A Diplomatic Woman

'A Diplomatic Woman' is an espionage-themed novel written by Huan Mee. The narrator, a woman, is in a shop trying to purchase a costume for a masked ball. They express frustration with the lack of originality in the costume options and are unimpressed with the suggestions made by the shopkeeper. She then spots a dress in a wardrobe that represents an ice palace, and is immediately drawn to it. Unfortunately, the dress is already sold, but the narrator offers to pay more for it. The shopkeeper explains that it is impossible, irritating the narrator, who asks for whom the dress was made, expressing annoyance at the idea that it could be for someone unknown who just got lucky to be invited for the event.