In the traditional Japanese quarter, the Ryujin family's ancient dojo stood as a testament to their legendary warrior lineage.
Mei Ryujin's voice echoed through the hallway, rousing her brother Landon Ryujin from slumber. "Big Bro, wake up! I'm going to be late for my interview!" Landon stirred awake in his cluttered bedroom, overlooking the training hall where generations of Ryujins honed their martial arts skills. He remembered his sister's crucial interview at D&B Enterprise and rushed downstairs, starting his red motor scooter in the courtyard, where a beautifully crafted bonsai tree stood guard.
"I told you I have an important interview! How could you forget and sleep?" Mei exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration.
She was dressed in a crisp, white blouse and a knee-length, navy blue skirt that fluttered behind her as she moved. Landon rubbed the sleep from his eyes, apologetic. He was still in his worn sweatpants and faded black shirt, his bed hair disheveled. "I'm so sorry, Mei. Hold on, we'll be there in no time." He revved up his scooter, speeding through the streets with Mei clinging tightly to his back.
As they approached the interview location, Landon slowed down, carefully bringing the scooter to a stop. Mei leapt off, smoothing her clothes and taking a deep breath to compose herself before rushing inside. Landon watched her go, a mix of pride and anxiety churning his chest. As Mei disappeared into the interview room, Landon turned the key on his engine scooter. His phone rang, shrill in the silence.
He answered, "Hello?Landon, where are you? You're supposed to be at work 20 minutes ago!"
Landon's heart sank as he glanced at the time on his phone. He had lost track of the hours, worrying about Mei's interview.
"I'm so sorry, I'm on my way. I'll be there in 10 minutes." "If you're late again, I'll have to cut your salary," the voice warned, the line going dead.
Landon cursed under his breath, twisting the throttle as he sped off towards work. The scooter's engine hummed smoothly as he wove through traffic, his mind racing with the consequences of his tardiness.