Honk! Honk! Honk!
The thunderous horn sounded as the ship began to dock. Arriving at the Port of Baihe Island, the people, merchants, and suppliers mostly would hop off the ship to rest and to unload merchandise. Supplies that are unavailable to Baihe Island make their way to land. Port Fengbao is mainly used as a stop for ships travelling around these seas. On rare occasions, a person or two would attempt to settle down on this secluded island.
A ship with many stops, Baihe Island being one of them. The air turns cold as they reach the island premises. Though the ship doesn't shiver one bit. This stop is common, just not common enough for flocks of people to hop off. You see, the eerie vibes only attract a handful of specific types of people.
Glitchy audio bore the passengers aboard. The communal area isn't crowded by any more than 30 human beings though you may feel like it is slightly heavier than its loads.
"East Asia, in the midst of China, Korea and Japan, lies a small Island hidden in the rocky waters. Baihe island is, similarly to Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, with its own autonomous judicial systems. It is disconnected from the land of China itself, and operates more independently than its fellow SAR states. Smaller than Hong Kong, it spans about 887 km square."
His sleek cloth pants folded with his leg crossed. His eyes peeks through his soft resting hair, straight and neat, though unstyled. Gaze turned from the book he held in his hand, shuts close with a thud before peering to the screen. The television buzzed once more and the monotonous feminine voice that was explaining their next stop halted. Mere seconds after, it was followed by the announcement of their arrival. Notifying the passengers of the quick maintenance stop. "The ship will leave in approximately one hour. Please make sure to return in time."
Panning to the crowd of passengers, we see a man, the man. The man packed his items up. He ruffles through his bag, making sure everything is in there as he tucks the book he is reading into said bag. "Hm, I guess I really didn't bring much." Composed, smooth. A voice not too deep escapes his lips as the corner right of it gently perks up. "Well, Baihe Island isn't it?" muttering to himself, sultry, almost jazzy, the light chuckle that follows after. His oxfords clicked on the ship's floor board as he made his way out. The same chill passes him by, blowing his dark green hair, #013220 if you will. The wind revealed a bright pair of blue, almost grey eyes (#B9D9EB). It glints under the dark clouds of Baihe.
The bridge exit stood a cabin stewardess, dressed neatly in her uniform. Bright orange in contrast to the sullen and dark atmosphere the dock has in store. "Please come back on time sir, have a nice visit." She said with the most service-like smile a stewardess could give. The man returned the polite smile, tugging his matching black coat and in a flirtatious tone, returned her greetings. "Thank you… Miss, your smile is dashing." He flashes a playful wink to the shorter, his charming looks dusting light shades of pink onto her cheeks.
He waves his hand, singing a cursive bye to the stewardess. His shoes finally meet the creaky dock. His figure disappears into the not so large crowd of dock workers. Trailing along the walkway provided, his shoes made thudding sounds as the woods occasionally creaked. It's not unsturdy by any means, just… old.
The journey to get a visitation visa was less than uneventful. The language barrier is by no means far. "Mr Xie Mo bi. Here you go. Welcome to Baihe Island." The paper flutters on the desk as the lady behind it slides it up to Mobi. He picks the paper up, flashing the same polite smile, "Thank you, Ms." Before exiting the building. The customs office is nearest to the dock as no airplane could land on this island. Only ships apparently. Mobi sighs as he looks at the watch. He unfortunately cannot join the ship as he has business beyond the mere 1 hour available to attend to in Baihe.
The city of Baihe doesn't bustle as you would think. It is big, not overcrowded though. No e-hailing services are available here, only taxis or buses and he has no choice but to get one. He stood by the bus station, the taxi would rest there as well and Mobi opted for it rather than waiting for the bus. Plus, the route is unfamiliar to him. Riding a taxi would be a safer bet.
The old man is not gruff but scrawny, his face looks timid but a smile forms instantly as he sees a potential customer approach. His taxi jacket is yellow like the car, easy to spot. "Young man! Anywhere you wanna go?" His rough voice caught Mobi off guard, and does not match his face at all. "Yes, sir. I am not quite sure but do you know where this place is?" Mobi showed the old man his phone screen. On it plastered a picture of a funeral home. "Oh! That's Magu Memorial Services. It's on the outskirts of the city, a bit far." His face crooks to the side, insinuating on the high price with his last three words.
Mobi, desperate to reach his destination, agreed albeit the obvious upcharge he would receive. Like pleasant bells ringing through the taxi driver's ears, Mobi worded with a surrendered smile, "That's okay, Sir. So long as I get there." The taxi driver eagerly ushered Mobi to settle himself and his bag into the backseat. He even closes the door for him. Hopping onto the driver's seat, off they go. The taxi driver and Xie Mobi.
The ride is spent with light conversations by the taxi driver. The exchange was not as interesting as it is mundane. So-so would be the correct term for it.
"Is this your first time here?"
"Yes, I received a call to handle some things for a… relative."
"Well, it shouldn't be too much of a problem right? In Baihe Island we do things as is, simple."
"I can tell, the processes here are quite straightforward."
"Are you planning to look around once you are done?"
"I haven't decided yet."
The conversation went on for minutes and it was accompanied by the scenes of Baihe. The clouds in Baihe Yin are bright, and the Sun definitely has favourites. Slowly leaving the vibrant cityscape, the scene morphed to that of trees and darker clouds. To reach Magu Memorial Services, there is a need to drive uphill. The temperature dropped as soon as the car began to drive up. The taxi driver spoke once more, this time in a more hushed tone. "See there are stories here in Baihe you know." His eyes squinted, looking at the rearview mirror directly at Mobi. Mobi showed signs of interest. Cocking his head to one side he muttered curiously, "Do tell…"
"Long ago, the island of Baihe was never at peace…"