[Mercy Merchant]

At first, Mrs. Gale is quite nervous even really talking about the vases at all.  Your pictures seem to mollify her a bit, but it is the combination of your willingness to let her husband look at the cabinet and your spell that seem to calm her down.  She finally agrees to let you leave some of the pics behind and she will show them to her husband when he gets home in the evening.  As to everything else, it seems to be already approved.  Marisa had created some renditions of what the rooms would look like with the new furnishings and Mrs. Gale is entranced.  She quickly nods reminds you that your agreement with her had included Y 10K at the start of the process, another Y 10K when the initial work was completed and the furnishings decided upon, and a final Y 10K after everything was purchased and in place.  She immediately slots your credstick for the Y 10K and walks with you to the door, bidding you a nice evening and saying that her husband would be calling her about the cabinet.

[VegasRigged]

Once she agrees I drop the spell and scrub my astral signature. I wish her a good evening and catch a cab back to the office, texting Ni Ni on the way that 'the seed has been planted'.

I had expected my nerves to be on fire, for something to go wrong, but this was easy, a cakewalk even. I've convinced the Lady of the house, and she will bring it to her husband. I may have to persuade him seprately, or he may go and see the cabinet himself, in which case it's Ni Ni's turn to do the convincing.

Just as the cab is arriving I realize I've just been paid 10k nuyen, and my account now sits pretty around 30000. I get in the cab and tell the driver I would like to go to the mall. Their is much that I need.

[Mercy Merchant]

While in the cab, you receive a text from Ni Ni.  >>You have done as well as expected.  Would you be able to make some time in your day to visit me?  I have something of interest to you to discuss.<<

[VegasRigged]

I reply in the affirmative and grudging have the taxi divert to the location she's sent me. In the mean time I look her up on the matrix.

I also compile a list of supplies in going to need to build a magic lodge, bind spirits and make foci. I may not need such things at the moment, but I fully suspect I will.

[Mercy Merchant]

The address is Ling's Palace, in the prestigious Downtown Hilton.  A quick check of the restaurant reveals that it is rated at five stars, serving authentic Asian meals in the heart of Downtown Seattle.  Your check on Ni Ni reveals that she is a respected dealer in high end antiques.  her well-known store is located in China Town and you find many testimonials from the movers and shakers of the sprawl, as well as foreigners.  She offers shopping by matrix as well as a showroom.  She is attractive and single, although she has been rumored to have a "close personal relationship" with a British ex-pat noblewoman by the name of Tanya Marisart.

The cab pulls up at the curb near the restaurant, where a doorman assists you from the cab.  It is fortunate that you are dressed for the meeting with Mrs. Gale, as your suit is acceptable attire here.  barely.  A hostess at the entrance to the restaurant itself bows and welcomes you to Ling's palace.  She determines that you are expected and guides you to a large table occupied by Ni Ni Xiaolu and a man you do not recognize.  As you approach the table the man stands and bows low to Ni Ni and departs, nodding to you as he goes past.  The hostess seats you at the table and you notice that it is set for three diners.  Ni Ni smiles at you.  "I do hope that you are hungry, dear.  The food here is excellent and the portions are generous."  A young man comes to the table and offers you a real menu and a small pot of tea.

[VegasRigged]

The restaurant further lifts my spirits and it reminds me of before, at the Hight of my fame and fortune. I'm pleased my new partner puts in so much effort and seems to be succeeding so thoroughly, the gears in my head wonder how long she'll get to keep the place.

"I'm so glad you called, this is wonderful. I thought I would never see it's like again, without going back to Hong Kong. Now, our business, what do you want to talk about?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni smiles and nods her head.  "Yes, this place is very nice.  I am saddened that I do not eat here as often as I would want to."  She frowns a bit, then chuckles.  "So it is down to business with you?  I do not know whether to be pleased or disappointed.  I think I will choose pleased this time.  I received a message a couple of hours ago that interests me greatly.  I had not thought that you had any friends in Seattle, but I was wrong and must accept some sort of blame for this flaw in my information.  No matter, what is done is in the past and I must move forward with the new and more complete information.  It seems that you have at least one patron, Miss Coulter.  An influential one at that.  I have been asked to ensure that whatever I am planning must include a means for you to survive.  I must say that I dislike being dictated to, but I will humbly accept this request as my command.  To do otherwise would be both foolish and impractical and I like to think that I am neither.  I have had to reevaluate my impression of you in a favorable manner.  You have adroitly found one of the few measures that would have me change my plans almost entirely.  I salute your skill and do hope that we will emerge as friends from this and not opponents.  Please forgive any hurried or thoughtless measure that I might have done to you so far in our joint endeavor.  I assure you that I had no intent to harm or otherwise inconvenience you."  With that, she bows her head to you.

[VegasRigged]

Damnit.

Just when the pieces had started being set on the board, they moved without me. Sylvia involved herself in my affairs, which is something I'll be talking to her about. Now Ni Ni is either cowtowning to my every desire, and maybe flirting with me, or she's playing her hand and making it look like we are on the same side. I had hoped to conceal my connections, but now I'll just have to play it out.

I address her in Japanese "Mrs Xiaolu, you have done nothing to offend me, your behavior has been exemplary and I remain in your debt for my survival. Indeed, I've begun to wonder if I have in fact survived, or if I have escaped the cycles of reincarnation and found my way to nirvana. Whomever it was who believed you deserved some harsh harassment was sorely mistaken, I value the deal we have made and would not see it compromised by even a well intentioned interloper. As to our endeavor you have been most professional, and I wish to hear no more apology until something has truly gone wrong. Now, we are in a restaurant the like of which I've encountered one thrice before, would you be so very kind as to suggest a dish we might share?"

