———
Unlike the outside, the inside of this rundown building was in perfect condition. The walls were black and white in abstract. Uncle Zhi had designed one entire wall with only the yin and yang symbol. The open window from the ceiling allow natural light to beam inside like the shop was outside on a broad daylight.
To not attract attention from unwanted guests, the shop was built the way it is. No one ever bothers about an old rundown building, so it was the perfect cover up.
Yue Ling likes it when there's people who sees things the same way as she does. Not eye catching, but can blow one's mind away.
"Take a look around, if you need any help, just notify me."
"Mm."
Yue Ling nod her head and tour around the shop. There were rows of shelves neatly in order, each shelf held different items of valuables.
Slowing down in her steps, Yue Ling observe each item with attentively until she came to the last item.
"Hmm..." she sighed in slight disappointment.
There wasn't anything that caught her eyes, nor was there the one thing her grandfather has been looking for. Straightening herself, she turns to look at Uncle Zhi.
"Are the new shipments also put on display?"
"Hahah, of course not. I've specifically put them in the back for my prestige customers only."
Uncle Zhi grin ear to ear with an evil look. Walking towards the back wall, he move an item on the shelf near by and the wall move.
It was a hidden door.
Following behind the man, Yue Ling scan the hidden room. The walls this time was all black and the room was dimly lit. If a someone else was to enter they would probably think they were on a horror film set.
Inside the room, there was only an oak wardrobe against the wall and a table in the center. Yue Ling arch a brow curiously as Uncle Zhi opens the wardrobe with a key and reach for a wooden box. Turning back to Yue Ling, he sets it down on the table.
"This is?" Yue Ling asked.
Uncle Zhi smiles like an evil minister from ancient time, "This Miss Han, is the new shipment I received."
Yue Ling touch her chin and nod her head. "I see."
Looking at the man, Yue Ling didn't say anything, but her expression was enough to tell Uncle Zhi to open the box.
Once he opened the box, he gestures to Yue Ling, "Come take a look. I promise, you won't be disappointed at all."
Yue Ling leaned forward to look inside the box. Seeing the item, a smile bloom on her lips.
Lifting her hands, she close the box.
"I'll take it."
Uncle Zhi stare at Yue Ling in confusion, "But Miss, you didn't even look at it. Are you sure?"
Yue Ling: "It's what I'm looking for."
Uncle Zhi: "What if it's not?"
Yue Ling: "Uncle Zhi wouldn't lie to me."
Uncle Zhi: "Heh heh, true, true."
Yue Ling turned around and walks out of the hidden room, "Please help wrap it for me."
Uncle Zhi carries the box in his hands and trails behind Yue Ling. Closing the door to the hidden room, he snaps a finger and from some unknown spot, a worker appears.
"Wrap this up nicely for Miss Han."
"Yes, Master Zhi."
Yue Ling tilt her head and cross her arms over her chest. Looking at the way Uncle Zhi organize his shop, she couldn't help but think about her paternal grandfather...
"Miss Han, is there anything else this subordinate can do for you?"
Yue Ling shakes her head, "That should be it, thank you Uncle Zhi."
Uncle Zhi laughs heartily, "Haha, whats there to thank? I am grateful to be of help to you."
——
Once the box was nicely wrapped and secured, Yue Ling didn't stay to chat, she needed to do some more shopping and go back home.
She wanted to see her baby!
From behind, Uncle Zhi watched Yue Ling's figure walk through the hallway until she disappeared out the building, he sighed heavily with moisten eyes.
His heart felt pain and sadness watching the once small child he knew.
The masculine guard was still speechless at what happened moments ago, however, he gulped and ask, "Master Zhi, that Miss...."
Uncle Zhi glare at the guard for being an idiot, but being reminded of Yue Ling, he smile faintly and his heart melted.
"That lady is the young Miss. If it was not for her, this place would not have existed, neither would I be the person I am today. Remember her well, I don't want any mistakes again."
Not waiting for a response, Uncle Zhi walks back into the metal doors. He didn't bother about the two idiot security guards who became even more idiotic.
Closing the metal door, Uncle Zhi place his hands behind his back and looks up at the ceiling window. He couldn't help but think of the past.
Before he came Imperial, he was once a lackey of a very wealthy underground boss in Korea. Although they stayed hidden in the dark, they also worked with the government in the shadows.
When the old boss passed away, his granddaughter decided to go into business, she only maintained a good relationship with those who were loyal to her.
She wanted to help change the paths for her comrades and bring them to a new life. Some members decided to stay and work for her as employees, while others like himself, pursued a different path.
Of course, the granddaughter made sure that everyone who left had a stable standing before she fully cut ties with them.
But unlike the other members, Uncle Zhi did not cut ties with that family completely. Although his path is different now, he still remains loyal to the granddaughter.
Uncle Zhi smiles as he remember his life's journey with that family. He was friends with young master, but things changed after he passed away.
It was thanks to that family that even an orphan like him got to experience the warmth and feeling of the word 'home'.
——-