TL;DR class descriptions/info to help underclassmen know about classes thru personal experiences. Add to it with extra info or questions!
To all the incoming freshmen or other underclassmen - you’ll prolly hear it a lot, but the time really does go by so fast. Enjoy it, soak it in, and step out of your comfort zone. Someone posted their classes thru Purdue to let other students know how those classes were (in case it was a niche/high-level class or it wasn’t on RateMyProfessor). That was pretty helpful to me so Imma do it too. I’ll let u kno how the courses went and what I can remember. I’m graduating from the College of Ag with a B.S. in Animal Sciences with a concentration in Biosciences and minors in Biotechnology and Real Estate. I came into Purdue with AP and Dual Credits, so some things I didn’t take. Anyway, here are the classes I took.
Anyone who’s taken any of these, please add on/say smth else if it has changed! Underclassmen, feel free to ask about them!
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FRESHMAN YEAR
AGR 101: Intro to Ag & Purdue (Multiple lecturers)
This course was THE intro course to Purdue and Ag (duh). It was a 1/2 semester course so I was done with it by week 8 and there was only a quiz. We were told the purpose of Purdue being land-grant and were just intro’d to the different parts/departments of the college of Ag + different success tips. This was also the class where u begin (already) thinking about your 4-year plan and create a LinkedIn. Easy A, just show up and learn about the college of Ag
AGR 114: Intro to ANSC Programs (Ashley York)
Also a 1/2 semester course that was done by Oct. This class just went into depth on what to expect as a student in the department. You may start work on a resumé, continue with planning or LinkedIn. Again, easy A, just show up. Also, Ashley was a saint helping me each year to make sure I was on track, even tho she wasn’t my advisor.
ANSC 102: Intro to Animal Ag (Elizabeth Karcher)
This class was the first “real” class of college. It was just an intro to different domestic species and the operations tht are part of animal ag. I think there was also a lab with the class where u were introduced to animals. Dr. Karcher also was a pretty good professor. Just pay attention - it’s sort of memorization for random facts about animals/common sense depending on what u took in high school/home life in a rural area. Should be easy A.
CHM 115: Gen Chem (Multiple lecturers)
Was never a fan of chemistry, so this class I went into with dread. I didn’t want to take AP Chem, and just dealt with it in college. Honestly, if u took honors/were a good student in hs chemistry, there should be no problem - was basically just like a high school class. There was a lab that went with this course, but because of COVID, I just had an online worksheet to do every week for pre-, in-, and post-lab so I can’t speak on it. If u aren’t inclined to chem, it might take a bit of extra studying, but I was never worried.
PHIL 110: Intro to Philosophy (Taylor Davis)
To be fair, I never exactly wanted to take this exact class. I came from a small town in the Midwest, so I wanted to be sure I wasn’t dumb or anything to the people, cultures, etc. around me. Told my advisor I wanted to take a class to give me more of a “world” perspective, so she suggested the class. It honestly was not bad at all. The professor knew what he was talking abt and very accepting of questions. We learned how to tear down an argument and build it up in several ways and talked about cool things like if we have free will, does God exist, etc. The only assignments that counted for the sem were a midterm and 2 papers - 1 small and 1 large philosophical essay over any topic from the class. Definitely changed my outlook, would recommend taking it. The first part of class was harder - making sure u understand why/how an argument does or doesn’t work - but the rest was fun/easy as the topics were just presented and talked about.
AGEC 217: Economics (Larry Deboer)
I found Econ as a topic in and of itself to be quite boring. Supply and demand, money, etc. The class kind of turned out that way. Its presented as basically supply/demand and reasons for changes to the them were slowly added throughout the semester. We had several assignments, but they were nothing terrible. Gotta give props to the professor, tho. He knew the class wasn’t great but made it fun. Also, the class is flexible for schedules as in some situations it can count for credit in place of ECON251.
POL 223: Intro to Environmental Policy (Tara Grillos)
When I first started, I thought the route I wanted was ANSC with some focus in environmental issues. That’s why I took this class. I don’t understand the “intro” part, really. The whole class was presented as just case studies for things that have happened that impacted policies from the late 1800s/early 1900s until recently. Some of the info was cool. I don’t remember much for assignments, but there was a group project/paper where u had to decide on an environmental issue, state how u plan to fix it, on what level of government, etc. It wasn’t a crazy class to be in as a freshman, but it was not what I was expecting for a POL class.
ANSC 181: Orientation to ANSC (Elizabeth Byers)
Another 1/2 semester course. This class, as far as I can remember, was just for showing u the possibilities available to u in ANSC. This was specifically ANSC. It went over every concentration and what jobs/salaries there were. This was also a class where we were assigned to create our resumés (professionally) and start networking. Just as, if not easier than the other 1/2 semester classes so far.
ANSC 221: Principles of Animal Nutrition (Dale Forsyth)
Sorry but not sorry for anyone in ANSC. The class is boring, but Dr. Dale Forsyth is such a sweet old man. This class is the intro for nutrition in ANSC. U will learn the different required nutrients, food stuffs (supplements and stuff too) that have these nutrients, what happens when animals are given too little of these, and how to balance/create rations for animals (ruminant and non-ruminant). As long as u are okay/good with algebra, there shouldn’t be a problem. U just need to solve systems of equations in Excel to get the right weight of a food stuff. Homework was balancing rations. Exams looked at that + nutrients and their deficiencies. Dr. Forsyth also talks fast and doesn’t slow down because he has a lot to get thru. Come into the class knowing it prolly isn’t going to be very fun, but u need to know it. Try to find something interesting in the whole.
BIOL 111: Fundamentals of Bio II (Sean Humphrey)
Not sure how this class really is. I came into college loving biology and being (not to sound like an ass) great at it. To me, it was easy and relearning biology from high school for a bit. To others it may be a bit more difficult. There is just a lot of memorization. The professor was nice and answered my questions when I had them and explained in great detail if I was confused. I can’t remember any assignments I turned in, or anything about exams. Overall, I thought it was an easy class, but be the judge urself.
CHM 116: Gen Chem (Multiple lecturers)
Just a continuation of CHM 115. It picked up where it left off. Got a little harder, but it was nowhere as hard as TV or anything makes it. There are definitely topics that show up from hs again, but a lot is new. Wasn’t fun for this class switching lecturers every few weeks since they each had their own lecture style. Again, there was a lab section, but because of COVID, it was a worksheet. Not the worst class, but a meh class.
MA 16020: Applied Calc II (Alexandros Kafkas)
The first and only time I had to take math here. In hs I took MA 165 and thought it was a breeze (prolly bc it was hs). To anyone wondering, MA 165 SHOULD count in place of MA 16010 in college of ag. With that in mind, I went into the course knowing what Purdue math is known for, but still keepin an open mind with my abilities. I’m really proud of the grade I got, too. I think a lot of the course depends on the lecturer - mine was good at teaching us new concepts. Learn all you can about the lecturer beforehand, find out if they are good, and see it for yourself. We had quizzes in class every week (MWF) over the previous lecture and homework thru LON-CAPA that was usually due the day aftebefore (Tues, Thurs, Sun, I think). The quizzes and homework were good starting problems. The exams were tough and harder than quizzes/hw. If u’ve done well in math, but aren’t a prodigy or someone who can put in hrs of work, don’t expect to get likely higher than mid-70s on exams. It was common to get around a 50-60%. They do curve “if it’s necessary” but it is ALWAYS necessary.
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SOPHOMORE YEAR
AGR 201: Communicating Across Cultures (Pamala Morris)
To start…BOO. Was not a fan of this class. Felt like it was a money grab and busy work. It was required for some international understanding credits. The content wasnt interesting but for sure important. We were taught to basically be good ppl and about the different types of hardships that groups of ppl could go thru (ageism, sexism, racism, classism, etc.). We were required to buy the book, which was $50, but written by the prof and from what I assume was her website. I don’t recall ever using it unless it was necessary for an assignment. The class helps u relate and think critically, but is done in a piss-poor way. It could hv been the COVID aftermath where lecture was done virtually but we had a class later on with other students for a “lab”. Quizzes were easy, and overall easy, but so bad too.
SPAN 201: Spanish III (Nancy Reyes)
I know I’ve said this already abt other courses, but this still applies. This course was 100% a high school class. I did a placement test into this course (after 3 years in HS Spanish - Fr. to Jr. - with a 2 year gap of not learning) and got all credit for Spanish 1 and 2. Took it for international understanding credits. This course made sure u knew the basics again, spent a lot of time in past tense, then ended w maybe a month in subjective and future tense. There were a few speaking assignments and cultural readings/lectures. Was encouraged to speak Spanish for class, but the prof knew that couldn’t happen but still helped us all. Exams included MC, writing, and listening. Not sure if this is the same for other languages, but hopefully it is.
CHM 255 + 25501: Orgo + Lab (Elizabeth Parkinson)
Dreaded this class, but went in confidently. The class sucks, no other way abt it. It was a lot of memorization and practice. A lot of the “basic” stuff started sticking about halfway thru the semester. It doesn’t help that I stopped going to lecture about 3/4 thru the sem. It wasn’t as hard as expected, but it was still quite hard. The prof was amazing at making the content interesting. Labs were ran by GTAs. Depending on the section your GTA may not kno anything. The labs also did not go along with the lecture - they are 2 separate courses that can individually be passed or failed. Exams were as you would expect with the course - a few high spots among a crowd of C’s and D’s. The lab had multiple things due every week w the semester started. It was expected to do ur pre-lab at start of week, turn in ur in-lab immediately after finishing lab, then the previous week’s post-lab/final lab was due. The lab also holds the policy that if u don’t show up dressed right or sleep late, if you don’t show up within 10/15min of start that u can’t show up and will receive a 0 for the lab.
ANSC 230: Physiology of Domestic Animals (Rod Allrich)
This class taught me a lot. Each week was a different body system and learning info regarding animals individually. Things were taught in general as overarching concepts, but then things were applied as necessary for individual species of animals. Everything was brought up from the digestive system to the endocrine system. The class met 4 days a week and had a quiz once a week. There was no lab when I took the course. The specific professor I had was also interesting to say the least. Dr. Allrich is a funny, good man, but he does not use or create slides. Instead he uses his own website to post info (usually from Merck veterinary) abt whatever it is he wanted u to learn. In class he would just ramble on about what he thought was important. ANYTHING he said could be test material - no matter what (I was told by an upperclassman to remember that his favorite pie was sour cream and raisin pie bc it was a quiz question they had). Now, there is a lab that goes with the course. Also, if u hv Cabot the course material and class are much harder than with Rod. There are expectations, lectures, and more. Regardless of the professor, the information that was taught was useful, remembered, and interesting. In any class, Rod typically will have this structure but will grade easily. Quizzes will be to write statements of fact and exams won’t exist or will be take-home with only having 5 paragraphs to write using a word bank
ABE 226: Biotech Lab I (Kari Clase)
This was the first course I took for my minor in Biotechnology. I did not know what to expect going in as I didn’t grasp the scope of biotech. The course was ran well. The whole class is a wet lab where u are in the scientific process trying to find a new species of bacteriophage. U dig in dirt, do some pipetting, use beakers, make plates, isolate DNA, and send it off. Any research u do/finding a phage gets put into a national database for phage research. U do hv lab notebooks that get checked, but hv an outline to go off. There were several quizzes and deliverables that had us learn about phage more, or aseptic technique. It was a good class. U do have to buy a lab coat (which is kinda cool). Easy class that kickstarted my interest.
CHM 256 + 25601: Orgo II + Lab (David Thompson)
This class was disastrous. It was me, the content AND the professor as to why that was the case. This was just a continuation of course and lab. The new content was harder to wrap my head around, + I stopped going to the lectures about halfway thru the sem. To make matters worse, the class was early and the prof was speaking in mach turtle. I would listen to the lectures a day later so I could 2x speed thru them and the man was sounding like a normal person talked. This class was harder than the previous course. If u didn’t like CHM 255, sorry this is worse. The lab was just the same as the previous sem, but the GTAs changed. Again, labs didn’t go with the lecture and are 2 individual courses to be passed or failed separately. I passed but the class made me rethink my life once or twice and was potentially the worst class I ever took.
STAT 301: Elementary Stat Methods (Spencer Hamrick)
I did not enjoy this course a single bit - besides the professor. The course throws, what I felt like, was the entire concept, terms, rules, designs of statistics at u. It was a lot at once for me. I felt like there was a disconnect between what I was learning and in what ways it applied to me. It wasn’t too difficult, but the class was boring. There was also a lab section that was not great either. We were forced to use SRSS. There were homework assignments on a different software/website that equally were boring. The exams were harder than expected - there were some sections with questions with such small disparities that the answer came down to a difference of 1 word in a sentence. Overall, there’s a lot to learn and it’s all pretty basic to give a general understanding, but it was done poorly. If it was done better, it likely would have been an easy course. This course tho is also one of the worst classes I took.
AGRY 320: Genetics (Joseph Anderson)
There’s not much to say about this course. It was genetics. It felt like another continuation from the end of BIOL 111. It built a foundation for DNA, chromosomes, and went from there. There was a lot of higher thinking and content that was build upon thru the semester. It was a bit of memorization, but the content was fun. There were hotseat/iclicker questions for each lecture. Prof. Anderson was also really good at presenting the info.
AGRY 321: Genetics Lab (Aneesha Kulkarni)
This was the lab that went with AGRY 320. It was separate from the lecture. I do not believe it ever followed along with the lecture. The semester was spent with Arabidopsis. From the plant, we extracted DNA, did PCR, did mutant analysis, etc. The whole semester led up to a final lab report for what had been done that semester. There were also some small lab assignments that needed done. The class was also serious about attendance which could have made a major impact on grades. It is also typically ran by a GTA. It was fun and I enjoyed it. There was never really any work that needed to be done outside of class and at times it let out early.
ANSC 333: Physiology of Reproduction (Jonathan Pasternak)
This was a good class. The content focused on female anatomy/physiology first, then male anatomy/physiology, then on interactions and changes to the body through hormones and development. I found the class to be interesting as there is a lot more that goes into reproduction that u think. It’s a lot of cool info thrown out, but in a manageable way. Notes can go fast n there is a lot of terms and items to pay attention to. There was also a lab portion to this class. The lab went with what we learned in lectures. It was hands-on learning and doing things. It might sound gross but we had a lab where we took fetuses from a pig uterus to weigh and look at. We also looked at pig semen under a microscope. The professor was obsessed with histology. Expect to look at many slides of different tissues and know how/why they differ, where they are from, etc. I don’t remember assignments, but there was a lab practical that involved many things. Overall, it was a fun class.
ABE 227: Biotech Lab II (Kari Clase)
This class was busy. There were lots of things that needed to be done often (oddly no true deadlines it felt like). This was the dry lab portion. After ABE 226, any DNA that was collected sufficiently was sequenced and the data came back. That’s essentially what the semester was for. With the DNA from a phage, u must make entries to find out the start/stop site of genes, gene function; BLAST the genes, gather evidence there is truly a gene, and more. There were some small assignments with deliverables. There was also a larger project that was put into the undergrad research symposium. From the DNA, a small group chose a gene and researched. A lot of busy work and nights up, but there was a final genome announcement and research went into real life.
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JUNIOR YEAR
HIST 33805: History of Human Rights (Rebekah Klein-Pejsova)
This class was a requirement for an upper level humanities course. This class was easy and interactive. There were some readings that had to be done outside of class, but not much else was required. U would read, then come to class, fill out a discussion, and talk. The content started back in history and moved all the way to just beyond the Holocaust. There were a couple writing assignments that were like a paragraph. The final was to write a paragraph on when u thought the history of human rights began. Again, easy and almost no work required.
