hmau

Er... fell down? I thought I...

No, you weren't even there, don't worry, it's all my fault for being so clumsy, haha...

I-I gotta go, bye!

You're limping... just be careful, don't try to run too fast.

Thank you very much! Small businesses like ours always have a hard time.

You're not hurt, are you?

Not at all, thanks to you.

(Rumble—)

Er, sorry, but... are my noodles ready yet?

Oh, how silly of me! Take a seat, and I'll be right up with your order.

Thanks, kid. A certain little girl would've chewed my head off if I went home with soiled clothes.

You have a daughter, sir?

Not exactly... well, I guess daughter's the best way to put it.

Oh? What do you mean?

It's a long story... say, you have some good moves. Who did you study with?

I'm nothing special, just learned a couple things from my dad.

I remember there was a guy who owned a security firm who used the same grappling technique. His surname escapes me at the moment...

Ko. That's my father.

Yeah, that's it! How is he?

He passed away last year.

Ah... I'm sorry to hear that.

It's all in the past now, but thanks for the kind words.

Here's your noodles, sir. I added a bit of meat broth for you, a touch of extra flavor.

Oh... thank you.

(Picks up chopsticks)

Now...

(Puts down chopsticks) Is there something you wanted to say, sir?

Well, you know, rent around here is high, and businesses are always barely scraping by.

Yes, I know...

Sure, chasing away that hoodlum was a big help, but you also made a mess of the place while you were at it.

We ought to keep it separate, no? The noodles are for helping me out, which is one thing.

And the other?

About the mess you made... surely it's fair to ask that you pay for repairs?

(Tightens fist) I was only trying to help you...

Hey now, what's with the fist?

You're gonna punch me? Looks like you're no better than that hoodlum, pushing people around just because you know kung fu.

No... I didn't mean to...

Then pay up!

Sir, you shouldn't do this... it's not right...

What do you mean not right? Break something, pay for it. It's the proper way to do things.

I...

You only took a couple of bites, dad... you're not gonna get better like this.

Oh, don't you worry. The guy in the next bed over already laughs at me for how over-protective my son is... *cough*, *cough*.

Well, you shouldn't laugh with him, the way your lungs are. Anything else you want to eat? I can slice another apple for you. Hard to sleep on an empty stomach, after all.

It's been a long time since I've had fried rice.

Not sure that's a good idea. It'll give you indigestion and keep you up all night.

Worrying again. I was just kidding, Fine, fine, slice me up an apple.

Alright...

How's working coming along? Has Old Li been yelling at you?

It's going great. Uncle Li says I've got a great attitude.

Who do you think you're fooling? That long look on your face, I bet you got a good chewing out. No need to hide things from your dad, tell me the truth.

Well... I got into an argument with Uncle Li. It's just not fair for him to mistreat his customers like that over a few coins.

Sigh, you're just like me, always so stubborn about doing the right thing. I paid my price; don't be like me.

Why do you say that? You've always taught me right and wrong.

And look where it got me! You're barely twenty, with your whole life ahead of you. No need to get yourself bruised and battered like me.

What are you talking about, dad?!

Listen to your father, Hei-sing. Sometimes, you have to let it go rather than banging your head against it forever.

Daydreaming, kid? Like I said, the bill's fifteen thousand. How do you want to pay?

(Loosens fist)

...I don't have a lot of money on me. Can I pay it by helping out around the shop?

Ha, sure, wouldn't hurt to have some free labor. I'm sure you can put those muscles to use washing dishes. Meals and bed not included, just to be clear.

I'm done eating. I'll leave the cash here.

Thank you! Have a pleasant day, sir.

Oh, you said you wanted my thoughts, didn't you? Actually, I just found a big problem that I'd better share.

Appreciate it, sir, but I'm a little busy right now.

Sure, I can wait. Not sure if you can though.

Er... well, what is it, sir?

I was counting your fire extinguishers here while I was eating. I saw three.

But if I'm not mistaken, we got some new regs last month that require a minimum of six for an establishment of this size, with a five thousand dollar fine per missing piece.

Let me run the numbers here real quick... comes out to fifteen thousand.

The fire department's really cracking down on this stuff lately. One call, and the fire marshal's here in minutes. I do wonder if you'd have the time to sort things out.

That sure is a pickle, isn't it?

No need to beat around the bush, sir.

Given that you just opened, I think you should probably let it go. Trouble's bad for business.

So you're here to play nice guy, eh? Don't you have better things to do than stick your nose where it doesn't belong?

Oh, but I think my nose very much belongs here. Fire safety is the responsibility of each and every Lungmen citizen, after all.

You... how dare you...?

Fine, fine, whatever! Forget it, just get out, both of you!

You heard the man. Let's go.

Thank you so much for helping me out, sir. I'm not sure how to repay your kindness, but if you ever need a pair of strong hands, I'm happy to help.

Ha, don't mention it. All I did was say a few words.

S-Sir!

Really, there's no need to thank me.

N-No, it's not that.

Is there something else?

Could you... could you teach me?

Teach you? What could I possibly teach you?

I used to believe that right and wrong were as clear as black and white.

But now, thinking back on things, I see only gray; where white ends and black starts, I just can't tell.

Oh? And why is that?

There are so many people here in Lungmen. People looking for money, for justice, for life, for fun, for fame, for the truth... they all gather here.

Everyone has a different story, and everyone has their own ideas of right and wrong.

When one person's right is another's wrong, they resort to violence and force their ideas on each other.

What's right and wrong? Where's justice and fairness?

Teach me what you know, sir. I don't want to keep banging my head until I bleed, but I also don't want to bow down to anyone.

You're still young. It's natural you feel lost.

But I can't teach you what you want to know...

I'm just one of the many people here in Lungmen, after all.

Sir, I...

(Rumble—)