Shi looks uncomfortable, but speaks quickly.
Well like I had ntioned previously, the group is and has been watching you for quite a while now. Occasionally, our leader gets excited about soone and focuses her attention on them. The issue with this, is that she had trouble containing her illusion when shes overly excited about sothing. We know shes nearing a breakthrough where it can be maintained in any state, but is not there yet.
So, our people, typically clear an area when we know shes heading sowhere. In fact, theres a specific division of people just for that purpose.
Going from there, Shi continues by hinting at the internal situation. Apparently, it is well known that Wu Qing has a relationship with Sister Fangs group. Or, as I know her, Big Sister Crane. There is speculation that they may have grown up together or that they were trained under the sa master.
I dont know about those rumors the relationship seed a bit more one-sided. Im not even sure if that was sisterly interaction. I an, the way Big Sis Crane acts towards Gong is clearly warr and more two-sided.
Thinking on Wu Qings illusion state I have doubts that she cant control it. It seems strangely advantageous for it to be widely known that she has issues with it. While that may definitely be the case with the cultivation thod, Im sure she is strategically using it to probe for information.
She doesnt seem like one who does things accidentally. Even if she tries to give off an air-headed and playful impression.
Regardless of my thoughts, Shi gives out more information. She ntions that she is speaking on all of this since she understands there might have been trust lost with the recent encounter.
That she is on my side and wants a good relationship with . Shi proceeds to tell specifics on whats going on. So of which shocks , but in so senses, really shouldnt have.
Within the group as a whole, many people actually thought that the disease ca from . In this world, manipulations like that are not uncommon. Creating an issue and then being the big-hearted savior in solving it.
Behind the scenes, large amounts of money were being poured in to discern my true nature.
Ultimately, Ai, Lin, and Gong assumptions were right. The various information groups looked into the basics of my relationship with Lin and Ai, but could not determine why there was such a vast change.
What was frightening was that they even looked into Old Rong and his relationship in the area. And his sudden disappearance. They could not find the body, for so reason.
Theres always the possibility that they are probing for information, even in this conversation. Considering what Wu Qing told about how she determined what I was thinking, I need to reduce both the verbal and non-verbal cues I give off.
This is part of the way that I actually learn from my mistakes.
The ti for naiveness has long been over.
Using my intuitive scan on myself, I consciously attempt to identify and control my tics. Luckily, my practice with the awareness technique makes this slightly easier.
I find that I have the tendency to subconsciously nod when I hear confirming information, and my lips twitch when I hear conflicting information. Among hundreds of other tiny tics. So. Many. Tics.
While identifying my tics was relatively simple because of my skill, removing them is far more than I can achieve at this ti.
For this mont, though, I focus on reducing my nodding and lip twitching.
In response to the information Shi gave, I give a conscious nod to not appear suspicious. She pauses for a mont, as if to prompt to speak.
I blink at her, clearly indicating for the conversation to move on.
Her lips tighten as she speaks further.
While they werent able to discover any information about my past, they could dispel their suspicions that I caused their issues.
Because of my relationship with Big Sister Crane, this was dispelled. Not so much disproved, but more of, If hes the one that did it, Ill take care of it.
Which is honestly scary in its own right. Both because her relationship with Gong is strong enough that shed vouch for , but that shed also end .
Though it makes sense. This seems to be a more relationship driven society. Way more than the one in Arica.
Which ans I need to be more careful of who I make relationships with and how I treat them.
Im pretty sure my foreignness will allow to get away with much. But that will only go so far.
With this information dump complete, things fall silent. We are just standing out here, alone, facing each other awkwardly.
Which is actually quite strange, because it is getting closer to evening. The sun is clearly on the downturn, and this seems like the best ti to get people out onto the streets. For their business to be conducted.
Ah. They are probably waiting for us to leave.
So, I guess we better head back to the entrance then? I wouldnt want to keep the workers from their jobs.
Shi seems to shake herself out of a small stupor at my words. Quickly nodding, she heads in the entrances direction.
The giant spider I had brought with crawls from around an alleyway and rejoins us.
Taking a glance behind , I can see so people wave others from the buildings on the left. The won file back into a flow, as we continually move forwards. Resuming their normal activities, it reminds of waters flowing back through a parched riverbed.
Eventually, we make it to the entrance and the flow of people has resud around us to normal levels. To the point, that we were once again having to make our ways through crowds.
Standing by the curtain, she pauses and turns to .
Im guessing you might not be back for a while?
Ugh Im pretty tired. It feels like every ti I go outside or do sothing, that there is always sothing happening.
Its exhausting.
I also know that it is mostly my own fault. Im the one who goes out and heals people willy-nilly. Likely, if I minded my business, I wouldnt be in all the situations Ive found myself in.
Nonetheless, Ive made decisions. And I plan to stick to my convictions.
Ill be resting. But, not now.
I speak up after stopping to think.
Not exactly. I didnt actually manage to reach the market, so I will likely need to co back through here tomorrow. However, I need to make it to the market by midday.
I can practically see her face turn from a dim sadness, to glowing excitent. Quickly, I see her face fall for a mont.
I sigh. And yes, I have ti to heal so more people. I will most definitely need your help throughout the day.
I can see her gulp.
O-okay. That sounds great! Thank you for your patrona ah, I an help!
From there we wrap up and I head back down the safest path, back to Gongs place.
As I walk away, I take a glance behind . I can see the badass, tough, and simultaneously nervous woman waving behind .
I can feel a chuckle erupt from as I turn back to face the way ho.
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