Horropedia: We spoke to the other two members of the Paranormal Affairs Bureau, and they've confirmed that they were part of the trap your Sifu set up. He brought them in to force you out of Chinatown.
Horropedia: Also, the staff handling the case report has made it clear that they disapprove of your actions. They say you should've taken persuasive measures rather than escalating the conflict.
Horropedia: Regardless, those three troublemakers are down at the police station now, thanks to your help. Although, I have to say, it took me some time to convince them to go there willingly.
An-an Lee: Tch ...
She rolls her eyes.
An-an Lee: So, where's my reward for handling the case? You guys better not go back on your word!
An-an Lee: And don't go thinking you'll get a discount! Not raising my prices is already enough of a special offer for my regulars!
She tilts her head, a dark shadow falling on her face as she glares at him like an angry ghost.
Horropedia: Here.
An-an Lee: ...?!
A hefty red packet is dropped into her hands.
Horropedia: Madam Z told me that this is a custom where you're from. The logistics department didn't have a clue about this "red packet," so it took me a while to track it down myself.
The shadow lifts, and a golden light flashes in her eyes.
She hooks her arm around his shoulders as though they're old friends.
An-an Lee: Wow, no need to be so polite with me! Thanks so much, boss! Hehe, I wish everyone at the St. Pavlov Foundation fortune and success in everything!
An-an Lee: Any of you at the Foundation can visit whenever you want! Especially Madam Z. I hope she comes over for tea when she's free!
As she speaks, she turns and cracks open the red packet, taking a sneaky peek before slipping it into her pocket, relieved.
An-an Lee: Horropedia, whatever you need, you can count on the Neo-Science Exorcism Office to come through for you!
Horropedia: Oh, that reminds me! There are a few things I need you to clear up.
An-an Lee: Huh? I was just being polite. Something seriously up already?
She turns her head and mutters quietly to herself.
Horropedia: I've heard that, where you come from, master-apprentice loyalty is key—"Once a master, always a father," right? But you sent your own Sifu to jail, and you seem totally fine with it.
An-an Lee: Hah. You've got me with that one.
Horropedia: Oh, I'm not judging you. This is my own personal curiosity speaking.
Her smile vanishes.
An-an Lee: I think it's because he finally said thank you—that scruffy Sifu who only ever saw me as a calamity.
An-an Lee: He told me—
An-an Lee: "Thank you for pulling me out of the well, kiddo."
An-an Lee: I think, deep down, he was actually happy too.
An-an Lee: Geez, all this sappy stuff in broad daylight is so cringey, boss!
Horropedia: You've lost me a bit. What do you mean by the "bottom of the well"?
She waves the question off and turns to leave.
An-an Lee: Figure it out yourself, buddy! I'm out of here!
Horropedia: ...
Horropedia: Hang on, why do I get the feeling I've forgotten something?
An-an Lee: Hmm ... Hmm ... ♫
An-an's brisk pace stands in stark contrast to that of the overworked Foundation staff.
Marcus: ...!
Marcus: Oh, she's from the same place as Madam Z.
Marcus: deep breath Breathe, Marcus. It's just like any other conversation.
She musters her courage and stands in front of An-an Lee.
An-an Lee: Huh? What's up, pretty lady?
Marcus: K-Kung Hei Fat Choi!
An-an Lee: ...
An-an Lee: For real? Who taught you that?
An-an moves back a step. The unexpected greeting is like an ambush, the kind that breaks empty-pocketed adults into a cold sweat.
An-an Lee: Hmph, anyway, you shouldn't be saying that to me. I'm not old enough to be giving out red packets yet! You chose the wrong girl!
Marcus: ...?
Her gaze carries a pure innocence. Her large, confused eyes glimmer like those of an abandoned critter peering out from a cardboard box.
An-an tries to ignore them, but they have already taken effect.
An-an Lee: Oh, fine!
An-an Lee: Kung Hei Fat Choi!
She reluctantly pulls a bill from the red packet and solemnly hands it over to Marcus.
An-an Lee: That's all I'm giving you, got it? Not a single penny more!
She scurries away as if escaping a tiger's den, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake.
Marcus remains frozen in place, unsure of what just happened.
Marcus: ...
Marcus: Erm ... What?!
...
Amid sorrowful cries in the hallway, there is a rhythmic thumping sound.
The residents are huddled together, whispering among themselves.
Tenant I: I told you. Ever since that girl disappeared, this place has been cursed. Just listen to that noise.
Tenant II: I heard the landlady got so spooked by the ghost inside that she lost her mind. That's why she hasn't been around to collect the rent in a while.
Tenant I: Hey, well, that's alright, then! No landlady, no rent!
He lights the spirit money in his hand and offers several bows to the "ghost."
Tenant I: Thanks for the favor, ghost buddy! You just stay put, and we'll keep you well-fed and as comfortable as we can.
Leisurely footsteps echo from afar, accompanied by a casual whistling.
An-an Lee: Huh? What's with all the commotion today? Ah! Looks like we've got some new business coming our way!
An-an Lee: The Neo-Science Exorcism Office, action!
