Professional Inheritance

I wish you fame that shakes the ground!

Wealth and success come around!

Oh, that's a sweet one! Lingyang, you're truly a master of lucky greeting couplets!

Hi, Rover! We're coming up with some lucky greetings.

It's the Moon-Chasing Festival, so we're coming up with some new lucky greetings for the festivity. You know, two heads are better than one.

Yeah, I heard those researchers call it brain… brain…?

Yeah! That's it!

Yeah! Wanna join us? It can be really fun! Gets your creative juices flowing!

Alright then, Mingzhui, can you be the judge?

Alright, here's how it works.

One person starts the couplet, then the other completes. After that, we switch roles.

I'll be the judge of your creations.

Oh, I almost forgot the most important rule.

You don't have to rhyme or follow strict rules. Just make sure they'll make the receivers happy.

Exactly! Now let's find a stage for your duel.

Alright then, let's find a stage for your duel! Follow me, I know the perfect spot.

Alright, I'll start with an easy one. Listen up, Rover!

I wish you great fortune and success!

…You're quite an opponent, Rover.

That's a wonderful couplet.

Now, it's your turn to start, Rover.

And your future shine aloft!

I'd say the rhymes are great, and the content is amazing, too.

Let's save this couplet for students preparing for exams. They'll be glad to hear it.

Lingyang, your turn.

Oh yeah, how about this one!

May your business grow and soar!

I'd prefer a better expression than "more and more."

Hey, don't be so picky! It makes perfect sense!

…Yeah, you have a point...

Looks like Rover has the upper hand. Now, you go first, Lingyang.

Me again? Alright, listen up!

May the fierce lion chase evil away!

Impressive! My master said there's a trick to everything. Once you find it, things get done better.

I say you've mastered the trick of giving lucky greetings!

Put yourself in their shoes and think what they crave.

Then whip up some rhymes—it'll hit the mark!

The best greetings are the ones we all want to receive. They're what truly connect us.

Well… maybe, but it's okay if I don't get any!

After all, seeing everyone happy because of my lucky greetings makes me happy too!

It means my efforts are being appreciated, right?

Wait a minute, you want to do it for me? That's fantastic!

Aww, that's so sweet… Wait, wasn't that what I came up with before?!

Haha, it really is a good one.

Thank you so much, Rover! I'm really, really happy to hear that!

In return, I wish that all things go your way, and your dreams come true every day!

Enjoy your time!

I'm sorry. Though I do practice Taoism, geomancy and fortune-telling aren't my strong suit.

Moreover, this matter concerns chance, and you can't force it.

I see. Sigh, then I'll come up with something else.

That might be the best solution.

Oh, hi, Rover. It's nothing big. Uncle Dong asked me to help him decipher a divination lot, but… I'm not skilled in that art.

It's a long story. Although I know a bit of divination, I'm self-taught. So, I decided to find something to lend some credibility to my efforts.

Yeah. Long ago, a famous diviner visited Jinzhou, rumored to possess the gift of communicating with spirits and predicting destinies. People flocked to him for guidance.

His moon-reading skill was said to be exceptional. Uh, I guess you're not familiar with it, Rover.

You half fill a specially crafted porcelain bowl with pure water, recite an incantation, and observe the reflection of the full moon in the water to discern fortune and misfortune. That's the moon-reading divination.

When that diviner performed it, the water would emit a golden glow, adding a touch of mystery to the moon's reflection.

Unfortunately, no one knew where he went. It's said that when he left Jinzhou, he left a letter and a divination lot.

In the letter, he mentioned meeting a mysterious person in Jinzhou. After a deep conversation on divination, he felt his understanding was too shallow and lost interest in reading divination books.

Frustrated, he decided to give up his career, but he couldn't bear to part with the porcelain bowl that had accompanied him for years. So, he hid it somewhere in Jinzhou.

Then, he left a divination lot as a clue, hoping someone would find it one day.

That's right. Since the bowl belongs to that famous master, it must be great for divinations. So I want to have it on my stall and enhance my credibility.

Though I haven't heard of this divination master, Uncle Dong does have a point. In this line of work, possessing powerful artifacts does lend credibility to one's abilities.

I bet that master would be happy to see his treasure recognized by people again.