BCHM 307: Biochem (Barbara Golden)
I loved this course. Dr. Golden was soft spoken but she made sure u got the info u needed. The content felt like a mix of genetics and chem. The course was biology-sided for those that hate chem. This course went back to the central dogma and such, but then included a lot of metabolism and inner workings of cells. There were parts involving the Citric acid cycle and other “basic” biology concepts that went into further explanation from a different perspective. I believe there were also hotseat/iclicker questions. If u liked biology or genetics, u should like this course, too.
BCHM 309: Biochem Lab (Orla Hart)
Just like the genetics lab, this lab did content that led up to something big at the end. The lab was spent learning basic lab technique, then focused on isolating and purifying LDH from a Bradford assay. There were lab reports/assignments, but they all help and lead to the big lab report. It was a fun time. Dr. Hart was a fantastic prof for the course as she fully knew the topic, always helped out, and had high expectations. She would also joke and talk with us. She shared about her family (she’s Irish), her cats, n more. + she would talk with you in her office, where she had Ghirardelli chocolates to eat. There was a written midterm + u are required to wear a lab coat and goggles during lab.
ANSC 311: Animal Breeding & Genetics (Donna Lofgren)
This was another class that I liked a lot. For anyone interested in this topic, it is not what u expect. The class is not punnet squares and seeing what traits u can see. This class was a lot of math. You had to find the allelic/gene frequencies, var, covariance, selection intensity, generation interval, EBV, etc. I cannot stress that this class is a lot of math (prolly 75/25 to 85/15 for math/concepts). It is, however, one of the few genetics restrictive selectives for ANSC (if I remember right). There is other content too, learning about how to breed animals, components of breeding and genetics, etc. There is a lecture and lab. The lab is when homework was intro’d and we were given time to ask questions/complete it. The lab lasted 2 hours, and usually there would be several homework problems left. There was also a large project that used a sim (mine was beef, other years used lamb/sheep). I would have to cull and breed to get better genetics, get rid of disease, etc. The better the offspring the better. This sim was paired with an arrow chart and written report. Lot of work, but a lot of fun.
ANSC 326: Applied Non-Ruminant Nutrition (John Radcliffe)
This class was boring. Unless u love animal nutrition, it’s hard for it not to be. This was like a continuation of ANSC 221, but only focused on (essentially) pigs. Once again, just learning the background/basic info for feeding animals, providing nutrients, and balancing/creating rations. Also, this class also uses a lot of Excel - more than ANSC 221. There was a final for the course, but it was only a 1/2 semester course. There may have also been a lab section, but the work typically finished quickly.
ANSC 446: Companion Animal Mgmt (Rod Allrich)
Another course with Rod. It was basically nonsense. U learned what it took to keep companion animals healthy and managed. Specific diseases/interests were looked at for animals during class + issues/problems with animal clinics, shelters, etc. There wasnt much to learn. Since it was Rod, there were no slides. Anything written could be tested. Students had to present some issue with companion animals for points twice in the semester. There was also an animal business plan due at the end of the semester. It was required to describe the location, services, employees, their benefits, etc. There were no exams, but there were his quizzes - u were provided movies to watch and write a 1-page summary/reflection on what u saw. Once u get used to Rod, his classes are some of the easiest to ever take.
MGMT 200: Intro Accounting (Terra Maienbrook)
This was my first class for my Real Estate minor. If u have taken any math class at college u should be fine. This course is an intro. U learn the accounting equation, debits, credits, depreciation, and interpreting it through balance sheets. It can get a little confusing when things are broken down further, but as long as u pay attention there shouldn’t be trouble. Just remember what debits and credits do and u should pass the course. There were assignments that helped understand what needed to be done and how the content u are learning works, but it turns into busy work later on. If u get 1 small error as ur doing ur balance sheet, then the whole problem will be wrong and it probably won’t tell u what the error is. The professor also used hotseat/iclicker for attendance, so make sure to show up. She did let u come to any section at any time and still do the attendance. Exams weren’t difficult if u pay attention and do well in lecture and homework. If u do well, the prof would even email saying that u did well.
MGMT 304: Intro to Financial Mgmt (Phil Baeza)
This class was okay. Part of it could have been it was the prof’s 2nd semester teaching here. The class was a lot of basic info for management/econ and was also a requirement for the Real Estate minor. U are taught corporate finance + the goals of it, cash flows and a bunch of math with related terms (NPV, PV, NWC, NOI, etc.) None of it was exactly difficult to figure out. The class itself wasn’t bad content-wise. Once u learned the information, it was there. There was a lot of Excel for solving problems. If u aren’t good with Excel - make that a priority. The course also had exams, but you were allowed a typed cheat sheet for each. Besides the exams, there was also a case competition (so many of these in MGMT classes). Info was gathered about a company and with a group had to decide to approve or disapprove of their loan request. Overall, not terrible, but hard to sit thru.
ANSC 303: Animal Behavior (Marisa Erasmus)
This was an interesting class to take. It was pretty fun (and I ended up as a TA, my last semester). The course is essentially psychology in animals. You learn conditioning, scientists who contributed to the study, types of interactions, and types of behaviors (maintenance, maternal, social, play, sickness, etc.) and how they are in animals. The course also has a lab section with it. The lab section is essentially to allow for time for the zoo project, although there were some labs that went to the ASREC to observe those animals. For the project u are provided an animal at the zoo to research, go to the local zoo, and observe them. When ur back you create a presentation for the research you did involving the animal and enrichment provided by the zoo. In class, there were several quizzes over lecture content plus a midterm. There were also assignments, but many of them had some involvement with the zoo. The class also had no final, but there was a final quiz. The professor did talk fast sometimes, but as long as you typed or rewrote notes later, there was no issue.
STAT 503: Stat Methods for Biology (Yan Xing)
Unsure of why, but I loved my grad level stats courses. They were much easier and fun to learn than STAT 301 (so if u hate STAT301, give 503 a try). This course basically started at the beginning. The content started with learning sample vs population, statistic vs parameter, plus sample unit, size, variables, and variable types. The course became harder as time went on, but nothing was super difficult. The topics included basic stats (mean, stdev, var, types of distributions, unions/intersection), marginal probability, tree diagrams, binomial distributions, chi-square, ANOVA, hypothesis testing, and multiple comparisons (like bonferonni). The information was always presented in a way catered to life sciences (crazy). The lectures not presented in class, but expected to be watched beforehand. I did not go to lecture, but watched the lecture videos on my own. That was enough understanding to easily pass. There were homework assignments that were due every other week. Start them sooner than later, you’ll need the time! This class was also my introduction to coding in R. I had no experience in any coding beforehand but easily got the hang of it, especially since the professor provided tutorials. It was used for every homework, basically. There were also quizzes that weren’t too difficult. The class was not easy, but it was fun.
ABE 512: Good Regulatory Practices (Keri Clase/Stephen Byrn)
This was the final class I needed to get my Biotechnology minor. It was terrible. The professors were nice, but there was no structure. The lectures were about regulatory science and dealt a lot with information from the FDA. The course went over the good and required practices required for the creation, testing, passing, and distribution of medical equipment and/or drugs. Every small detail and information that was not in lectures was required to be known. There were quizzes and assignments that all got turned in through Gradescope. The quizzes are where random information was expected to be known. The assignments were deliverables which asked some question or inquired about a part of the process and write about them. The final was a final deliverable that had to effectively be a conglomeration of the other deliverables (but not just copying and pasting). The class wasn’t hard, but very poorly set up.
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SENIOR YEAR
CSR 103: Intro to Personal Finance (Wookjae Heo)
I just needed a filler class in my schedule. I figured it could help learn some “real world” stuff that maybe I wasn’t sure about. The class was completely online with provided lecture videos. It was very easy and what would be expected. Topics went from how to manage debt and make sure you can get loans, to being informed about credit cards and insurance. All the information was easy to get through. There were writing assignments to be done basically every week. The professor would have you read a paper that 50/50 he had a part in writing, and answer questions. Some things were interactives that just needed to be completed (regardless of how well). Not a bad class. It will definitely pad your GPA - everything taught should be common knowledge.
MGMT 370: Real Estate Fundamentals (Lindsay Relihan)
This course was quite informative. It was an average level of difficulty. There was a lot of information that went into it - I mean it is a fundamentals class. Topics that were talked about included foundations of real estate, what is real estate, valuation of property, lending, time value of money, multiple financial ratios, and taxation. There were multiple assignments - some writing and others math. The writing was for discussions (5 of them) about certain papers provided or certain book chapters. The math assignments were problem sets to get done for what we had learned. They gave plenty of time to finish them. Beyond that, there was also another case study/competition. For this a company was selected and given potential locations to move to. You had to decide if it was worth it for the company to move locations.
ANSC 345: Animal Health Management (Rod Allrich)
For this class, I just needed to take another ANSC course. This class was practically the same as any other Rod Allrich course. We learned how to keep animals healthy and basically many different common diseases of animals. From his website, we would get brought to a page talking about some disease or medical problem that could potentially happen and have to write a 1-page summary/reflection. This happened each week. He still did in person quizzes with statements of fact. Once again, students had to make videos/presentations for the class to present on some problem. There was no final exam. Did not learn too much from this one, but it was a great space filler and GPA booster.
ANSC 481: Contemporary Issues in ANSC (Barry Delks)
This is essentially the final push for ANSC students. As seniors, you take this course to prepare you for the real world. Lectures were given by guests who the professor brought in. They would talk about their specific company, career, or niche and any issues they were seeing there plus how to stop them. The professor would then have groups get together to discuss ways to fix the problems and have the guest comment on what was said. There were also assignments to be done, but they were very easy. They were just things to make sure you were on track for a job and/or graduation (having a 30-sec intro, making a cover letter, redoing your resumé). Part of the class was also just attending the career fair.
STAT 512: Applied Regression Analysis (Tiantian Qin)
Like my other grad level stat course, I absolutely loved this one, too. This class was a DIST course. This class solely focused on regressions (simple linear and multiple linear regressions). Topics for the course started with the basics (terms of regression like betas, Xs, SSE, SSR, SST, and diagnostics) and moved to more difficult content (lack-of-fit-testing, global f-testing, transformations, ANOVA, marginal effect, coefficient of partial determination, multicollinearity, and more). I found the content interesting and it was fun to learn about. Nothing was too difficult and could always be asked about through office hours. There were homework assignments that corresponded with the lectures that were due every other week. Again, take the time. The course also used R coding for everything that was done. The course also had a couple exams to do. But the biggest thing was the regression project. This required a group of students to get together, find a set of data, and use it to form a regression analysis. There was a lot of coding involved, but it was fun parsing through and wrangling data.
MGMT 375: Real Estate Law (Cecelia Harper)
This course has been super personal and fun to take. This is one of my last courses for the Real Estate minor and I am glad to have taken it. The course goes over any and all laws that relate to real estate in some way. The course talked about property rights, subsurface rights, common laws, easements on land, financing/lending, prenuptial agreements and other contracts. Most grades come from exams, though. There were 3 during the semester plus the final. All exams (except the final) were open note and book. The final we were allowed a 1-page cheat sheet that was front and back. The only grades that did not come from exams were from the contracts we drafted. You create your own lease agreement and purchase agreement, then pair with someone to mesh them together for a new one of each. I think the course is particularly made tho by the professor. She is a practicing real estate lawyer who knows what she is talking about. She would set it up so the class was very personal and we each asked her questions. It was interesting because she could have stories about clients to connect things from class. She would always entertain questions. There was no extra credit, except for when she would randomly do attendance. The course structure could be changing quite a bit now, tho.
MGMT 43901: Real Estate Investment & Development (Michael Eriksen)
The other last course for my real estate minor. This class was a step away from what I thought it was going to be. This course is geared toward commercial development and the business side, as I felt. There was nothing really said about personal/residential property. The course topics included an overview of real estate, ways/types of investment, estimation of cash flows for commercial real estate and finance terms associated, providing loans/financing, the roles of a developer, and taxes. The course didn’t have many plain assignments. These were Excel files with attached questions and instructions. If you could follow the instructions you did well, plus the assignments built on each other, except the last one - this one used ARGUS software. The majority of the work was spent on a case competition (go figure lol). Students were put into groups to select a plot of land to develop for some commercial purpose and provide the financials, timeline, and reasoning for the decision. There were several required tasks to be done for this assignment, plus a presentation at the end. There was no final exam, but there were 2 midterms. You could use an excel sheet with notes throughout, tho. The professor was good. He catered to his students and asked questions about how we thought the class was going. A good class to take.
BCHM 421: R For Molecular Biosciences (Pete Pascuzzi)
I took this class because my previous classes had made me really like working in R. I took the class to continue on with that. If you do not have a basic understanding of R, it may be a slight learning curve. The class only met on Wednesday and Friday for 2 hours. There wasn’t a lecture every class, but there was usually some work to be done. All assignments were done through R and could typically be finished in the class period. If this wasn’t possible, it could usually be finished the next class. The class just showed different things in R, from graphics and data wrangling to how to process gene ontology. There were homeworks and labs, with labs being more involved. There was a midterm that was open resource and a project. The project was done at the very end with groups who put together code from previous lectures/labs to create an RShiny document. The class did have a final, again open resource, but any graduating seniors did not have to take the final. There was an opportunity for extra credit by creating an R notebook for all your notes for functions and lines of code. The professor was also nice, helpful, and willing to put in effort to match you.
ANSC 351: Meat Science (Yuan Kim)
This class is basically just biology plus some extra info for meat processing. If you have taken muscle biology (or just bio) you will do well. The class does have some busy work, tho. The first part of the class was solely muscle biology. After this, the class went into meat quality (including analysis, factors affecting quality, etc.), parts of production (packaging, freezing, heating), slaughter and that process, then into meat safety. The content was interesting to learn and easy to take in. The class did have several assignments. After every class was a lecture quiz, each week there was a reflection, and every so often there was a case study. Case studies involved reading a case and providing a response to address the cause of a problem and fix it. The whole semester, there was a project involving some topic in meat science (novel tech, meat in diet, lab-grown meat, alternatives, etc.). Groups got together at the beginning of the semester to make a decision on the topic. Then, throughout the semester, groups met with TAs, wrote drafts of a paper, critiqued other student papers, and made a presentation to show the class. Throughout the semester, you have to work 2 shifts at the butcher block or write a giant essay on a book, too. The class also required 4 exams and a final. If you showed up to every class, you were able to skip the final. Dr. Kim loves the topic and wants you to learn, but most of the grading will be done by TAs.

