"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Jack. I... I'm afraid the performances can't continue... The City Garden Grand Theater is finished. It's already closed for business."
Huoyiner smiled bitterly, raising a hand to rub his face hard.
"Even the Simon Family is almost finished."
Chen Lun sat down opposite Huoyiner, poured himself a glass of water, and quietly listened to him.
The difficulties facing his family seemed to have left Huoyiner dispirited and dejected. No longer holding so much back, he told Chen Lun everything about the History and Ritual Society's suppression.
"Why... Aren't True God Churches supposed to protect people? Why are they oppressing us... We're just ordinary businesspeople."
Huoyiner propped up his heavy head and mumbled indistinctly.
Silence settled over them for a few seconds.
"What do you plan to do?"
Chen Lun asked.
"I... I don't know."
Huoyiner shook his head blankly.
"Perhaps Father will take us away from Peacock City and start over somewhere else... Somewhere without the History and Ritual Society."
Chen Lun looked at him, thought for a moment, and said:
"Mr. Huoyiner, perhaps you don't need to be so pessimistic. Who knows? Everything might get better in a couple of days."
"No, it won't get better..."
Huoyiner clawed painfully at his hair.
"They're a True God Church. No one in Peacock City is willing to help us anymore... Even the Containment Bureau can do nothing about it."
He poured himself another glass of strong liquor and looked apologetically at Chen Lun.
"The family has been in complete chaos these past few days. Father's been so busy that I haven't had a chance to discuss the collectible with him... But please rest assured, if we really do leave Peacock City, I'll make sure to get that collectible for you before we go."
Chen Lun sighed inwardly.