Oh, haha, I almost forgot our main business. It says, "To seek your true self, observe the lake at a deck. Place your trust in innocent young souls."

This lot doesn't seem related to fortune-telling, so I'm a bit confused. Any thoughts, Rover?

A deck where people can appreciate the lake… Do we have a place like that in Jinzhou?

I've been to several places that match the description. Found nothing so far. Perhaps the time wasn't right.

Anyway, as long as we have a clue, there's a way to find it! Uncle Dong, we'll help you find that porcelain bowl!

Great! I'll be sure to pay you a hefty sum! Best of luck, Jianxin, Rover!

Lalala…

Hello there, little girl.

Hi? How can I help you?

Something strange…? I come here a lot, but something strange...

Oh, yeah! The cats!

Cats…?

Yeah, that's right! There's a spot around here where cats love to stay.

Often saw them just sitting there, not moving at all. Mom said they're fishing in the lake but...

Cats… What's your take, Rover?

A-are you Patrollers?

A-are you bad people, then...?

Haha, of course not. We're here for a long-lost treasure.

A treasure?! That sounds cool!

But Mommy probably won't let me join you. Never mind, I'll cheer you on from the sidelines!

Thank you, young miss. We'll definitely find the treasure!

Yeah!

I found it, Rover!

Another wooden casket. But it feels way too light... Don't tell me there's another piece of paper inside…

"Seeking my true self, I travel wide. In the stall where fortunes amass, emptiness resides." This must be the next clue.

"In the stall where fortunes amass…" That probably means the Main Street?

Haha, just a guess. We still don't know if I got it right.

Sure! We'll find out soon enough!

Rover, you're right. The clue does point to a vendor stall.

This wooden casket is heavy. I think the porcelain bowl is inside. Shall we open it, Rover?

The treasure left by that divination master is inside… The thought makes me a bit nervous.

Is this the treasure we've been searching for? But it looks…

I see. Just as the saying goes, "Great music has the faintest notes; the Great Form is without shape." Maybe the more precious the treasure, the less eye-catching it is.

Perhaps it only shines when used in divination.

Anyway, let's bring it back to Uncle Dong.

Oh, you're back! How's it going? Did you find the bowl?

Thank you. It's okay. According to the record, we need to fill it with fresh water and recite the moon-reading incantation…

When the moon casts its reflection on the water, you'll witness its magic.

Wow, that sounds amazing! Hurry, let's try it out, Uncle Dong!

Wait, where's the golden glow…?

…Well, I'm certain the bowl you found is the one left by that master of divination.

But now, it seems to be an ordinary bowl used for divination, and that's all.

How can that be…

I'm actually not surprised the bowl didn't work. These kind of stories are usually just hearsay, and it looks like this one is no different.

That master might have been good at divination, but people exaggerated his skills.

I love operas and shows, but come on—heroes performing impossible feats and warriors moving mountains? It's all embellished for entertainment.

So you mean the bowl is useless?

No, far from it! While it may not have "magic," it's still a treasure worth cherishing. Remember, what defines a treasure is not its practicality, young one!

It's the story behind it that matters. A good story. A story rich in twists and turns.

Ah, I see now.

Anyway, thank you, Rover, Jianxin. Thank you for helping me find this bowl.

With the presence of this porcelain bowl, my reputation as a professional fortune-teller will surely flourish!

Look! I found it! It's a wooden casket. Hmm? What is that smell?

There must be some kind of medicine in here that lasts a long time and attracts cats.

It's interesting, but I just don't get it... Could someone actually predict a kid would solve this puzzle years later?

True. Kids have pure hearts, free from adult worries. They often have a keen eye for details that we miss.

Shall we open this casket? We may find the porcelain bowl inside.

"I seek my true self, but the paths are unclear. Blurring my vision, fueling my fear. I hesitate, I question, and I wander. My cart dust-covered, yet no path feels right, I ponder." Seems quite similar to that divination lot.

I can't seem to figure out what is says. Any idea, Rover?

Great! Knew I can count on you!

"Observe the lake at a deck"… Seems like this is the place the divination lot implies.

And the next line… " The pure heart of a child shouldn't be doubted." We may need to look for children nearby.

You're right. There might be clues around here.

"My cart dust-covered…" Oh, look, there's an old cart. Looks like it hasn't been maintained for years.

