Chapter 14 Parting at the Gate
Fugeer took me to a large residence. Sister Mudan and the others with me were sent to the Laundry Workshop in the city.
The prettier girls went to the Brothel. The plain ones were useful too—soldiers' clothes and food still needed hands.
When Sister Mudan left, I asked Fugeer to let me speak a few words with her.
Fugeer was unhappy, lips pouting. "Sister is so formal now."
Only then did I see a bit of his old self on that face. I softened my voice. "Is this not to build your standing?"
The eyes of the men around Fugeer were like needles. I had not changed yet and still wore the Brothel style that bared shoulders and legs, and Fugeer still liked to hold my hand as before.
Fugeer snorted. "No need. No one dares speak of me, and no one dares speak of Sister."
When he stepped back and stood with hands behind him looking at the sky, I turned and warned Sister Mudan. "Sister, once you are there, keep your head down. I will come see you. And do not forget to put something on your face."
Sister Mudan tapped my head. "Little girl, that is what I should be saying to you."
"Rest easy. I have eaten more salt than you have rice. No need to worry."
She looked toward Fugeer. "As for you—this brother of yours does not seem like the one you described. Just now he..."
Sister Mudan stopped short. "Anyway, do not let your guard down."
Earlier, Fugeer had ordered without blinking that the women who had leaned on him in the Brothel be beaten to death.
I saw it. But so what? Fugeer was my only lifeline now. If I stayed in the Brothel, my end would be little better than those girls'.