I was wondering about the history of sub-units and hence I made this list. Please let me know if I forgot anyone or made any mistake
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Sub-Unit's debut year	Sub-Unit	Original Group-Debut Year	Members of Sub-unit	Debut Song
2007	Super Junior T	Super Junior - 2005	Leeteuk, Heechul, Shindong , Sungmin and Eunhyuk	Rukogo
2008	Super Junior H	Super Junior-2005	Leeteuk,Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin and Eunhyuk	Cooking? Cooking
2008	Super Junior M	Super Junior-2005	Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi.	U
2010	Orange Caramel	After School-2009	Nana, Lizzy and Raina	Magic Girl
2011	Super Junior D&E	Super Junior-2005	Donghae and Eunhyuk	Oppa, Oppa
2011	After School Red	After School - 2009	Kahi, Jungah, UEE and Nana	Night Into The Sky
2011	After School Blue	After School-2009	Jooyeon, Raina, Lizzy and E-Young	Wonder Boy
2011	Sistar 19	Sistar-2010	Bora and Hyolyn	Ma Boy
2011	Popsicle	DGNA-2010	Mika, Karam and Jay	I'll love you until it snows in the middle of a summer day
2012	Rainbow Pixie	Rainbow - 2009	Seungah, Jisook and Hyunyoung	Hoi Hoi
2012	JJ Project	GOT7-2014	JayB and Jinyoung	Bounce
2012	Girls Generation-TTS	Girls Generation -2007	Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun	Twinkle
2013	M&N	Brown Eyed Girls - 2006	Miryo and Narsha	Tonight
2013	uBeat	U-Kiss - 2008	Eli, A.J and Kevin	Should Have Treated You Better
2013	T-ARA N4	T-ARA - 2009	Eunjung, Hyomin,Jiyeon and Areum	Jeon Won Diary
2013	ZEA-Five	ZEA - 2010	Siwan, Hyungsik, Kevin, Minwoo & Dongjun	The Day We Broke Up
2013	2Yoon	4Minute - 2009	Gayoon and Jiyoon	24/7
2013	100% V	100% - 2012	Hyukjin, Rockhyeon, Jonghwan and Chanyong	Missing You
2013	AOA Black	AOA-2012	Yuna, Mina,Jimin, Youkyung and Choa	Moya
2013	Infinite H	Infinite-2010	Hoya and Dongwoon	Special Girl ft Bumkey
2014	GDX Taeyang	Big Bang - 2006	G-Dragon and Taeyang	Good Boy
2014	Rainbow Blaxx	Rainbow-2009	Jaekyung, Woori, Seungah and Hyunyoung	Cha Cha
2014	Infinite F	Infinite -2010	Sungyeol, Sungjong and L	Heartthrob
2014	Strawberry Milk	Crayon Pop - 2012	Choa and Way	Ok!
2014	Spica S	Spica - 2012	Park Sihyun, Park Narae, Yang Jiwon and Kim Bohyung	Give Your Life
2015	GD&TOP	Big Bang - 2006	G-Dragon & T.O.P	Zutter
2015	Bastarz	Block B - 2011	P.O, U-Kwon and B-Bomb	Zero For Conduct
2015	Vixx LR	Vixx - 2012	Leo and Ravi	Beautiful Liar
2016	AOA Cream	AOA-2012	Hyejeong, Chanmi and Yuna	I'm Jelly Baby
2016	Double S 301	SS501-2005	Heo Youngsaeng,Kim Kyujong and Kim Hyungjun	Pain
2016	9Muses A	9Muses-2010	Gyeongree, Hyemi, Sojin and Keumjo	Lip2Lip
2016	EXO CBX	Exo-2013	Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin	Hey Mama
2016	BTOB Blue	BTOB-2012	Eunkwang, Changsub, Hyunsik and Sungjae	Stand By Me
2017	NU'EST W	NU'EST -2012	JR, Aron, Baekho and Ren	Deja Vu
2017	Oh My Girl Banhana	Oh My Girl - 2015	Hyojung, Yubin and Arin	Banana Allergy Monkey
2017	Gugudan Ogu-Ogu	Gugudan - 2017	Mina and Hyeyeon	Ice Chu
2017	Loona 1/3	Loona - 2018	Heejin, Hyunjin, Vivi and Haseul	Love&Live
2017	Odd Eye Circle	Loona - 2018	Jinsoul, Choerry and Kim Lip	Girl Front
2017	Loona yyxy	Loona-2018	Yves, Gowon, Hyeju and Chuu	Love4eva ft Grimes
2017	MXM	Ab6ix - 2019	Lim Youngmin and Kim Donghyun	I'm The One
2017	Hyeongseop X Euiwoong	Tempest - 2022	Hyeongseop and Euiwoong	It will be good
2018	Girls Generation OH!GG	Girls Generation-2007	Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona	Lil Touch
2018	Gunmin X Heedo	B.I.G - 2014	Gunmin and Heedo	Don't Worry
2018	B.S.S	Seventeen - 2015	Hoshi, Seungkwan and DK	Just Do It
2018	Pristin V	Pristin - 2016	Nayoung, Roa, Eunwoo, Rena and Kyulkyung	Get It
2018	Gugudan SeMiNa	Gugudan - 2016	Sejeong, Nayoung and Mina	Semina
2018	Fanatics Flavor	Fanatics - 2019	Chiayi, Doah and Yoonhye	Milkshake
2019	Exo SC	Exo-2013	Sehun and Chanyeol	What A Life
2019	Jus2	GOT7-2014	JayB and Yugyeom	Focus On Me
2019	Teen Teen	Ghost9-2020	Lee Jinwoo,Lee Taesung, Lee Woojin	It's On You
2020	Super Junior K.R.Y	Super Junior - 2005	Kyuhyun, Ryewook, Yesung	Join Hands
2020	Moonbin&Sanha	Astro-2016	Moonbin, Sanha	Bad Idea
2020	WJSN Chocome	WJSN-2016	Soobin, Luda, Yeoreum, Dayoung	Hmph!
2020	BTOB4U	BTOB - 2012	Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, and Peniel	Show Your Love
2020	Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi	Red Velvet - 2014	Irene and Seulgi	Monster
2020	Even Of Day	Day6-2014	Young K, Wonpil and Dowoon	Where The Sea Sleeps
2020	Dongki I:kan	DKZ - 2019	Jaechan and Munik	Y.O.U
2020	H&D	BAE173-2020	Hangyul and Dohyon	Soul
2021	WJSN The Black	WJSN-2016	Seola,Bona, Exy and Eunseo	Easy
2021	E'LAST U	E'LAST - 2020	Choi In, Rano, Wonjun and Seungyeop	The Beginning of Spring
2022	Apink Chobom	Apink-2011	Chorong and Bomi	Copycat
2022	JinJin & Rocky	Astro-2016	JinJin and Rocky	Just Breath
2022	Mamamoo+	Mamamoo-2014	Solar and Moonbyul	Better ft Big Naugty
2023	Shownu x Hyungwon	Monsta X - 2015	Shownu and Hyungwon	Love Me A Little
2023	MiSaMo	Twice - 2015	Mina, Sana and Momo	Do Not Touch
2023	NCT DoJaeJung	NCT 127 - 2017	Doyoung, Jaehyun and Jungwoo	Perfume
2023	Nine To Six	DKZ - 2019	Jonghyeong and Mingyu	Don't Call Me
2023	Treasure T5	Treasure - 2020	Junghwan, Jihoon, Junkyu, Jaehyuk and Doyoung	Move
2024	Super Junior L.S.S	Super Junior - 2005	Leeteuk, Shindong and Siwon	Suit Up

