Part One The Plum Blossom
Chapter 1
Outside an exclusive private primary school was the main street of the area, stretching out like the dead root of a tree wrapped by solid concrete, as if it was inappropriate to be there. The street was at fi rst quite empty, then packed, full of people and vehicles, but before too long, it was empty again. Everything seemed to rhyme with one another, and have a rhythm, patient and impatient. Just like some steps rhymed with the rain, and there was a rhythm, peaceful but not so peaceful.