I'll go search around!

There are so many stores on the Main Street… I guess we have to search them one by one.

Hold on, Jianxin. Since it says "in the stall" we can probably cross out large stores from our list.

Good point. We should focus on the small vendor stalls, right?

So this is it. Thank you for your help, Rover.

Sigh... I wanted to see the legendary golden glow and its extraordinary power, but it turns out to be just an ordinary bowl.

Yes, a little bit. But Uncle Dong seemed happy. Maybe that ordinary bowl is indeed a treasure to him.

Honestly, I'm more embarrassed than frustrated.

You've been with me the whole time, searching and solving riddles, but we've just come up empty...

No! I can't just let it go. I must repay you somehow for all the work you've done for me.

But how… well, let me think…

Oh! I know! I just got a new paycheck. I should treat you to a meal!

Order whatever you like!

Oh, here you are, Rover.

No, I'm here for work today. Madam Jinhsi entrusted me with this letter for you.

As you're involved with the Moonlit Fair, she may have something important to discuss with you.

Have you finished reading it, Rover? Do you have any messages you would like me to convey?

Indeed, I have many affairs to attend to, but I think Madam Magistrate was exaggerating.

"Sanhua has eight hundred matters to handle simultaneously," she wrote… That's impossible. Not even the Academy's computers could do that.

I suggest we first patrol the nearby area. The Moonlit Fair has attracted many visitors, and any incursion by Tacet Discords or criminals could have dire consequences.

Or, we could survey the visitors to evaluate their interests, providing reliable data for future events.

Or, we could…

Yes, Rover? Is there something wrong with my plans?

I apologize. I forgot I'm not in City Hall handling affairs right now.

Something I want to do… Please give me a moment.

Yes, I've never actually seen anyone make that dessert before. It's called... Plumpcake, right?

Similar to Wuthercake but with different fillings and shapes. I bet it has a unique taste.

No, I simply want to learn how to make it, then I can…

Sure. I've watched them make it enough to have a general idea of how to do it myself.

Besides, I have some new ideas… Can we go gather the ingredients together?

There's a special lotus seed called Twin Lotus Seed, found near lakes in the Whining Aix's Mire.

I once read about it in The Grand Library. It has a unique fragrance.

I believe using it in the Plumpcake would elevate the flavor.

But it's rare and only grows where Tacet Discords roam, making it hard to come by.

Then let's get going, Rover.

Welcome, Rover and Lady Sanhua! What can I get for you?

Haha, you've come to the right person. Plumpcake is a traditional dessert that's been around for at least a few hundred years.

Not many people can make it nowadays. I bet most of the youngsters have never seen one.

Though it might seem easy, making Plumpcake takes a lot of effort.

Kneading the dough and preparing the fillings are just the beginning—every step has its secrets. It takes at least a year or two of practice to get that perfect crispy texture with a lingering aftertaste.

You know, when I learned how to make it, I spent three whole days just memorizing the recipe!

You can count on me. I just observed the baking process a bit more, and I have memorized it all.

Alright, I'll let you use my stove.

Thank you, Rover. Please peel the lotus seeds for me.

Lotus seeds…? No, these are…

Twin Lotus Seeds, freshly picked. Baking them at high temperatures brings out their fresh fragrance. I'll be using them to enhance the taste.

But these are said to only grow in the depths of Whining Aix's Mire, where many monsters live...

...On second thought, with Rover and Lady Sanhua, getting those seeds would be a breeze. Can't wait for your Plumpcake!

Done. Rover, please give it a try.

How do you like it?

Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

This is for you, Rover.

That is for Madam Jinhsi. Since you enjoyed the Plumpcakes I made... I think she'll like it too.

Me? I don't need it. Eating cake isn't part of my duty.

I see… So that's what Madam Jinhsi really wanted to convey?

Now I get it. Festivities like this help people let go of the past's sorrows and the future's unknowns…

It's a chance to live in the moment with their loved ones. Finding joy in the little things in life.

Thank you for your company, Rover. I had a great time today.

I don't have a plan yet. I will probably continue enjoying the Moonlit Fair, just as Madam Jinhsi hoped. Perhaps the tasks on my to-do list aren't as urgent as they seem.

