The crowd buzzed like a hive as the veiled girl stepped onto the floating stage.
Children climbed onto their fathers' shoulders to see better.
Vendors stopped shouting about skewers and sweets.
Even the river seemed to pause, its ripples catching light like scattered coins.
The announcer spread his arms dramatically.
"Ladies and gentlemen! A volunteer joins us from the audience! Let us welcome this brave young lady!"
Cheers rose at once. Some laughed, others whistled.
"She's too small to dance!" a man shouted playfully.
"She looks barely grown!" cried another.
Lian An kept her head bowed, her light blue veil fluttering with each breeze. Beneath it, her lips curved in that half-smile she wore whenever she planned mischief. Let them underestimate me, she thought. It will make this easier.
---
Questions and a Quick Lie
The announcer, delighted with the crowd's teasing, leaned toward her and asked loudly,
