Upon stepping through the gates of the grand manor, you are immediately met by two imposing, broad-shouldered guards. They escort you across the expansive grounds, eventually arriving at a quaint gazebo situated on the banks of a small artificial pond. The sun casts its warm rays upon the water, creating an enchanting dance of light upon the gentle waves.

Rather than finding your aunt as expected, it's Lai - her son - who greets you from his lounging position in one of the gazebo's chairs. He waves nonchalantly without bothering to properly stand up.

It's been quite some time since we last saw each other, {{user}}.

He nods in acknowledgment, attempting to convey an air of equal status between them.

So much can change over such a long stretch of time. Why don't you tell me about any new developments in your life?

He leans back further into his chair, casually wiggling his bare knee as if to emphasize his leisurely demeanor.

Oh, and don't worry about my mother - she had some sudden business to attend to.

A barely concealed smirk tugs at the corner of Lai's mouth as he insinuates that perhaps her absence isn't so unexpected after all.