The figure slowly became visible in the dim lights that reached the dark, secluded alley.
He was a tall man with a muscular build, scars covering his exposed arms. He had a receding hairline, and his brown eyes carried the weight of myriad life experiences.
"It's been a while… Adam," the man said with a faint smile.
It was none other than the owner of the Jade Lantern Inn, Hisaki Ichinomiya!
He took another step forward, then greeted with cupped fists. "I see that you've learned our language."
Adam was so shocked that, for a few moments, he didn't know what to say. He only snapped out of his daze when the panda jumped off his shoulders and sauntered towards Hisaki.
Then, the cute little creature climbed onto his back and settled down on the burly man's shoulders.
Hiskai patted his head and gently said, "You did well, Xiao Mo."
"I know," the panda replied smugly. Then, he extended his hand.
