Pamella's hand was held by the unexpected individual. His grip didn't bring pain but demonstrated that he didn't plan to let go of her.

- Ummm... Excuse me but... Who are you?
It was obvious she wouldn't know who he was, since they had never met and the way he abruptly grasped her wrist would bring anyone a surprise and suspicion.
After Weng Lin talked with Lord Zhu, he had to abandon for the meantime his job as Captain of Official Training and his patrols in the capital; all because he had to keep an I on the whereabouts of the guy called Wu Zhu Shi, on the Lord's orders.
Internally, he saw all the thing ridiculous and unnecessary. Why instead of keeping an eye on him, didn't Lord Zhu arrange an immediate arrest for the WANTED thief?

*Flashback*

Lord Zhu Quanzong,
- Your new job is rather simple but it has some obstacles. You shall follow the traks of the guy called "Wu Zhu Shi". Know what's he up to, the people around him and where he heads to. You shall write a report from each interaction you have with him.
Weng Lin was left without words. Why was he, a disabled man, the one to take such a woresome task. Couldn't he have given Lu that job, or those two beast pets that followed him as if he had a tail made of gold?
He could ramble all the insults and curses he would liked to this man in his mind but never dare to sully the authority of his Lordsship in all volume.
Trying to sound as composed as ever,

- My Lord... Such an honor for me to take on such a responsibility... Why so?

Lord Zhu took a long breath and while smoothing his top of the head hair he said without haste,

- I believe you know the Beast Hei Bao am I correct?

Hearing the name of a long gone military comrade and rival made his muscles tense.
-Yes, my Lord... I do...
Lord Zhu avidly continue while smiling.

- Captain, don't you find it a most reasonable strategy to use another's weaknesses for one's purposes?

Weng Lin thought the statement was indeed a good strategical point, but how was it in relation with his new "part-time job"?

Lord Zhu,

- It's obviously because of your present state and your past relation with the Panther Beast a choosed you to go. As far as I suspect, that Hei Bao wouldn't dare touch you again because of the past insident. He will feel guilt and not try a thing against you. But of course, we have the obstacles.

Weng Lin,

- Obstacles?

Lord Zhu crossed his arms over his chest.

- There was a bird with the cat and the thief. But for whom you shall watch your back is the man dressed in black with deep red eyes. He is neither spirit, or god but he is also far from being human. He is a shadow over Wu Zhu Zhi and to evade having your other leg dismembered I assure you that if you use that nice side of yours, everything would go pleasantly well.

Weng Lin didn't feel good about the whole plan, which as far as he had listened to Lord Zhu, didn't have any ill intentions towards the thief or the individuals who accompanied him. But he had to obey and follow orders as dictated. Reluctantly he bowed while holding a closed fist over his chest.

- I understand... I'll do whatever it takes to comply with all your expectations.

He raised and walked towards the study's door. Just when he had turned the knob and opened the door slightly, Lord Zhu exclaimed as he remembered something important.

- Another thing Captain Weng, please restrain yourself of having too much conversation with both the target and his attendants; do not restrain yourself from chatting but never extend the talk. We don't want any suspicions, especially because you are no stranger to the one you are about to encounter.

Again, Weng Lin bowed in understanding and went away.

*End of Flashback*

While Weng Lin was enclosed in his thoughts, his grip had loosened and gave Pamella de opportunity to immediately take her wounded hand back. It didn't hurt much, but it stung and when she tried to close it, trickles of blood would make themselves visible and slide through her hand and wrist. She was wondering how she even managed to break the cup that was in her hand. At one time she was relaxed, but as her emotions wavered and uneasiness increased, she had lost her string of consciousness and rationality, almost as if she wasn't herself anymore, and just then broke the cup into pieces.

Already at her side, Xián Leng pulled her a little further back from his figure; creating a distance between Weng Lin and them. The people at their surroundings, including the waitresses could sense the awkwardness between the stranger and the people from the table.

Hei Bao murmured in astonishment,

- Weng ... Lin...

Weng Lin chuckled while carrying an annoyed expression and tone.

- That's Captain Weng Lin for you. What are all of you just standing around there for?! Can't you see this man needs medical attention!

The waitresses and many that followed went to call for a doctor in a hurry.

After the commotion and the doctor's treatment, less people had stayed to continue with their enjoyment. With the presence of an Imperial Official in the place, there was a deep silence. Everyone was cautious, especially the people who sat with him on the same table. He swayed the hot liquid on the cup on his hand, smelled it and took a sip.

Since the table wasn't big for the now present party of people, Hei Bao and the other two couldn't avoid being close to the Imperial Officer. Hei Bao wondered why was Weng Lin so far from the capital, and how did he even manage to become Captain of the Imperial Officers.

Xián Leng had come to his understanding that both Hei Bao and the stranger knew each other but didn't know what his intentions were. Why wouldn't he act as aggressive as that general and soldiers they had encountered back at Tiāndì. His presence wasn't only to just say hi and then go he concluded. So, he had to pay attention to his every move, especially if he was after Pamella, he wouldn't let anything happen to her as long as he was at her side.

