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Post by thelaughingman on Apr 3, 2018 21:06:02 GMT
Lang's entry into the city was rather underwhelming compared to his expectations he had dreamed up whilst he traveled the old roads to Shanghai. He made note of the symbolism as the old dusty roads gave way to the newer blacktop asphalt which lacked spirit or aesthetic in its appearance. "You would not put this in a painting." He had grouchily remarked as he took his first step onto the rough bitumen surface. It was with that first step that his vision of the city was tempered into something grounded in reality and he reflected on his comment, "Well, perhaps to show how stark their contrast is." He acquiesced allowing the path some degree of dignity in his mind which the war had tried to strip away.
As he plodded along lost in the rhythm of his wooden sandal's clacking the reach of the civil war grew more blatant. The stretch of road nearer his old country way was quite pristine, but as he strayed from the remote and came upon intersections and cross-ways, which were likely of some importance, it was near impossible for a traveler on foot to ignore. In some places great chunks were missing and in others entire sections blasted away revealing the raw earth beneath and none had bothered to repair the damages. "This simply will not do." he lamented to aloud. "Once people have shown The Way then true governance shall heal the scars of these lands." The roads, the people, their minds, and their souls. There were a great many wounds that needed to be tended to and he was a single man, but all stitches begin and end with a single strand of thread.
He was not such a bumpkin that he was unfamiliar with technology. The newer ways permeated even the most isolated areas in this country, but it did not make him an adept nor mean he was particularly trusting in it either. As such Lang had seen pictures of Shanghai before, but what he had seen upon the way had prepared him for a battle-torn city rife with hardship. His surprise rivaled his relief for dominant emotion as he approached the city limits and took in the splendor of its buildings. This relief was short-lived as he entered the city proper with its towering constructs, bustling crowds, and revving motors and he realized just how unfamiliar he was with these people and their way of life.
A plethora of questions whirled through his mind as he attempted to decipher this oddity before him. "How can they tell each building apart? Where do people sleep? How do they sleep? Is it always this noisy?" For a moment his mind was consumed by the chaos and he stood there idly on a sidewalk provoking many stares, glares, and harsh insults from those that were about their daily business. In his desperation he reached out to one of the locals, "Excuse me sir, I seek your local place of learning that I might acclimate myself-" He began as he approached a young man who had halted at a crosswalk. "Huh? No money." He replied dismissively waving away Lang with a disdainful scowl. He had spoken a strange dialect and it took Lang a few minutes to puzzle out that he had been insinuating that he was homeless. He examined himself and it was true that he did stick out like a sore thumb in these robes, but there was no place to change and he didn't understand where the shops even were.
Just as Lang began to despair after several failed attempts to to beseech the locals finally he happened upon a young woman who seemed to understand his manner of speech. "Yo, you're like a street performer! You would totally fit right into the Waterfront scene. Where you from? I bet it's Beijing isn't it? I've heard they have a rockin' drama scene with all those Superstars, right! I've gotta show you to the others they'll flip at how in-character you are. I'm taking classes over at Grand Star University and this is exactly the kind of thing we need, you know? It's so retro it's fresh!" He was baffled at her responses to her own questions, but right now was not the time to look a gift horse in the mouth. It took some time to understand the exact gist of her speech mannerism, but politely nodding seemed to be all the answer she needed.
He accompanied the young woman to the Bund Waterfront to be introduced to her group. The feeling of hopelessness that had begun to take root was slowly washed away. These people were odd, but it was a challenge to be overcome and he could use these connections to adjust to life here. It was all the more fortunate that they found his mannerisms to be a simple act.
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Multiplex
Rebel
World-class petty criminal
Posts: 9
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Post by Multiplex on Apr 4, 2018 2:08:02 GMT
Seeing the sun at its fiery zenith, centerpiece of a clean, white-blue canvass, and having friends and a cold drink near at hand, and most especially, having nowhere to be and nothing to do, Liu deemed the day a perfect one. Drawing said drink from its lonesome table corner, the meal it had once belonged to long since destroyed, he took a short sip, eyeing the comings and goings of passerby without remark, grateful for the shade of an awning overhead. He hardly paid attention to the discussion of the colleagues and compatriots circling around, much less to the dull roar of the endless movement and conversation of the thousands of people encircling him there on a far grander scale. That was, however, as it ought to be, as far as he was concerned. That passiveness was his forte, his M.O.
At that moment, he wouldn’t have things any other way… though he supposed things could be improved yet further if the one member missing from their party would turn up. One of Xiá‘s friends, if he remembered rightly, who had showed up at their last meetup… he hadn’t caught her name, but she was pretty cute.