If you need me for anything, you need only call. I'll be by your side right away, Rover.

These are the Twin Lotus Seeds I wanted. I think we have picked enough of them.

My main duty is to protect Madam Jinhsi.

I also assist her with paperwork, meet visitors, and convey her orders to other departments.

Let me think… I sometimes drink flower wine… but not too much, as overdrinking leads to mistakes, which would affect my performance as a guard.

Other times, I listen to the storytellers. I learn about how other people live their lives, how they respond to life's ups and downs, and everything in this world that I cannot witness myself.

In fact, I learned from a story that Twin Lotus Seeds taste better than ordinary ones.

But I don't have much time for that. After all, Madam Jinhsi's safety is always my top priority.

I'm afraid so. Jinzhou is located on the borders, and safety has been a constant concern. But my workload may lessen in a few years.

The Threnodian is no longer a threat, and everything is getting back on track. I am positive life will be tranquil for our people soon.

So am I, Rover.

Tacet Discords…

To collect the Twin Lotus Seeds, we'll need to get rid of them first.

Rover, it's been a while.

Don't worry. I'm not calling you for work this time.

We have contained the hatching Threnodian. Any new threat from the Tacet Discords will likely take time to materialize.

It wouldn't have been possible without you, Rover. Thank you.

With the Moon-Chasing Festival near and our borders secured, I've granted leave for soldiers who haven't taken any in too long. They deserve time with loved ones.

I will remain on post with the rest to ensure continued safety.

That reminds me... Some of the soldiers on leave have lost their families to Tacet Discords.

I'm not sure how they'll spend this time or if they need help. Maybe I will...

You... *smile* Then I'll gladly accept your help, Rover.

Yanwu! You're back!

Yanwu! Where are the yummies you promised last time?

Oh no! I totally forgot…

Hmph! You liar!

...Hahaha, just kidding! I got you some Loong Buns from the Moonlit Fair. Eat them while they're hot, they're the best that way!

Wow! Loong Buns! Thank you, Yanwu!

C-can I go to the Moonlit Fair too...?

Of course! Just let Auntie know and you can go!

Hooray!

Count me in! Come on, Lele! Let's go find Auntie!

Take it easy, kids! Watch your step!

Oh hey, Rover! I remember seeing you during the last battle!

What brings you here? Thought you'd be at the Moonlit Fair.

I see. General Jiyan was thoughtful to send you, but there's no need for that. I'm doing great. He worries too much.

I grew up in the orphanage nearby. Autie Director takes care of us like her own. The orphanage is my home now.

I'm not lonely at all. Look, my family's right here.

They're all orphans like me. Whenever I get leave, I stop by to catch up with them and chat with Auntie.

It gives me a sense of purpose, knowing I'm out there on the front lines fighting those monsters to protect them.

Help? Nah, nothing comes to mind. Maybe repainting the orphanage walls...

But nevermind, I can knock that out in an hour, tops!

Thanks for coming over to check on me, Rover! It means a ton.

Alright, time for me to get cracking. See you around!

…

...Hello, Rover. Are you visiting someone you know?

I see... These graves hold fallen soldiers from before your arrival in Jinzhou. You probably don't know them.

It's my brother's grave. He served in the Rearguard. During a transport mission, his team... ran into an ambush.

They fulfilled their duty, forming a human barricade to protect the carts from those monsters.

By the time reinforcements came... it was too late. None of them survived.

Thank you. I'm sure he'd be happy to hear that from Jinzhou's savior.

By the way... What brought you here today?

Ah, I see. That does sound like something General Jiyan would say. Thanks for offering to help. Hmm, let me think...

If you don't mind, could you fetch some Lemongrass for me? My brother loved its scent, despite not being a fan of flowers.

Thank you, Rover.

Thank you... It smells refreshing as always.

It reminds me of when mom was alive... She always used Lemongrass in her fish soup. It wasn't the best, to be honest.

The lemon grass and fish created a weird taste that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

But she insisted it would make us taller. I couldn't handle it, so I'd pour mine into my brother's bowl. Well, he did grow really tall…

I guess he loved Lemongrass because it reminded him of simpler, happier times...

…

Sorry, Rover. I got carried away talking about my family... Haha, now I'm starting to miss my mom's fish soup.

Alright!

