In the spacious Lion Kitchen.
Li Qingmu held a sturdy bamboo broom to sweep the wide stone floor in heavy strokes. His had a thin sheen of sweat already gathering on his brow despite the cool mountain breeze drifting through the open gates.
Kitchen Master Han Yan lounged on his favorite low wooden bench near the back wall, plump legs spread comfortably. In one meaty hand he cradled a small sack of roasted pine nuts. Every few moments he would pop a nut into his mouth, chew with loud satisfaction, then casually spit the hard seed shell onto the freshly swept floor.
Plink!
The tiny shell skittered across the tiles.
Li Qingmu's broom paused for half a breath.
He exhaled slowly through his nose, then swept the shell into the growing pile near the corner without a word.
A minute later plink! another one landed a chi away from where the last had been.
Li Qingmu's jaw tightened, but he kept sweeping.
