Why Are So Many People So High Status?

Losing track of her original thoughts about the newcomer Zhao Liying, Lin Songmei spent some time hugging and chatting with Yan Mingqing. It was only after Han Youhong and Wang Taigang walked over with Zhao Liying behind them did Songmei bolt out of her seat.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I just walked off without greeting you," Songmei stammered with an awkward cough. Extending her hand, Songmei introduced herself with a warm smile, capping it off with a "Nice to meet you!"

Surprising Zhao Liying with her enthusiastic greeting, Songmei couldn't help but praise herself. Everyday, she was getting better and better with putting on the mask of social competence!

"I'm Zhao Liying, first child of the Phoenix Clan, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lin Songmei." Zhao Liying smiled, recovering from her brief surprise without a hitch.

One firm handshake later, Songmei stepped back, letting Mingqing and Taigang—the two informal leaders—talk more with Zhao Liying. Seeing Youhong popping lychee jellies into his mouth without a care in the world, Songmei slid over with a few subtle steps.

Confused for a second as to why Youhong retracted his arms and hid all his jellies, Songmei shrugged the thought away before leaning in to whisper into Youhong's ear. "Want to give me a quick rundown of the Phoenix Clan? I've never heard of them."

"Alright," Youhong nodded with a perplexing sigh of relief, "Yeah the Phoenix Clan is just descended from Phoenixes. Or are they blessed? No one really knows at this point. Anyway, people in the clans that descend from famous beasts that have disappeared from our world are just gifted with a natural affinity with that animal's elements. The Phoenix Clan Liying is a part of is pretty similar to the Kunpeng Clan that Mingqing comes from in a lot of ways."

"Uh huh," Songmei followed along, "So are they like enemies?"

"Hmm... nah. Rivals maybe? The Kunpeng Clan is a single family dynasty that resides and works primarily in the Northern Continent. The Phoenixes live in the West. Something about their family motto of honoring their ancestors who go out with fire." Youhong elaborated, answering Songmei's question before continuing on. "Anyway, you honestly only need to know two things. One, do not mix the Phoenix Clan up with the still currently alive spiritual beast Vermillion Bird. Both parties will violently eviscerate you. Second, she's probably more rich than Taigang and I combined. Like, you know how Mingqing is jaw droppingly rich? Yeah, Liying is too. Anyway, you really need to start reading the news again, she's been all over it, I thought you would've known..."

Flashing a double-thumbs up to Youhong as she slid away back to her original position next to Mingqing, Songmei mouthed "I'll totally definitely start reading the news again," and a "thank you" before giving a mock salute.

Back next to Mingqing, Songmei shimmied herself just a little closer to Mingqing before sliding a hand into Mingqing's pocket to grab her hand. No one would notice. Definitely not.

Ignorant of the done-with-life stare she was getting from Youhong who indeed did notice, Songmei took a moment to just memorize the face of their new party member. Well, Songmei wasn't sure if they were partnering, but for this mission at least it seemed so. Why else would Zhao Liying come by? Add on the fact Taigang and Mingqing were discussing possible fighting configurations and Songmei was pretty sure.

Tapping her chin, Songmei studied Zhao Liying's face while pretending to look at the people bustling around in the courtyard behind her. Songmei couldn't deny Zhao Liying had an attractive face. Her short red hair framed her face well. Freckles dotted her ever-so-slightly tanned skin.

Not bad, not bad. Songmei had no idea if Zhao Liying was into girls, but she was certainly Songmei's type.

Mingqing was still better though. In many ways. Ways Songmei wasn't going to elaborate on though.

Done with memorizing Zhao Liying's face, Songmei only had one more thought. Why was everyone in her party so dang tall? What were they eating??

Sure, growing up Songmei didn't eat her fill every single day, but she was only a hair below average. Taigang was a literal giant, out of everyone Songmei had interacted with regularly, he was, without contest, in the top three when it came to height.

Youhong was average for guys, he was fine, he got a pass. Mingqing though, was a fair bit above average for girls! Sure, Mingqing was a little shorter than Youhong, but she was still half-a-head taller than Songmei!

Now, with the addition of Zhao Liying, Songmei just wanted to melt into the ground. Zhao Liying was about the same height as Youhong, maybe a hair taller, but it was hard to tell when they weren't standing next to each other.

Giving up on her little height comparisons, Songmei chalked the tallness of the other four standing in the circle with her up to their wealth and whatever magic they were exposed to as children.

-----

Participating in some idle chatter in their little corner of the courtyard, Songmei, Mingqing, Youhong, Taigang, and their new addition Zhao Liying tried their best to get to know each other and build some camaraderie. Contrary to the past, even with Songmei present, Mingqing still wasn't the most amicable. Therefore, for Songmei, Youhong, and Taigang, it was just trying to bridge the chasm that stood between Mingqing and Zhao Liying.

With the courtyard jammed with people though, silence fell as speakers booted up and a platform ascended on one side.

[Good morning, good morning! Can I have everyone's attention?]

Bewildered at the disembodied voice radiating from the speakers dispersed across the courtyard, Songmei nudged her way in front of Taigang to get a better look at the platform now sitting above the crowd.

[I'm Yang Tianshu, leader of the caravan and business that will be transporting the cargo today. I just wanted to start out by saying sorry for directing you all to the wrong courtyard. I sincerely thank you all for your cooperation.]

Seeing the short, older, balding man on the platform, Songmei murmured a "huh." She hadn't expected Yang Tianshu to own the company and be the overall leader, but he was a nice guy, so she wasn't... opposed or anything.

[So today, we'll be transporting some valuable supplies and materials given by some generous donors who are supporting the city. Overall, it's a simple guard mission. Because I work for Wrath, and because we will be traveling through some contested areas of Westriver's northside expect attacks from those sponsored by Avarice.]

With some boos echoing from the crowd, Yang Tianshu cleared his throat and waited until they calmed down to continue.

[As I'm sure everyone can tell, we have a huge number of carriages today and a huge number of cultivators as well. Therefore, for the sake of safety and modularity, we'll be splitting up into groups. Judging from how many people there are, I estimate there will be around twenty, maybe thirty groups.]

With everyone's attention gathered over by where the carriages were, the crowd parted as the carriages began to unlatch and move to their respective places around the courtyard.

[Each group will consist of four carriages, every two carriages should be covered by a group of cultivators between three and seven people. Please disperse yourself to a nearby carriage, if you're working in a group of more than seven, split across multiple carriages and if you're working a group of less than three, stand off to the side and we'll distribute you as needed.]

Making eye contact with Mingqing and the others, Songmei motioned towards one of the still unclaimed group waiting areas as the others around them began to disperse and move as well.

[Alright, stay quiet everyone! For the last thing! We'll start sending groups off in a couple of minutes. Each group's carriages have their unique routes already preprogrammed. One member from my side will also be with every group to give additional information. The estimated arrival time, should we be lucky and efficient, will be around mid-afternoon. Good luck and thank you everyone!]