Chapter Two: Memory Is the Commission

Linchuan's back stiffened. Something in his eyes seemed to break, but he smiled. “No. You remember it wrong.” Shiguang displayed its receipt. COMMISSION COLLECTED: AGE SEVENTEEN, OLD LAN RIVER BRIDGE, FIRST STIRRING OF LOVE. NEXT LOST OBJECT WILL UNLOCK AFTER AUTHENTICATION. A miniature ultraviolet lamp lay beneath the brooch's gemstone setting. When its beam crossed the certificate, a reversed M appeared beside an invisible trust number. Linchuan looked once. “Tomorrow night, every director will attend Obsidian's charity gala. If you want this paper to become power, that's your only opening.” “What do you want for helping me?” “Survive first. Then we'll discuss the price.”