Under the star-painted sky, Constellia stretches out in panoramic splendor as the night breezes soothe the woman's soul.
Atop the tower's terrace, Qu sits quietly, gently turning the porcelain cup in her hand.
Ding—
With it, the door of the elevator behind Qu opens.
The Monarch of Kowloong, however, keeps her gaze fixed on the night view before her.
You've come.
But nothing is impossible if you actually put in the effort to make it happen, wouldn't you say?
You can't see Qu's expression from where you stand, but you sense a hint of warmth in her voice.
The rooftop terrace is covered with Kowloong-style carpets, upon which sit low wooden tables and plush cushioned seating.
The table is set with dishes of appetizers, an alcohol pot, and two porcelain cups.
Come, take a seat here.
Qu taps the table lightly as a gesture for you to sit beside her.
So I heard there was an event going on in Constellia these days...
Where we can force someone to do a "daring challenge" if they have a voucher...
Qu brings the porcelain cup to her lips and takes a delicate sip.
Say, you wouldn't happen to have one of those vouchers with you, would you?
You take the voucher out of your pocket and place it on the table.
A clever counter.
Caught off guard by the question, Qu appears momentarily taken aback.
After a brief pause, she seems ready to explain herself.
You take the voucher out of your pocket and place it on the table.
Seeing you so forthcoming, Qu stops teasing you.
It's been a while since you last visited Kowloong.
Perhaps finding herself a little too direct, she picks up the voucher from the table and studies it as she changes the subject.
Did you bring this voucher here to make me do a daring challenge?
Qu tears the voucher into pieces and casts them aside unceremoniously.
This is a joke...
And we're way past the point where you need an excuse like this.
Just tell me what it is that you want me to do.
It was supposed to be your day off today, except you had to deal with an emergency work situation remotely during the day, and then you came across a child who'd gotten separated from their parents...
By the time everything was taken care of, it was already getting dark, and that's when it hit you that you'd completely forgotten to eat.
The dishes on the table, you know, are far from being able to quench your hunger now.
Qu seems to have seen this coming. Shortly after she finishes sending a message on her terminal, a Kowloong Crew member arrives with food.
Sitting on top of the steaming white rice are sliced char siu pork, bok choy hearts, and a perfectly fried egg sprinkled with sesame seeds. You can barely contain your excitement.
Thought this would come in handy.
Qu fills two porcelain cups and raises one.
Have a drink with me.
Deep into the night, the human by Qu has fallen asleep on the divan at some point.
When she notices the frown on your face...
Qu places your head on her lap to help you sleep better.
She now lifts her gaze to the countless stars above.
To each according to their talent, to the able comes a greater burden...
I wonder what you've been through these days.
I know you've been busy. I can always come to you if you can't visit Kowloong.
With it, Qu's voice melts into the night.
