Li Wei departed the antique shop without ceremony. Lei Tao did not follow him to the door, nor did he offer parting words. The bolt slid free at Li Wei's hand, and the door eased open with a tired groan. ~creak~ Cool night air spilled in, carrying with it the distant noise of the city at leisure.
He stepped back onto the street and pulled the door shut behind him. For a brief moment, the antique shop vanished into anonymity, just another darkened storefront among many. Li Wei adjusted his cloak once more and set off.
This part of the capital was livelier than the alleys he had just left behind. Music drifted through open windows, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the clatter of dishes being cleared away. ~clatter~
Vendors leisurly pushed carts laden with late-night fare, steam rising from bamboo baskets as they called out their wares. He passed them without slowing, eyes already fixed on a taller structure further down the avenue.
