Despite what happened to Alex, the city is not all that bad. Alex enjoys walking through the marketplace, probably the busiest place in town. The streets were always crowded with anxious shoppers. A few stores were selling fish, and the storeowners were yelling and trying to get customers. Other stores sold fruits and vegetables, and customers were bargaining and eager to get a deal.
That is what a typical day is like in the marketplace, and Alex did not like crowded places. He came here to see a certain friend. She and her grandmother owned a jewelry store, and that store is her main source of income. Jade Lee was busy selling to customers and then she saw Alex and waved enthusiastically.
How can one not return the enthusiasm? "Hey Jade." Alex said. "How is business?"
"Business is terrific! Would you like to buy some jewelry?"
Alex stared at the necklaces for sale. "Hmmm…"
"Ah, may I interest you in this one?" She took the one in the middle, holding it at eye level. The necklace was sparkling gold, and its diamond was bluish purple.
"What is so special about this one?"
"This necklace is truly an antique. It is said to have been worn by the wise King Solomon. Centuries ago he came to China to visit King Chao, who took him as a guest. Solomon offered his necklace as tribute to Chao's hospitality."
"Hold on there a second. And since when did King Solomon visit China?"
"Ehh. Somewhere down the line he came to the east. He definitely visited King Chao."
"Okay Jade, stop making up stories."
She snapped her fingers. "Damn. That one always worked."
Alex slapped his own face. "Argh, people buy the necklace for the necklace itself, not for the story behind it. Besides, how many of these stories you tell about these jewels are real, and how many are fake?"
"Hey, most of them are real."
"Whatever. I was on my way home. I'll catch you later."
As he walked, she said "Wait. Are you doing anything tonight?"
"Nothing. Why?"
"Well, if you are not busy or anything, maybe I can come overnight and make dinner. It is not healthy to eat food from the market, trust me on this one." she said, staring at the floor.
"Ummm, okay, no problem."
"Okay great!" she said with excitement. "It's a done deal. See you tonight at sunset."
They waved each other goodbye. Jade was already thinking of what to cook for dinner.
Alex Cheng opened the door to his home and closed it. His friend was sitting at the table, waiting for him. Alex was a little startled that he's already here.
"Welcome home, Alex." said the friend.
"When did you get here?" asked Alex.
"Just a few moments ago." Zi Lai replied.
"Zi? Did I not tell you that you should wait for someone to get home first before entering his home?" said Alex.
"Yeah, you did, but that doesn't apply to us. C'mon, we're best friends, aren't we?"
"Anyways, do you have news on my sister?"
"Yeah, and it took me a while to find out. I ran into this old man who owns a stable. He says many years ago, he recalls seeing a little girl ask for a horse. She was buying a horse to travel someplace out of town, in a place called the Temple of Enlightenment, up in the Xiyang mountains. No one knows how long she stayed there, or if she's still there. That's the last anyone has seen of her."
"The Legendary Temple of Enlightenment?" Alex repeated.
"Yes. Legend says that people who enter the temple will be healed by the monks over there. No matter what injuries you have, you will be miraculously healed."
"The Temple of Enlightenment…" he repeated blankly.
"You are not seriously considering going, are you, Alex?" asked his friend.
"That is the only clue we have about my sister." The expression on his face was dead serious.
"This is ridiculous." Zi replied. "We do not even know if such a place exists."
"I have been searching for her for half my life." Alex replied, determined. "I am not going to rule out any possibilities."
Zi sighed. "I know it's useless to try to talk you out of it. I had a feeling it was coming to this."
Their conversation was interrupted by Jade knocking on the door.
"You expecting company?" Zi asked.
"Uhhh…oh yeah!" He just remembered that Jade was supposed to come. "Yeah, sorry."
Standing outside, Jade knocked again. "Alex, are you inside?"
Zi's face turned suspicious and naughty. "Oh, that kind of company. Alright, I'll let you two be."
"Hey, don't get any ideas. It's just a visit."
"Sure, sure." Zi left the house from the back.
"It's not what you think. You need to clean your mind sometimes." Alex said.
As he did, Jade opened the door. "Is someone else here?"
"Uhhh no, why?"
"I thought I heard you talking to someone."
"Ummm no. You must've been hearing things."
Jade smiled and put a bag on the table. "Anyway, I brought us the food."
"What did you bring?" he asked.
"It is a secret. You will find out when it is cooked."
"Okay…" said Alex. He was just glad that Zi was not seen.
She went into the kitchen to set up everything. As she was cooking and humming, Alex was thinking of his sister. Li Cheng is her name, and she disappeared when he was a kid. He's been searching for her ever since. Her disappearance was mysterious and still unsolved, and he made it his life mission to find her and find out why she ran away.
In the backyard, ninjas entered the perimeter and gathered at the center. They were all dressed in black, except for one. He was wearing red armor. He removed his mask, revealing his face. He was En Lo, the leader of this operation. "Men, scout the area and find the man named Alex Cheng and kill him. Kill anyone else you find."
"Hai!" they all said. Then they dispersed, going in different directions.
Meanwhile, the two were enjoying their dinner. Jade was smiling the whole time. Alex picked a spring dumpling and ate it.
"How it is?" Jade asked.
"Mmm, it's great." he replied.
"I'm glad you liked it. Have some more."
"Thank you."
Alex picked up another dumpling and just as he was about to put it in his mouth, he felt something. As a warrior, his senses are sensitive to any sound that is unusual. The ninjas were running along the roof very quietly. But no matter how quiet they are, their footsteps made vibrations. Alex just remained still, holding onto the chopsticks.
"What's wrong, Alex?" Jade asked. "It doesn't taste good?"
Alex had no more appetite. "Jade…there are intruders outside."
"What?" she said in surprise.
"Shhhh! We're in danger."
"How do you know?"
"Trust me!" Alex took her into the bedroom. He took out his sword. This made Jade nervous. "You hide in the closet." He opened the closet for her.
"But what about you?"
"I'll be fine. Just wait here, okay?" He took out a long knife and gave it to her. "Take this just in case." Then he shut the closet door with her inside. "Remember," he whispered. "Don't move or make any sounds. I'll come back for you, I promise." He left before she can say anything.