The inn has over ten branch locations in Shangshu. Yet, they do not take the name Xingyu. Perhaps Xinglu for a journey fortunate, or Xingfu for a journey blessed—but Xingyu, for a journey plentiful, belongs to this inn alone.
And of course, this inn alone provides such an incredible view of the skyscrapers against the twin moons mirrored in the distant lake at night. The innkeeper paid mind only to the scenery when choosing locations. Not to the guests, nor to the rent.
Fine scenery puts guests in a fine mood. Fine scenery puts all in harmony, and the coin will come whether you like it or not.
Lee
Mmm... fine tea indeed, and a fine view.
Boatman
First timers should stay somewhere nice. Get a good impression of Shangshu.
Lee
Xingyu Inn. An antique, elegant name.
Boatman
Famous, but it only recently got into food service. The innkeeper has talent, and whatever he touches goes well.
Boatman
It's grown to be a lot to handle, but still he...
Lee
Is that him there, busying about?
Boatman
The very same.
Lee
Doesn't look like an owner at all. Very steady as he goes. You have to admire him.
Lee
If only I knew what my old schoolmate was up to... The Liang boy.
Boatman
To borrow your words: steady as he goes.
Lee
Is he a good mandarin?
Boatman
Ask any passerby, shoe-shiner, yam hawker, or taxi driver on the street. They'd all give him a thumbs-up.
Lee
Haha. Living his dream, then. Wish I could say that.
Boatman
You haven't met Mr. Liang in over ten years?
Lee
Nope.
Boatman
But he still chose you to deliver this item.
Lee
That it is.
Boatman
Then your bond must deserve a thumbs-up as well.
Boatman
I'm not experienced enough to say what this portends. I only know by Mr. Liang's expression that this is no laughing matter.
Lee
Hardly. I wouldn't dare flaunt any grand bond with your 'Mr. Liang.' But Liang Xun, the man? He's a friend.
Boatman
A friend, you say?
Lee
And a good one.
Boatman
A good friend is hard enough to find, much less one that will stay so after ten years apart.
Lee
What about you, Master Shen?
Boatman
What about me?
Lee
With so many ferrymen at the docks, didn't it seem strange I chose you in particular?
Boatman
No. I was briefed by Mr. Liang, so I assumed you were too. I have no need for the details.
Lee
I had to steal this thing right out of a smuggler's hands for old Mr. Liang. Took some effort.
Boatman
I didn't ask. You must have been itching to speak.
Lee
I came all this way with no one to talk to. You bet I'm itchy.
Lee
I'm surprised you trust Liang, what with that cold look on his face. Most people don't.
Boatman
Ah. You trust him because he's your friend. I do because he's the magistrate of Shangshu.
Lee
Do you know him well?
Boatman
I do. Mr. Liang is good to us, so we return the favor.
Lee
How long have you been in this business, Master Shen?
Boatman
Hard to say... Who counts out the passing years on their fingers? Twenty? Thirty?
Lee
Very admirable.
Boatman
I'm only a boatman, what's there to admire? Lately they've been putting engines on the boats. Maybe I'll be out of a job in a few years.
Lee
They'll still need someone to navigate the route and keep watch on the sky. I figure as long as there are waterways and the years run long, boatmen and Catastrophe Messengers are in the same boat.
Boatman
Catastrophes, you say.
Boatman
You don't see one often, but when you do, you never forget.
Lee
Have you seen one before?
Boatman
I have, but also things even more frightening. Not on the rivers, mind you—wait, what have you got me saying?
Boatman
Hm.
Lee
What is it?
Boatman
Strange. Two foreigners, it seems.
Inn Assistant
Alright, two guests?
Mr. Nothing
Two guests.
Kroos
So this is your 'reputation exceptional, dishes quintessential, service congenial, treatment all-equal' Xingyu Inn, then?
Mr. Nothing
But of course, but of course. My master had nothing but praise for the 'Xingyu' name, so while I've never been graced with a chance to visit Shangshu, I just had to take you here, benefactor.
Mr. Nothing
Ah, but...
Kroos
But?
Mr. Nothing
Heh, it shames me to admit, but my master praised only the name, not any particular amenity. So I am also ignorant as to its precise forte.
Kroos
......
Inn Assistant
Here's your tea.
Inn Assistant
Just refreshments, or will you two be needing lodging too?
Kroos
Wow, they've even got the standard line, huh?
Inn Assistant
Hey, listen here. Maybe we've only been open for a few years, but trace the name 'Xingyu' back and you'll see it's got a century's worth of fame.
