Arknights: Mobile City

Yu Wei Restaurant.

A chubby Perro weaved energetically between tables, carrying plates filled with mouth-watering dishes and setting them down in front of eager customers.

Heal stepped inside, casting her gaze around at the diners. Many were clearly from Dali Temple—unfortunately, not the people she needed to meet.

Most patrons were simply ordinary residents of Baizao. Heal sighed softly, walking toward the long table near the kitchen and taking a seat.

"So, what can I get you?" asked a red-haired Perro, Lao Jiang, smiling warmly as he approached.

Heal returned the smile, replying in a casual tone, "Hmm… Anything will do, really. I'm a traveler, new to this place. I'm not picky—can you just get me something… random?"

At this, Lao Jiang's expression stiffened slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Customer, you should know, the word 'random' really puts cooks on the spot…"

He was about to continue, but noticing the barely concealed curiosity in Heal's eyes, he quickly stopped himself. Instinct warned him that continuing would invite trouble—this woman seemed the type to start asking uncomfortable questions.

"Ah, never mind, never mind… I'll ask the chef. Please wait a moment," Lao Jiang said resignedly, shaking his head as he turned toward the kitchen. Heal watched him go, leaning back thoughtfully.

She was carefully planning her next move—specifically, the right moment to reveal her knowledge of Lao Jiang's true identity as a Candleholder.

It would surely draw trouble her way, but that was precisely what she wanted.

She needed attention, a way to inform the True Lung of her presence directly.

She had no patience for navigating Yan's labyrinthine bureaucracy; she was sure True Lung was already aware of the City's existence, or at least would soon be. If he learned she was in Baizao, surely he'd take the initiative to speak with her…

Of course, Heal wasn't completely certain of this plan, but that hardly mattered.

She had bodies to spare; if the plan failed, she'd simply try again in another form.

She had the luxury of trial and error.

Maybe making an even bigger fuss would be better?

After pondering briefly, she tapped her palm decisively. Her plan set, she waited patiently.

Suddenly, from the kitchen, an annoyed voice rose clearly.

"What? Someone ordered 'random'?"

"Well, I'd like to see who's out there making life difficult for chefs—"

The voice belonged to a youth who emerged abruptly, pulling aside the curtain with an irritated expression and looking directly toward Heal. She brushed her hair behind her ear, lifted her head, and met the boy's gaze with an easy smile and sparkling eyes filled with curiosity and surprise.

"Hey! You're the one who ordered 'random'?"

The red-haired boy—Yu—approached wearing an apron, hands on his hips, confronting Heal directly.

Heal nodded calmly.

As Yu prepared to continue his tirade, Heal spoke first. She glanced between Yu and Lao Jiang standing behind him, speaking with a deliberate, curious tone:

"Well… Originally, I just wanted to test Yu Wei Restaurant's cooking, but I didn't expect things to get so interesting as soon as I arrived…"

"Huh? Are you doubting my cooking?"

"No, it's not that… I simply don't know much about Yan yet," Heal raised her hand gently, cutting Yu off smoothly, continuing with serene composure, "But I do find myself rather curious—what brings a Candleholder and a Fragment of Sui to such a humble place?"

Her voice was soft, barely audible, but crystal clear to the three of them.

The effect was immediate and profound.

At that instant, all three fell into stunned silence…

"Here. Your meal."

Two days later, inside a holding room, Yu placed a container down roughly before Heal, his voice indifferent.

Since Heal had openly revealed Yu and Lao Jiang's identities, she had been promptly escorted to this temporary holding room. For Heal, this was exactly what she'd wanted—after all, the more commotion she stirred, the greater her chances of meeting True Lung.

Moreover, though called a holding room, it was comfortably furnished, more like a luxurious inn room. Clearly, officials suspected she might be someone of importance.

As expected, soon after entering, Heal had been questioned repeatedly about how she knew Yu and Lao Jiang's identities. But each time, she'd deftly avoided answering directly, offering only a simple, cryptic explanation:

She was from the City, and she knew almost everything.

Today, Yu had personally come to deliver her meal.

"Thanks."

Heal carelessly took the food container and began eating calmly. Yu stood silently nearby, watching quietly. After a lengthy pause, he abruptly asked:

"So… how exactly did you find out who I was?"

This was the true reason Yu had come personally. He genuinely couldn't fathom how this stranger could know details about him—details few in Yan itself knew.

"Well, like I said, I'm from the City—and in the City, I'm pretty important. Isn't it natural for someone like me to know a little more?" Heal answered with a faint smile.

Yu clenched his fists tightly but finally relaxed them without saying another word.

"You seem troubled. If you ever become curious about the City in the future, come find me. Perhaps I can answer some of your questions."

Heal stood casually, stretching slightly before turning to smile at Yu.

"In the future? Wait… why are you standing up now?"

"I've been hearing footsteps outside the door for a while now… Ah, they've finally arrived."

Heal raised an eyebrow knowingly, walking leisurely to the door and opening it. Yu quickly stepped aside, giving way, while Heal found herself face-to-face with an official waiting respectfully.

"Miss Heal," the official bowed deeply, his voice filled with respect. "His Majesty, the True Lung, wishes to see you."

A satisfied smile curled Heal's lips. Turning slightly, she silently mouthed a farewell to Yu:

"See you later, little guy."