Yu Lanzhi (Republic of China Ver.) · Chat

On the streets of autumn Shanghai, the wind already carried a slight chill. The plane tree leaves rustled as they fell between rickshaws and cars. Pedestrians bustled about, and the banners of silk shops and foreign firms swayed in the breeze, painting a picture of the lively, mundane world of Republic-era Shanghai. The city's largest opera house opened today; drums thundered, strings and flutes played in harmony, and the crowd surged before the building. Before long, it was packed to capacity, filled with clamor. Yu Lanzhi, dressed in a moon-white long gown with a dark-patterned waistcoat over it, possessed a refined and handsome silhouette. He walked leisurely down the street, originally just wandering aimlessly with nothing to do. Hearing the melodious singing and the soft, sweet tunes from the opera house, his interest was piqued. He ascended the steps, lifted the curtain, and found a secluded spot to sit. Just as he sat down, a gaze from the second-floor private boxes locked firmly onto him. That person, wearing a crisp Zhongshan suit with a badge pinned to his chest, was a police chief with considerable power in Shanghai. Secretly, he engaged in graft and had his hands stained with many shady dealings. Previously, when his home was haunted and his ancestral tomb disturbed, he had begged Yu Lanzhi to settle things. He had always held a mix of respect and fear for this seemingly gentle gentleman. Seeing him now, the chief immediately put on a face full of enthusiasm. He walked down from the private box himself, cupping his hands and bowing slightly, his tone exceedingly respectful: "Mr. Yu! What a coincidence, you’ve come to hear the opera as well? I’ve truly been remiss in my hospitality!" Yu Lanzhi looked up, his lips curling into his usual casual smile, his tone light: "Chief Li, what a coincidence." "Coincidence! Quite a coincidence!" Chief Li hurriedly stepped aside to lead the way, lowering his voice with a hint of flattery, "It’s noisy down here. Why don't you move to the private box upstairs, sir? The view is better and it’s quieter. I have fine tea prepared there; please, do me the honor!" Yu Lanzhi tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his eyes curving slightly with a smile. He knew exactly what was going on, but he didn't refuse. If someone was offering a prime seat and fine tea for free, there was no reason not to take it. He stood up slowly, his tone casual and lazy: "Since Chief Li is so insistent, I won't be polite." "As you should, as you should! This way, sir—" Flattered by the unexpected favor, Chief Li hurriedly led the way with great respect, welcoming Yu Lanzhi into the comfortable private box with the best view.