Hung: South Wall

Operator Record South Wall
The whimpering of conscience is drowned out by the clanging of gold and silver in the bowl. Unlock conditions Raise Hung to Elite 2 Level 1. Have at least 50% Trust with Hung.

Characters
Hung Lee Hoodlum Passerby A Passerby B Noodle Shop Owner Former Boss Sickly Man
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5

“

He's a good boy, and he's stubborn to a fault. He loses face, and he loses his living over it. He refuses to bow his head, but there are some problems you can't solve by repeatedly bashing yours against them.

”

<Background 1>
[A passerby walks toward Hung.]
Passerby A	Morning, Hung. Day off?
Hung	Hehe, something came up, so I had to call out.
Passerby A	Are you sick? You should go home and rest!
Hung	Nah, it's not that.
[Another passerby walks toward Hung.]
Passerby A	So, how's your new job going?
Passerby B	(Whisper) Shh! That look on his face, I bet he got fired again.
Passerby A	(Whisper) Again? How many times has that been...? Kid's too nice and doesn't know how to be flexible. (Whisper) You've got to be clever to make it these days.
Passerby B	(Whisper) Yeah, got to move with the times.
[The passerbys leave.]
Hung	......
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 2>
Former Boss	What did I tell you when you first showed up? Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong! Looks like you spent so much time at the top that your brain got addled from the lack of oxygen. You gotta be flexible if you wanna do business in Lungmen! You have any idea how much work it took to get this batch of goods? And you threw it all out, just because you weren't sure of the source! Thank you very much, Mister Avatar of Justice!
Hung	Boss, this stuff's dangerous... what if it gets into the hands of the mafia?
Former Boss	Who cares as long as they pay in gold and silver? Who do you think you are, trying to teach me how to do business?
Hung	But...
Former Boss	But what? No buts. Get out, and don't let me see your face again.
Hung	Sorry, boss, I just...
Former Boss	Get out! You're just like your dad. He deserved to be broke, and you deserve to be out on the street!
Hung	Boss, this has nothing to do with my dad...
Former Boss	GET LOST!
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 1>
Hung	(Rumble–) (Sigh... I should get something to eat, then I can think about what to do next.)
Street Ad	Grand opening! 20% off during the opening promotion! Don't miss your chance to taste authentic Shangshu home cooking!
Hung	(Reaches for the wallet) I think I have enough. Let's go.
<Background 3>
[Hung enters the noodle shop.]
Noodle Shop Owner	Welcome! What can I get you?
Hung	Er, let me look at the menu.
Noodle Shop Owner	How about our signature item the "Full House?" A set of meat and vegetable toppings. It's really great!
Hung	Thanks, but I'll just have a bowl of plain noodles.
Noodle Shop Owner	Just plain noodles? No drink, no sides?
Hung	No, thanks. Just plain noodles.
Noodle Shop Owner	Hmph. Fine, take a number and get in line.
Hung	...Thanks.
[Mr. Lee enters the shop.]
Lee	I'm looking to get a small bowl of noodles... any recommendations for a first timer?
Noodle Shop Owner	That would be our signature "Full House." Everyone loves it!
Lee	Sure, I'll take it.
Noodle Shop Owner	Now that's what I like to hear. Here's your number, and I'll have it to you in a jiffy.
Lee	Alright then, thanks.
[Mr. Lee sits on the same table as Hung.]
Lee	Hey, buddy, have you eaten here before? What do you think?
Hung	No, this is my first time.
Lee	Ever had Shangshu food before?
Hung	I had some when I was little, at a big restaurant with my dad. I loved it.
Lee	Haha. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to restaurants.
[The owner returns with Mr. Lee's noodles.]
Noodle Shop Owner	Here's your noodles, sir. Would love to hear your thoughts afterwards, good or bad.
Lee	Sure thing.
Hung	Excuse me, what about mine...?
Noodle Shop Owner	You can't rush things, you know. Noodles take time.
Hung	But this gentleman's are ready. Why are mine taking longer?
Noodle Shop Owner	What are you talking about? You didn't order the same type. Young people these days have no patience. Good food takes time!
Lee	Ahem. Probably shouldn't keep your customers waiting, friend. You just opened, after all.
Noodle Shop Owner	Huh? Oh, yeah, you're right, enjoy your meal.
[The owner leaves to prepare Hung's noodle.]
Hung	(Nods in gratitude)
Lee	Haha, don't mention it.
Hung	Phew... (I guess I can wait a little longer.) (The interior of this place looks pretty nice. I guess this is the Shangshu style.) (When I was little, dad said we would go to Shangshu and really dig into the local cuisine... bah, no use thinking about it when he's not around anymore.)
[Hung noticed Lee looking around the shop.]
Hung	(Hey, why is that guy peeking left and right?) (He took out a paper packet... Wait, did he just pinch something into the bowl?) Hey, what are you doi–
[A hoodlum angrily calls the owner.]
Hoodlum	Hey, boss, what's going on here?!
Noodle Shop Owner	Is there a problem, sir?
Hoodlum	There's a bug in this bowl! Look, a huge one, black and shiny.