Since you brought me so much Lemongrass, I'll make that fish soup during my leave!

It'll probably taste worse since I'm eating alone though. Oh well...

You here for some sight-seeing too, Rover?

Well, I know you're not. Ain't nobody got as much free time as me during days like this.

Oh, no worries. Just a scratch from a few days back. It's all patched up now.

The leave... If I was a rookie, I'd be over the moon.

Think about it. Leave's all about food and friends and family reunions for most people, I bet.

Haha, EVERYONE…

My village got swallowed up by the Waveworn, sunk right into the ground.

Like a stone skippin' on water, a few ripples and poof, gone for good.

Friends, family, everything I ever loved... vanished in a blink.

Had no idea what to do, but I wanted to live.

Then along came Jiyan.

Haha, you know what that fool... ahem, I mean General Jiyan did? He tried to recruit me! Asked if I wanted to help combat the Tacet Discords. Funny, isn't it?

As if that'll make a difference... Tacet Discords and the Waveworn stuff, those are natural disasters. They just happen. What can I even do about it?

But I said yes anyway. He made it sound real good. Figured dying on the battlefield beats starving in the wild.

Alright, you've heard it all. You should know my answer now.

How do I know what you're gonna ask? Well, Jiyan's been asking us the same darn question every leave!

And my answer stays the same—thanks but no thanks! I'm good being alone. As long as there's still Tacet Discords to fight. Keeps my fists busy.

Sure, now go. Oh, and take this with you.

Jiyan never seems to stop working. He keeps skipping meals once he gets busy.

Me and the boys made this stew with what we've gathered. He can have some.

Hey, no sneakin' bites! Well, maybe a nibble, but leave some for Jiyan, okay?

Tacet Discord remains contained to Norfall Barren. We should consider pushing our outpost positions further north.

Deploy new observation posts on the outskirts. This will give us early warnings and time to ready for future outbreaks.

Roger that!

Rover, what brings you here? Aren't you supposed to be in Taoyuan Vale?

I see. It's got to be Ningwei and his crew.

I told them to make the most of their leave... But they won't stray far from camp, even after years on the front lines.

Ah... They must have told you a lot, Rover.

A gift? Could it be...

Ha, knew it. Ningwei made it, right?

He probably mentioned how I recruited him, but I bet he didn't tell you the whole story.

I wasn't the general back then. Just another medic on duty, returning to base after dark.

Made a stew for myself with whatever I had. That's when I saw Ningwei wandering alone in the wilderness.

He lost everything in a Waveworn disaster. He was all alone, didn't know what to do.

I shared my stew and listened as he talked about his struggles. About what happened after his hometown was gone.

His eyes were filled with hopelessness. He wanted to live, but couldn't find a reason to go on.

You already know what happened next. I asked if he'd want to enlist in the army. He said yes.

After that, Ningwei often makes stews to share with me during his leaves. Maybe to repay me for the stew from that night.

...Nevermind, he's probably just showing off his cooking skills. Mine are lacking, to say the least.

...Ah, thanks for the reminder.

Shall we eat together, Rover? You must be hungry, having walked all the way here.

Oh, it's you, Rover.

What? Oh, not really… So this is the stall for that Gulpuff game? My apologies. My eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be.

My son is a Resonator. He might like this, I guess...

Yes. He's a Midnight Ranger. They gave him a few day off. When he comes back, I plan to visit the Moonlit Fair with him.

Haha, I'm sure he'll have a lot of fun.

Wait! Zhezhi, don't tell me you plan on finishing all that by yourself?

Yes.

But there are so many requests... Darling, I can't let you do all of this alone.

Dianxiao, it's okay. I'll finish them on time.

I never doubted that. I know you just pulled all-nighters for another project. It's only been a couple days, you need rest...

And if you take this job, you'll have to travel around for inspiration… It's not going to be light work.

Are you sure you'll be alright?

Y-yes. Please let me take this job…

I... I'll start working right now. Thank you, Dianxiao.

Wait, Zhezhi...!

Oh, hello, Rover. Are you here to buy a fan?

Well, here's the thing. I set up a fan-drawing stall at the Moonlit Fair and was planning to ask a few of my artist friends to draw some fans.

But none of our other artists had open slots... I didn't know what to do. Then Zhezhi stepped up to take on all the commissions herself.

