Shui stared at the note, speechless. Lin, meanwhile, closed it with the quiet composure of a man who had already suffered enough today.
"…He bribed a staff member?" Her brow twitched incessantly.
Lin let out a slow breath. "It appears so."
"That man is unstoppable," she muttered, rubbing her forehead. Then she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "You…"
"No."
"...No, what?"
"I know the question you wanted to ask. I answered no to that."
"I-I knew that of course…"
She tried to play it cool, but her ears betrayed her by turning red.
They walked toward the boat ride station where the sunlight reflected off the water and soft ripples moved calmly. Shui stepped into the small wooden gondola first, taking her seat. Lin followed.
As soon as the boat left the dock, Shui relaxed, exhaling. The air was cooler here, soft and still, carrying the faint scent of water and nearby blooming flowers.
"This feels nice," she murmured.
