Everything seemed peacefully timeless as I sat quietly at my seat sipping tea, with Xiao Qing dealing with the tea leaves across from me. Soon, one by one, the tea masters began to arrive at the teahouse, and time gradually ticked away.
I started to feel that something was amiss and glanced at the time, only to realize it was already noon. Mei didn't carry a cell phone with her and couldn't have gone far, and since it was almost time to open for business, she couldn't possibly not return.
I immediately stood up, instructing Xiao Qing, "You watch the store for a bit, I'll go out and take a look." Seeing the genuine anxiety in my eyes, Xiao Qing nodded in agreement.