Mr. Nothing
Benefactor, we've been searching for lodging, the prices are suitable enough, and it's not far from the northern crossing we agreed to meet at. What say you?
Kroos
I'm fine with whatever.
Mr. Nothing
Then two rooms, please.
Inn Assistant
Allllright then. Anything to eat for now?
Mr. Nothing
May I ask what you have?
Inn Assistant
Our recommended set meals are on the signs. We're currently on the afternoon menu. If you need anything, just shout.
Mr. Nothing
Very well, let's see...
Kroos
This one looks alright, mate. Lot of Yan flavor in that name.
Mr. Nothing
The extra-spicy fowl blood curd set...? I'd recommend refraining for now.
Kroos
Why? When in Londinium, right? Can't hurt to try.
Mr. Nothing
In my experience, such dishes don't quite... mesh with the lunchtime sensibilities a Rim Billitonian such as yourself might be accustomed to.
Kroos
That so? I think I'm pretty good with spice, myself.
Mr. Nothing
......
Kroos
What are you sneaking peeks at?
Mr. Nothing
Look there, at the proprietor. The innkeeper, I wager.
Kroos
What about him?
Mr. Nothing
He's a force to be reckoned with.
Kroos
A force how?
Mr. Nothing
Of course, he has to be, with a business this grand. But there's something more than that...
Kroos
Are those calluses on his hands?
Mr. Nothing
Your vision is as astounding as ever, benefactor!
Kroos
And there's been two guests on the floor upstairs eyeing us ever since we walked in.
Mr. Nothing
Hm?
Boatman
What part of them's caught your eye?
Lee
Well... that Cautus seems oddly familiar...
Innkeeper Zheng
......
Inn Assistant
Are you staying here today, boss? Not heading to check out the other side of the crossing?
Innkeeper Zheng
No, I'm expecting someone. I must be here to attend to this guest.
Inn Assistant
Heh, you're offering personal service? Gotta be a big shot then. Are we open for business then? How much can we make?
Innkeeper Zheng
There might not be money in it. No shortage of things to settle, though.
Inn Assistant
Is it about the business over there?
Innkeeper Zheng
Yes and no.
Inn Assistant
What does THAT mean?
Innkeeper Zheng
Less blabbering, more greeting the customers.
Inn Assistant
Pssh, penny-pincher.
Inn Assistant
Ai, welcome, guests, are you—
Miss Du
...Hmph.
Inn Assistant
Miss Du? What are you—
Miss Du
None of your business. Out of the way.
Innkeeper Zheng
......
Miss Du
Hey!
Mr. Nothing
Why—what a formidable greeting, young lady. Are you looking for me?
Miss Du
A sloppy man with glasses, a gaudy outfit, and the look of a swindler.
Miss Du
So it's gotta be you, right?
Mr. Nothing
Er... I must say that appraisal is a little...
Kroos
An enemy of yours?
Mr. Nothing
No, they'd never go so far as to send a little girl to do their bidding...
Miss Du
Who's a little girl, huh?!
Mr. Nothing
—!
Mr. Nothing
(She kicked up an entire wooden chair—what leg technique!)
Miss Du
Hmph. You have quick reflexes, dodging without getting up.
Street Youth
Miss, Miss!
Miss Du
What? Can't you see I'm busy—
Street Youth
This guy's a Liberi, right? Didn't the letter say we were looking for a Lung?
Miss Du
......
Mr. Nothing
......
Miss Du
Then it's the one upstairs. It's you, right, isn't it?!
Careful, that Liberi's from some martial school! Leave the Cautus to me—huh? Where'd she go?
Kroos
Why's it always punch first, ask questions later...?
Street Youth
Wh-When did she get on the second floor?!
Kroos
No need to hurt anyone, Nothing, mate. Easy does it.
Kroos
Over here, Mr. Lee.
Lee
*Sigh* So sorry to get you all caught up in this mess.
Kroos
Not like we expected to run into you, Mr. Lee. Well, uh, let's get out of here first.
Miss Du
Hey—! Are you ignoring me on purpose?! You think you can just leave?!
Mr. Nothing
Apologies, but you won't be passing.
Miss Du
And who're you to decide?!
Inn Assistant
A fan? That swindler... uh, no, that guest knows some rare kung fu, doesn't he?
Innkeeper Zheng
......
Inn Assistant
Zheng? Sir? Shouldn't you step in before they ruin all the furniture on the ground floor?
Innkeeper Zheng
*Sigh*...
Inn Assistant
Fan man's moves are probably meant to intimidate. He's being very slick about it. But the lady hasn't shown us everything yet either. If they work things out, we all come out richer and happier.