Xin chào tất cả mng ạ. Em là nữ và em cùng 1 bạn nam bằng tuổi đang tìm hiểu nhau. Bạn này thì khá hiền, gia đình cơ bản và đang học an ninh. Một lần em phát hiện ra khi vào xem trang cá nhân insta của bạn này thì toàn theo dõi gái ăn mặc hở hang 1 cách táo bạo, hở mông và ngực, thậm chí mặc như không mặc. Em có thể thông cảm là ở trong môi trường an ninh bí bách hay là theo dõi chỉ để ngắm nhưng em cảm thấy thật sự rất là ớn. Ớn là bởi vì em thấy tiktok hay insta chỉ theo dõi những trang 18+ như thế mà không thấy có sở thích nào khác về nghệ thuật hay thể thao như bóng đá hay bóng rổ hay âm nhạc. Em thấy chuyện xem phim con heo hay ngắm gái là chuyện hoàn toàn bình thường. Nhưng đây là với tần suất nhiều và ở phần theo dõi trên insta toàn là những trang có nội dung đó, không có trang nào lành mạnh hơn nên em mới suy nghĩ đó ạ 🥲 Em cũng đã chia sẻ quan điểm của em và bạn ấy có bảo là hiểu nhưng lại vẫn tiếp tục theo dõi, chỉ là theo dõi bớt đi. Còn tần suất xem có nhiều hay không thì em cũng không rõ tại cũng k kè kè ở bên nhau.
Bạn ấy nói thích em, thích em vì em mộc mạc, giản dị nhưng lại toàn đi xem mấy trang như vậy. Thế liệu có phải là thật sự thích k ạ? Mọi người có hiểu cảm giác của em không khi ngta bảo thích mình như khi ngta mở insta hay tiktok lên, đập vào mắt mình là hình gái gú ạ 🥲 Có lần còn mở nhầm trước mặt cả mấy đứa bạn của em mà bạn em đều là con gái. Lúc đấy em hạn hán lời lun 🥹
Theo mọi người thì em nên làm gì? Mấy cái kiểu này nó có ảnh hưởng đến tâm lí con người không ạ? Em suy nghĩ về việc thiếu kĩ năng sống( trong cách xử sự và quan tâm mọi người xung quanh) có phải từ những thói quen thiếu lành mạnh như này k?(vì em biết nhà có điều kiện và được bố mẹ chiều chuộng cũng là 1 phần gây nên sự thiếu kĩ năng của bạn)
Thực ra là bạn này hứa sẽ thay đổi nên em quyết định cho bạn ấy thời gian xem sao. Được cái là em nói thì cũng có biết lắng nghe và muốn thay đổi, có vẻ là ý chí chưa đủ lớn và cũng chịu sự ảnh hưởng của những đứa bạn xung quanh nên thế.

