Defeating the Warrior Prince

➳𝕰𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙

By now, all teams are told to return to their residence and examine their mission statements. A rule of thumb: none of the teams are allowed to reveal their mission with any other teams.

Within their own residence, the Sixth Team's members flip through their mission file. From what they read, they conclude that their mission is to uncover secret information about a Chief Magistrate in Chengdu by infiltrating into one of his sumptuous gatherings.

"Secret identities?!" Jun Shao Han screeches, "Homogenize with the crowd?"

Hao Ming lifts up the available fake identities. The team members all observe the basic character information.

"Name: Zhi Ruo. Identity: high-class female entertainer who is skilled in singing and dancing. She is trained in sophisticated conversation and known for her beauty and artistry."

"Name: Xiao Ju. Identity: newly established, middle-class merchant who is interested in working under Chief Magistrate."

"Name: Hui Jin. Identity: female waitress who is responsible for serving the upper level guests dishes of food."

"Name: Liu Min Zhao. Identity: freelancer male multi-instrumentalist who is hired for his ability to uplift the atmosphere. He is the elder brother of Zhi Ruo."

"Name: Guo Xia. Identity: recently hired male guard in the Chief Magistrate's Manor."

Hao Ming takes the general information of Hui Jin and Zhi Ruo. "Two females? How-"

"HAH?!" Jun Shao Han shrieks, "Two of us have to dress as females? How embarrassing. There is no way I will be dressing as a female." He crosses his arms, "No way."

"Well," begins Bai Xuan Ye, "I presume we have no choice but to pick two among us whose figures resemble females the most.

Yu Mu Rong and Yangyue Qin Feng exchange a quick glance with each other; they don't say anything.

Hao Ming squints his eyes and quickly says, "I vote Brother Jun."

"M-Me?" Jun Shao Han scoffs, "I'm should be the last person to be picked.. I mean, look at me!" Jun Shao Han puffs his chest and reveals his chest hair.

"Your baby chest hair does not make any difference," adds Yu Mu Rong.

Jun Shao Han feels a flicker of irritation. "You know what!" He rolls his eyes, "Hao Ming, if you vote for me, then I'll vote for you."

Hao Ming jumps back, "Brother Jun, you're telling me that my body shape fits to be a high-class female entertainer who is skilled in singing and dancing?"

"No. But you can be the female waitress who works in the kitchen. Maybe you sneakily steal food and eat them, which explains the weight. Who knows?"

"Actually," Bai Xuan Ye continues, "I believe Yangyue Qin Feng and Jun Shao Han would be better in acting out the female roles."

Yangyue Qin Feng's heart skips a beat for a second, before she recollects herself. Nervousness beats at her heart.

"See," speaks Hao Ming before nodding firmly. "Even Brother Bai agrees with me. He is always reckoned among the brainiest."

Yangyue Qin Feng contemplates the next steps before turning to the Warrior Prince. She cannot display any sort of biased feelings or else her actions would appear suspicious. "Bai Xuan Ye, care to explain why?"

The corner of Bai Xuan Ye's mouth lifts up. "Both of you guys' figures are small and slim. Your facial features aren't too masculine and voices aren't very deep—it is easier to fake the identities."

"..."

Jun Shao Han sighs helplessly, "I guess there's no choice.. I'll be the female waitress." Scratching his head in vexation, his posture drops into a blob of shame.

Hao Ming turns to Yangyue Qin Feng, "Brother Yangyue, then you'll be the high-class female performer: Zhi Ruo. Are you alright with that?"

Left with no choice, Yangyue Qin Feng nods. Anxiety seamlessly flow within her as she speaks, "That'll be fine."

"If you guys don't mind, I will be the merchant. I am neither fit to be an outstanding body guard or skillful enough to pick up and learn how to play an instrument." Hao Ming does a considerable job of delivering his speech in terms of persuasive delivery.

"Now, we're left with the male bodyguard and the multi-instrumentalist.." Jun Shao Han hums, "Why not Yu Mu Rong be the bodyguard and Bai Xuan Ye be the multi-instrumentalist? Yu Mu Rong fits the aura of a strict bodyguard, whereas Bai Xuan Ye's character fit that of a performer. What do y'say?"

Yu Mu Rong wearily ponders, "Interesting choice, Brother Jun. If you have already built such thoughts, we'll stick with them."

Bai Xuan Ye agrees, "I don't mind. Plus, I am the elder brother of Zhi Ruo." He glances at Yangyue Qin Feng and mischievously grins. "What more is there to say?"

Qin Feng's heart twists with concern; she is not ready to face her reality. Certainly, she hopes that this mission can proceed smoothly.

Each team has two weeks to prepare for their mission. For the Sixth Team's members, it is a matter of conforming into their social identities and understanding the infiltration procedure.

Several days pass as the team members attempt to gain a better understanding of their character's background and to fully indulge in the characters. The way they speak, act, and appear has to fit the image.

Hao Ming rehearses the terminology merchants use and the etiquettes of a businessman. Jun Shao Han practices his patience and maneuvering in swift movements while delivering plates of food. Yu Mu Rong seems to already be prepared for his role; thus, he is responsible for outlining the escape route.

To the team's surprise, Bai Xuan Ye seems to be familiar with instruments such as the Guqin and Pipa. It is not long until he can perform with various instruments merely as a routine duty.

Yangyue Qin Feng has quite a bit to practice, not only in the way she speaks but even the way she lifts her fingers and tilts her head. Most challenging aspect: dancing. She is not able to get a gist of the vivid whirling ribbons, the dynamic stylized movements, and forward-slanted stances.

When she displays her progress through sinuous movements, the team cannot help but secretly snicker.

Jun Shao Han frantically laughs, "PWAHAHAH! Sorry, Qin Feng. You look like a squawking, dying chicken, who is desperately waiting for his last meal, just to have it stolen by another chicken, leaving him to die without a final meal."

Yangyue Qin Feng snatches the back of Jun Shao Han's collar, "Someone forgot to take the trash out."

"AH-AH! I TAKE IT BACK!"