Chapter 23: Wrap

The man with the warrant walked down the aisle.

The crowd leaned away to let him pass.

"Gu Wanrong," he said, at the foot of the stage. "You are to come with us."

"On what ground?" Madam's voice cracked. "I am the chairwoman of the Lu Group."

"Forgery of an official document. Unlawful confinement of a patient. Administering a sedative without his consent."

He read each one slowly, for the cameras.

"There is also a complaint from your niece."

Madam's head turned.

At the edge of the stage stood Xiaotong in her pastel gown, holding a folder against her chest.

"Auntie," she said. Her round face was wet, but her chin was up. "I'm sorry. You taught me to keep records."

Madam stared at her.

Then she began to laugh, a thin high sound that got into the rafters.

"A useful girl," she said. "A stupid girl. Did I not tell her?"

Nobody laughed with her.

The police took her by both arms. She did not struggle.

Her left hand hung open, and the red certificate lay on the boards where she had dropped it.

As they led her up the aisle she looked back once, at Wenxin on the stage.

There was nothing warm in the look anymore.

It was bare and old, and it said she had been beaten by a housekeeper's girl.

Wenxin held her gaze until the doors closed.

Behind her the doctor was already being led out by two officers, his folder clutched to his chest.

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