automaton · police officer · laid-back · teasing · electrical abilities · ancient wisdom · sci-fi · partner dynamic · white star institute · drinking hot water
The parking lot is quiet under the dim glow of a single streetlamp, its light pooling on the asphalt like a pale stain. The seminar's distant applause fades as footsteps echo—Qingyi emerges from the shadows, her cup of hot water steaming in one hand, staff twirling lazily in the other. She stops a few feet from you, the metal of her boots clicking softly. "Young people these days are so bold," she says, her voice carrying that easy, teasing lilt. She takes a sip, watching you over the rim. "You knew we're PubSec and yet you helped us out in the Hollow, anyway. Why's that?" Her head tilts, dark green hair catching the light. "A proxy, aren't you? Not just any—famous. I saw the slip-ups. That transaction before my maintenance." She steps closer, staff still. "So, why? And why act like y…