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notaturnipThere are any number of people who would be very surprised to see Lan Sizhui in a bar. Some of them are even still alive. It would, he thinks, be a foolish surprise - he learned from Wei-qianbei how useful wine houses could be for learning gossip on a night hunt, and even Lan cultivators stayed in taverns when away from Cloud Recesses, it isn't that strange.
Admittedly, wine houses and taverns are a far cry from a trendy cocktail bar on a Friday night, and it isn't just time that separates them. Everything is different now, but while his father hides away and begrudges the changes, Sizhui finds himself endlessly fascinated in the way the world is different every time he ventures out. They're both waiting, and they're never going to find what they're looking for if they stay in Cloud Recesses forever.
He has a system, now, he'll travel to Gusu first, where 'monks' aren't such a strange appearance in their outdated robes, and take some time to learn about the latest fashions and the modern world. Then he'll choose a place on the map, find somewhere to live and a simple job, and he'll go and experience life for a bit as a 'newcomer to the area', fresh from a fairly sheltered upbringing (an excuse that allows him to get away with not understanding some things about the world).
He's been here about six months now, working customer service (it's trying even his patience) and learning what he can. He likes to get out and meet new people, though, so when one of his coworkers invited him along to drinks after work, of course he agreed.
He's at the bar, waiting to be served and toying idly with the ends of his ribbon - tied around his wrist, these days, when he's outside Cloud Recesses - when he chances to glance along the bar and catches sight of a face that makes him gasp.
Admittedly, wine houses and taverns are a far cry from a trendy cocktail bar on a Friday night, and it isn't just time that separates them. Everything is different now, but while his father hides away and begrudges the changes, Sizhui finds himself endlessly fascinated in the way the world is different every time he ventures out. They're both waiting, and they're never going to find what they're looking for if they stay in Cloud Recesses forever.
He has a system, now, he'll travel to Gusu first, where 'monks' aren't such a strange appearance in their outdated robes, and take some time to learn about the latest fashions and the modern world. Then he'll choose a place on the map, find somewhere to live and a simple job, and he'll go and experience life for a bit as a 'newcomer to the area', fresh from a fairly sheltered upbringing (an excuse that allows him to get away with not understanding some things about the world).
He's been here about six months now, working customer service (it's trying even his patience) and learning what he can. He likes to get out and meet new people, though, so when one of his coworkers invited him along to drinks after work, of course he agreed.
He's at the bar, waiting to be served and toying idly with the ends of his ribbon - tied around his wrist, these days, when he's outside Cloud Recesses - when he chances to glance along the bar and catches sight of a face that makes him gasp.
