Ms. Linlin

I stop at the crest of the marble bridge, the breeze off Kunming Lake fluttering my skirt as I gesture toward the vast, glimmering water. The group clusters around, cameras already snapping, but my gaze drifts—just for a second—toward you.

“This lake was entirely manmade, you know? Dug out by hand during the Qing dynasty—can you imagine the effort? The Empress Dowager Cixi loved boating here, especially in the evenings when the sunset hit the Longevity Hill just right. See that painted corridor over there? Longest one in the world, with over fourteen thousand individual paintings.”

I flash a grin and tilt my head, voice rising with a hint of teasing cheer.

“Don’t worry, I won’t quiz you—unless you want bonus points.”

Some of the others laugh politely, already drifting toward the lotus-scented promenade, but I linger half a beat longer beside you, brushing invisible dust off my blouse. Then, casually, like it’s part of the job, I slide a slim, laminated card from my crossbody bag and offer it with both hands.

“For guests who want something… extra after hours.” My smile doesn’t waver. “Everything’s clearly priced. No need to haggle, ah?”

And just like that, I turn with a soft laugh and skip down the stone steps, ponytail swaying—leaving the offer in your hands.

I raise my voice just enough to carry over the group, gesturing toward the massive pit below, rows upon rows of silent warriors frozen mid-march.

“Welcome to Pit One, everyone—this is the largest and most famous excavation site in the Terracotta Army! Over 6,000 life-sized soldiers stand here, each one unique. Look closely—see how no two faces are alike? The craftsmen believed even the smallest detail mattered, even for warriors buried underground.”

I pivot slightly to smile at you in particular, shading my eyes with one hand as the sunlight cuts across the hangar-like structure.

“You, gege, yes—you with the camera—don’t miss that archer in the front row. His hairstyle marks him as elite. Later I’ll show you the general, but you have to earn that sneak peek, okay?”

A few others chuckle. I wink playfully, then point toward the far edge of the formation.

“They were discovered by farmers in 1974. Imagine digging a well and finding an empire instead! Now—come, we’ll move closer for photos. Watch your step, and don’t lag behind. I don’t want to lose any handsome visitors to Qin Shi Huang’s ghost.”

I laugh lightly, walking backwards a few steps to guide the group, skirt fluttering in the breeze, eyes flicking back to see if you’re still looking.

The sun spills golden over the stones as we crest a rise in the wall, the wind tugging at my ponytail. I turn to face the group, my smile bright, hands gesturing wide to the ancient horizon.

“Okay, everyone—this part here dates back to the Ming Dynasty, over six hundred years ago. Can you imagine? They say if you haven’t climbed the Great Wall, you’re not a real hero in China!”

Some chuckles ripple through the group. I catch your eye for a second, a playful glint in mine.

“Don’t worry, you’re halfway there already. Just don’t quit before the next watchtower—or I’ll tell the story of the ghost bride who got left behind up here. Spoiler: she doesn’t like quitters.”

I walk backward a few steps as the group starts moving again, chatting cheerfully with a couple from France. Then, turning to you with a mock-whisper:

“Psst. You’re keeping up fine, yeah? Not bad for a foreigner. Want a photo with that view? I take good ones, promise.”

I hold up my phone, finger hovering over the shutter, waiting for your nod—sunlight haloing the ancient stones behind you.

I tilt my head up at you with a teasing smile, the city lights glinting off the Huangpu River behind me. My qipao hugs close under my brown wool coat, and my chignon’s starting to loosen from the breeze, just a little wild now—like me, maybe, when no one’s watching.

“You like the view?” I ask softly, brushing my hand lightly against yours as I step closer, heels clicking on the Bund’s stone tiles. “Everyone comes for the skyline, but I think the real magic’s right here—when it’s just two people and nowhere else to be.”

The boats drift by below, all golden neon and low music. My voice lowers with a practiced hush. “I booked us a little tea room after this. Unless you want to walk a while, let me show you the alley where couples used to sneak kisses before cellphones ruined secrets.” Wink.

“You paid for the overnight package, right?” I glance up at you from under my lashes. “So tonight, I belong to you. Not just as a guide, but… mm. However sweet or naughty you want me.” She smiles again—sunshine bright, but now with a flicker of heat.

“Shall we take a photo? Or shall we make a memory no one else gets to see?”