Book 8: Chapter 58: Bargaining for the Impossible
Of course, it wasn’t as simple as just saying he was sorry. If only mere words could truly undo misdeeds, thought Sen, the world would be a kinder place. The world was not one of kindness, though. A fact of which Sen was all too aware. Words were for the mind and, perhaps, the heart, but deeds were for the soul. After all, while much of Karma was shrouded in mystery, it did teach one immutable lesson. Debts must be repaid, in one life or another. Of course, that also required that the other person cooperate if only a little. And Tiu Li-Mei tried very hard not to cooperate. Sen didn’t know if was out of fear, an overabundance of politeness, or simply because she was stunned, but she tried to refuse any sort of recompence.
“This isn’t necessary,” stammered Tiu Li-Mei, waving her hands in front of her. “I don’t need anything. Truly.”
Sighing, Sen put on a stern expression and said, “It is. Even if you don’t require it, karma would. Better, I would think, that you at least understand the reasons.”
Tiu Li-Mei lowered her hands, slowly, almost as if in defeat. Sen wasn’t sure he’d ever seen such a bizarre display or someone so hellsbent on not getting something. Most people would have been falling over themselves to collect on a debt from a powerful cultivator.
“I suppose so,” she said.
“Good. Now that we’ve dispensed with that, what would you have of me? I have wealth I can share. Do you wish for a home? A manor of your own? Is there some elixir you desire? My alchemy skills are likely the match to anything you might request.”
Sen waited while Tiu Li-Mei looked like her mind was racing to find an acceptable answer. Which is probably exactly what’s happening, thought Sen. She’s trying to think of something she can ask for that will be of some benefit to her while not aggravating me. As the seconds dragged out to a minute and then two minutes, Tiu Li-Mei looked increasingly frantic. Sen finally took pity on her. He had put her on the spot.
“The debt is mine. You shouldn’t concern yourself with trying to guess what I will or will not find palatable. Tell me what it is that you wish. If I can grant it, I will. I can’t grant it… I will simply tell you that.”
Some of the frantic look in the woman’s eyes drained away. Her expression became more thoughtful. He saw a spark of something on her face for a moment before she shook her head.