lin

The one who cajoled him into taking this path...

Was you, Uncle Cheung.

He was the one who approached me first. He said there was immense potential here.

Does it matter who was first?

Together, the two of you stole from the many thousands of families who live in the slums, in order to fund your comforts and excesses.

It's true there are certain things I've kept hidden from your dad over the years.

Some of them I had no choice. The others, though, I must admit I had a choice.

I do feel guilty towards your dad for those.

And it makes me feel better now that you've pointed them out, and I can finally admit them to myself.

But that's all the more reason why I can't let you leave.

I'm sorry, Yühsia, but you're going to have to come with me.

Once I'm safe—

Lee? What is it?

Help me, Cheung!

The L.G.D. just arrested me!

What did you say?!

Cheung? Cheung! Don't hang—

...Ugh.

Fat Kwan's at the station too. You can go see both of them together.

The communicator has hardly beeped twice before Swire walks in, throwing Fat Kwan's communicator in front of Skinny Cheung.

Is there another call you would like to make, Uncle Cheung?

I can do it for you. Savant Lee, Ghost Eye, Mr. Wong, Mr. Chan...

Lin Yühsia takes out a communicator from her pouch, keeping her eye firmly on Skinny Cheung.

Skinny Cheung does not answer. He leans back in his chair, his hand clutching the communicator tightly. A thousand expressions flash across his face.

It is over.

Finally, he closes his eyes and exhales deeply.

It is as though he has aged ten years.

We all reap what we sow, Uncle Cheung.

What about your Auntie Wong?

I'll tell her personally.

Your son's schooling will not be affected.

I used to think I could stick to my principles, just like you.

But take one step down the wrong path, and you go astray forever.

Tell your dad... Cheung Man-Ho is sorry.

I will.

Take me to Fat Kwan and Lee, Commissioner Swire.

The police car's outside. You need an escort?

Uncle Cheung was good to me when I was little.

When I was eight, he threw his new, expensive watch into a well, just so I would smile.

You sure were one mean, stupid rat.

I still am.

Don't you dare think you did me a favor. The L.G.D. was already on Skinny Cheung's tail.

Just cleaning house.

Well, well. Look at you, Lin the heroine, eliminating a thorn in the L.G.D.'s side so soon after coming back from Yumen.

You could bring people into the slums without anybody noticing, and even influence the government's treasury department.

How about I tell Chief Wei to name you the next Commissioner?

Right now, there are certain things that have to be dealt with this way.

The walls between the slums and Lungmen must be taken down slowly, piece by piece.

I know.

You think we'd be standing here talking if I didn't?

What do you think I surrounded the slums for? Was it to catch you, or to protect you?

You're not dumb enough to think that you have to catch me today. And you're not so nice that you would let me leave if I slipped up.

Good. Don't you forget it.

Lungmen needed the slums in your father's time. That doesn't mean Lungmen always will.

Don't tell me you forgot what we said when we were in school.

'Nobody is born to spend their life in the slums. The day will come when those in the slums will see the sun.'

I've never forgotten. I wonder if a certain someone has, though. She couldn't even keep a promise, after all.

You're one petty woman.

How long do you intend to keep nagging me about that?

I'm a mean, stupid rat, after all. Why wouldn't I make the most of this one weakness of yours?

Talking to you raises my blood pressure to dangerous levels. I should ask Hoshiguma to get me some medicine.

Anyway, as long as you remember what we said and never forget whom you're fighting for...

The L.G.D. won't stop you.

Is the Commissioner of the L.G.D. offering immunity to this humble citizen?

Think of it as the Commissioner of the L.G.D. putting restraints on this humble citizen.

Swire takes out a pair of handcuffs.

She puts one cuff around Lin Yühsia's wrist, and the other around her own.

Lin Yühsia does not resist.

Anyway, you've got to come to the station to make a statement.

Pick up your own mess.

Sure.

I'm hungry after running around the slums all day.

Let's have some hotpot!

Put the vegetables in, you stinking rat.

Why me?

I put the handcuffs on my dominant hand.

*sigh*...

You're old and you're injured. You shouldn't be climbing high places like this.

Wanted to say goodbye to an old friend. My leg's bad, but the least I could do is pour out some liquor for him.

Is it your leg that failed you, or your shame?

Do you remember that headstrong kid who said he wouldn't let anyone touch a single hair on your head or mine, so long as he still breathed?

I do.

He worked under me for thirty years. I gave him a good life for thirty years.

I could never imagine he was keeping so much hidden from me.

I owe him nothing.

But you couldn't bring yourself to do it.

And you didn't expect your daughter to be so decisive.

The Rat King of the slums, hiding because he's afraid to see his own daughter. What will people think?

I must object.

I'm not the Rat King anymore, just an old man with too much time on his hands.

I'm happier than anyone else that my daughter is growing up faster than I ever expected.

You've let it go.

Of course I have. Even if I didn't want to see her now, we still have to eat at the same table later.

That niece of yours, though? You couldn't see her, even if you wanted.

You had to bring it up, didn't you?

Nothing has changed. If she decides to come back, Lungmen will be the best backing she could possibly have.

Heh.

We've all grown old, old friend.

But I'm not too worried about the young ones we've entrusted Lungmen's future to.

You'll grow old even quicker if you say things like that.