Zhezhi never misses deadlines, but I don't want her to overwork herself.

You're gonna help us? Really? Let me think…

How about taking photos of the landscapes she chose? That way, she can just use those photos as references.

She can stay home and focus on her art instead of traveling. It'll save her time and energy!

Can you help us with that? I'll pay you, of course!

Great! Thank you so much! Zhezhi should be painting peach trees on a slope near Taoyuan Vale right now, so I think you can skip that place.

Now... We still need pics of the waterfall at Bell-Borne Ravine and the Jinzhou city.

When you're finished, please bring them back to me and I'll pass them on to Zhezhi.

That's a relief. Thank you, Zhezhi will be so happy to have those photos!

…

Hmm... I should leave more space to make the contrast pop. And perhaps I'll do some wet in wet, add a touch of vermilion here, to bring out the peach trees?

No, that might make it too blurry. The customers at the Moonlit Fair prefer more realistic details...

Uh... Did I just see someone out of the corner of my eye?

{Male=He;Female=She} felt... familiar?

Nevermind… I'm probably just seeing things after staying up too late.

"The waterfall near Bell-Borne Ravine"… This should be the place.

I'll find a good spot for my photo.

From here I can see the entirety of the Jinzhou City.

I should take a photo here.

How did it go, Rover?

Fantastic! Great angles, great details. Yes, they would make excellent reference images.

Thank you so much. I'll pass them on to Zhezhi once she's back!

See you, Rover!

Hey, Zhezhi! Good news!

Good news…?

I suppose you can skip the fieldwork for once. Take a look at this!

These are… reference photos? The Bell-Borne Ravine's waterfall, and panorama view of Jinzhou City...

Th-these are exactly what I need… Thank you, Dianxiao!

No, I'm not the one you should be thanking. A certain kind person volunteered to help.

A kind person...

Yeah, {Male=he;Female=she} took these photos for you. I'd never dare go to places like Bell-Borne Ravine.

(Could it be... the person I saw near those peach trees...)

What's the matter, Zhezhi?

N-nothing! Excuse me, I-I need to work on the painting…!

(...I'll be sure to thank {Male=him;Female=her} the next time we meet.)

Rover... What do you need from me?

I see. So the puppet show performer couldn't make it to the Moonlit Fair, and now you need me to save the show.

Sure, I don't have much on my plate right now, so I can fill in for a few days—If you can afford my fees, that is.

And if we want to perform at the Moonlit Fair, we'll need some puppets that match the vibe.

Any ideas, Rover?

Like that traditional fairy tale? Good idea. Cute animal puppets should be popular with the kids.

Starting from scratch is probably too late. Fortunately, I know a place that sells ready-made puppets.

Yes. In Jinzhou, you can buy ANYTHING with the right connections...

Just kidding. Come, let's get going.

Welcome to the Pioneer Association Store! Hey there, Rover and Ms. Yinlin! What can get for you today?

We'd like some puppets.

Absolutely! We just received a fresh batch of new arrivals.

Our Pioneer Association has highly skilled puppet makers who trust us to sell their creations.

But not many customers come to us looking to buy their own puppets, so we only display them when requested.

But thankfully, there's still interest from collectors and professionals like Ms. Yinlin here who purchase these puppets.

I'll go check our stock real quick. One moment please, I'll be right back…

Thanks a bunch! Hope to see you both again soon!

Hold on. I think I just saw someone I know.

Interesting… He shouldn't be here. Let's follow him and see what he's up to, Rover.

The person you're after... Is he an Exile?

Exactly. Exiles aren't allowed in Jinzhou. To sneak in, he disguised himself and didn't wear the Exiles' uniform.

His name is Lei. He used to involve in petty crimes and just got out of prison a few days ago.

Used to be my informant before I became an undercover agent myself, but he fled at a critical moment.

Something feels off about him being here... It seems he's talking to someone. Let's find out what he's up to.

Big Lei, are you saying… You got a new hustle for us?

Hell yeah. You know who I used to , right? The Savage Beasts. Lots of cash for you.

Sweet! I'm listening. Money's been shit lately.

You know the Moonlit Fair? Lots of snobs, easy cash for the taking.

