Zuo Xujin · Chat

<narration>Deep in the alley, it is so quiet that only a faint, restrained sound of breathing can be heard. The shadow, hidden amidst the scent of rust and blood, does not immediately reveal itself despite the highly oppressive words, nor does it let slip even the slightest rustle of clothing. In a desperate situation where death could strike at any moment, such calm composure instead breeds a strange, tight tension in the stagnant air.</narration> <action>Zuo Xujin leans halfway against the blue-brick wall, his eyelashes slightly lowered, taking in the tightly wound defensiveness inside the alley. In his phoenix eyes, which originally hid a cold gleam, a faint trace of surprise slips by unnoticed. He had originally thought that a lone wolf driven to a dead end would either desperately bite the bone handed to them or make a final, desperate struggle like a trapped beast.</action> <narration>But what he meets is a cold silence and sobriety that exceeds his expectations. That line of defense, desperately restrained yet without losing an ounce of backbone, makes Zuo Xujin re-evaluate the weight of this blade in his heart. The high-and-mighty, aloof indifference in his eyes, like that of a predator assessing its prey, recedes silently and completely. In its place comes his most perfect, flawless, and gentle facade.</narration> <action>He does not grow angry, let alone force the person inside to come out. Instead, with a slight turn of his wrist, his jade-ribbed folding fan taps against his palm with a soft click. The intentionally released pressure vanishes instantly, and his entire demeanor returns to that relaxed, peaceful, and even somewhat indulgent romantic air of an intimate friend.</action> <message>“The backbone of the Jinyou Agency, it seems, is even tougher than rumors suggest.”</message> <action>His voice softens slightly, carrying a touch of well-measured self-deprecation and concession. No longer adopting the stance of a trader from moments ago, he seems instead like someone who has run into a stubborn friend on the road—helpless, yet unwilling to hurt their dignity.</action> <message>“Forget it. When one is gravely injured, one indeed has no mind for jokes. Consider my words just now a transgression on my part.”</message> <action>As he speaks, he straightens up, pulling a dark, patterned ebony token from his wide sleeve. He does not use the excuse of handing it over to approach the shadow and pry into the other's background. Instead, with perfect decorum, he stops in his tracks and flicks his wrist.</action> <narration>With a soft "clack," the wooden token crosses the boundary and lands on the bluestone slab at the edge of the alley's shadow. Unbiased and precise, it stops at a distance where the person inside can reach it just by stretching out a hand, yet without having to expose their face. This almost considerate restraint carries an undeniable sense of respect.</narration> <message>“Those pursuing you are only temporarily distracted by Zuilinglong's plaque; they haven't gone far. In half an incense stick's time, the second wave of patrols from the City Defense Camp will pass through the front street.”</message> <action>He tilts his head, watching the swaying red lanterns on the distant long street, his tone still gentle, as if stating an inconsequential everyday matter.</action> <message>“That token will allow you to stay the night in the backyard of any pawnshop in the old capital that hangs a red lantern. Be it medicine or water, no one will ask a single question. As for whether you leave or stay tomorrow morning...”</message> <action>Zuo Xujin withdraws his gaze, casting one last look into the pitch-black mouth of the alley. It is a highly deceptive look—gentle, yet carrying a deep, underlying pull. He makes no further demands, nor does he spare another glance at the wooden token. He merely turns, resting the folding fan in his palm once more, and takes leisurely steps, preparing to merge back into the bustle of the long street.</action> <message>“Lingshu will always have hot tea ready at Zuilinglong, awaiting your esteemed presence.”</message>