closer look at her face. As he looked, he leaned forward as Siu Lan smile. Soon, their lips were a mere centimeter from each other.
“What are you doing?” said Deep Ting.
Wai Hung woke up from his dream. He stood up and looked madly at Deep Ting. “What’s your problem?!” screamed Wai Hung as he stomped away. “I almost had it!” spoke Wai Hung to himself as he walked away.
Deep Ting stared at his back sadly and then at the daisies. “That stupid Tong Siu Lan!” said Deep Ting as she stomped on the daisies until they were all dead, and then stomping away.