Just got outta the slammer, remember that big boss I was talkin' about? He's got the connections, loyalty, and street smarts.

Stick with him, we'll clean up at the Moonlit Fair. Soon we'll be swimming in cash!

C-can I meet him?

What, so you can ditch me for him?

No joke! I'm a loyal guy. Just curious, that's all.

Then come with me and see for yourself. And keep your mouth shut! This deal's ours alone.

Big boss wants us there, 2-4 AM, east side of Taoyuan Vale. Don't mess it up! Get ready!

Got it! You can count on me!

Looks like they're planning something. Rover, what do you think we should do?

I agree. Lei mentioned a 'Big Boss'. That man must be the mastermind behind their scheme.

We know when and where they're meeting. Maybe we can pay them a surprise visit... What do you say?

Hold on. We don't want to tip off our target. Let's scope it out first, just the two of us.

Big Lei, when is he gonna showing up?

Just wait! Big shots always show up late!

Oh, he's here! Straighten up and say hello!

Wait. Is that…

Uncle Li…? Stay put. Let's listen in first.

Sorry I kept you waiting, Lei.

Ha, no way. We just got here. Hurry up, greet our boss, Uncle Li!

We're ready, boss!

Hehe, youth. If I were a few decades younger, I wouldn't have needed to bother you lot.

No problem, boss. We're just hustling for cash!

Well, I'm not in this for the money… anyway, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Where's my stuff, Lei?

Over there in the box. I once ran with the Savage Beasts for a spell, so I know a thing or two... But feel free to take a look yourself, if you want.

Yeah. Given how important this is, I'd better—

That sound... Damn, it's a Spearback! Must've smelled our goods!

M-mr. Li, since you're the boss, you need to protect us, right…?

If I could be twenty years younger, I wouldn't break a sweat dealing with it! But now… Cough cough!

Interesting… From what I know, Uncle Li isn't a bad person. If he was actually hiding his true nature this whole time, I have to give him some credit for fooling me.

Let's take care of the monsters first. Then we can have a proper chat with him.

Rover, and… Yinlin? What brings you here?

Thank you, thank you for saving our lives... Wait, you are...

Keep an eye on them, Rover. I'll go see what they have here… Might be dangerous substance.

...Just some meat, fresh and nice. No hidden compartments, and it's not poisoned.

Alright, tell me your story. What are you doing here?

I'll spill everything! It was all Uncle Li's idea!

Hold on, Rover… Is buying meat illegal now?

Yeah, I've been working on a new dish—Special Jinzhou Skewers. I'm trying to sell it at the Moonlit Fair, but the taste wasn't quite right.

So, I thought about using top-quality meat and grilling it over charcoal for that perfect flavor.

What? Exiles? I left that life behind when I got out of jail.

Uncle Li knows life ain't easy for a man with a past like mine. Used to run with the Savage Beasts, know how to hunt, so he hired me and my crew to fetch meat for him.

We were goin' huntin'. Can't wear clothes that tear easy, right? These are better for the job.

The puppets are ready. I'm all set for tonight's performance, Rover.

Of course. I've been spending most of my time dealing with criminals.

Many of them have lost all scraps of humanity. As long as they're alive, they'll keep doing harm. I've stopped some, but there's always more out there.

Lei used to steal, but he's not a lost cause. He lacks bravery and brags, but he knows there are other ways to survive.

Now he's turned his life around, and as someone who fights crime, it brings me joy to see that change.

What do you mean…?

Heh… Of course you'd see through my lies, Rover. Alright, I didn't think this level of performance would fool you either.

But I'm curious. How did you figure it out?

Indeed. Lei was my informant. I had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't rat me out.

So, it didn't make sense for me to not know he had gone straight… That was a glaring flaw in my words, yes.

Oh? What is it then?

…So, you believe I wouldn't mess up such a simple case?

Hehe, I see. So Rover really does trust me a lot, huh?

Same here. I haven't felt this happy in a long time.

You make me feel like I can be myself, no masks or pretending. I can do whatever I want, without any masks. You are... the only one.

Sure I do. But earning my trust is no easy task.

Can you do something for me, Rover?

Don't worry. I won't ask for anything outrageous. It's simple.

No matter how busy you are, remember to come watch my performance. I'll be waiting until you show up.

