Isend a watercolour of a white fox pup I encountered by the village which I hope will convince you of the beauties of this place and tempt you to visit. Write soon with your news.
Yours ever,
Romain
My mother was feisty alright, keeping my father on his toes until the last possible moment. I flick through the journal, but I can’t bring myself to read it just yet. Right now, I feel fortified by my father’s light-hearted letters, whereas I’m worried finishing the last page of the journal will only make me cry. I tuck the letters into the journal. There’s another conversation I’ve been putting off. Clutching my bundle, I blink myself to Big Wang’s roof terrace.
Forty-Six
Family
Big Wang’s roof terrace is a flurry of commotion; attendants gliding to and fro, carrying plates and napkins, chairs, and linens. Twinkling lanterns hang from every tree. More are artfully placed around the koi and tortoise ponds. A large table, to seat sixteen, sits in the centre of the terrace.
I do a quick head count – three Durands; my three guardians, Bullhead, Horsey, and Old Zao; Big Wang, Lord Aengus, Maomao, Tony, me, Gigi, Ah Lang... I wonder who else he is expecting.
The doors to the study open and out steps Big Wang, his blue-black skin gleaming in the lantern light. The first thing he does is hold my shoulders and look me over carefully, as if checking for cuts and bruises. Satisfied I’m not injured, he asks, ‘Did it go alright with Niang Niang?’
I’m about to ask him how he knew, but stop myself. Of course. ‘Lord Black, I assume?’
Big Wang nods. ‘Come, let’s sit.’ We move to the marble table by the railings, where we usually have breakfast. He gestures to an attendant to bring tea. ‘I’m very sorry about your father, though I am relieved he is no longer in pain. Lord Black said you saw your mother?’
‘She was a ghost. Both of them. I didn’t think yaojing could become ghosts.’
‘It is unusual, but not unheard of. They aren’t exactly ghosts, more a concentration of spiritual energy. They don’t reincarnate but go on to another plane of existence.’
‘Where?’
Big Wang smiles gently. ‘That is something only Madame Meng knows.’
‘Is it a good place? Will they be happy?’
‘As far as I understand it, yes. But even I know very little about this place.’
An attendant brings our tea and sets bowls of dough knots, candied pecans, and some caramels on the table. I pour a cup of chrysanthemum tea for Big Wang focussing on the ritual to calm my nerves.
‘You have something on your mind,’ he says.
He knows me well. There’s no point in pretending I don’t, so I nod. Getting the words out is harder than I expect. Finally, I blurt, ‘I-I made a deal with Mémère.’
Big Wang’s eyes burn bright red. ‘What kind of deal?’
Big Wang’s voice has a dangerous edge to it so I hurry to explain. ‘In exchange for the knowledge to make Tony vampire, I promised to move to Paris and live with Mémère, so I can learn more about my vampire family.’
Big Wang relaxes into his chair. ‘I see.’ He sips his tea with as much reaction as if I’d told him I’d bought a new hairpin.
I frown. ‘Aren’t you upset?’
‘Should I be? It’s only Paris. A week by train, and now your dragon pearl is fixed, home is a blink away.’
Home is a blink away.Why didn’t I think of that? ‘Oh,’ I say, feeling somewhat foolish.
‘Isn’t it a good thing to learn more about your heritage? You have the ability to gift immortality. In Tian, only the Jade Emperor can do so. It’s important you learn what it means and how to responsibly wield such a great power.’
I thought he would be angry, or disappointed, but he’s none of those things. Instead, he’s supportive and encouraging. My emotions spill over.
Big Wang continues, enthusiastic now. ‘I am well overdue a visit to our outpost in Paris. This is the perfect opportunity to check on our people and to visit you in your new home.’ His smile drops as he notices my tears. ‘Don’t cry, I don’t have to visit,’ he says, panic in his voice.
I shake my head, laughing. ‘These are happy tears, Big Wang. I was feeling so wretched, like I’d have to give up everything I loved. But you reminded me that I have the freedom to come and go. I’ll be able to see you whenever I want, and you’ll come visit too. It doesn’t feel so scary anymore.’