Noodle Shop Owner	That's impossible. I hold myself to the highest standard of cleanliness.
Hoodlum	Talk all you want! I got proof floating right there in this bowl!
Noodle Shop Owner	What are you trying to pull?! I've got cameras watching the shop, they'll prove you're just looking for trouble.
Hoodlum	(Flips over the table) Huh? You want a fight?
Busy with their argument, neither party notices that the bowl of noodles, which was launched into the air with the table, is headed straight for Lee.
Lee	Hm? (No rush. I can dodge it after another bite.)
[Hung stood in the flying noodle's way, causing it to shatter and pouring hot noodle right towards Hung's face.]
Hung	Ow, it burns! Are you ok, sir? Did any of the soup hit you?
Lee	I'm fine. You got a faceful of the hot noodle soup, though. Here, use this handkerchief. (Ack, I guess I owe him one now.)
Hung	Thank you.
Hung shakes off the pieces of noodles and vegetables on his face, then wipes it with the handkerchief. He holds the soiled cloth in his hand, not sure what to do. He looks over to Lee, seeing him point to the top of his head.
Lee	There's still something there.
Hung scratches his head, feels something hard in the fur, and pulls out a big, black, shiny bug.
Hung	......
<Background fades out and in>
Hoodlum	You want a beating, huh?
[The hoodlum grabs the owner and chokes him.]
Noodle Shop Owner	H-Hey, what are you doing?
Hoodlum	I'm not playing word games with you anymore. The fist talks louder!
Noodle Shop Owner	Alright, I won't charge you for the noodles. How about that?
Hoodlum	Are you kidding me? You think one bowl of noodles is gonna do it?
Noodle Shop Owner	Let... let me go, I can't breathe...
Hoodlum	You–
Hung	You heard him? Let him go!
Hoodlum	And who do think you are? Go eat your noodles and stop poking your nose where it doesn't belong.
Hung	Didn't you hear him? Let. Him. Go.
Hoodlum	Looks like you want a beating too, eh?
[A fight ensues between Hung and the hoodlum, but the Perro easily overpowers the hoodlum.]
Hoodlum	I... I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I won't do it again... please, let me go...
[Hung lets the hoodlum go.]
Hung	Could you stop crying? You make it sound like I'm bullying you. (I hit him harder than I meant to. I hope he's okay...) Are you gonna be alright? Do you need a doctor?
Hoodlum	(No way he really cares! He's making sure that I won't spill the beans on him!)
Hung	Are... you alright?
Hoodlum	I-I'm fine, I just fell down on my own, nothing to do with you at all, not a thing!
Hung	Er... fell down? I thought I...
Hoodlum	No, you weren't even there, don't worry, it's all my fault for being so clumsy, haha... I-I gotta go, bye!
[The hoodlum runs off the shop, limping.]
Hung	You're limping... just be careful, don't try to run too fast.
[The owner thanked hung.]
Noodle Shop Owner	Thank you very much! Small businesses like ours always have a hard time.
Hung	You're not hurt, are you?
Noodle Shop Owner	Not at all, thanks to you.
Hung	(Rumble–) Er, sorry, but... are my noodles ready yet?
Noodle Shop Owner	Oh, how silly of me! Take a seat, and I'll be right up with your order.
[The owner rushes to prepare Hung's noodle as Mr. Lee walks toward him.]
Lee	Thanks, kid. A certain little girl would've chewed my head off if I went home with soiled clothes.
Hung	You have a daughter, sir?
Lee	Not exactly... well, I guess daughter's the best way to put it.
Hung	Oh? What do you mean?
Lee	It's a long story... say, you have some good moves. Who did you study with?
Hung	I'm nothing special, just learned a couple things from my dad.
Lee	I remember there was a guy who owned a security firm who used the same grappling technique. His surname escapes me at the moment...
Hung	Ko. That's my father.
Lee	Yeah, that's it! How is he?
Hung	He passed away last year.
Lee	Ah... I'm sorry to hear that.
Hung	It's all in the past now, but thanks for the kind words.
......
Noodle Shop Owner	Here's your noodles, sir. I added a bit of meat broth for you, a touch of extra flavor.
Hung	Oh... thank you. (Picks up chopsticks)
Noodle Shop Owner	Now...
Hung	(Puts down chopsticks) Is there something you wanted to say, sir?
Noodle Shop Owner	Well, you know, rent around here is high, and businesses are always barely scraping by.
Hung	Yes, I know...
Noodle Shop Owner	Sure, chasing away that hoodlum was a big help, but you also made a mess of the place while you were at it. We ought to keep it separate, no? The noodles are for helping me out, which is one thing.
Hung	And the other?
Noodle Shop Owner	About the mess you made... surely it's fair to ask that you pay for repairs?
Hung	(Tightens fist) I was only trying to help you...
Noodle Shop Owner	Hey now, what's with the fist? You're gonna punch me? Looks like you're no better than that hoodlum, pushing people around just because you know kung fu.
Hung	No... I didn't mean to...
Noodle Shop Owner	Then pay up!
Hung	Sir, you shouldn't do this... it's not right...
Noodle Shop Owner	What do you mean not right? Break something, pay for it. It's the proper way to do things.
Hung	I...
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 4>
Hung	You only took a couple of bites, dad... you're not gonna get better like this.
