act16d5

Starshrouded snow. Hidden moon.

(So... this is Lungmen.)

(I must hurry—)

Kind sir, would you spare me a moment?

Hmm?

There is something I would like to ask.

Is Master Tung's finball stall nearby?

You... You are not from Lungmen, are you?

Came to sample his reputed finballs, have you?

Uh, yes, but of course! They're famous far and wide, hahaha—

Well, what time do you think it is? They closed for the day long ago.

If you truly want a bite, you'll want to line up at eight in the morning.

It has closed? Do you perchance know where Master Tung lives, then?

Hm...

Kind sir?

You're here to sample his finballs. Why would his name or address matter to you at all?

Err... Hahaha, quite right. Haha... I'll wait till the morrow then—

Young man...

Mmh—

—K-Kind sir? What is the meaning of this? Please, lower your cane—

What do you want with Tung?

I... I—

I suggest you behave yourself here, young man. Now, explain.

You covered practically the entire town within just one night, from the old folks to the Greytails' boss. Now, you even ask for a finball hawker.

No one would come to this place to seek him out at this hour. Moreover... I know what it is that you are holding.

—You... Are you...?! Mmph!

Don't move, young man. Answer me first. Who else do you seek?

Only those I've already asked about! I am looking for Uncle Tung only because I have no choice—!

Is your name Lien?

No! No, it is not! Please, listen to me—

Stop.

I am not one to mistake a man trained in the martial arts for a hooligan... And you hold the Lien clan's Yin-ch'ing fan. How are you related to Lien Tzu-hsu?

—She's my master!

What became of her?

My master...

What became of her?!

She passed!

...How?

She... She was damned well murdered... because of me, an imbecile of a disciple!

...A shame.

Master Lin—!

Hmph... You know my name. How?

I-I heard of you from my master... Please, I cannot be caught by those men yet!

You came here to Lungmen merely to drag out what time you have left.

The flame can't be snuffed!

I suggest you go to the L.G.D.

This is nothing the police can manage!

Very well... Out of respect for Tung's friendship with your old master, I give you this chance.

You have three moves. Break my cane, and you may come with me.

—N-No, I can't!

Do it.

My master told me. The debt that Uncle Tung owes Lin of Lungmen... is also hers. No matter the circumstances, I must not disrespect—

Do it!

—I'm afraid I can't!

You coward! Unfold your fan!

My name is not Lien! I am undeserving!

Yet you hold her fan!!

Lien is not my name!

Then your master died for nothing!

I—

Hm, well executed...

Master Lin... please forgive me.

Stand up. I forced your hand. Nothing to kneel for.

Stay here in Lungmen for five years. After five years, I will send you back to Kou-wu City. What happens next, you'll have to figure out yourself.

Come.

Brother Nothing, are you really leaving?

Stay in Lungmen. It's a nice place, no?

I have yet to do what I must.

Looks like we aren't keeping you here... Can we share one last drink, then?

Save it. If I make it back alive, we will share this drink.

If that time comes, I suppose I won't be using this pseudonym anymore.

—Great!

We await your return!

So you really came back. That I did not expect...

But I must return. I am indebted to you. I cannot well just pack up and leave.

Hoh. Look how much of a smooth-talker you've become. I wish you'd seen how nervous you were when we first met.

Ha. Haha, Master Lin. At least save me some face.

What's your plan after this?

It's all over, but I've made enemies everywhere. It's not realistic for me to stay in my hometown.

I've got a storefront downtown you can have. Not cheap, though.

Of course, I can't take what's yours without proper payment.

So this is your training hall, Brother?

Indeed it is. I named it 'Friendship,' for friendship is wealth as the saying goes. What do you think?

Sounds kinda like a fitness center for the elderly...

As long as it earns me good coin, why does it matter in this day and age that it's a fitness center for the elderly?!

Will anyone actually come...? Ugh, you charge the memberships by the year too?

Ahaha... It's not necessarily a bad thing to have no customers. I heard this is fashionable in recent...

Excuse me, is this a fitness center?

My oh my. Please come this way, esteemed guest. We are a traditional Yan martial arts training center. I guarantee you'll find yourself most hale and hearty in no time!

Oh, I see. Give me a minute. Let me find my card.

You...

Brother Nothing!

Don't you think you're safe just because you're in Lungmen. You aren't getting away—

Bastard, die!

Brother Nothing, are you alright?!

Open your eyes... Do I look alright...?

Hang in there! I'll call an ambulance right away—

Save it... *cough* *cough*... It's too late; I can tell. It's opening day, and blood has already been spilled. Just my luck...

I... *cough*, stop crying. You are a big guy. It's nothing uncommon to see a fellow man die.

I... I'm not... I...