They both took their time, enjoying many different kinds of dishes. Some were carefully cooked from spiritual beasts while other were simple mortal delicacies. In each case, it was delicious. Both Hymin and Jin were enjoying their meal greatly.
A little after the cheese was served, Jin felt a very small fluctuations of energy coming from the invitation. It was incredibly small to the point that only if one focused on that particular piece could one sense the energy resonate. Having been waiting for it, he was of course fixed on it and noticed right away.
He excused himself politely from the table and went to the restroom.
This move attracted quite some attention as it was rare for the man to excuse himself and go to the bathroom. During a date, it was not very manly to leave the woman wait alone. Though the opposite did not seem to matter.
What truly made people glance at that table was Hymin. Unaware of it, Jin had been like a shield to her in this place. The gazes of people were now clearly hostile. Even with her mortal constitution, she could hear some whispers:
"I thought that monster's lineage had been purged..."
"To think such an ugly thing dares to come here..."
Needless to say, the words were not praising her. The people here knew her origins from that hair color of hers. And she was bullied because of it once again. It had always been like this since as long as she could remember. She was used to it. As long as He Bi remained unaware, it would be fine. Once she received the cash, she would leave this horrible place behind...
...
Meanwhile, in the men's restroom, in a locked-up cabinet, Jin had taken out the invitation. As he looked closer at it, he noticed how the energy was slowly being accumulated within. Was it being timed in such a low activation mode specifically so that people would have the time to hide it? It was possible. If it was a regular black auction, it would not be out of question. They had to act in secrecy after all.
Once the energy finished charging, the paper became illuminated and a new image appeared on top of it. Another weird holographic image. This time, it only stated a single name "Sam White's Tailor Shop"
Where was this shop supposed to be at? Jin did not know.
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The paper's light blinked out of existence after delivering its message. The light now faded, there were some ink black writings on the card indicating a time: "MIDNIGHT".
According to the present time which he guessed should be around 9 p.m., he was in a rush.
He folded the paper and put it back within his inside pocket and went back to the dining area.
...
As he returned, he felt like the atmosphere had shifted. It seemed like he could sense some...hostility?...in the air. He sat back at his place and looked around with a cold gaze, trying to find who was the origin of his feeling. His intuition was honed and sharpened through the years and he trusted it a lot. He wondered if someone found him out. However, as he looked around, he saw the people minding their business...
He turned to Hymin seeing her turn her eyes slightly away from his. Did she do something while he was away?
No matter.
Once the waiter arrived, he said: "We will stop here, please give us the tab"
Before the waiter could react, Jin spoke to Hymin: "I prepared for our dessert to be delivered at my place, sweetheart"
She chuckled coquettishly as she answered him: "What a nice idea you've had, dear"
Keeping up the act of the couple, they easily withdrew from the restaurant without anyone guessing Jin's identity. As they left, the guests inside began to create a small commotion as they asked explanations from the manager. They did not like the fact that trash like that man's descendant could come here.
However, contrary to their expectations, the manager firmly stated: "Everyone with the means and the conduct is a customer and shall be treated equally in my restaurant"
That manager arbored contempt for Hymin like everyone else but he had bigger principles. The honor and pride of being a chef and owner was beyond such thrifty matters...
...
As they walked outside, Hymin asked: "Will it start soon?"
Jin nodded without elaborating. Then, he asked her: "Do you know where Sam White's Tailor Shop is?"
She did not have to think much before she answered him: "I do"
This shop was well-known. It was famous as one of the best shops in the upper city area. It was also rumored that insane parties were being held there. In fact, that was the truth as she once went there...as a performer...
In any case, she knew where it was and how to get there. She guessed that the deal was going to take place there. She expected some high-level place to be picked but that one... It was even higher-class than she expected. Even that new Cheongsam she bought over a loan might not be good enough to be allowed in there.
However, contrary to her expectations, Jin did not ask her to lead the way nor did he go towards that place. He went elsewhere.
To an inn.
As he entered, he saw the clerk and stated: "Two rooms for two, adjacent"
The clerk noticed a couple and while asking for two adjacent rooms was weird and rare, it did happen previously. One for the fun and one for the resting. The wealthier ones sometimes did that.
Used to such things, and professional, he asked no questions and delivered the keys and instructions after receiving the fees. As long as one paid, anything else was out of his hands. He was just a clerk.
Jin and Hymin began to walk up the stairs. As they did, Hymin wondered if Jin changed his mind about sex. Humbleness aside, she knew she looked sexy.