Chapter Five: The Price of Marriage

“That isn't me.” His breath brushed her ear. “It's everyone inside who wants to use you as payment.” Thirteen directors sat before thirteen brownies. Old Master Lu presided, ninety years old with a wax-smooth face and ancient eyes. “Sign the renewal,” he said. “We will settle your mother's debt.” The document bore Xu Manqing's signature. Fifteen years earlier she had borrowed one day of Lu wealth. If her attempt to break the game failed, her adult daughter would inherit the debt. “Where is the original?” Zhiwei asked. “Aftertaste keeps it.” “No original, witness record, or proof my mother received payment. And you expect acknowledgment?” “You wore our ring,” a director said. Zhiwei raised her bare hand. “The bank owns it now.”