The two left the tavern and headed for the Bounty Exchange at the village entrance.
A long line stretched outside the building. Two uniformed receptionists stood at the door. Seeing that Lin Chongshu and Uzuki Yugao wore no Missing-nin forehead protectors, they immediately spoke with practiced ease:
"The man becomes a slave, the woman becomes a prostitute."
Before the words had even settled, Lin Chongshu slapped him across the face. "Damn it, I'm here to buy information."
The receptionist clutched his cheek and turned back, his eyes instantly clearing as his tone switched to a standard service voice. "My apologies. May I ask whether the two of you are Missing-nin?"
"You don't let non-Missing-nin inside?"
The man smiled politely. "It's all for safety."
That left Lin Chongshu speechless.
A Bounty Exchange had set up its storefront in the most prominent spot at the village entrance, with two receptionists standing outside like hostesses, then seriously told him it was all for safety. Safety from what?
Lin Chongshu did not want to argue further, so he nodded. "We're Missing-nin."
"Then may I ask for your names?"
"I'm a Missing-nin, and you're asking me to tell you my name? You're picking a fight on purpose, aren't you?" Lin Chongshu raised his hand and slapped him again.
This time, he put more force into it, deliberately matching the local rough-and-tough customs. He knocked the receptionist sideways, sending two teeth flying from his mouth.
Yet the receptionist immediately climbed back up. Blood hung at the corner of his mouth, but his tone remained respectful.
"Sir, did I fail to explain myself clearly? Or would you prefer that I explain while kneeling? If I offended you earlier, you may kill me and have someone else explain it to you."
People nearby continued lining up, drinking, and