Chapter Four: Who Was Missing When the Applause Ended

Gu Chenzhou waited beside the lift when Lin Wu's turn came. “You saved Tang Li,” he said, “but not the name owed tonight.” “So you gave it Zhou Ning?” His eyes did not deny it. “A century ago, the Yongyao mirror gate nearly swallowed half of Linchuan. Seven people each year now keep millions safe. Hate me, but don't mistake arithmetic for malice.” “The White Lady wrote your name.” His composure cracked. “She doesn't want to kill you,” Lin Wu said. “She wants you to replace her.” A stagehand called her. Gu adjusted her earpiece with cold fingers. “Then you should want me to preserve the pact. If she is choosing an heir, seven names no longer satisfy her.”