It would seem she's losing ground, and that Sylvia holds the higher ground between the two of them. This is useful information and I intend to make full use of it when the time comes, but I have next to no power base besides what ms Coulter established, and if I'm going to start running my own show I'll need more then a good word from my new playmate.

I need real power.

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni raises her head and smiles at you.  "You speak well and with great intelligence.  I am impressed, Miss Coulter.  I believe that we will work well together.  The well intentioned interloper in this situation is not Triad, but carries a certain........influence that makes it important to at least listen to.  To be honest, her expressed intent was simply to make sure that you are not being compromised unnecessarily.  It is apparent that your ally is interested in your success, and that is admirable.  Such friendships in this business are rare and valuable indeed.  As I hope ours will become as we continue to work together.  I am sorry if I implied anything more than that."

She makes some recommendations for you from the house specialties.  After ordering, she looks to you, saying, "I have already heard from Mr. Gale.  He is interested in coming to the shop to see the cabinet.  Are you available tomorrow afternoon?"

[VegasRigged]

"If that is where I am needed then that is where I shall certainly be. Miss. Gale seems like a kind old women, her fear of the man of the house conveniently removes any moral reservation I might otherwise have had. I am now rather looking forward to the man, have you met him?"

Ok, maybe this is good. Sylvia carries weight with these people, making her influence a shield against betrayal. If Ni Ni betrayed me now she'd have to face reprisal. Perhaps my fortunes were changing, but this means I have to keep Silvia happy, if I'm not careful she could easily foul up one of my Triad jobs, then have me over a barrel depending on her influence for protection, which would put me under her thumb. I need to be cautious with Xiaolu's work and keep this relationship strong and healthy. Give the gangster no reason distrust me.

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni nods.  "Good.  I have the appointment set for two PM.  I was hoping perhaps an informal lunch for the two of us at noon."  She looks up at something over your shoulder and her smile gets broader.  And more genuine.  You turn and see a Caucasian woman walking up to the table.  She is impeccably tailored in a blue business suit of the latest fashion with the hem of the skirt a tasteful few inches below the knee, and the jacket perfectly sets off the light blue blouse.  She walks with a confident sort of grace that attracts attention from men and women alike.  Her smile is also genuine as she approaches the table.  "Am I late?"

Ni Ni bows her head.  "Wherever you are is always Tanya time, so no, you are not late by definition.  Tanya Marisart, may I introduce you to a new acquaintance of mine, Miss Marisa Coulter.  Miss Coulter is the interior decorator I spoke to you about.  She is working out quite well.  Miss Coulter, this is my very good friend, Tanya Marisart.  She is very interested in our project and I believe that the two of you will be working together on this quite closely.  Tanya, dear, I have already ordered for you."

Tanya laughs.  "Am I that predictable?  I might have changed my.......................  OK, No, I would order the same things as always." 

The woman laughs again as she sits down and pours some tea, which she does in the approved manner of someone used to the ceremony, not someone who just pours a cup of tea.  "Miss Coulter, I understand that you have spent some time in Hong Kong.  What did you find most interesting there?"

[VegasRigged]

Time to lay groundwork "Well I must admit my trip ended up being as much professional vacation and personal relaxation. I encountered a man who instructed me in the arts of Feng Shui, which I believe will elevate my skills as a decorator significantly. He was a good man too, older and wise, much the teacher one might expect to find when one is searching for answers in lower Hong Kong. As to my personal time I spent most of it touring the city, seeing the sights, it's such a vibrant little world I find my return to Seattle almost drab, present circumstances excluded of course." I smile and gesture to our surroundings.

This must be No Ni's girlfriend, the two are certainly chummy. it says a great deal that she's being so open with her personal life. She wants us to be friends, or, given the 'Streight to business' comment earlier, perhaps she's looking for more then friends. I really am starting to wonder if this is paradise, should probably watch that feeling, it'll make me sloppy and some other ladder-climbing bitch will take advantage.

Then again, this may be more then an introduction and attempted threesom, I'm dining with a triad boss and Royalty, best to stay on my toes.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya laughs.  "I have been to Hong Kong exactly once and stayed only three weeks there.  I would have liked to stay longer, but I needed to get back to Seattle.  So is this home for you, now?  And Ni Ni says that you might be able to take a look at my place and give me some advice on a couple of things I am interested in purchasing.  What is your hourly fee and when could you be available?  If you can be available, that is."

[VegasRigged]

"For a friend of Ni Ni I will most certainly make time. My rates also change slightly with the space I'm working with, I'd love tI see some pictures, that is if Ni Ni doesn't mind a bit of business with dinner?"

I consider the rate I'd given the Gales and consider the implications of a discount for friends of friends, since that seems to be what we are pretending to be. I also swap briefly over to astral and assense both women descreetly.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya smiles at you.  "I like the way you think.  Give me your code and I will have something sent over.  Perhaps we can do dinner some time and discuss rates and ideas, and I would love to have you take a personal look."  You assence that Ni Ni is awakened, but Tanya is not, although her essence is down, probably from ware of some kind.

The meal goes well; the food is very good and Ni Ni's recommendations prove to be excellent.  The conversation is fun and mostly not related to business.  During the conversation, you get the idea that Tanya is some sort of high society elite, but does not come across as a snob.  You are included in the conversation as Tanya tells several stories of her time in Hong Kong, most of them rather hilarious examples of what not to do as a tourist.