Ngư dân Hà Tĩnh quá đói, đánh bắt cả cá HEO, tổng cộng 19 con con CÁ HEO.
Số cá đánh bắt được sau đó ngư dân thả về biển nhưng có 1 con đã chết, 2 con yếu dần. Đây là hiện tượng chưa từng xuất hiện tại địa phương này.
Hàn Quốc còn có chương trình du lịch ngắm cá heo ở đảo Jeju, tuyên truyền bảo vệ, nhân giống cá heo, làm cả phim chiếu Netflix tôn vinh cá heo....
Riết rồi xứ Đông Lào đéo còn đất để cạp ăn luôn ;-P
19 con cá lạ vướng lưới ngư dân Hà Tĩnh⁤ (tienphong.vn)

Sau khi đi tù về vài năm, khoảng 1985, tôi có mở một tiệm làm hình và tráng phim gia công trên đường Lý Thái Tổ, Sài Gòn.
Nhờ vậy, ở đây tôi có dịp tiếp xúc với nhiều người đủ mọi tầng lớp xã hội và ở khắp mọi miền, nhất là dân miền Bắc, sau tháng Tư, 1975, đổ xô vào Nam kiếm ăn rất nhiều. Vì dù miền Nam sau ngày “giải phóng” đã xuống cấp tột cùng, trông cũng còn khá giả, tươm tất hơn ở miền Bắc sau 20 năm dưới chế độ Cộng Sản.
Một ngày nọ, tôi gặp một người trung niên miền Bắc, trông mặt mày cũng khôi ngô, nhưng áo quần nhàu nát, làn da xanh mét như người thiếu ăn, anh vào tiệm, ngửa tay ra, nói mấy câu. Nghe giọng nói tôi biết ngay là người này ở ngoài Bắc mới vào, đang hành nghề xin ăn.
Tôi hỏi anh, “Tận ngoài Bắc, sao anh vào đây đi ăn xin?”
Không hề ngượng nghịu, anh nói rõ, “Vào đây xin 10 người cũng có được 6 người móc túi cho, lại chẳng bao giờ bị chửi bới. Ngoài Bắc, nhất là Hà Nội, thì đừng hòng! Có mà chết đói.”
Ðó là điều tôi nhận ra, như vậy là có sự khác biệt nhau giữa Sài Gòn và Hà Nội. Hà Nội đại diện cho miền Bắc và Sài Gòn phản ánh cho những đặc tính của miền Nam.
Cộng Sản vào không phải làm điện khí hóa cho nông thôn trở thành thành thị, nhưng thật tình đã “nông thôn hóa” thành thị, nên dân Sài Gòn thường trực bị cúp điện, nhiều nơi tìm cách đào giếng để kiếm nước và sẵn sàng bới sân gạch lên để trồng khoai lang cải thiện, hay như ông bạn tôi ở chung cư Thanh Ða, bớt chỗ sinh hoạt để nuôi hai con heo nái trên sân thượng.