Jiti and DuZhi couldn't say much really. Although Jiti knew who Weng Lin was, he knew no more than what Hei Bao had permitted him to know. He and DuZhi could only listen to whatever was to be said. Pamella could also recognize the Weng Lin name that Hei Bao had once mentioned to her but didn't expect that the Weng Lin from the stories was the Captain on the Imperial Officials and that he traveled this far from the capital to just do nothing. On the other hand, he was rather bitten up quite awful by Hei Bao. Large and long scars covered his face which accompanied by his dead stare made him an intimidating fella. He had part of his face and neck covered by a body patch, maybe because of the other more serious scars that adorned his body. Looking to other parts of his body, she had noticed one of his legs was absent an what replaced it was a piece of wood for a prosthesis.

Was that also from that incident with Hei Bao...? Damm... I thought it wouldn't end this bad...

The silence was too much for Pamella so she broke it with,

- So, you are Weng... I mean, Captain Weng Lin from the Imperial Army Officers?

Weng Lin was taken by surprise. He didn't expect the Wu Zhu Shi guy to be as direct as he was; going all the way to personal matters. All he had to do was make them, or at least the pretty boy to believe he wasn't there to put him behind bars or any sort of inconvenient misdoings. He answered with a smile that neither Hei Bao or him even knew he could make.

- Yes... I am...

Pamella seeing that the guy had smiled while answering to her, thought it was most beneficial if she smiled as well as she spoke.

- Sorry if I ask, but why are you so far from your home Captain Weng? If not to arrest me or my fellow friends, then for what reason a high ranked official as you in these territories?

All on the table were surprised at how sharp Pamella was with words. Xián Leng could only slightly smile, telling himself inwardly that if it wasn't for the soul contract, then Pamella was indeed a cunning strategist. It amazed both him and the rest how she could speak up without any restraint the thoughts that hovered in their minds.

Weng Lin processed what was asked to him, only after a short pause he answered unhesitant, neither giving an absolute answer nor letting the question remain unanswered.

- I recommend you and your comrades to not suspect of me so much...

Xián Leng snickered.

- Then, what are we to do if not suspect an Imperial Officer, who originally had pursued Pa... Wu Chu Shi all over Luoyang and Tiandi Town? Hadn't your superior spoken to you about how his Imperial General and his men followed us to Tiandi and almost got this guy killed?

Lord Zhu did tell him what happened with General Lu and his soldiers at Tiandi, but it all happened because General Lu wasn't told by Lord Zhu that he could stop the persecution, so he followed the past mission as he had done all the while. When General Lu was finally informed after he got back to the capital he was taken aback and outraged; he could have saved his ass back at Tiandi if he didn't need to arrest Wu Chu Shi anymore. Some of his men were still recovering from the impacts they received.

Weng Lin answered,

- That matter was already taken care of, and my orders are not to arrest any of you... Just... Make your stay in the Kingdom as comfortable as possible and take your journey as easy as my impediment and health permits me so. On orders of Lord Zhu Quanzong...

Hei Bao couldn't believe such words, especially coming from someone as Weng Lin.

- Really...? How is Lord Zhu now deciding to go against the capital's law?

Weng Lin said while shrugging.

- I don't know either... I am just following orders here no more or less as that. Apparently, Lord Zhu had met with Master Chu some time ago and knew that your journey carried an important significance.

Pamella thpught,

That "Devil King" geezer sure knows how to play his cards well. So, this is part of his plan to have "fun". Keeping an eye on me and my progress with the necklace... Well, I'll show him! If I want my body back, make Xián Leng the hero of this crazy ordeal and get the Hell back home, I should also play my cards accordingly.

She made a yawn, and while she stood, she pulled on Xián Leng's sleeve. She signaled the rest with her eyes.

- Oh my, while you look at that. It is nice and all to talk with you Captain Weng but me and my friends have an important matter to attend to and I'm also feeling tired with the long distance we had traveled to get here. So, if you'll excuse us, we hope you have a great night.

As they rose from the table and walked some steps away, Weng Lin recalled what Lord Zhu told him.

Play nice. Try to show that you are meaning good...

Weng Lin finished the last drop of the already running cold alcohol and caught up to Pamella and the rest.

- If is not to your bother and more to your benefit, if you need any help of any kind, even if to talk to his majesty I would gladly be at your service. I know his majesty very well and can get him to help you with anything that you need.

Xián Leng spoke for Pamella.

- How do you know about us wanting something with his majesty?

Weng Lin trying to hold back any mocking laughter, answered.

- Isn't it obvious? Unless you are just traveling for just enjoyment, only people that traveled from one region to other kingdoms have no other interest than to meet the King.

Pamella thought,

Can't argue that...

Weng Lin continued.

- I might be able to help on speaking to his Majesty. I am sure he wouldn't say no for an answer, especially if the matters are important...

Pamella muttered.

- Very... Very important...

Weng Lin clapped cupped his hands and bowed.

- Well then, it's decided! I shall contact his Majesty early tomorrow morning. Sleep well and take care of that hand of yours Master Chu and... 

As he eyed the rest of the people with Pamella and remained staring at Hei Bao.

- ...Company.

With that he turned around and walked away from them.

In his face, a triumphant smile surfaced.