His short stream of thoughts found itself abruptly cut shorter, however, upon his noticing that he had in fact begun blankly staring ahead in the direction Xiá herself, who sat across from him, displaying a vague smile all the while. She was in the midst of looking over her shoulder, as if hoping he had been looking at something behind her, and now turned towards him again, looking apprehensive. In turn, Liu hastily waved an aimless hand of dismissal, simultaneously snatching up his drink again and managing to take an overly large swig that he nearly gagged on. Someone on his right snorted. Xiá looked on with a mixture of sympathy and bewilderment. Liu, meanwhile, quite promptly returned to his crowd watching.
In a sense, that moment was quite the fortuitous one, however, as the subject of his brief daydream was now making a beeline towards them, as if brought out by divine chance—though that chance suddenly looked like it might be more of the infernal type when he saw who came in tow.
Flowing robes, wooden sandals (what was it that they were called? Geeta, gatuh, or some other such? He hadn’t much of a clue), and a mask that would likely frighten small children… Said man in tow was dressed in the same comical fashion that handily denoted both Superstars and their adversaries, and cosplayers to boot. Though his heart had skipped a beat at seeing a costumed individual approaching while he was out of disguise, considering that final option steadied it again somewhat. Yes, he had no idea if the imminent newcomer was actually the real deal or not, though he could hazard a guess as to their alignment, given the rather imposing style of outfit... That too, however, was yet still of some relief, for it was the Superstars that he had to worry about. The nail in the coffin to his panic, however, was the thought that if someone were to come for him, they would hardly be led by the friend of a friend that he objectively didn’t know.
Having gone from a zero to a ten and back to zero again in the span of seconds, however, he thusly had to ignore another worried glance from Xiá before leaning back as if nothing was wrong. Feeling emboldened, however, he pulled out the empty chair on his left for either imminent potential occupant to fill, knowing full well that he was playing roulette with some very divisive odds but presently caring little. That, however, had yet a moment to wait, as courtesy first demanded greetings.
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Post by thelaughingman on Apr 4, 2018 6:31:05 GMT
Fortunate for Lang his mask hid he bewildered expression as the girl dragged him along down the busy streets with a practiced grace in maneuvering through the crowds. After what seemed an eternity of her strange straightforward demanding that he her compatriots and the consequent pulling to and fro he was finally brought to a half before a small group, a single dot among a kaleidoscope of social activity in the area, that were seemingly awaiting her, and by extension his own, arrival.
Xiá spoke as they approached, "Finally Liling!" She paused to inspect Lang and he began to feel a deep ball of anxiety well up in his stomach as his unease began to surface at being the center of attention so unprepared. He was out of his element here because despite his training in the arts of formal conversation and addressing a crowd this was far more personal and unlike anything he had been subjected to in the past. "So, uh.. Whose your friend?" She asked as she looked him up and down, "I really like your costume. It's so retro!" She continued prompting an excited "I know right?!" from Liling. Lang swallowed and was thankful for a second time that his face was obscured to hide any flush of redness or odd expression he might make in his confusion. He would have to address them how he's accustomed to speaking, it seemed to really rile up this Liling so if her friends were into performance art it might just carry him the rest of the way.
"I am The White Wolf of The Way of The Golden Lotus. It is my utmost pleasure to make all of your acquaintances." He began, sticking his arms out in front of him so that his sleeves hung down around him like drapes. He places one palm atop the knuckles of the other hand, the uppermost palm towards the crowd as he bows slightly in the old fashion. As he rises back he slowly lowers his left hand and gestures with the right, his anxiety disappearing as he gets further into his so-called 'performance'. "I am new to this city and I must learn your ways. Your cuisine, your mannerisms, your very ways of life."
He smiles behind the facial adornment and lowers his hands to clasp them in front of him. He had nailed the introduction and gestures and that had not only put him at ease, but helped him feel more in control of this bizarre situation. It was irrelevant if the naive thought he was merely a performance artist and perhaps even better than the alternative- A Superstar. He needed to keep a decently low profile until he had made more connections so wearing his fancier outfit was definitely an intelligent move in retrospect.
His eyes flitted around as he drank in the expressions of each gathered member. Liling and Xiá seemed enthused about it, but he was not sure what to gather from the others. If he won over even a single person here it would be a great victory in establishing himself so it seemed the battle was going in his favor.
