The biting cold wind cut through the air. Due to the frequent unusual happenings in Rong Town, as the setting sun sank below the horizon, the streets quickly emptied of life.
Shops closed their doors tightly, while only the Pear Garden emitted a faint glow.
A street performer, packing up his belongings, caught the sound of a melody drifting from the Pear Garden. His expression immediately became entranced, and he couldn't help but hum a few bars in harmony.
Having braved the elements for decades, to perform just once on the stage of the Pear Garden would be a life fulfilled for a street performer.
As the sky dimmed further, the performer dared not linger and began walking toward the nearest inn.
Only a plainly dressed child remained, tinkering with a rattle at the Pear Garden's entrance, with no guardian in sight to call him home.
