OPEN; SUB-STORY THREAD

[roombamastermind]

Who ⬤ Croix Meridies and you [OPEN]
What ⬤ Substory: Can't Download a Clue
When ⬤ September
Where ⬤ Executive's son's internet cafe
Content Warnings ⬤ Theft? Will Update as needed.


This was almost too easy.

Security at this cafe was, frankly, as embarrassing as its attendance. All Croix had to do was show up and claim to be from the "head office" and explain that someone had complained about one of the computers malfunctioning. She was here to provide "tech support", but she had to take it in to the "head office" to ensure it was working properly.

And so she was walking out of said place of business carrying a box with the computer tower, monitor, and all associated accessories in a box, and was being trusted to bring it back. This had gone off without a hitch, and Croix was practically almost home free.

It'd be a bad time for someone with reason to question her to immediately question her to walk in, wouldn't it?

Comments

[rainswords]

[ Rather than make his appearance through the front entrance, Xingqiu gets up from his seat at one of the cheaply obtained desks. Honestly, he really wasn't being entertained by the computer at that station (that's a hurdle for him to overcome another time). His focus at the moment is the woman who packed up some equipment, he's been here long enough to witness the whole scene and the pretext presented to justify her need to take the computer along with her. She may be able to fool the poorly and inadequately paid staff but he isn't part of the team running this show.

A few steps are taken and he is soon standing in her way, meanings she must come to a stop right? An amiable smile is presented in an attempt to disarm her. Easy and casual he speaks up cheerily. ]

Hey. I heard you're here from the head office, right?

Oh, is that the system malfunctioning as well? There is another one that needs to be taken care of. Can you pack that one up too and take it along with you? Let me show you where it's at.

[ He motions towards the right, prompting her to step along but he won't be getting out of the way. He remains an obstacle in the way towards the exit. ]

( ooc: sorry i am snail :CCC )

[roombamastermind]

(ooc: it's fine)

[Croix stopped, and made a face at what this person was saying.]

I'm afraid I can only carry one. But...well, I suppose I can come back for it?

That all being said, but can you please tell me who you are? You weren't interacting with me when I spoke to the staff earlier.

[rainswords]

That's unfortunate. It would have been best if you could take them both at once.

[ His sorrowful tone is only matched by this expression of grief. Of course, he is only playing along. One of them would have to break character soon enough, right? Let's see how far they can take this — mostly for entertainment purposes — which isn't really conducive to helping turn this business around... ]

And I do apologize for not greeting you prior to now, I was a bit occupied. But I do believe there was no need for me to intervene. Not when you so well communicated the reason for your visit. I am glad to know the people at the head office take such ardent interest in this small out-of-the-way locale.

But please, allow me to introduce myself now. I am Xingqiu, temporarily managing the staff here.

[ No one is going to call him out on that lie. Not the staff anyway, what underpaid teenager in a failing business is going to care? ]

And your name, please?

[roombamastermind]

I see, I see... well, then.

[She smiled warmly, though just a bit of mischievousness was present.]

Before we go any further, since you're the manager here, do you think we could talk to the owner? I'd like him to be part of this conversation as well.

[rainswords]

While I would love for him to be present, at the moment that would be impossible. Presently the weight of obligation has caused him far too much stress to the point he needs time to relax and get a better idea of what he plans to do with his life. From what I know he's taken off on his yacht. But I am sure you were already aware of that?

[ Rather than mischievous, the smile Xingqiu wears is tranquil and pleasant. There is an inviting air about him, in the cordial manner by which he treats her and yet he keeps a formal distance. It's all business after all. Wait. Never mind. From the back pocket of his shorts he fetches his phone. ]

Well, let's see...

Shall we keep going?

[roombamastermind]

...I see.

[ Croix narrows her eyes, and looks around before facing him. There's no one Croix distrusts more than someone who appears too nice, because she's BEEN that person. ]

With all due respect, sir, I've heard about a rash of thievery, as well as young women like myself being approached and taken advantage of! I'd like some confirmation that you are who you say you are.

[ She motions to one of the employees. ]

Shall I ask one of them? They would know, yes.