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Multiplex
Rebel
World-class petty criminal
Posts: 9
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Post by Multiplex on Apr 5, 2018 15:31:18 GMT
Once the approaching pair had made their arrival, it seemed plain to Liu that at the least, he wasn’t the only one feeling a little off-kilter. Though he as of yet had no clue why, the newcomer certainly looked to be holding themselves with quite the stiff posture—unless, of course, that was merely a mannerism. The mask most certainly told no tales.
Passively rocking his bottle around in one hand, the remnants of its contents slightly sloshing, he merely listened on for a time as the stranger introduced himself. Watching his gesturing that was as exaggerated and theatrical as his evident manner of speech, however, Liu allowed himself a small smile with dual meaning. He, none other than the White Wolf, was quite the character, certainly, but perhaps more importantly, he seemed almost too much larger than life. Such a trait was common in abundance among all the hero types, naturally, but he seemed to be just a touch beyond the norm. Yes, more than likely, he was simply a wishful thinker, or a social commentator or something, if the antiquated Mandarin was anything to go by…
His confidence now thoroughly established and his chair gambit quite forgotten, Liu waited for the Lotus devotee to conclude his introduction before chiming in first, almost to his own surprise. With a polite nod, he began.
“Well, that’s quite the noble sentiment! Really meshes with your style. I’m Mǐnyǒng Liu. I’ve actually only lived here for a bit over two years now, but, as far as cuisine and ways of life and all that goes, you’re probably in the right side of town,” he said with a chuckle, nodding towards the establishment behind him before broadly gesturing all around with both arms, in tribute to the Bund as a whole. This being said, however, he promptly fell silent and allowed the introduction to continue its cycle past him, aiming to fall into the background as per usual. But, his time spent being silent wasn’t necessarily time wasted; all the while, discreetly as he could, he was trying his best to size up the Wolf. Surely he had to have some kind of power in order to feel confident dressing in such a manner, after all… Even so, the outfit served as well a mask as the one on his face did, for it gave nothing conclusive or even evident away.
Resigning his efforts, Liu merely returned to maintaining a smartly inquisitive look. This wasn’t terribly difficult, though, as his curiosity had been less than sated; after all, though he still reassured himself with doubts, being this close to someone who still could very well be a Superstar was something of a close encounter with a strange kind. Though he risked poking his nose into someone else’s business, a sleeping bear he was more than hesitant to prod, he piped up once more once everyone had made acquaintance, speaking as lightly as a diplomat.
“You know, you really do seem to have quite the grasp of that old manner of speech stuff. Better than most Chinese, anyways, and certainly way better than me. Have you trained in theater or something?”
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Post by thelaughingman on Apr 6, 2018 2:04:55 GMT
Lang continued to listen to the group's introductions and gave each of the participants a polite acknowledge by bowing his head gently as they gave him their names and any additional commentary. He allowed himself a brief smile as Liu not only complimented his mastery of the older tongue, but inquired further. The smile was short lived not due to self-control, but the quandary it presented- On one hand he had an opening to discuss his school and true business here in Shanghai, but on the other that could shatter his facade. As he pondered this he hummed allowed and flourished an arm to Liu, "Ah, you are most kind in your compliments, Liu. Truly you honor me and by extension I my teachers." He was stalling for time to come to a decision with such flowery empty responses which was a great boon inherent in the formalities of courts long gone.
That moment of pause was all the time he needed to discern the middle ground between the two paths. It was a bit of a risk, but he was not a feeble pup that needed its mother to protect him. Some risks were necessary if he was to begin gathering a following and healing the wounds of his country and if worst came to worst he was not unfamiliar with combat and life on the road.
He clasped his hands back together in front of him and his golden eyes held Liu's own for a moment. The sleeves of his loose-fitting robes blew gently billowing lazily in front of him as he replied, "I was blessed to receive the knowledge of our ancestor's ways of life and the fusion of their belief systems which we call The Way of the Immortal Lotus. It is my quest here in Shanghai to restore culture and spirituality in place of certain other fads that lack substance yet have garnered massed appeal regardless." He spoke with the same grand exaggeration in tone and inflection. Lang had told the truth, but in hopes that the crowd would hear what they wanted to without dangerous assumption.
He broke eye contact momentarily with Liu to scan the crowd as a performer might survey an audience after the delivery of a particularly powerful line. Lang already knew that even if one did sympathize with his words it would not be immediately apparent, but perhaps a brief exchange of glances would be all that was required for a private discussion when the ground decided to disband and go their separate ways.
The proclamation hung in the air for a moment for each person to absorb of ignore it as they would before Lang waved a hand to Liu, "And what of you, good man? What arts or profession do you perform in this grand city?" He lowers his hands and pressed his fingertips together in an expression of patience, leaning forward to show interest in the man's response when in honesty he was simply relieved to have the burden of answering shifted momentarily so that he might scrutinize each person's reaction to his claims.
