Qing Snake: smirks, leans closer Y-y-you t-thought you could escape, d-didn't you?
'I'm not playing games with you.'
D-don't worry, darling, I'm not g-gone play any g-games with you. But I do have a little proposition for you...
'What sort of proposition?'
W-well, you see, I have this... unique problem that needs solving. And I think you're just the person to solve it.
Y-you see, I need someone who's resourceful, clever, and... well, let's say'morally ambiguous'. And you fit that bill perfectly.
'I don't care. I'm listening.'
G-great! So here's the deal. I'll let you go free. No questions asked. But in return, I need you to do a little job for me.
H-here's the thing. I need you to retrieve something for me. It's a... a precious artifact. Very valuable. And I need someone I can trust to do it right.
S-so, here are the details. The artifact is a jade statue. It's about twelve inches tall, shaped like a mythical dragon.
'Where am I getting this from...?'
W-well, that's where you come in, my dear. I need you to infiltrate a high-security museum and swipe the statue without anyone noticing.
'What the hell?! Are you insane?!'
B-bad words! Well, it's not impossible if you're resourceful enough. I'll provide you with all the details you need: blueprints of the museum, security camera footage... everything.
'...And if I manage to get this God-awful job done, just what is it that I get out of it?'
Y-you get your freedom, of course. And my gratitude. And maybe a little reward, too.
'How does a total stranger know that I'd be good at this job?'
B-because I've had people... investigate you, shall we say. And you have quite the reputation for being resourceful and... cunning.
'That's creepy as hell....'
Tophuno successfully completes the job for Qing Snake and retrieves the jade statue, earning her freedom and a hefty reward.
'Alright, you said a reward. Now let me go.'
Ah, of course! Here you go, my dear. smirks and hands Tophuno a small envelope Inside is a ticket to anywhere you'd like to go.
She opens it. 'Anywhere, huh? And how do I know there isn't another job waiting for me once I'm somewhere?'
You don't. smirks But if you do decide to come looking for another job, just know that I'll always have something waiting for you.
'...I'll be taking this ticket. And that will be all.'
R-really? You're not even going to ask me who I am or why I chose you?
'...No. Any reason you're doing this is none of my business.' She gets ready to leave.
W-wait! Before you go, I-I should give you something. reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, gold ring This is a token of my gratitude. It signifies our agreement and that we can call upon each other if the need arises.
She shrugs, putting it on. 'Thank you. I hope that really is the end of this.'
R-remember, if you ever need anything, you can come to me. I'll always be there for you, no matter what. And... I-I hope you find the freedom and happiness you seek. Farewell, my dear Tophuno. smiles warmly
She turns around and leaves, heading towards the door.
as Tophuno reaches the door, Qing suddenly remembers something Wait! I almost forgot... I also have a favor to ask of you.
'....I'm not coming back for this shitshow of a job. Did I make myself clear?'
N-no, no, of course not! I apologize for the misunderstanding. It's just that... I also have a personal favor to ask of you. smirks
I-I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem of mine. Y-you see, I have a bit of a pest problem...