Sài Gòn sau thời gian đổi tên, nguyên do chỉ vì cái bến Nhà Rồng chết tiệt, chẳng mấy chốc xuống gần bằng Hà Nội.

Bằng Hà Nội hơn, nhất là sau khi họ ồ ạt “vào thành phố” như một câu hát của Trịnh Công Sơn, với những “cửa hàng thịt phụ nữ,” “cửa hàng chất đốt thanh niên” mọc ra, cái cảnh phơi áo quần trên cửa sổ, treo khăn lông trong “xe con,” nuôi heo, trồng rau ngay trong sân nhà, hay hai anh bộ đội lái xe khác chiều dừng xe ngay giữa lộ để nói chuyện với nhau, bất cần tiếng chửi của thiên hạ.
Mới thoạt nhìn, Sài Gòn bỏ hẻm còn ngõ, bỏ đường còn phố, và bắt đầu nhếch nhác giống Hà Nội, nhưng sự thật trong gan ruột, hai thành phố đối cực, đối đầu này đang có những điều khác biệt, một bên là “nơi hang ổ cuối cùng và đâu cũng thấy tàn dư Mỹ Ngụy,” và Hà Nội, “thủ đô của lương tri, phẩm giá con người!” Vì vậy mà ngày nay, sau gần 40 năm “thống nhất” người ta còn đi tìm và thấy ra có quá nhiều khác biệt giữa Sài Gòn, Hà Nội. Cách biệt vì cách đối xử chính trị như vậy, trách sao Sài Gòn và Hà Nội không cách biệt về văn hóa, mặc dầu lúc nào hai bên cũng cho bên kia là “quê hương tù đày!” Tuy vậy, Hà Nội thắt lưng, buộc bụng, tẩy não, “dốc hết hạt gạo, cục muối cho miền Nam đánh Mỹ,” làm sao so được với Sài Gòn “bơ thừa sữa cặn!”
Nói về giáo dục, sau tháng Tư, 1975, đồng bào và thầy cô giáo miền Nam hẳn đã biết loại văn hóa ăn nói vô lễ, thô tục của lũ trẻ miền Bắc mới vào Nam, vì miền Bắc không có khẩu hiệu “tiên học lễ, hậu học văn” treo trong các lớp Tiểu Học. Ngày ra Bắc, lên tận Hoàng Liên Sơn, tôi đã trông thấy những nét văn hóa tiêu biểu, được viết bậy lên vách tường nhà trường Tiểu Học, chưa kịp xóa sạch, nói đến sự quan hệ của ngành công an và giáo dục: “Công An (đ.) Cô Giáo!”
Trên đường làng Cẩm Nhân, Yên Bái, chúng tôi đi ngang một nhà giữ trẻ của hợp tác xã, nghe tiếng trẻ khóc la và tiếng quát của một phụ nữ: “Bố mẹ chúng mày (đ.) cho lắm vào, để chúng mày làm khổ thân bà!” “Bà” đây là người giữ trẻ của hợp tác xã nông nghiệp, bà có nhiệm vụ giữ trẻ thì khỏi ra đồng như các hợp tác xã viên khác. Liệu lũ trẻ này lớn lên dưới sự chăm sóc của những người này này, ngôn ngữ của chúng sẽ ra sao?
Trên các blog và báo chí trong nước, đề tài “những sự khác biệt giữa Sài Gòn và Hà Nội” tương đối là một đề tài hấp dẫn.
Tôi dẫn một vài ví dụ:
Giao tiếp:
– Ở Sài Gòn, bạn dửng dưng khi thấy cô bán hàng cúi gập người chào bạn.
– Ở Hà Nội, bạn xúc động đến sững sờ khi thấy ai đó nói lời cảm ơn.
Hàng quán:
– Tô hủ tíu mì Sài Gòn được bưng ra với tô được đặt trên chiếc dĩa.
– Bát phở gà Hà Nội được “khuyến mại” với ngón tay cái của con bé bưng bê!
Ca ve:
– Khi bạn vừa thanh toán xong tiền cho cave…

• Cave Hà Nội: “Cho em xin thêm 10 nghìn để còn đi xe ôm về.” Cave Sài Gòn: “Em bớt cho anh 10 ngàn, lần sau nhớ kêu em nha!”

Nhà sách:
– Hà Nội: Nhân viên hách dịch.
– Sài Gòn: Vào đọc chùa thoải mái, nhất là các em bé, có thể ngồi tại chỗ đọc mà không sợ bị đuổi!
Trong quán ăn:
– Sài Gòn: “Dạ, em làm liền.”
– Hà Nội: “Làm gì mà cuống lên thế! Muốn nhanh thì xéo sang hàng khác!”
Bạn bè:
– Hà Nội: Hay để bụng, ghét mà trước mặt vẫn chơi, về nhà nói xấu.
– Sài Gòn: Mau huề, ghét là biến, không chạm mặt!
Nhưng liệu những sự khác biệt này kéo dài được bao lâu nữa?

Bây giờ, Sài Gòn và Hà Nội đã bắt đầu giống nhau, ảnh hưởng và bị đồng hóa, vì người Nam ra Bắc thì ít mà người Bắc vô Nam càng ngày càng đông

Như một người tên Jor Dan viết trên blog:
“Mỗi người có một cách suy nghĩ riêng. Nhưng đa phần chỉ nói yêu Hà Nội, nhưng lại thích được sống ở Sài Gòn. Ca sĩ Hà Nội vào Sài Gòn lập nghiệp nhiều quá còn gì!”
Sau gần 40 năm bây giờ hai thành phố này đã có những chuyện giống nhau. Ở đâu cũng kẹt xe kinh khủng, và sau một trận mưa, không chỉ ở thành phố “bác” mà ở Hà… cũng lội!
Vô kỷ luật:
Sinh viên:
– Hà Nội: Nhiều em cave trông như sinh viên.
– Sài Gòn: Nhiều em sinh viên trông như cave.
Giao thông:
– Sài Gòn: Bạn có thể vượt đèn đỏ thoải mái.
– Hà Nội: Bạn có thể lượn lờ trước mũi xe hơi.

Chúng ta không hy vọng gì Hà Nội và Sài Gòn sẽ mãi mãi khác nhau. Sự đồng hóa và việc di dân ồ ạt sẽ làm cho Sài Gòn càng ngày càng gần với Hà Nội.

Ðiều rõ nhất là Hà Nội trước năm 1954 và Hà Nội bây giờ hoàn toàn khác nhau. Năm 1954, sau Hiệp Ðịnh Geneva, một số người đã mang sự thanh lịch của Hà Thành năm xưa đi xa, để “Hà Lội” ngày nay cho những người mới vào tiếp thu, từ giọng nói đến văn hóa cư xử đã hoàn toàn khác biệt.

Người Sài Gòn hôm nay sẽ không còn là người Sài Gòn của những ngày tháng cũ, tất cả chỉ còn là chuyện thời gian.

Chỉ sợ sau ngày Sài Gòn trở lại tên cũ, chất Sài Gòn sẽ không còn nữa.

Chúng ta yêu Sài Gòn chính là yêu chính chúng ta, cái bóng của dĩ vãng. Muốn Sài Gòn không đổi thay, chính lòng mình phải không thay đổi.