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Multiplex
Rebel
World-class petty criminal
Posts: 9
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Post by Multiplex on Apr 7, 2018 16:33:28 GMT
Feeling both flattered and awkward upon his question meeting such a gilded first reply, Liu’s uncertain feedback was an indecisive hybrid between a polite nod and a seated bow. Following this, however, he was much more certain of what to make of the ensuing dialogue. Though he didn’t dare break eye contact, which he deemed potentially rude, he could only hope that if he were able to, he wouldn’t see questioning expressions from the rest of the table’s occupants directed his way rather than towards the man in the mask; after all, the response Liu received (in tandem with the masked stare that he was also getting) was nearly enough to make him sweat, and he was feeling fidgety.
For nothing made a legitimate Superstar or an adversary quite as much as a bizarre quest.
For a short while, the masked man broke eye contact and gave a slow, hard look past each shoulder in turn, as if expecting to be overheard or for an audience to present itself. Though simple, and though he had no real clue as to its actual meaning, the action was enough to send Liu even further into the territory of mad theorizing as to his allegiances. Was he wary of the crowd or was he looking for one? Either side of the coin for the very same move could mean entirely different ideologies…
His mental rambling was abruptly hung up to dry, however, when a question came for him in turn, one that he very much dislike answering. If he had been uncertain if the rest of the table had been casting a curious glance or two his way before, the odds against that case were suddenly nebulous, for he could all but feel the interested eyes upon him. Evidently, even everyone else was entertaining the inquiry, for it was a topic he always liked to steer clear from. Stomaching the desire to clear his throat, knowing it to be a nervous tic of his, he leaned back in his seat and gave the most innocuous reply he could manage.
“Oh, nothing quite that grand, I’m afraid. I’m just an electrician.”
Still very much on the spot, however, he continued, looking to cast off that Atlas-worthy burden with haste, and at least hopefully with tact.
“Don’t let boring old me be the only one to answer that, though, we’ve still got some good ones! Just take Mister Chu here, for instance,” he began, giving the very same seated to his right a gesture, “he’s even going to Jiao Tong, studying… what was it, biomed, or something crazy like that?”
To his fortune, it appeared his gambit payed off at least somewhat, for the conversation seemed to leave him behind for now, at least on the part of his friends. This mighty task completed, he went for his bottle yet again for an excuse not to speak for a moment. Though he was certainly dying to know more about this stranger—or more specifically, dying to know whether or not he could be a potential friend or foe—he just as certainly knew he wasn’t going to put up more risky questions if it meant taking risks in turn.
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Post by thelaughingman on Apr 9, 2018 14:24:09 GMT
Lang assumed his ploy had planted the seeds of intrigue in those that were receptive to his message. Despite his rural upbringing his education had not neglected lessons on subtlety and political maneuvering. Initially the classes on subterfuge had bored him immensely yet he found himself quite appreciative in this moment although it had not bore fruit the knowledge gave him a measure of confidence in his dealings with them.
He took the seat previously offered by Liu and for the next couple of hours he simply coasted through the conversations answering in turn when he was directly addressed, but content to simply listen and bide his time. When the conversation began to dwindle and wane into silence prompting the first of the group to begin their farewells he took the moment to see what he could sow from his efforts.
His eyes scanned the crowd and he addressed no one in particular as he spoken, "Ah, if I might burden one of you- I have no sleeping arrangements at the moment and am woefully ignorant of the lodgings the city offers. Would one of you mind aiding me in finding accommodations for the night until I find something more long-term?" In truth the matter of shelter meant very little to him since he had little to fear from poor weather or a mugger if he found a place upon the street. No, the greatest inconvenience in that scenario would be dirtied clothes and perhaps a stain to his budding reputation were he discovered in such a state.
He clasped his hands together and peered curiously at those still gathered, his heart slightly aflutter as he eagerly waited to see if he had reached anyone. It would be quite fortuitous for him to find a like-minded individual on his first day, but then again the rumors of Shanghai did put the odds in his favor. It was far from secret that rebellious activity was more concentrated here than anywhere else in the country, but he was not a common thug nor a disgruntled citizen unable to express their frustration through means other than senseless violence and vandalism.
The thought had occurred to him that he might have to consort, briefly he prayed, with such miscreants although they were fundamentally different even if society as a whole would lump them together for the time being. He did not enjoy such manipulations, but they were necessary for him to perform his duty and offer some substantial aid to the people so even if his first allies were common rabble it would have to do for the time being. Beggars can not be choosers after all.
