The sudden, sharp sound of the impact on the desk reverberated through the quiet restaurant, momentarily drawing the attention of nearby diners. Fatty Jack's voice carried a note of intensity as he sternly addressed the receptionist.
"Tell the truth," he demanded, his voice tinged with an edge of anger. "If you know something about Lita, you need to tell us now. We won't tolerate any more secrecy, and if you don't cooperate, we'll have to take more drastic measures."
The receptionist, however, did not flinch or succumb to the pressure of Fatty Jack's outburst. Instead, she met his gaze with a calm and professional demeanor. Her eyes, though devoid of fear, held a sense of resolve and restraint.
"I assure you, sir, I have no knowledge of the person you're inquiring about," she replied firmly, maintaining her composure. "My duty is to provide service to our patrons, and I have no reason to withhold information if I possessed any."
The receptionist's response remained steadfast, her professional demeanor unwavering in the face of Fatty Jack's inquiries. Her words held a note of reason and practicality as she sought to explain her position.
"I genuinely do not recall seeing her or hearing her name," she stated calmly, her tone still carrying the measured professionalism that was a hallmark of her role. "In a restaurant like this, we serve thousands of customers every day. It would be quite unusual to expect that I remember each and every face, let alone their names."
Her explanation made sense, and it served as a reminder of the realities of working in a bustling establishment. The Mother's Blessing was a popular dining spot, frequented by a diverse array of patrons. The ebb and flow of customers created a constant stream of faces, each with its own story and purpose.
As Sin absorbed the receptionist's words, he couldn't help but acknowledge the practicality of her perspective. The expectation that she would remember every individual who had dined at the restaurant, especially someone who might have been there only briefly, was indeed unreasonable. He recognized that their pursuit required a more thoughtful and strategic approach. Resorting to intimidation or anger would not yield the answers they sought.
"I understand," Sin interjected, his voice carrying a tone of empathy. "We appreciate your assistance, and we apologize for any inconvenience. If you happen to come across any information related to Lita in the future, we would be grateful if you could reach out to us."
However, the unexpected reaction from Fatty Jack caught Sin off guard, and he found himself torn between frustration and concern. Hearing the receptionist's explanation, Fatty Jack's temper flared, and anger surged within him. In a moment of impulsive rage, he seemed poised to lash out physically at the unsuspecting woman.
Sin, however, recognized the danger of such a reaction and acted swiftly to prevent any escalation. He was thinking what the hack this trash doing by physically attacked a woman? He thought that it could lead to regrettable consequences. In a hurried yet controlled movement, Sin reached out and firmly grabbed the collar of Fatty Jack's shirt with his left hand, effectively restraining him.
The strength that lay within Sin's grasp was formidable. His arms, conditioned and backed by a formidable force of up to 150,000 Newtons, had the power to overpower most adversaries. In this moment, he used that strength not to harm but to hold back, to prevent Fatty Jack from acting on his impulses.
The intensity of the situation hung in the air, as Sin exerted just enough force to keep Fatty Jack in place without causing harm. His grip on the collar served as a physical reminder of the need to exercise restraint.
In his heart, Sin shared Fatty Jack's frustration. The urgency of their mission, coupled with the emotional weight of Lita's disappearance, had created a volatile mixture of emotions. However, he knew that violence or aggression toward an innocent person was not the answer.
After the tense moment with Fatty Jack, Sin knew it was crucial to defuse the situation and mend the temporary rift between his friend and the receptionist. He turned back toward the receptionist, his voice adopting a tone of polite diplomacy.
"I apologize for this pig's outburst," Sin said, his words measured and courteous. "He's not in the best frame of mind because we've been searching tirelessly for his beloved fiancée, Lita. The situation has left him understandably distressed."
The receptionist, who had maintained her professional demeanor throughout the encounter, nodded in understanding. While she might not have been acquainted with Lita or the full scope of their circumstances, she was indeed familiar with Sin's face. The recognition in her eyes was evident, and it was a testament to the infamous reputation or presence Sin carried in certain circles.
In the world they inhabited, Sin was not an ordinary individual. His reputation, whether earned through his actions or conveyed through word of mouth, had afforded him a degree of infamous celebrity.
The receptionist couldn't help but be surprised by Sin's calm and collected demeanor, which contrasted starkly with the rumors she had heard about him. In her line of work, she had encountered various individuals, each with their own unique personalities and tendencies. The reputation that preceded Sin had painted a picture of a man who might be more assertive or even abrasive in certain situations.
Yet, the reality before her was different. Sin had approached the situation with poise and courtesy, recognizing the undue pressure placed on the receptionist due to Fatty Jack's outburst. It wasn't just Sin's composure that caught her off guard; it was also his willingness to extend an apology on behalf of his friend's behavior.
Her astonishment was mirrored in her gaze as she regarded Sin. She had expected an entirely different interaction, one filled with tension or confrontation. Instead, she found herself facing a man who exuded a sense of dignity and grace, even in the face of adversity.
"I appreciate your understanding," Sin replied with a nod, acknowledging the receptionist's surprise. "It's important for us to remain respectful, even when the circumstances are challenging. We're simply concerned for our friend's fiancée, and it has understandably taken a toll on him."
The receptionist nodded, her earlier reservations giving way to a sense of admiration for Sin's character. It was a reminder that people could defy the stereotypes or expectations placed upon them, revealing a depth and complexity that might not be immediately apparent.