Huy Phương

Hoa Kỳ, ngày 24 tháng 8 năm 1991
Em Bảy Mô thân mến,
Bất ngờ anh bắt gặp một quyển sách tiếng Anh viết về địa đạo Củ Chi trong đó có đề cập tới em và hình em nữa. Xem xong quyển sách này anh cười phì vì nó hài hước và bịp bợm quá lẽ, anh không muốn nêu tên sách và tác giả ra đây vì họ không đáng cho anh gọi là nhà văn, mà họ chỉ đáng được gọi là những thằng bịp. Nếu em đọc được tiếng Ăng-Lê thì anh sẽ tìm cách gởi về cho em xem. Và chắc em sẽ có cảm tưởng rằng tác giả của quyển sách nói về một chuyện giả tưởng trên mặt trăng hoặc dưới đáy biển. Anh tự hỏi tại sao tác giả quá ngây ngô để bị lừa một cách dễ dàng rồi trở lại lừa độc giả của họ một cách vô lương như thế. Nhưng cho dù họ bịp được toàn nhân loại đi nữa, họ cũng không lừa được anh và em., những kẻ đã từng đổ mồ hôi và máu trên mảnh đất này. Riêng anh thì đã tử thủ mặt trận: Hai ngàn ngày đêm, không vắng mặt chút nào. Để nói cho độc giả biết rằng bọn Cộng Sản đã bày trò bịp thế gian một lần nữa, sau vụ đường mòn xương trắng và khuyên những người nhẹ dạ chớ có mắc lừa, anh quyết định viết quyển sách này.
Họ bảo rằng bề dài địa đạo là hai trăm dậm. Em có tin không ? Sự thực Củ Chi có mấy khúc địa đạo còn tạm xài được trước khi Mỹ vô (1964) ? Quận Củ Chi là một quận nhỏ gồm mươi lăm xã cách Sài gòn hai chục cây số đường chim bay, nhưng nó là cửa ngỏ đi vào Sài gòn cho nên có hai bên Quốc Gia lẫn Cộng Sản đều tử chiến ở đây, một chiến trường khốc liệt nhất Miền Nam trong cuộc chiến tranh lần thứ hai của nước ta. Nếu tính bề châu vi thì quận Củ Chi đo được chừng năm mươi cây số. Như vậy bề dài của địa đạo ít nhất bốn lần chu vi Củ Chi. Họ còn viết rằng địa đạo đã lập thành một vòng đai thép bao quanh căn cứ Đồng Dù và người cán bộ mặt trận có thể ở dưới địa đạo nghe nhạc đang đánh ở trên căn cứ này. Cụ thể là ông Năm Phạm Sang ngồi đàn dưới địa đạo mà nghe Bon Hope diễn kịch ở trên đầu hắn.
Quyển sách ma này nói láo, nói bậy hoặc nói nhầm hầu hết về những gì đã xảy ra ở Củ Chi trong vòng năm năm (1965-1970) anh và em có mặt ở đó. Nhưng ở đây anh chỉ nhặt ra vài ba điểm quá ư ngu xuẩn của tác giả mà một người đã dám cầm bút viết nên sách dù kém tài đến đâu cũng không thể có được . Ví dụ họ viết rằng anh Tám Lê và vợ là Thị Thắm mổ xẻ thương binh dưới địa đạo. Xin hỏi: “Làm cách nào để đem thương binh xuống đó ? ” Nên biết rằng miệng địa đạo chỉ hẹp bằng cái khay trầu thôi. Người thường tuột xuống đó còn phải lách chứ không dễ dàng. Thương binh, nếu nặng thì nằm trên cáng, còn nhẹ thì băng bó đầy mình làm sao tụt xuống được? Và nếu có tụt xuống được thì nằm ở đâu, dụng cụ gì, đèn đóm nào dùng cho cuộc giải phẫu. Đó là chưa nói đến cái không khí ác độc ở dưới địa đạo. Người khỏe mạnh bất đắc dĩ phải xuống địa đạo thì chỉ trong vài tiếng đồng hồ là đã mệt ngất ngư rồi: vì không đủ dưỡng khí! Nếu bị kẹt vài giờ dưới đó thì con người đã trở thành miếng giẻ rách, còn khi bò lên được thì đã quên hết tên họ mình. Vậy sau khi được giải phẫu, thương binh phải sống dưới đó làm sao? Đó là chưa kể những việc lặt vặt khác như thương binh phóng uế hoặc thủ tiêu những băng đầy máu me. Những người chưa từng ở địa đạo nghe mấy vị này mô tả chắc sẽ nghĩ rằng cuộc sống dưới địa đạo khỏe khoắn như ở trong nhà lầu có máy điều hòa không khí. Xin thưa câu chuyện không đẹp tai cho lắm: Một lần nọ khi chui xuống địa đạo chúng tôi bị quân Việt Nam Cộng hòa chốt trên đầu không lên được. Rủi thay một nữ cán bộ có đường kinh. Nếu ở trên mặt đất thì dù không kịp dùng băng vệ sinh người đàn bà vẫn không toát ra mùi gì (xin lỗi) nhưng ở dưới địa đạo gặp trường hợp này mọi người đều ngặt mình như sắp chết vì cái mùi uế tạp kia. Người chưa từng ở địa đạo không thể biết rằng đánh một cái rắm dưới đó chẳng khác nào bỏ một trái bom nguyên tử.
Vậy ông anh hùng Tám Lê có lẽ là một Tề Thiên Đại Thánh mới có thể biến thương binh nhỏ lại bằng cái tăm để đem xuống địa đạo và nhổ lông khỉ của mình biến thành dụng cụ đèn đóm để giải phẫu chăng ? Ông Tám Lê quân y sĩ giải phẫu thương binh thì có, nhưng bảo rằng ông ta giải phẫu thương binh dưới địa đạo là một chuyện nói láo bỏ sách vở và coi khoa học là một bãi phân chuồng cũng như ông đại tướng bần cố nông Nguyễn Chí Thanh đem hầm đất ra chống B52 để rồi bị chết thảm thương như vậy. Sức khoan phá của một quả bom đìa là mười một thước bề sâu.
Đây anh xin nhắc lại một câu chuyện mà hai anh em mình cùng chứng kiến: Lần đó anh bị thương miểng đạn M79, em và tổ nữ “dũng sĩ” của em đưa anh vào quân y của ông Tám Lê. Vừa tới nơi anh hết sức ngạc nhiên vì thấy một toán bộ đội rượt đánh hai vợ chồng Tám Lê chạy bò càn trong rừng. Kể cũng tội cho ông. Tiểu đoàn Quyết Thắng đánh ở Lộ 6 Gò Nổi bị thương nhiều quá. Chờ đến sáng mới đem thương binh về tới Rừng Lộc Thuận tức là căn cứ của ông Tám Lê thì bị ông từ chối. May có anh ở đó, anh rầy lính tráng và năn nỉ Tám Lê rán giúp dùm, hòa giải xích mích.
Năm 1967, trong cuộc càn Cedar Falls của Mỹ anh phải điều động một đại đội tới khiêng thương binh chạy dưới mưa bom B52 sau trận đánh Cây Trắc đường I làng Phú Hoà Đông về tới Bến Chùa. Trên một trăm thương binh nằm dầy đặc một khu rừng như củi mục. Tiếng la ó, rên rỉ, chửi bới vang trời. Thương binh nằm phơi bụng dưới bóng cây. Những người may mắn thì được đặt dưới hầm giống như cái huyệt cạn, chờ họ chết là lấp đất rất gọn gàng chứ nào xuống được địa đạo địa điếc gì.
Chiến dịch đó vô cùng khủng khiếp phải không em? Nội vùng tam giác sắt trong vòng một tháng có đến 576 cán binh ra hồi chánh. Nếu có địa đạo như kiểu ông tác giả trên nói thì họ cứ rút xuống đó ăn hút chừng nào Mỹ đi thì bò lên chống Mỹ, lựa là hồi chánh chi cho mệt phải không em?
Những người chưa hề đào một tấc địa đạo nào cứ tưởng rằng đào địa đạo dễ như đào hang bắt chuột vậy. Đào một chốc là có cả chục thước ngay. Than ôi! Nào phải như vậy. Những vùng đất có thể đào địa đạo được phải là vùng đất cao để không bị ngập nước và đất phải cứng để không bị sụp lở cho nên đào một thước địa đạo phải hộc ra máu cục, phải mờ cả con mắt chứ đâu có dễ như ông tác giả vẽ trên giấy. Củ Chi có mười lăm xã, nhưng chỉ có năm xã đào được địa đạo mà thôi. Đó là các xã: Phú Mỹ Hưng, Anh Phú, An Nhơn, Nhuận Đức và Phú Hoà. Năm xã này nằm dọc theo bờ sông Sàigon, có lớp đất cao có thể trồng cây cao su mới đào được địa đạo. Ngoài ra mười xã kia là đồng ruộng làm hầm bí mật đã khó rồi.
Anh và em đã từng đào nên từng biết mỗi tấc địa đạo phải tưới bao nhiêu mồ hôi. Mười thanh niên khoẻ mạnh đào trong một đêm chỉ được chừng vài thước là cùng. Vậy muốn hoàn thành hai trăm dậm địa đạo phải mất bao nhiêu công? Và họ đào ở đâu, lúc nào mà được hai trăm miles. Ông tác giả lại còn phịa ra những chuyện ly kỳ là: địa đạo hai tầng (như nhà lầu) và dưới đáy địa đạo lại có giếng để múc nước (nấu nước trà uống chắc!). Chưa hết, ông ta lại còn bịa thêm rằng dưới địa đạo có kho chứa hàng, có nơi nghỉ ngơỉ, có chỗ chứa thương binh, và còn tài ba hơn nữa, tài nói láo, lại còn có bếp Hoàng Cầm theo kiểu Điện Biên Phủ (có đường dẫn khói luồng trong đất) và nào là đường địa đạo thông ra bờ sông Sàigon…?
Đây là một chuyện phản khoa học tại sao họ có thể viết được. Muốn cho một làn địa đạo có thể chui ra chui vào được và không sợ xe tăng cán sập thì nóc địa đạo phải cách mặt đất ít nhất chín tấc tây nghĩa là khỏi rễ cây ăn luồng , lòng địa đạo phải cao chín tấc và hình chóp nón nghĩa là đáy rộng chín tấc, nóc chỉ bảy, tám tấc, nếu địa đạo rộng hơn sẽ bi lở , sụp. Đôi khi rễ cây làm trở ngại rất nhiều, chặt đứt một cái rễ cây bằng cườm tay phải mất cả giờ đồng hồ. Như vậy muốn đào tầng địa đạo thứ hai ở dưới địa đạo thử nhất phải theo công thức trên nghĩa là phải đào sâu xuống một mét tám tấc nữa rồi mới trổ ngang đào lòng địa đạo cao chín tấc. Như vậy từ mặt đất xuống tới đáy địa đạo thứ hai phải là : chín tấc cho nóc địa đạo I, chín tấc cho lòng địa đạo I, chín tấc cho nóc địa đạo II, chín tấc cho lòng địa đạo II, tổng cộng là ba mét sáu tấc. Tôi nói chi li ra như vậy để thấy rằng sự đào địa đạo không có dễ dàng, đơn sơ như ông tác giả kia tưởng tượng hoặc đã được Võ Văn Kiệt cho xem những hầm đào bằng máy để khoe với các ông ký giả ngây thơ. Nên nhớ rằng đào đất cứng dưới hầm nó khó khăn như gọt gỗ lim chớ không phải giang thẳng cánh mà cuốc như trên mặt đất.
Em đã từng đào địa đạo chung với anh, nhưng em nhớ lại thử xem chúng ta đã xuống đó bao nhiêu lần và mỗi lần ở dưới đó mấy giờ đồng hồ, ngoại trừ lần anh chết ngạt ở địa đạo Bến Mương khi anh được lôi lên, cô y tá Thu ở H6 ban Pháo Binh phải cứu cấp anh bằng nước tiểu. Anh không thể tưởng tượng được rằng họ đã bịa đặt đến thế được.
Em Mô thân mến,
Thời kỳ kháng chiến chống Pháp em chưa ra đời, nhưng anh đã đi bộ đội. Năm 1950, anh xuống Miền Tây để học trường Lục Quân. ở dưới đó anh cũng bị mê hoặc về những đường địa đạo chống giặc ở quê nhà : Nào là cả làng, cả nhiều làng xuống địa đạo. Hơn nữa, dân lùa cả trâu bò xuống địa đạo, giặc Pháp có biết được miệng hầm cũng không làm gì nổi. Ra Hà Nội, anh có gặp anh hùng Nguyễn Văn Song. Anh ta trở thành anh hùng quân đội với huyền thoại “Với một chiếc lưỡi hái cùn, anh ta đã đào hàng ngàn thước địa đạo và cất giấu cả tiểu đoàn. ” Anh vẫn tin như thế. Và cho tới khi đặt chân trở lại Củ Chi năm 1965 anh vẫn còn tin như thế. Nhưng chỉ sau khi đi với em đào một đêm, thì anh mới dội ngửa ra. Anh nghĩ rằng với cái liềm cùn đó, anh Song phải chết đi sống lại mười lần mới có thể đào xong hàng ngàn thước địa đạo kể trên. Anh Song ra Bắc ở Sư Đoàn 338, trốn về Nam rồi biệt tích.
Tác giả quyển sách này đã không biết rằng từ sau khi Mỹ đổ quân vào Việt Nam ta, hầm bí mật và địa đạo ở Củ Chi nói riêng và ở khu IV nói chung hoàn toàn mất tác dụng. Anh nhắc lại em nghe, nếu em quên, hồi đầu năm 1967, Mỹ mở một cuộc càn lớn vô An Nhơn. B52 vùi lấp cả một khúc địa đạo gần xóm trại Bà Huệ. Những kẻ sống sót không biết đâu mà moi móc, đành để nguyên như thế cho các nạn nhân yên lòng nơi chín sưối với nấm mồ tập thể trên hai chục người của văn phòng Tham Mưu quận.
Sau đó, một cuộc hội nghị Tham mưu gồm có Tư Hải, Sáu Phấn ở H6 và tiểu đoàn 8 Pháo Binh, bàn việc vận tải hỏa tiễn HI2/ĐKB để pháo kích Đồng Dù. Biệt kích tìm được miệng địa đạo, quăng lưu đạn chết không còn một mống. May mắn lần đó anh bận họp chấn chỉnh tiểu đoàn, nếu không, anh đến họp thì đã tiêu tùng rồi.
Còn ở Bến Súc, tại bờ Rạch Xuy Nô, biệt kích Mỹ tìm ra miệng địa đạo của Ban Mật Mã điện đài Quân Khu. Chúng tóm trọn ổ trên hai chục mạng, lấy vô số tài liệu và hai chiếc máy thông tin.
Kể từ đó địa đạo trở thành nỗi sợ hãi khủng khiếp đối với cán bộ và bộ đội. Ông Trần Đình Xu, tức Ba Định, Tư lệnh Quân Khu thấy tình hình giao động của cán bộ, bộ đội nên đã ra lệnh cho bộ đội không được xuống địa đạo nữa. Vì xuống dưới đó là bị động hoàn toàn không còn tinh thần đâu mà chiến đấu nữa. Kẻ nào bất tuân sẽ bị kỷ luật nặng.
Tuy ra lệnh gắt gao như vậy nhưng chính ông trong lúc cùng đường mạt lộ ông cùng ban tham mưu khu cũng phải chui xuống địa đạo. Chẳng may, Mỹ đóng chốt trên đầu. Cô Là, xã đội phó Phú Mỹ Hưng chạy vắt giò lên Trảng Cỏ tìm anh và yêu cầu anh đem quân về đánh giải vây cho ông ở Bàu Đưng Nếu không có anh lần đó ông và cả ban tham mưu đã an giấc ngàn thu dưới lòng đất rồi. Nhưng thoát chết kỳ đó, sau mấy tháng, ông lại đạp mìn mà tan xác với chức Thứ trưởng Quốc phòng của Chánh phủ ông Phát.
Trong những người “anh hùng” mà ông tác giả kể ra, có ông “Thiếu tá Năm Thuận” nguyên là một tên du kích sọc dưa đã bỏ làng chạy qua Phú An (Bình Dương) để làm nghề câu tôm chờ ngày rước vợ ở Ấp Chiến Lược ra sống chung. Ông “Thiếu tá” này đã giác ngộ cách mạng cao nên đã trở lại Tiểu đoàn II thuộc Trung đoàn Quyết Thắng của anh. Lúc đó quân số Tiểu đoàn chỉ còn trên một đại đội nên Thuận mừng húm khi được anh nhận cho làm lính lãi.
