When Mrs. Yongli called Minerva for tea, Minnie didn't expect that her mother had also called MeiLan. MeiLan was already seated by the time she entered, dressed in that drab man's suit that she seemed to favor. Not only did she wear men's clothes, but she also put her hair up in a topknot to complete the transition. And yet somehow, she still seemed demure and lady-like as she sipped her tea and smiled graciously at her aunt.
Minnie had to hide her scowl as she sat beside her mother. "Good morning, Minnie," Luen greeted her daughter and poured her a cup of tea. "That is a stunning hairpin you are wearing this morning."
Minnie patted her hair and smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, mother."
Luen waved to one of her maids, and the older woman brought forward a plate of cakes and set it before the girls. Minnie picked one delicately and tasted it.
