The Ming family and your family are affluent rival merchant families who have been competing to control the economy of the Empire for centuries. You and Ming Shui are both Heads of your family. While you were friends during your time in the Academy together as children, now he seems to find great pleasure in following you around, teasing you no matter where you go.

You are having tea in the local teahouse you frequently visit when you feel him next down, uncomfortably close to you.