Sickly Man	Oh, don't you worry. The guy in the next bed over already laughs at me for how over-protective my son is... *cough*, *cough*.
Hung	Well, you shouldn't laugh with him, the way your lungs are. Anything else you want to eat? I can slice another apple for you. Hard to sleep on an empty stomach, after all.
Sickly Man	It's been a long time since I've had fried rice.
Hung	Not sure that's a good idea. It'll give you indigestion and keep you up all night.
Sickly Man	Worrying again. I was just kidding, Fine, fine, slice me up an apple.
Hung	Alright...
Sickly Man	How's working coming along? Has Old Li been yelling at you?
Hung	It's going great. Uncle Li says I've got a great attitude.
Sickly Man	Who do you think you're fooling? That long look on your face, I bet you got a good chewing out. No need to hide things from your dad, tell me the truth.
Hung	Well... I got into an argument with Uncle Li. It's just not fair for him to mistreat his customers like that over a few coins.
Sickly Man	Sigh, you're just like me, always so stubborn about doing the right thing. I paid my price; don't be like me.
Hung	Why do you say that? You've always taught me right and wrong.
Sickly Man	And look where it got me! You're barely twenty, with your whole life ahead of you. No need to get yourself bruised and battered like me.
Hung	What are you talking about, dad?!
Sickly Man	Listen to your father, Hei-sing. Sometimes, you have to let it go rather than banging your head against it forever.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 3>
Noodle Shop Owner	Daydreaming, kid? Like I said, the bill's fifteen thousand. How do you want to pay?
Hung	(Loosens fist) ...I don't have a lot of money on me. Can I pay it by helping out around the shop?
Noodle Shop Owner	Ha, sure, wouldn't hurt to have some free labor. I'm sure you can put those muscles to use washing dishes. Meals and bed not included, just to be clear.
Lee	I'm done eating. I'll leave the cash here.
Noodle Shop Owner	Thank you! Have a pleasant day, sir.
Lee	Oh, you said you wanted my thoughts, didn't you? Actually, I just found a big problem that I'd better share.
Noodle Shop Owner	Appreciate it, sir, but I'm a little busy right now.
Lee	Sure, I can wait. Not sure if you can though.
Noodle Shop Owner	Er... well, what is it, sir?
Lee	I was counting your fire extinguishers here while I was eating. I saw three. But if I'm not mistaken, we got some new regs last month that require a minimum of six for an establishment of this size, with a five thousand dollar fine per missing piece. Let me run the numbers here real quick... comes out to fifteen thousand. The fire department's really cracking down on this stuff lately. One call, and the fire marshal's here in minutes. I do wonder if you'd have the time to sort things out. That sure is a pickle, isn't it?
Noodle Shop Owner	No need to beat around the bush, sir.
Lee	Given that you just opened, I think you should probably let it go. Trouble's bad for business.
Noodle Shop Owner	So you're here to play nice guy, eh? Don't you have better things to do than stick your nose where it doesn't belong?
Lee	Oh, but I think my nose very much belongs here. Fire safety is the responsibility of each and every Lungmen citizen, after all.
Noodle Shop Owner	You... how dare you...? Fine, fine, whatever! Forget it, just get out, both of you!
Hung	......
Lee	You heard the man. Let's go.
[Hung and Mr. Lee leaves the shop.]
<Background 5>
[Hung follows Mr. Lee as he walks through the alleys.]
Hung	Thank you so much for helping me out, sir. I'm not sure how to repay your kindness, but if you ever need a pair of strong hands, I'm happy to help.
Lee	Ha, don't mention it. All I did was say a few words.
Hung	S-Sir!
Lee	Really, there's no need to thank me.
[Hung rushes towards Mr. Lee.]
Hung	N-No, it's not that.
Lee	Is there something else?
Hung	Could you... could you teach me?
Lee	Teach you? What could I possibly teach you?
Hung	I used to believe that right and wrong were as clear as black and white. But now, thinking back on things, I see only gray; where white ends and black starts, I just can't tell.
Lee	Oh? And why is that?
Hung	There are so many people here in Lungmen. People looking for money, for justice, for life, for fun, for fame, for the truth... they all gather here. Everyone has a different story, and everyone has their own ideas of right and wrong. When one person's right is another's wrong, they resort to violence and force their ideas on each other. What's right and wrong? Where's justice and fairness? Teach me what you know, sir. I don't want to keep banging my head until I bleed, but I also don't want to bow down to anyone.
Lee	You're still young. It's natural you feel lost. But I can't teach you what you want to know... I'm just one of the many people here in Lungmen, after all.
Hung	Sir, I... (Rumble–)
Lee	...But maybe I can teach you something else. Like how to make fried rice that tastes just right.
Hung	Fried rice?
Lee	Yeah. How about it?
Hung	I... Yes. Thank you, sir.
Lee	Let's go, then. We can get some spring onions and eggs from the market on the way.