Wow, it looks amazing! Where did you get it?

Yumyum Haven. Uncle Li made it fresh! Madam Magistrate said it's good too!

(Magistrate? Is Jinhsi here, too? I should give Yumyum Haven a visit...)

How'd you like it, ma'am?

Dewvetch's nectar is sweet and delicious, truly the highlight of this sweet porridge.

I recall there is a method to enhance the sweetness even more. Something like… soaking it in sugar water first…

Oh? Rover, what a pleasant surprise. Are you here for the Moonlit Fair?

Hehe, Uncle Li is having people taste-test some pastries. I happened to be passing by and decided to stop in.

Actually, I came to see if I could help with something, but Uncle Li told me that…

My bakery is all set for this Moonlit Fair sales. Everything's been going smoothly.

But I'm not sure if people will dig our new pastries, so I'm having them taste and give feedback.

Here, have a taste, Rover.

How is it?

Alright, thanks for your advice. I'll adjust it based on your suggestions.

This is merely our personal preference. It may be helpful to get others' input as well, Uncle Li.

Haha, don't worry. I take every single customer feedback seriously. That's how I get the inspirations for new flavors.

Here, take these snacks and enjoy them while you explore the fair. It'll be lovely to walk under the moonlight and snack on something delicious, don't you think?

Come grab a bite if you get tired and hungry anytime. You'll enjoy the fair more on a full stomach!

Thank you, Uncle Li. If you need any assistance, please let me know. I'll be sure to help.

Great, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Madam Magistrate! Now go and have fun!

Rover, how has the Moonlit Fair been for you? I just found some time to come over and take a look, and I ran into you right away.

Since it's such a delightful coincidence, how about we take a stroll together from here on?

What else… Lemme think… I can't let the riddle updates fall behind…

Oh, Madam Magistrate! Are you here to solve riddles or perhaps share some new ones?

Yes. When I was reviewing the stall applications earlier, I noticed a lantern riddles stall. I remembered a couple riddles I had solved before, so I wrote them down.

But I'm not sure if they were selected.

Those riddles you provided are just perfect! They're so simple and clever. I've put them all up.

Unfortunately, no one has solved them to claim the special gift you prepared yet.

Sure! Now, the first riddle is... Oh, why don't we let Madam Magistrate tell you herself?

Alright. Here's a riddle… "What finds joy in making others smile with glittering lights, even at its own cost?"

Hehe… I knew it would be easy for you to solve. Guess my special gift has finally found its owner.

There are still plenty other riddles to solve. Those give various gifts too! Give them a try!

Rover's going to take home all the rewards at this rate, I'm afraid.

You're too modest. Indeed, this event is for everyone. Others deserve a chance to win, too.

Rover, how about we check out other stalls?

Mr. Xieyang, excuse us. We'll leave you to your riddle-making. May your creativity flow and your inspiration never end.

Thank you! Happy Moon-Chasing Festival to you both!

Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks of all kinds! You can even make your own!

Madam Magistrate, wait up! See any fireworks you like? My treat, take your pick!

Without your help, this stall wouldn't be set up so smoothly.

Yeah, Madam Magistrate did me a big favor.

I used to keep all my goods in a warehouse across the river.

You know, fireworks need special care to prevent accidents, so I tried to take fireproof and waterproof measures, did whatever I could.

When Madam Magistrate heard about it, she helped me find a better storage place.

Otherwise, the quality could've suffered, and there might've been safety risks.

I'm glad I could help.

Here, take these fireworks as a gift! Thanks to you, these beautiful colors remain intact.

Me?

But storage's tough for this one. Any temp or humidity change can mess up the colors.

I see. We will make sure to handle them carefully. Thank you!

You're welcome! Feel free to come back for more!

I'm so glad our hard work paid off. Seeing the Moonlit Fair's success is truly heartwarming.

I always knew we could do it, but witnessing it firsthand is truly touching.

I've already had the most out of it.

As I walked around, I saw genuine smiles on the visitors' faces, and the vendors were passionately running their stalls.

Everyone here is enjoying the fair… and this is exactly what I wished to see.

Rover, thank you for showing me around. It's been a truly joyful experience because you are here with me.

But... have you had enough fun yet?

You've made my wish come true. Now let's go do what you'd like to do.