act15side

A sloppy man with glasses, a gaudy outfit, and the look of a swindler.

So it's gotta be you, right?

Er... I must say that appraisal is a little...

An enemy of yours?

No, they'd never go so far as to send a little girl to do their bidding...

Who's a little girl, huh?!

(She kicked up an entire wooden chair—what leg technique!)

Hmph. You have quick reflexes, dodging without getting up.

Miss, Miss!

What? Can't you see I'm busy—

This guy's a Liberi, right? Didn't the letter say we were looking for a Lung?

Then it's the one upstairs. It's you, right, isn't it?!

Hey now, don't I deserve at least an apology?

Cool it, mate... Hm?

Personally, I thought my attire was just dandy.

Given her approach, I doubt she means well.

You stroll in and abuse an innocent chair, not to mention almost giving that man a concussion for no reason.

Give it up, your cover's blown. Now play nice and hand it over.

Hmph. I'll grant that it takes guts to sneak into the city in broad daylight though.

Miss Du, was it? I believe there might be a misunderstanding.

Did you come from Lungmen?

Er, yes.

Are you carrying an antique wine cup with you?

Then you have one minute to think up a good excuse. After that, you're handing it over and coming with me.

The young lady's not too keen on hearing people out... Really makes me miss those kids of mine back home. They'd know better.

Don't look at me. Mr. Liang explained that he specifically entrusted you with bringing that wine cup from Lungmen.

And if Mr. Liang says so, I believe it.

Well, Master Shen, thanks for the vote of confidence.

Odd though... This girl's bold enough to openly say she wants something that Mr. Liang requested?

*Sigh*.

One of our aunties plucked this right from a child smuggler's hands, so if you were expecting any legal formalities... haha.

Is the cup noteworthy?

I looked into it, there's only baseless legends. Rumors the smugglers heard from the locals.

*Sigh*. How did this become such a hassle?

(Nothing, mate, I've seen this in a movie before!)

(As have I! But they'd usually call the officers at this point. They'd never jump into a fight, right...?)

Hey, enough muttering! Got your excuse ready?

(The lady is certainly blessed with a loud voice... Might those two upstairs be suspects of a sort, then?)

(Benefactor?)

(Mate. I... I think that guy looks familiar.)

(What? The fellow with the remarkably similar get-up to mine?)

(No... It can't be... They work with Rhodes Island. Guess there's a little resemblance though?)

How about this, young lady? You've caught me, fair and square. Nowhere to run. Now, if you'd call the police...

Stalling for time, huh? Alright. I was wondering how long you could anyway.

Get up there!

Don't let him get away!

A moment, please!

What, you want to pay me back for earlier?

Stand down, let me finish my business, and I'll pay for two days of lodging, all expenses. Sound good?

Take a good, long look Benefactor. If we've not got the wrong person, then a wonderful opportunity has landed in our laps.

Mr. Lee...?

Ah...

Let's see... little blonde rabbit, ambiguously closed eyes... a Rhodes Island operator?

Miraculous. Of the taverns in Shangshu, in all of Yan, in all the world, to think you'd have the fortune to run into an old friend here.

So how about we not sour the mood on this miraculous reunion?

What the hell is going on?! You're all together?!

Surround them! Nobody leaves until they hand over the booty!

Oh? What inspired this?

I dreamt of the fable of the shadow's shadow counseling its shade, and this is my response.

Then I'd like to see it. How do you plan to let these common objects manifest themselves?

Take it as but an inadvertent act. Mock me not for it.

What the... just now...

Benefactor, watch out!

They're all civvies. Keep a light touch.

Careful, that Liberi's from some martial school! Leave the Cautus to me—huh? Where'd she go?

Why's it always punch first, ask questions later...?

Wh-When did she get on the second floor?!

No need to hurt anyone, Nothing, mate. Easy does it.

Over here, Mr. Lee.

*Sigh* So sorry to get you all caught up in this mess.

Not like we expected to run into you, Mr. Lee. Well, uh, let's get out of here first.

Hey—! Are you ignoring me on purpose?! You think you can just leave?!

Apologies, but you won't be passing.

And who're you to decide?!

A fan? That swindler... uh, no, that guest knows some rare kung fu, doesn't he?

Zheng? Sir? Shouldn't you step in before they ruin all the furniture on the ground floor?

*Sigh*...

Fan man's moves are probably meant to intimidate. He's being very slick about it. But the lady hasn't shown us everything yet either. If they work things out, we all come out richer and happier.

While she's still being cautious, at least.

Hey!

All you fine people!

In the late evenings of Shangshu's early spring, the wind arrives on time while the rain is no guarantee. So it has always been.

A man lifts his head to the skies. The clouds and mist furl, Hui and Ming waver, but at the furthest ends, one can faintly see the light of day.

A spring chill hangs, and a light breeze flutters their clothes.

He should be here by now.

Mm....

I do hope that things conclude smoothly.