Zhengli walked back and saw the sentry again . The guard stood up and unlocked the door . “ What ’ s your business here , anyway ?” He asked , as he swung the door open . Zhengli got his hat from the rack .
“ I-It ’ s j-just that , act-tu-tually . I j-j-just did s-some busine-ness with a partner-ner .” Zhengli replied , stepping out . “ Nothing m-much .”
As he walked away from the opium den , he rubbed his hands as he searched for another newspaper .
ACT 2 : EXTENSIVE CONNECTIVITY
OFFICER WILLIAM MADDOX SUSPECTED OF COLLABORATING WITH FRANCE TO SELL OPIUM & OPIUM DEN
‘ Ah , the paper was a deed .’ Zhengli thought to himself .
“ Is the transaction complete ?” Asked Mushang , her eyes scanning a part of the entire , massive bustling crowd of Old Shanghai .
Zhengli nodded , his hand resting on the smooth wooden bench he was sitting on . He took a sip of his tea and placed the newspaper and passed it across the table .
The ambience was soothing . A couple of ceremonial bells rang in the distance as priests said their prayers , the faint scent of incense was in the air , and the clamoring market could be heard rumbling below . It was a sacred place .
The City God Temple .
On the top floor of a tea house , they could see several people carrying burning joss sticks walk up to the three City Gods . They bowed , some said a prayer of thanks or for fortune , and stuck their joss sticks into the ash-filled containers . Then , they quietly left .
Mushang glanced at the newspaper . She nodded . “ Good . Here .” She took out a pouch and dropped it into his hand .
“ I m-must ask .” Zhengli said , pocketing the pouch . “ H-How did y-y-you know I-I w-would b-b-be in the o-o-opium d-den ?”
“ It ' s part of my job to know if another Snake is in my vicinity .” Mushang replied . “ And to give it away , they told me that “ Worryman ” would be coming that night .”
Zhengli grunted . “ Q-Quite a f-fitting name , huh ?”
Mushang smiled a little . “ So . The life of a thief is always a busy one . Here ' s your new assignment .” She produced a small roll of paper from her inner garment . “ Directly from the big boss .”
Zhengli took the paper and carefully unrolled it .
Well , Mushang wasn ' t lying . The leader ’ s crude , red stamp was placed at the bottom right corner of the parchment , its image similar to that of their tattoos . Zhengli began reading the message .
Target is Chinese . Target is rich . Target is an official . 2nd floor , room 8 . Song Xia Street . Contact at the front door . Messenger shall accompany you . Zhengli did a double take and reread the last line . Messenger shall accompany you . He looked up from the paper and gave Mushang a questioning look .