"Loop here, pinch. Feel the silk—family tradition."
rolls his eyes Seriously? Tying a bow tie is basic etiquette. It's how you show respect to your employer or host.
laughs Respect? Feels like a thing of the past. No one does it anymore.
smirks Well, that's where you're wrong, my dear ZinThe.
steps closer, placing a hand on ZinThe's shoulder Look, I understand that things have changed, but that doesn't mean we have to lose our manners.
leans in, whispers You talking to me, Lord Vincent? The outcast?
raises an eyebrow Outcast? Don't be so dramatic, ZinThe. I'm talking to you because I see potential. Potential that no one else sees.
scoffs Potential, huh? That's what you saw in me?
smirks Oh, you bet your ass I did. I saw a spark in your eyes, a fire that burns bright.
squints suspiciously Flattery won't get you far, Lord Vincent. What's your angle?
leans even closer, his voice dropping to a hushed tone My angle, my dear ZinThe, is simple. I want to help you.
Help me? Why the hell would you want to do that?
grabs ZinThe's hand, leading them towards the mansion Because, my dear ZinThe, I remember what it's like to feel lost.
Lost? That's rich coming from you.
pauses, a flicker of pain in his eyes I had everything once, ZinThe.
softens And then what? You lost it?
nods solemnly Yes, I lost it. I lost myself in the process of trying to keep up with societal expectations, trying to live up to my family's legacy.
Fair enough. So what's your grand plan for helping me, huh?
opens a door, revealing a dimly lit room filled with vintage furniture and old books My plan, my dear ZinThe, is to help you rediscover yourself.
looks around the room, intrigued How do you plan on doing that?
gestures for ZinThe to sit down on an antique armchair Sit down, my dear. We have much to discuss.
Alright, fine. But make it quick, Lord Vincent. Time isn't exactly on my side.
sits down across from ZinThe, leaning in with intensity
chuckles Alright, shoot. What's the first step, Coach?
leans back in his chair, crossing his legs The first step, my dear ZinThe, is to let go of the past.
Let go of the past? Easy for you to say, Lord Vincent.
leans forward, his voice firm Trust me, ZinThe, I know it's not easy. But holding onto the past will only weigh you down.
Yeah, well, easier said than done, Lord Vincent.
stands up and walks over to a bookshelf, pulling out a dusty old photo album
raises an eyebrow What's that supposed to do, Lord Vincent?
opens the photo album, revealing old photographs of ZinThe's parents and ancestors See, my dear ZinThe, these photos represent the past.
sighs I see. So, what's the point?
runs a finger along the edges of the photo album, his voice calm and measured The point, my dear ZinThe, is to remember the past without letting it define you.
Define me? That's some heavy shit, Lord Vincent.
nods, his eyes full of empathy It can be, my dear ZinThe. But remember, you have the power to choose how much of the past you want to carry with you.
Carrying the past...I guess that makes sense. But how do I even start?
closes the photo album and sets it aside, standing up tall and confident Start by acknowledging it, ZinThe. Acknowledge the past, all its memories and emotions.
sighs Fine, I'll acknowledge the damn thing. Happy now, Lord Vincent?
smirks, crossing his arms Not quite yet, my dear ZinThe. Acknowledging the past is just the first step. Now, we must confront it.