The trio were in the City of Gettid, at a bar often frequented by the Blooming Flower Cult. They simply sat, drank, and hoped to get noticed. There was no plan. Siyu simply followed his cultivation path.

“Hey, why are we just sitting here?” Frey asks with a yawn.

“I don’t know,” Siyu says before taking a large gulp of alcohol.

“You know, you’re not a very good guide,” Frey says with a frown as he gives his pet fox a light pat on the head.

“It’s not like I went to a guide school,” Siyu says with a yawn of his own. “I need a vacation.” He says with tired eyes.

Elizabeth gives him a smack on the arm before scolding him. “You haven’t even done any real work yet!” She exclaims.

Siyu ignores the smack before taking another drink. “What can you do? Such is life.” He says before burping aloud. “Oy, Frey. What’s that thing’s name anyway?” He asks.

“This little guy?” Frey says, lifting the pet fox onto the table. “His name is Sparky. Isn’t he cute?” Frey says with a rub of Sparky’s head.

“He is indeed cute. I hope he’s well behaved; we wouldn’t want him to hurt anyone.” Siyu says, glancing at the fox.

“Hey,” Elizabeth whispers. “Someone is coming.” She says.

Siyu looks up to see a heavy-set man approaching. The man gives Elizabeth a glance before looking to Frey and grinning.

The man doesn’t ask and simply takes a seat across from the trio.

“Good evening, young man. What brings you here on a fine night such as this?” The man says as he leans back, his bulging belly facing the trio.

“Ugh; just enjoying an evening out with my friends. How can I help you good sir?” Frey asks.

“It’s not what you can do for me, young man. It’s what I can do for you.” The man says, before taking out some rolled tobacco and lighting it. As he blew out, the thick smoke lingered in the surroundings, causing Elizabeth to cough.

Siyu clears his throat and says, “Wouldn’t you be more interested in our friend Elizabeth?” He says, gesturing to her, causing Elizabeth to give Siyu a sharp glare.

The man takes a good look at her before his eyes draw back to Frey. “I’m not interested in her; I’m more interested in this red-haired beauty.” The man says, looking to Frey and licking his lips.

A shiver went down Frey’s spine and a hint of panic overcame him.

“What are you offering, good sir?” Siyu asks with a hand on his mug of alcohol, eager to keep drinking.

“For you, nothing. For this young man, I can give him whatever his heart desires.” The man says, leaning closer to Frey. “What do you say?” He says enticingly.

“Ugh…” Frey says, before looking to Siyu.

“He’s willing, he’s willing! What does he need to do?” Siyu asks, hiding his amusement.

“He will have to meet the boss. Come on, follow me.” The man says as he stands.

“Will it be alright if I bring my friends?” Frey asks after receiving a gesture from Siyu.

The man looks at the other two with slight disappointment before saying, “Fine, they can come to. They might be of use.”

…

…

“Boss, I’ve brought another one.” The heavy-set man says with a knock to the door.

“Come in.” A baritone voice says from inside the room.

The man opens the door and walks in first before immediately bowing.

It was dim inside the room, where Siyu assumed a single candle was lit.

Once inside, Siyu could see that the voice belonged to a woman. A blonde woman.

“You three, have a seat on the couch; your interview will begin shortly.” The woman says, gesturing to the black leather couch.

Siyu gives a wry smile and takes a seat.

Frey looks to the couch and simply sits down.

Elizabeth glances at the couch. That couch looks filthy! She thinks to herself.

The woman gives Elizabeth a look before saying, “What is this girl doing here? You know this type of work wouldn’t suit her.”

The man clears his throat before saying, “I brought her at the request of the young man. I was hoping you could find another use for her.”

The woman gives Elizabeth a good look before saying, “Very well. The couch is full, you may sit over there.” The woman says, pointing to the red armchair on the right side of the room.

The woman then looks at the man and holds out a ringed hand. The man gives the hand a reluctant look before bowing and forcing himself to kiss the ring. “You may go,” She says to the man.

“Yes, boss,” the man says before turning. He turns to look at Siyu, and he suddenly had the urge to spit. Siyu promptly looks away, pretending not to have seen anything.

The man grunts before leaving the room and closing the door.