utage

I'll have my assistant send you my address later. I'll arrive here tomorrow at nine-o-clock sharp, and you will attend the show with me.

But keep in mind that I loathe tardiness.

Have any of you seen a guest that looks like a university student?

Hey, Mr. Security. Over here.

Were you... talking with Mr. Blanche just now? You're really his assistant?

How could I possibly lie to you?

...Sorry for doubting you earlier.

No biggie. Fortunately, you let me in, and Mr. Blanche is quite satisfied.

Right, and I... want to ask you about a private matter.

What is it?

Oh, it's Mr. Blanche. He's planning to stay in Lungmen for a few more days, but didn't bring a bodyguard with him this time, so he's looking for a trustworthy local.

He left me to sort it out, and the pay's pretty generous.

So I was thinking... You guys were probably hired by the show organizers for the event's duration, right?

...Yes.

And you've been so professional about it too. Any chance you do personal commissions too?

I... Do you really think I'm capable?

Well, I still need to ask you some basic interview questions first. Just for form's sake, you know how it is... For example...

Right, can you tell me about the security arrangements for the show?

Sorry, but we're about to close for the day.

Oh, that's alright, I'm just looking.

Please come again!

She walks down the stairs until her feet are both firmly on the ground. Her thoughts suddenly shift, and she turns around.

The staff member is busy removing the last few items embodying the shop's history from the establishment Utage is all-too familiar with.

She knows that when she's done, it will take on a brand-new, bright and beautiful look.

Just like the neon-lit fashion shops on Sunset Boulevard.

The old signboard, which has remained unchanged for a long time, flickers twice before finally going out.

Phew...

Hah—barkeep, pour me another one!

That's your third one already, young lady.

Work's been so stressful, how else am I supposed to relax?

The more you drink, the more you forget all the little annoyances.

Didn't you change jobs a while back? You said the new place was a pretty decent designer brand shop. What was the name again...?

'Origin Strife.'

Yeah, wasn't it featured in some fashion magazine too? Recommended by the famous art critic 'Pink Katana,' even.

It used to be a tiny hole-in-the-wall, but suddenly exploded in popularity. My wife's been pestering me to go shopping there these last few days, but I feel like they sell the same clothes as everywhere else.

*sigh* Enough about that—

Evening.

Er, aren't you... the customer from earlier?

Thanks for taking care of the store while Zizhen's been busy with the fashion show.

Are you a friend of hers?

Well, I guess you could say that.

*sigh*... Running the store is the easy part; I can deal with customers just fine. The hard part is... managing the stock.

There have been more customers these days, and there's no space for all the new goods in the old warehouse.

So Miss Zizhen took a loan to rent a new warehouse and wants everything moved over.

Isn't the old one filled with all her pet projects? Must be a pain to move them.

Yeah, she left it so messy when she was handling it. It's a pain to sort out because she just stacked everything into a big pile.

I mean... I even found a bed and some toiletries in there!

Oh yeah, I spent a few nights crashing there.

Huh?

When I ran into some trouble and didn't want anyone finding out, I borrowed her place for a few days... It's ancient history now, don't worry about it.

It took me a few days of hard work just to move the new products out. Now all that's left is her old stuff.

I took a look at them... They're pretty good. More stylish than the current stuff. I don't get why she decided to change her style... *hic*

Enough thinking. *hic* I just need to put in some elbow grease.

You seem kinda drunk, maybe you should call it a night.

W-Who said I was drunk?! I have pretty good alcohol tolerance, I'll have you know! Just watch me! Barkeep, pour me another!

Oh, sorry for underestimating you. Guess I'll have to keep you company then.

Unfortunately I'm allergic to alcohol, so I'll stick to orange juice.

Who cares! Just drink!

(Tsk, tsk. She's definitely smashed if she bought <i>that</i> excuse.)

To your new life, and to 'Origin Strife'!

To 'Origin Strife'!

Ahh—this is great. Only... I'm feeling a bit dizzy...

Hehe, I'll let you in on a little secret. Zizhen can be pretty careless.

She used to keep the key on top of the door panel at the old warehouse, or else she'd lose it. Take care of her for me, alright?

Haha, you know it! But she's changed things up, and now it's under the rock right by the door!

But don't worry, just leave it to me.

Thanks, I knew I could count on you.

(Yawn)

Alright, that should take care of all the prep work, more or less.

Ah, now I'm excited for tomorrow's show.

She feels beads of sweat condensing on her palm, and curls her fingers as she puts her hand in her pocket.

She feels the cold metal as she removes it from her jacket.

A 'Wild Jungle' series burdenbeast pendant lies quietly in the palm of her hand.

Now this, this is cute.

Day of the Spring Pop Fashion Show

No, no, you're too kind. I'm not talented at all, I've just been fortunate enough to be taught by some amazing people.

I didn't plan any sort of surprise, really. I have so much more to learn from you all.

Sorry, please excuse me for a moment. I need to check on the show plan again.

(Things are going so smoothly thanks to that guy.)

(The clothes were a bit annoying, but at least it's over and done with. Next up, accessories... they should be keeping them around here, right?)

(Target spotted! Huh? Along with two security guards...)

Did you hear something from above just now?

Nope.

Was I just hearing things? It can't be—Ah! Why'd you just hit my head?!

What? Why would I do that? The models are about to change their outfits, so hurry up and move this stuff!

Don't play dumb with me! What's that in your hand?

My hand—? Huh? Where'd this hammer come from?

Man, you really...

Pfft.

Ah!

Shh—

How... what are you doing here?

I...

Oh, I get it. You must be here with Mr. Blanche to check things over before the show begins.

...Does he really think I'm suited for the job?

Sheesh, stop worrying so much! I got it all settled. Just do your best!

Sure, I'll give it a try.

Utage? What brings you here?

Evening, Zizhen.

Oh, I know. You came to get the latest scoop?