“Hello, I am Fuyuki.” “If you come here and need the supplies, feel free to use them.
If possible, just restock them for me later.” “Or you can pay me at the market price.
Contact: Operator Wind Chime, at a medical company named Rhodes Island.” At the end of the simple note, Fuyuki also drew a small, exquisite Fuyuki as her mark.
And the current month and year.
June, 1094.
“Alright!
That’s about it!” The busy work was finished.
She also said a quick goodbye to the neighbors she knew best.
For the time being, Fuyuki had nothing left to worry about in Lungmen.
“Hmm…
I should also call Sister Gui to say goodbye.” Sister Gui’s name was actually Hoshiguma, but the people here all called her Sister Gui.
Sister Gui used to be in an organization, but now she had been recruited into the Lungmen Guard Department as a police officer; she had even heard recently that she was about to be promoted.
Fuyuki had received a lot of care from her in the slums; even this room she lived in had originally been paid for by Sister Gui.
Of course, it had been paid back by now.
Since she was leaving Lungmen, it was only right to let her know.
She dialed the internal line of the Lungmen Guard Department.
Although it was late, Fuyuki knew that the Lungmen Guard Department usually closed very, very late.
“If it’s just a greeting, it shouldn’t count as disturbing her work…” Fuyuki muttered, but she still decided to let the call go through.
After a moment, the call was picked up.
Hearing the background noise, it was likely another busy night at the Guard Department.
“Lungmen Guard Department, who are you looking for?” A very capable-sounding female voice spoke on the other end.
Although it wasn’t Sister Gui, Fuyuki probably knew the person’s identity; she was a friend Sister Gui had made after becoming a police officer.
“Sir Chen, long time no see.
I’m Fuyuki, and I’m looking for Sister Gui.” Fortunately, although they weren’t particularly close, Fuyuki could still talk to Sir Chen; they had a nodding acquaintance and had eaten together before.
“Alright, she’s here.” After Sir Chen responded, she shouted on the other end, “Hoshi, a call for you, it’s Fuyuki.” Then, there was the noise of the receiver being picked up.
“Hello, Little Ling?
It’s rare for you to call me this late.
What’s up?” Sister Gui’s voice on the other end sounded like she had a bit of a smile as she took the call.
“Sister Gui, um…” Fuyuki was momentarily at a loss for words; mentioning to someone that she was leaving didn’t feel like a very pleasant thing.
“I’m preparing to…
leave Lungmen.” “Were you bullied?” Sister Gui’s voice suddenly dropped, as if recalling an unpleasant past, before relaxing again.
“No, wait, in that place, there probably aren’t many who could bully you anymore.
Is there some other reason?” “Ahaha, no, no, I’m doing great.” Fuyuki quickly tried to soothe Sister Gui’s mood.
“It’s about work.
I found a job.
I might be leaving Lungmen for a while soon.” “Little Ling…” Sister Gui pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, “When you’re in the slammer, do you prefer your pork cutlet rice crispy or soft?” Huh???
Fuyuki was stunned for a second.
Crap!
The most likely job that would allow her to leave Lungmen recently…
wasn’t it the currently booming Rhodes Island?!
And the prerequisite for Fuyuki to find Rhodes Island must have been violating the Infected Management Regulations!
She’d confessed without even being pressed!
“Please, don’t, Sister Gui!
I really don’t want to be locked up again!” Fuyuki had no choice but to quickly plead for herself.
“Just kidding.” Sister Gui suddenly laughed on the other end of the line.
This matter could be big or small.
Since Fuyuki hadn’t caused any actual impact and there was no other evidence pointing to her, turning a blind eye and letting it go was also an option.
Then, Sister Gui’s tone carried a hint of melancholy.
“It’s just…
it’s a bit of a shame that Little Ling suddenly says she’s leaving…
What a pity…
With your skills, you could have easily served in the Guard Department.” However…
the Lungmen Guard Department strictly prohibits the recruitment of the Infected.
Even though Fuyuki is definitely among the best fighters of the younger generation, a ban is a ban.
“So, is it that company called Rhodes Island?” Sister Gui continued to ask.
Fuyuki gave an affirmative answer.
“I’ve seen people from there during patrols…
Little Ling, if you go work there, be sure to stay safe.
For a medical company to have so many skilled individuals, it must mean the dangers they face are correspondingly higher than those of an ordinary company.” Sister Gui offered a well-meaning reminder.
“Of course!
If I can’t win a fight, I can still run!” “Indeed, if you really decided to run, ordinary people probably couldn’t catch you.” Regarding Fuyuki’s current combat abilities, Sister Gui had a very clear understanding.
“Officer Xing, we’re about to set off!” On the other end of the call, someone was urging Sister Gui to get busy.
The Lungmen Guard Department really is tough work.
“Well then, Little Ling, I wish you a smooth journey!” “Mm-hmm, Sister Gui, you go get busy too!
Work is important!” The call ended.
Fuyuki held the telephone receiver, fell silent for a moment, then placed the phone back on the hook.
She had said goodbye to everyone she could think of.
Fuyuki sat by the window.
The night gradually deepened.
Even Lungmen, the city that never sleeps, would eventually welcome a time of rest.
The streets were extremely quiet.
Occasionally, a few drunkards passing by the buildings below would let out strange shouts.
“Time to go~ Time to go.” Fuyuki took off the Fuyuki pendant hanging at her waist and rubbed it in her palm.
The small Fuyuki pendant, made of an unknown material, retained its somewhat crystalline, ink-black color as always, without a trace of wear.
The short rod below, which swayed in the wind and struck the bell, was made of the same ink-black material but was also adorned with delicate golden lines, giving it a more luxurious appearance.
Fuyuki wasn’t stupid.
After so many years, this pendant gifted by a childhood friend remained exactly as it was back then…
The value of this gift was probably much higher than she had imagined.
She suddenly remembered her childhood days in Gouwu City.
The day before leaving back then, after Fuyuki’s father told her the news of their departure, Fuyuki had felt the same way she did now.
There was reluctance, confusion, and also anticipation for the unknown life ahead.
The only regret was that she couldn’t properly say goodbye to everyone like she could now.
Probably, in her youth, she didn’t have much concept of “farewell,” always thinking she could return soon.
Little did she know, sometimes, once you part, you never know when you might meet again.
In the blink of an eye, over ten years had passed.
But on the flip side…
Fuyuki had also been stagnant for over ten years.
On her last night in her little nest in Lungmen, Fuyuki barely slept at all.
The sun slowly began to rise.
“Time to go.” After washing up.
Traveling light.
A small suitcase containing only some spare clothes and snacks.
A pendant, unchanged as ever.
“And a cute little fox girl!” Set off, heading to Rhodes Island!