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The joy that had filled the hall only moments ago drained away as though it had never been there. The red decorations that was so festive a moment ago, now hung there like a bad joke.
The village chief didn't seem to notice. Brushing aside everything that had been said, he turned and clapped Han Yan lightly on the shoulder. "Come, Han Yan. We're done here."
"Mn." Han Yan clasped his hands and bowed to the chief, calm and unhurried. "Thank you, Village Chief, for your fair judgment. I won't forget it."
He gave Old Man Han a smaller bow, polite to the last. At the threshold he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. His smile was soft, but his eyes were sharp.
"Then I'll have to trouble the family to send the deed over soon. I'm a simple man. I just like things settled properly."
Crack.
Madam Wei dug her nails into the armrest until the lacquer cracked beneath her fingers.
