Apparition

Nothing. The latter man of Tzu-hsu and Wu-yu.

Keh. What kind of conman gives his real name? That must be some stupid kung fu stage name.

Ah, how keen-witted you are.

So you're not going to let me past to chase them, right?

Hence why I compliment your keen wit.

Shut it with your flapping!

What are you waiting for?! Let's take him!

Miss! We'll help you out!

—Hold it!

Eep...

Ahem.

This is still an inn. I can't have you two making a mess of the restaurant and fools of us all. What will the passersby think?

...Cheh.

However, you two fought marvelously. In honor of your eye-opening display, I... won't ask you to cover the costs.

But for now, please rein it in. Call it a day. For my sake.

Hmph.

Do pardon us, good proprietor. We'll resolve this misunderstanding forthwith, then make amends at your door.

I'll let you go... this time. For the innkeep.

I don't know how you're involved with that guy, but I'd hand him over if I were you.

Cover for him and you're an accomplice. You're free to go for now, but Shangshu doesn't tolerate outlaws.

If this were simply a matter of outlawry, you could have called the police. What has you resorting to force, Miss Du?

Nothing is right. No matter the reason, a mere disagreement shouldn't bring you to fisticuffs.

Why you...!

Now, now, Miss.

Let's have your people leave.

M-Miss, do we just let him go...? We could grab him, then wait for the Lungmenite to take the bait—

Quiet.

We've already let the Lungmenite escape. Keeping this guy with us all night wouldn't be much use.

Besides, could you even restrain him? And you, you're still holding back some moves, aren't you?

Hardly. Friendship is wealth, now, friendship is wealth. If the young lady here is willing to take a step back, then I couldn't ask for anything more...

I won't forget this, Nothing.

Please, don't waste your memories on me. The esteemed have so much to forget.

(Carefully, carefully... Good, I'll get a decent head start from here.)

I'm only listening to Mr. Zheng—if you want to see how things play out outside, be my guest. I suggest you sit tight and listen to—

—Hey! Where'd he go?!

H-How did this happen?! What are you all DOING?!

Er... you weren't exactly clear on whether we were letting him go, Miss...

Don't just stand there! After him!

Y-Yes, Miss!

Hey, Miss Du, don't you think you're making too big of a mess?

Out of my way!

Ai, ai, don't—whatever, this isn't my problem anymore...

And Dad! Why were acting like this doesn't concern you? You even stopped me!

You were making trouble.

Trouble, my ass! You knew they'd go through Yingfeng Road, right? Isn't that why you were here waiting for them?!

We've got eyes in dozens of inns and eateries in this city! Catching some blind idiot of a thief's not hard—

Who's the blind idiot here?

......!

You don't know what that wine cup is, let alone what that Lungmenite might have up his sleeve.

Not to mention how capable those people were. If they were willing to cause a commotion, they'd have won, and come out looking reasonable too.

But––

But what? Do you know just how significant their mission is? Or who the anonymous client is?

You think you're all it takes to put hired escorts to shame?

Looks like no one's following.

Sorry everyone. I should've been leading the way, but here we are in this plight.

I never imagined something like this would await us in Shangshu City though...

Was it really alright to leave that young man alone? Have we abandoned him?

The innkeeper and the pushy woman seemed to know each other. I'm worried our rearguard hero might not slip away so easily.

Huh... how do you figure, Mr. Lee?

She was clearly mindful of him while making her move. That'd never fool me.

Get fooled in my line of work, and you're out business.

Oh...

Then we can only hope he's a fast runner. And honestly, I'd vouch for that.

Will he really be okay?

He'll be right as rain. The girl wouldn't dare to make a scene in broad daylight, right? It's a quiet street, but SOMEONE's gonna notice.

Phew... That's a relief. But fancy meeting you Rhodes Islanders here.

And what brings you to Shangshu, Mr. Lee? Commission at your office?

I suppose. Just a private matter entrusted to me by an old friend though.

Is it that box?

That it is.

But this truly is bizarre. Why would anyone in Shangshu dare to steal Mr. Liang's property?

It's not bizarre at all. If we could slip into Shangshu without a fuss, why would our Mr. Liang have bothered to seek me out?

Mr. Liang?

An old schoolmate... You can think of him as the Wei Yenwu of Shangshu.

Wow then... Mr. Wei, huh...

By the sound of it, you all know Lord Wei of Lungmen quite well?

Maybe the average man on the street wouldn't, but those of us sifting through Lungmen's scraps? Sure, we all do.

Recognizing Lord Wei and being recognized by him are very different things.

You're not wrong, but let's leave me and Wei Yenwu's somewhat rocky relationship out of this.

Ah. A shame I'll never meet anyone of Lord Wei's caliber.

Sure, he's extraordinary, but not THAT extraordinary.

You're kinda making it sound like Mr. Liang's no big deal by comparison.

Does he count as a big deal?

He does. Why wouldn't he?

Wait, do you mean Lord Wei of Lungmen doesn't, or Mr. Liang doesn't?

Then I suppose everyone's a big deal these days, tut-tut-tut. Back then, he was just a hothead who didn't even know the meaning of the word 'adapt'.

You're the same as ever, huh Mr. Lee?

Hah. What's it matter now, with me eking out my days in Lungmen while he officiates all of Shangshu? We haven't met in forever.

Look, there. It's that young man.

Nothing! Alright, mate?

Ow, ow, ow, ow! Hands off, I'm aching all over...

You may not realize this, but that young girl just now went utterly berserk! Merely warding her off tested every bone in me, and it was only by the proprietor's timely intervention that I had a gap through which to scurry—

With the way you came running over, you're obviously completely fine.

Fan tucked in hand and everything. So care to repeat that? Tested every bone?

Erk... There's no fooling you, benefactor... I will say, though, it's been far too long since I last used so many moves. The muscle ache alone is...

And this young man is?

Operator Mr. Nothing.

I may not have formally taken the post, but my devoted heart and tireless efforts have long since beaten to Rhodes Island's tune.

So you're a new operator friend. Good to meet you.

Well met, well met. I hear from my benefactor that you're also an ally to Rhodes Island? Ah, as expected of Rhodes Island, friend to all and beloved by the masses, that they'd strike an accord with a fine soul like yourself, er...

Just call me old Lee.

How kind of you, Brother Lee.

Well then, brother. You say you only got out once the innkeeper intervened?

Precisely so. What of it?

Hmm... seems things aren't as simple as I thought.

This isn't the place to stand and chat, too many ears. I'd never forgive myself for another setback.

Then we'll head straight for the Liang estate.

As for our friends...

I was only told to meet with you. Bringing any more could be a little...

Ah, never mind.

I doubt Mr. Liang's so small-minded. And you did both help us out, so we'll go together.

The Liang estate, huh... I'd really rather not bother anyone else...

It's fine, you're with me.

Decisive words, Brother Lee.

Good... if that's settled, then let's be quick. Come, this way.

......!

Brother Lee?

Hmm? Ah... I'll be right there.

......

Oh...

......

Ao?

What's this...? Are these strange pets the new trend in Shangshu?

Ao!

Brother Lee! Don't fall behind!

...I'm coming, I'm coming.

Ao...