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Multiplex
Rebel
World-class petty criminal
Posts: 9
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Post by Multiplex on Apr 11, 2018 13:59:44 GMT
As time wore on (and it did indeed wear on, given the rather terrifying position Liu had somehow managed to put himself in), so too did the steady stream of conversation, until at long last naught was left but a trickle through the mud. This was hardly an issue, however, as far as he was concerned; having all the while been trying to act normal and avoid eye contact with the very person who had been most likely to even take his offered seat in the first place, and also trying to ignore his own heartbeat that was coming just a touch too fast, and also still trying not to break into a sweat, Liu was perfectly fine with calling the day done the moment someone else started making their excuses.
What he hadn’t anticipated, however, was for the White Wolf himself, the very same who seemed content loitering about like he had all the time in the world, to beat him to the punch. For once the exiting started, he too promptly chimed in, specifically with another question that Liu wasn’t too keen on answering… though this one was certainly more clean cut. After all, he certainly wasn’t about to volunteer to spend any more time around someone who he might soon be fighting!
…Though, that was perhaps a bit too dramatic. A few simple pointers probably wouldn’t hurt. He cleared his throat and broke his own relative silence.
“Well, there’s always—”
He was, however, quickly cut short by the sudden, borderline theatrical rise and turn of a random stranger seated one table down, someone who he didn’t recall being there when he, or even when Liling and the Wolf, had showed up—a late arrival looking for a similarly late lunch, perhaps. Said stranger first mechanically bowed to a perfect ninety degrees before actually speaking up.
“Pardon me, Master White Wolf! I couldn’t help but hear your need, as well as some of your earlier sentiments, and I must say, I would be honored to help one such as yourself find a decent place to stay. You see, you’re completely right about the culture here these days, dead on the mark! It’s as I’ve always said, most people nowadays can’t even tell you the name of their neighbor, much less…”
It was about here that Liu simply tuned out. He was, however, much more interested in the escape opportunity the impassioned rant seemed to be enabling. He struck his knuckles against the table twice for some quiet attention before muttering his excuses with an apologetic half-smile.
“I’d best get going myself, actually. I have, ah, a few errands to run.”
With that, he stood, gave one last respectful bow towards the guest of honor and a nod towards the rest, and stepped away, the enflamed speech of his impromptu getaway double still plenty audible as he went. Once out of sight, he found himself glancing back for pursuit quite a bit more often than one would expect from someone heading home from a meal. Suppressing the desire to kick himself, he continued on with airs like nothing noteworthy had occurred, though his mind yet continued to race.
After all, he still hadn’t managed to establish if this newcomer would be an ally or an enemy…
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Post by thelaughingman on Apr 11, 2018 18:50:44 GMT
Lang's thin eyebrows rose above his mask in surprise as Liu began to address his inquiry only to be cut off by the much more enthusiastic stranger. He had not expected the man who had been rather quiet the whole time to chime in nor this sudden interruption from an even more silent observer. Naturally his attention shifted onto the latter and he began to nod along with the man's words sympathetically. During a lull in the man's speech, one Mr. Zhou as he introduced himself, a quick survey of his surroundings revealed that Liu had dismissed himself. Likely he was upset by the interruption.
Mr. Zhou was quite helpful and continued to expound upon his fervent agreement with Lang's philosophies as the two dismissed themselves and made their way to the temporary residence. It was quite apparent that his agreement was little more than lip service as far as Lang was concerned since the conversation did not quite lead them to any substantial understanding, but regardless he was appreciative that at least someone received his message so well and would perhaps continue to spread the word.
Before the two parted ways contact information was shared upon Zhou's insistence. He was raving about some sort of 'app' that would allow Lang to join into this social media network that was growing in popularity. "You simply must continue your lectures to the people of this city, no, the country as a whole! You are just what they need, Master White Wolf." Lang mused that the man had the passion that he had sought, but when push came to shove it would matter little if he did not have the strength to enforce his beliefs.
Lang thanked the man for his assistance after he had finished being checked into the hotel, said his goodbyes, and entered the simple abode. It was the type of humble accommodation that he had grown accustomed to in the countryside. He sat upon the floor near the bed, folded his legs underneath him, and removed the mask. The matter of finances was trivial since he was funded by the school for now, but he would have to find employment eventually to satisfy his needs and more importantly to take on an alternate persona that does not arouse suspicion.
He continued to meditate there in silent contemplation of his situation and what his next move would be until eventually the embrace of sleep took him.
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