hmau

Morning, Hung. Day off?

Hehe, something came up, so I had to call out.

Are you sick? You should go home and rest!

Nah, it's not that.

So, how's your new job going?

(Whisper) Shh! That look on his face, I bet he got fired again.

(Whisper) Again? How many times has that been...? Kid's too nice and doesn't know how to be flexible.

(Whisper) You've got to be clever to make it these days.

(Whisper) Yeah, got to move with the times.

What did I tell you when you first showed up? Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong!

Looks like you spent so much time at the top that your brain got addled from the lack of oxygen.

You gotta be flexible if you wanna do business in Lungmen!

You have any idea how much work it took to get this batch of goods?

And you threw it all out, just because you weren't sure of the source! Thank you very much, Mister Avatar of Justice!

Boss, this stuff's dangerous... what if it gets into the hands of the mafia?

Who cares as long as they pay in gold and silver? Who do you think you are, trying to teach me how to do business?

But...

But what? No buts. Get out, and don't let me see your face again.

Sorry, boss, I just...

Get out! You're just like your dad. He deserved to be broke, and you deserve to be out on the street!

Boss, this has nothing to do with my dad...

GET LOST!

(Rumble—)

(Sigh... I should get something to eat, then I can think about what to do next.)

Grand opening! 20% off during the opening promotion! Don't miss your chance to taste authentic Shangshu home cooking!

(Reaches for the wallet)

I think I have enough. Let's go.

Welcome! What can I get you?

Er, let me look at the menu.

How about our signature item the 'Full House?' A set of meat and vegetable toppings. It's really great!

Thanks, but I'll just have a bowl of plain noodles.

Just plain noodles? No drink, no sides?

No, thanks. Just plain noodles.

Hmph. Fine, take a number and get in line.

...Thanks.

I'm looking to get a small bowl of noodles... any recommendations for a first timer?

That would be our signature 'Full House.' Everyone loves it!

Sure, I'll take it.

Now that's what I like to hear. Here's your number, and I'll have it to you in a jiffy.

Alright then, thanks.

Hey, buddy, have you eaten here before? What do you think?

No, this is my first time.

Ever had Shangshu food before?

I had some when I was little, at a big restaurant with my dad. I loved it.

Haha. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to restaurants.

Here's your noodles, sir. Would love to hear your thoughts afterwards, good or bad.

Sure thing.

Excuse me, what about mine...?

You can't rush things, you know. Noodles take time.

But this gentleman's are ready. Why are mine taking longer?

What are you talking about? You didn't order the same type.

Young people these days have no patience. Good food takes time!

Ahem. Probably shouldn't keep your customers waiting, friend. You just opened, after all.

Huh? Oh, yeah, you're right, enjoy your meal.

(Nods in gratitude)

Haha, don't mention it.

Phew...

(I guess I can wait a little longer.)

(The interior of this place looks pretty nice. I guess this is the Shangshu style.)

(When I was little, dad said we would go to Shangshu and really dig into the local cuisine... bah, no use thinking about it when he's not around anymore.)

(Hey, why is that guy peeking left and right?)

(He took out a paper packet... Wait, did he just pinch something into the bowl?)

Hey, what are you doi—

Hey, boss, what's going on here?!

Is there a problem, sir?

There's a bug in this bowl! Look, a huge one, black and shiny.

That's impossible. I hold myself to the highest standard of cleanliness.

Talk all you want! I got proof floating right there in this bowl!

What are you trying to pull?! I've got cameras watching the shop, they'll prove you're just looking for trouble.

(Flips over the table) Huh? You want a fight?

Busy with their argument, neither party notices that the bowl of noodles, which was launched into the air with the table, is headed straight for Lee.

Hm?

(No rush. I can dodge it after another bite.)

Ow, it burns!

Are you ok, sir? Did any of the soup hit you?

I'm fine. You got a faceful of the hot noodle soup, though. Here, use this handkerchief.

(Ack, I guess I owe him one now.)

Thank you.

Hung shakes off the pieces of noodles and vegetables on his face, then wipes it with the handkerchief.

He holds the soiled cloth in his hand, not sure what to do. He looks over to Lee, seeing him point to the top of his head.

There's still something there.

Hung scratches his head, feels something hard in the fur, and pulls out a big, black, shiny bug.

You want a beating, huh?

H-Hey, what are you doing?

I'm not playing word games with you anymore. The fist talks louder!

Alright, I won't charge you for the noodles. How about that?

Are you kidding me? You think one bowl of noodles is gonna do it?

Let... let me go, I can't breathe...

You—

You heard him? Let him go!

And who do think you are? Go eat your noodles and stop poking your nose where it doesn't belong.

Didn't you hear him? Let. Him. Go.

Looks like you want a beating too, eh?

I... I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I won't do it again... please, let me go...

Could you stop crying? You make it sound like I'm bullying you.

(I hit him harder than I meant to. I hope he's okay...)

Are you gonna be alright? Do you need a doctor?

(No way he really cares! He's making sure that I won't spill the beans on him!)

Are... you alright?

I-I'm fine, I just fell down on my own, nothing to do with you at all, not a thing!