Play@YSDC

Endymion laughs heartily.
"That's the way of the world, my dear boy. Women will move on and the Oriental will mock you incessantly."
His eyes narrow to conspiratorial slits and he smiles.
"That's why I learned Mandarin in the first place, you know."

William laughed dryly, "Well, I suppose so, I suppose so. On an unrelated note, what do you think of the Festival of death coming up? I've heard it's a long tradition here, I'd certainly say my interest is piqued."

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Edward Carver was reading the papers in his carriage as the train rattled closer and closer to its destination. As a journalist, keeping up with the current affairs are as much a right as it is a responsibility.

Edward Carver

After being satisfied that he is up to speed with the current affairs, he decides to now join the impromptu meeting.

Edward slips quietly and unobtrusively through the people assembled here. As he passes by by, he takes note of all the conversations around him.

Listen Roll (25%): 88 (The Dholes House)

Since nothing catches his interest at the moment, he moves towards Cadjost Usairi Waters, with the evident intention of striking up a conversation.

As soon as he has the chance, he will introduce himself: Edward Carver, Foreign Correspondant for the Vancouver Guardian.

Endymion nods, smiling warmly.
"Not just here, I might add, my boy. the Hungry Ghost Festival, or Zhongyuan Jie, is celebrated through most parts of Far Asia, anywhere with a Buddhist tradition, really. We can trace its origins to a Mahayana scripture known as the Ullambana Sutra. In it a disciple of the Buddha ask about how he can relieve the suffering his mother is enduring in her present incarnation as a hungry ghost. Prior to his enlightenment, both of this parents had died. His clairvoyance had found his father's new incarnation in the heavenly realms but his mother had been greedy with money he had left her, refusing to help the monks who passed by, and she had been reborn into Avīci, the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts. These had ravenous appetites but could not eat, either because food burst into flames upon their touch or because their throats were too thin and fragile. Mulian, that is the name of the disciple, is informed that a tray of food offered to the community of monks and nuns at the time of their return from the summer retreat will prompt them to offer prayers that will benefit 7 generations of his ancestors."

He laughs heartily.

"In his case, his mother was raised from the status of a hungry ghost and was reborn as a dog owned by a rich family. He then raised her to human status by giving food and new robes to 500 monks. So you know what to do if you've any recalcitrant relatives."

OOC:,Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival Consulted on 2.01.2018

William is impressed by Endymion's knowledge of the festival. "Sounds like you' really know your stuff"

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"Cadjost Usairi Waters, pleased to meet you Mr. Carver, I never miss a chance to make the news. What can I do for you?"

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The band has arrived and begun to play a slow, beautiful melody. Soon, a few people have paired off and begun to dance. A handsome, well dressed young man approaches Vivienne. "Miss, is there anyway I could have this dance? I'd kick myself if I didn't ask."

Edward Carver


The pleasure is mine, Mr. Waters. The interest of our newspaper is politics, in all shapes and sizes. According to your lights, in what direction is heading China at the present time ? Are you confident that it will be able to create it's own brand of Asian-specific democracy ?

Vivienne smiles and extends her hand. "I'd be delighted," she says. "My name is Vivienne Grey. And yours?"

"I believe that China is a land of opportunity. I have managed great things here, expanded my already considerable holdings and wealth thanks to its people. The future is bright for the Chinese people, but more importantly, the future is bright for business and that means the future is bright for me, Mr. Carver."

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"Simon Chen, pleased to meet you." He takes Vivienne's hand. She notices he hesitates after saying his name. Vivienne might've thought he was white at first glance, but he has subtle Chinese features she didn't notice before she heard his name.

"Likewise, Mr. Chen," says Vivienne, allowing him to lead. "What brings you here?"

Edward Carver:

A commendable ambition for sure, Mr. Waters, coming from an astute businessman like yourself. Our newspaper would be delighted to have the exclusive rights to be the first to announce to the world the concrete measures that you intend to take in the very near future to improve worker's wages and working conditions in your various business ventures. May we count on you in that respect ?

"Now, if you'll excuse me, my boy, dancing isn't all that with a cane and a limp. I think I'll get myself a refreshment."

Endymion orders another drink and watches the dancing for a while.

Vivienne:

"I'm here to visit my paternal grandfather, he's the only part of the family still here in the old country. My father moved to Georgia to live the american dream, but my grandfather would never give up his life as an herbalist. I haven't seen him since I was a child. What brings you here?" Mr. Chen is a talented dancer, he moves gracefully.

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Edward Carver:

Mr. Waters look flustered, even slightly angry. "Well, I have some big projects that I know are going to be big earners. The more my businesses earn the more I can grow them, and the bigger they grow the more jobs become available. I make sure my workers are well cared for, but business is business, if I started giving money away I wouldn't be the tycoon I am today." "Is there anything else?" He adds annoyed. He seems uncomfortable and is trying to politely exit conversation.

Edward Carver:

Mr. Waters, I am sure that you have many projects up your sleeve, and our newspaper will always be happy to report about them, and about their economical, political and social impact, as soon as you find that the time is right to reveal them to the world. Please accept my card. Do not hesitate to contact me at your leisure.

And, with that, Edward Carver breaks off tactfully the conversation, a polite smile on his face. He then turns towards the rest of the party, trying to see if anything or anyone will catch his interest.

"I'm likewise visiting family," says Vivienne as they glide across the floor. "My father works at the British Embassy, and I am on my way to visit him and my mother."

Edward Carver: Edward Carver approaches Dr Porter and introduces himself:

Hello, I am Edward Carver, and I am with the Vancouver Guardian. This is my first trip to China, and I look forward to it being a pleasant one.

Laughing pleasantly, William also introduced himself, shaking Edward Carver’s hand. “Ah, a journalist! I do suppose it is always a great pleasure to talk with cultured people, much like The Professor over here; my name’s William Isaac Hewitt, former pilot, dapper Brit. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Endymion smiles warmly and shakes Carver's hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Carver, and welcome to China! You have come at a most auspicious and eventful time! What business brings you here, if I might be so straightforward and rely on the privilege of age to slake my curiosity?"

Edward Carver: Edward Carver: The May Fourth Movement of 1919 appears to have triggered a strong anti-imperialist, cultural, and political movement in China. People are talking about a rejection of the feodal ways and a move either towards democracy as we know it in North America and Europe, or towards a socialist type of state like the one in Soviet Russia. My newspaper wants to cover theses events as they unfold. Contacts have been made with the current president, Xu Shichang, and my aim is to secure an interview with him when arriving in Beijing.

Endymion harrumphs.
"Fascinating, though I daresay China is ready for neither, but that may lead us into the field of abrasive speculation, and I'm sure the times ahead will prove surprising enough on the political front. "

He coughs and readjusts his pose with a deep moan.

"Damn drafts in these trains... I'm sorry, I have not properly introduced myself. Endymion Porter, at your service."

Edward Carver: Edward Carver:: Nevertheless, significant historical events can take place, regardless of the fact that some, or even most, people are unprepared ... As you say, we shall see ... Glad to meet you, Mr Porter. May I enquire what is your field of work ?