The night air was thick with anticipation as Wei and Mei Lan made their way back to the Midnight Pawnshop, their hearts racing with the excitement of another adventure. The alleyway, dimly lit by flickering street lamps, felt alive with whispers of the unknown, shadows dancing just out of reach. They had made a pact to uncover more about the mysterious occurrences surrounding their school, and tonight, they hoped to glean more insights from Mr. Shen.
As they entered the shop, the familiar scent of aged wood and exotic spices enveloped them. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the shelves lined with peculiar artifacts—each one holding a story waiting to be unveiled. Mr. Shen stood behind the counter, his expression as enigmatic as ever. He looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips as he acknowledged their arrival.
"Back for more knowledge, I see," he said, his voice smooth and inviting. "You've chosen an intriguing time to return."