“It seems to be difficult for you to grasp that Xiaokai has a job. Besides,” Ba added with a recognizable sneer in his tone, “You haven’t been close for a long time, and you still think he’ll tell you everything?”

Xingyu’s hands curled into fists. “He hasn’t answered me all weekend. I doubt that he wouldn’t have at least found a few minutes to send me a reply.”

“I think you’re underestimating both the gravity of the situation he’s in and his dedication to remaining in contact with you. The boy keeps a room in a hotel in reserve just to get away from you. I imagine he’s enjoying the time he doesn’t have to see you anymore.”

“What gravity of the situation?”

“He’s in a city surrounded by Kami no Ha.”

If Xingyu actually believed that Xiao-Xiao was on a business trip, this news would alarm him. But he knew as well as his father did that Xiao-Xiao wasn’t on a business trip. “When will he be back?”

“Depends on how quickly he gets the job done. Your lessons start in two hours. Don’t be late.”

Naturally, he called Laoma next, who told him much the same thing: Xiao-Xiao was on a business trip, he was surrounded by the enemy, there was no saying when he would be home. Xingyu felt like screaming.

He called Xiao-Xiao again, just in case. Then again. Then as he was preparing to press the “call” button again, a familiar number popped up on screen.

“Weiran.”

Weiran sighed. “Are you still in the hotel?”

“Yes. I was just about to head out.”

“How long until you have to be at your lesson?”

“Couple hours.”

“Just come back up to my room until then.”

20

THE COLD

WHATEVER MERCY LIU Xiaokai thought Bai Xue might extend to him was simply a fantasy.

At first, Bai Xue didn’t lay a hand on him. He simply sat in front of Xiaokai in his own chair, his hands folded neatly in his lap, and asked him some questions—the same questions as before. Are you a traitor? Have you betrayed the List? Have you ever had thoughts of betraying the List? And Xiaokai kept saying no, no, no—and Bai Xue nodded and pressed his lips together and nodded again, and then the other people came in.

Xiaokai couldn’t see their faces. They were all wearing masks.

Afterward, Xiaokai panting and broken on the cold floor, Bai Xue came and sat with him and stroked his hair and pressed sweet kisses to his face. And he asked him again.

Are you a traitor?

Have you betrayed the List?

Have you ever had thoughts of betraying the List?

No, Xiaokai whispered. No, no.