Bên cạnh đó còn có một ông thiếu tá khác đặc sắc hơn. Đó là “Thiếu Tá Quợt” chính ông này bị B52 vùi lấp còn ló cổ lên và chính anh với em cứu sống ở rừng Bàu Nổ xã Thanh Tuyền. Ông ta chưa hề đào một nhát cuốc địa đạo thế mà được ông tác giả đề cao là “Anh hùng đã chiến đấu mười năm ở Củ Chi bằng địa đạo.” Chiến đấu bằng cách nào? Cái ông này nổi tiếng nhờ cái tật ỉa chảy và mang chứng binh mắc thằng bố nói nhãm kinh niên, người xanh mét gầy nhom như khỉ già, ngồi đâu chếtt đó. Mỗi lần xuống hầm hoặc xuống địa đạo là ông ta són trong quần. Mọi người rất sợ phải chui chung với ông.
Còn nhân vật “chiến đấu” dũng cảm hơn hết. Đó là ông Võ văn Kiệt, tức là Tư Kiệt Chính ủy Quân khu. Ông được Năm Ngố bí thư Huyện ủy Nam Chi nhường cho một khúc địa đạo để nương náu qua ngày tại Phú Hòa Đông. Nhắc tới việc này, chắc em không khỏi nhớ tới em Lệ tức Tám Lệ, một nữ công tác thành của Ban Quân báo quân khu.
Lệ thường ra vào Sài gòn, Tây Ninh… và về báo cáo các công tác, ăn ở nhờ địa đạo của ông Năm Ngô. Do đó Lệ lọt vào mắt ông Chính ủy khu. Ông ta bèn biến cô Lệ thành liên lạc riêng của ông ta, rồi trở thành “bạn ” thân thiết dưới địa đạo. Chuyện này chắc em không biết đâu. Để chốc nữa anh nói lý do tại sao anh biết cái chuyện ly kỳ này.
Em MÔ thân mến,
Anh hiện nay là kẻ lưu vong, lòng luôn luôn hướng về đất nước . Nhưng không bao giờ mơ trở về đất nước, họa chăng có một biến thiên vĩ đại bất ngờ. Viết đến đây anh không cầm được nước mắt. Nếu như anh với em có duyên phần với nhau nhỉ? Nếu thế thì cuộc đời chúng mình sẽ không biết ra sao…
Thôi chuyện đã qua lâu rồi. Em đã có chồng có con cả bầy, còn anh cũng sắp sữa làm ông nội. Nhưng những kỷ niệm lửa máu thật khó quên. Anh không khỏi xót xa ngậm ngùi khi nhìn thấy hình em trên trang sách. Sao trông em sầu não tang thương quá đổi. Có chuyện gì không vui trong đời em sao vậy? Đôi mắt buồn thảm của em đang ngó tới nhưng chính tâm tư của em lại nhìn ngược về dĩ vãng xa vời phải không ? Một cái dĩ vãng còn loe lói trong đầu một đứa con gái mười tám tuổi được tặng danh hiệu “dũng sĩ diệt Mỹ” toàn Miền Nam và cô nữ “Dũng sĩ” ấy đã yêu một chàng .. nhưng chuyện lại không thành mặc dù cả hai người vẫn yêu nhau.
Có một lần ở đâu đó trên đất Củ Chi rực lửa vào một buổi chiều, anh có nói với em một câu và trước đó em đã tặng anh một bài thơ lục bát. Đến nay anh còn nhớ bài thơ này. Anh vốn là một người nhận được rất nhiều tình yêu, từ Hà Nội đến Mã Đà, từ Suối Cụt, suối Tha La đến Củ Chi Trảng Bàng nhưng để rồi chẳng giữ được mối tình nào cả. Bởi vì anh đâu có đứng lại lâu ở một nơi nào để mà nhận lấy. Cái chết đối với anh như bỡn như đùa. Đánh cả trăm trận, bị thương ngót chục lần, chết đi sống lại vài ba lượt. Cái Tiểu đoàn mà anh chỉ huy đã mất ít nhất là ba Tiểu đoàn trưởng. Anh là người thử tư. Nhưng anh là kẻ “thọ” nhất trong các vị Chỉ huy và với anh, nó được mệnh danh là Tiểu đoàn Thép. Bây giờ nhớ lại anh mới thấy rằng cả anh lẫn em đều bị bọn Bắc Kỳ lợi dụng mà không biết. Chúng thí mình như những con chốt lót đường.
Chiến thắng xong rồi, dân Nam kỳ mình được gì ?
Là một người dân lưu vong anh hằng mong đất nước phồn vinh, dân tộc Tự do và những bạn bè cũ của anh, trong đó có em, được hạnh phúc. Nếu như không nhìn nét mặt của em trong sách thì anh đã có thể quên hết Hai Ngàn Ngày Đêm Trấn Thủ Củ Chi của anh, nhưng khổ nổi là anh đã gặp lại em quá ư đột ngột.
Anh đã có lần nói với em về Lệ rồi. Lệ yêu anh cũng đột ngột như em. Rồi xa anh cũng đột ngột như em xa anh vậy. Lệ làm liên lạc thành rồi bị ông Tư Kiệt bắt về làm thư ký cho ông ta. Thủ trưởng và nhân viên lại ở chung một hầm. Ông ta quá ư ẩu tả. Để đề phòng việc tệ hại nhất rất có thể xảy ra, Lệ đã dùng giấy pơ luya để bịt cửa mình. Lệ đã nói hết với anh ở Suối Cụt. Lúc đó anh cũng đã chán nản trước tình hình càng ngày càng xấu ra. Lệ bảo thật với anh đây là lần gặp anh cuối cùng. Và Lệ đã cùng anh sống một đêm vợ chồng bên bờ suối… Một trái pháo mồ côi đã nổ rất gần lều, suýt chút nữa là hai đứa rửa chân lên bàn thờ. Hôm sau Lệ đi công tác và không về nữa.
Chuyện Lệ đi, dù anh biết trước nhưng không cản ngăn một lời. Ông ta đã thế thì nàng phải thế. Và anh nữa, anh cũng phải thế. Chứ còn biết làm thế nào ? Anh nói vậy chắc em hiểu mà. Và từ chuyện này em hiểu ra những chuyện khác.
Sau khi Lệ đi rất lâu, em theo du kích quận đánh đồn Thái Mỹ. Trước khi xuất quân, đáng lẽ em phải hỏi ý kiến “Tiểu đoàn trưởng ” chứ. Nhưng em đã đi đánh liều. Nghe súng trận nổ anh lập tức dắt tổ trinh sát chạy đến. Cũng vừa lúc du kích võng em về. Anh đã biết trước các em không đánh nổi mà. Anh chỉ còn biết băng vết thương trên ngực của em bằng tấm áo của anh và cả tấm lòng xót xa quặn thắt của anh nữa. Ngày nay mỗi lần nhìn tại vết sẹo trên da thịt em, chắc em nhớ lại lúc băng bó cho em, anh đã nói với em câu gì.
Sau đó ít lâu anh nghe tin em bị du kích Bàu Me ở Trảng Bàng bắt trói vì em đang mang AK trên đường ra Ấp Chiến Lược hồi chánh. (thì cũng như anh hùng Nguyễn văn Song trốn về Nam. ) Thế nhưng trong chương sách kể lể chiến công của “Nữ dũng sĩ gan góc” Bảy Mô ông tác giả đã giao cho nàng một “Công tác quan trọng ở vùng biên giới Việt Miên” cho đến khi hòa bình.
Đúng ra, em có đi công tác ở biên giới thật, nhưng là công tác cấp dưỡng đặc biệt cho Bà Phó Tư lệnh Ba Định. (Vì là một “Dũng sĩ” nên du kích không dám đụng tới em, chứ nếu là ai khác thì chúng đã bắn chết ngay rồi.) Chuyện Củ Chi dài quá em nhỉ! Định ngưng mấy lần nhưng ngưng chưa được.
Còn một ông anh hùng khác cũng bị nêu tên trong sách này. Đó là Nguyễn Thành Linh. Một tên Bắc Kỳ vô Củ Chi và chiến đấu bằng địa đạo trong vòng năm năm liền. Hắn được tác giả mô tả như một kiến trúc sư của địa đạo chiến. Vậy ra trước khi hắn vác mặt vô đây, dân Củ Chi không biết đào hầm hố hết? Nhưng địa đạo hay hầm bí mật đâu cần phải kiến trúc sư mới làm được. Cuộc sinh tồn mọi người đẻ ra sáng kiến để tự bảo vệ thôi:Anh ở Củ Chi năm năm có thấy tên nào Nguyễn Thành Linh đâu! Nhưng anh biết hầu hết tất cả địa đạo Củ Chi. Chỗ nào anh cũng biết miệng địa đạo, hoặc đã xuống địa đạo thử trước rồi. Anh đã lội nát Củ Chi không sót một mảnh rừng nào mà. Tất cả những tên làng, tên ấp tên người trong quyển sách này là thật. Đây là sự trần truồng không tiểu thuyết hóa một chút nào. Anh có thể điểm qua tất cả địa đạo trong quận Củ Chi cho em nghe: Bến Dược 200m, đồn điền Sinna 500m, Hố Bò 200m, Phú Hòa 200m, Lộc Thuận 200m. Gần đồn điền Sinna 150m, Trà Dơi 150m, Xóm Trại Giàn Bầu 100m, Xóm Bàu Hưng 300m, Xóm Thuốc 200m, 200m, Xóm Chùa 200m, ấp Bến Mương 100m, Góc Chàng 500m, Cây Điệp 150m, Nhuận Đức 100m, 100m, Bầu Tròn 100m. Bào Cạp 100m, 50m, Bầu Diều 100m, Ba Gia 100m, Bên Cỏ 100m, Đường làng II 100m, 50m. Hoàn toàn không có cái vòng đai sắt nào chung quanh hoặc dưới đít Đồng Dù cả. Ông Phạm Sang chỉ có thể nghe Bob Hope hát ở Đồng Dù từ trong hang ếch của ông ta và trong trí tưởng tượng thôi.
Sở dĩ có danh từ vòng đai thép bao bọc Đồng Dù, như em đã biết là do ông Tám Quang, trưởng phòng chính tri quân khu bịa báo cáo về R cùng với sự thành lập đội nữ du kích Củ Chi của tụi em với Bảy Nê, Út Nhớ chẳng qua để quay phim, chụp hình và đài giải phóng tuyên truyền mà em đã cười khi ngồi tâm sự với anh lúc mới quen nhau. Chớ đội nữ có đánh chát cái gì. Toàn do ông Tám Quang sáng tác và đài giải phóng phóng đại.
Nếu như có một hệ thống địa đạo Củ Chi thôn liền thôn, xã liền xã thì tại sao khu ủy khu IV chạy tuột lên tận Preyveng để ăn hút. Me xừ Tư Kiệt còn sống sờ sờ đó hãy bớt nói phéc để khỏi bị cô Tám Lệ nhét mồm bằng giấy… pơ luya.
Chúng ta hãy cùng nhau cúi hôn mảnh đất Củ Chi đau khổ của chúng ta hiện nay đang nhục nhã vì bị bọn Cộng Sản đem ra làm trò bịp thế gian.
Cộng Sản nghĩa là đại bịp. Chúng bịp nhân dân, bịp thế giới và tự bịp chính mình. Anh muốn tự ngưng bút ở đây nhưng thấy còn nhiều sự thực bị bưng bít nên viết tiếp. Hai ngàn trang sách mà anh viết ra đây sẽ vạch trần bộ mặt láo toét kinh hoàng của bọn Cộng Sản Hà Nội mà cả anh lẫn em đều là nạn nhân. Anh muốn nhắc chúng nó rằng thời kỳ Mỹ đóng chốt Đồng Dù, Củ Chi chỉ là một bãi tha ma không một bóng người thấp thoáng, không một gốc cây còn đứng nguyên, không một tiếng chó sủa gà gáy. Tất cả xã ủy đều chết, bị bắt, hồi chánh hoặc ngưng hoạt động. Ông Út Một Sơn bí thư đầu tiên Củ Chi bị pháo Đồng Dù bắn lắp hầm chết ở Bàu Lách Nhuận Đức năm 1966. Chắc em còn nhớ chớ? Nếu địa đạo Củ Chi nối liền thôn xã (theo ông tác giả ngốc này mô tả thì nó chỉ kém đường xe điện ngầm ở Mạc Tư Khoa chút thôi) thì sao quận Củ Chi lại cắt ra làm hai: Nam Chi, Bắc Chi ? Là vì cán bộ không đi lại được giữa hai phần đất này. Người ở đâu nằm chết ở đó. Mỗi sáng lóng ngóng chờ “chụp dù, nhảy dò, xe tăng càn” để lũi. Nhưng cũng không có đất lũi. Chỉ còn một cách độc nhất là làm hầm. Mỗi ông bà có một cái hầm bí mật (nên nhớ hầm bí mật chỉ là một cái hang ếch chứ không phải địa đạo và không có hầm bí mật nào ăn thông ra địa đạo cả ) Sư sợ hãi chết chóc làm tê liệt mọi ý chí. Cán bộ chỉ mong bị bắt sống cho khỏe thân. Cho nên họ ngồi trên miệng hầm ngụy trang với vài cành lá sơ sài như những người câu tôm câu cá ở bờ sông vậy. Do đó có danh từ “ngồi thum. ” Nhưng ngồi thum trong vùng căn cứ cũng không an toàn vì bị máy bay trực thắng cá rô hay quạt hoặc bị ăn pháo bầy dọn bãi trước khi Mỹ đổ chụp. Nên các bà Năm Đang, Hai Xót, khu ủy, quận ủy mới ra tá túc nhà dân ở Ấp Chiến Lược để “chạy lan” như chuột mất hang. Chạy lan có ngày cũng chết như trường hợp của cô Tư Bé, quận đội phó bị lính Mỹ bắn chết ở Đồng Lớn. Hay ông Tám Châu bí thư quận bị pháo bắn mất đầu ở Bố Heo.
Chắc em biết rõ sự chia cắt của các xã trong quận vì tình trạng “ngồi thum” và “chạy lan”. Xã Trung Lập đẻ ra Trung Lập thượng, Trung Lập hạ, An Nhơn nứt thành An Nhơn Đông, An Nhơn Tây, Phú Hòa cắt thành Phú Hòa Đông, Phú Hòa Tây v. v. . .
Tội nghiệp cho Madeleine Riffaud, Wilfred Burchett và mấy ông Giáo sư Liên Xô đã vượt hiểm nguy vô tận đất Củ Chi và rừng Con Mên để coi giải phóng đánh Mỹ! Tội nghiệp, vô tới đây họ chỉ ăn bom và lũi như chuột đến nổi đòi về ngay không biết cái địa đạo là gì. Cũng may cho bọn anh lúc đó. Nếu cặp ký giả ba sồn này ở lại lâu hơn và họ đòi đi nghỉ mát dưới địa đạo ngay ở đít Đồng Dù thì rắc rối to cho các anh rồi.
Đến nay mụ đầm già không biết gì kia đang ở đâu, sao không trở lại xem địa đạo Củ Chi do kiến trúc sư Nguyễn Thành Linh mới vừa xây dựng năm 1985 ? Nhớ tới W. Burchett anh không khỏi phì cười. Lão ta nằng nặc đòi xuống địa đạo và xem các dũng sĩ bố trí địa đạo chiến cho hắn quay phim. Anh và Tư Linh hồn vía lên mây. Địa đạo ở đâu mà coi? Kể từ năm 1965 trở đi, sau khi Củ Chi ăn dưa hấu B52 vài trận, ai cũng thấy những lỗ bom sâu từ sáu thước đến mười một thước cho nên không ai dám cho rằng địa đạo là bất khả xâm phạm nữa. Cực chẳng đã mới chui hầm bí mật thôi.
Tư Linh vốn là cán bộ địch vận, nhanh trí bảo Burchett: “Người đồng chí hơi to, vậy để chờ vài hôm tôi cho làm nắp rộng để đồng chí xuống mới lọt. ” Sau đó khất lần rồi cho qua luôn. Còn vụ xem địa đạo chiến thì anh cho đội dũng sĩ của em bịp hắn một cú thần tình, nhớ không? Hắn rất phục đội dũng sĩ. Đến nay hắn đã chết rồi, hắn vẫn chưa biết địa đạo là cái gì.
Em Mô thân,
Chuyện Củ Chi, chuyện anh và em nhiều vô số kể. Nhắc chuyện này lại nhớ chuyện kia. Nhắc Hố Bò nhớ Góc Chàng, nhắc Bến Mương nhớ Suối Cụt, nhắc Thái Mỹ nhớ Đồng Dù, toàn những kỷ niệm máu lửa không thể quên được. Nhớ cảnh nhớ người khôn xiết. Ba bốn lần anh bị thương ở Củ Chi đều có em băng bó hoặc tới y xá săn sóc. Anh đã tựa đầu vào vai em, anh đã nằm trên xuồng do em bơi qua sông Sài gòn, anh đã cùng em ngồi ở rừng Lộc Thuận ngắm pháo sáng tua tủa trên nền trời Củ Chi. Anh và em đã từng hái những trái sầu riêng trong vườn sau nhà em và ngồi ở bậc đá bên con suối nhỏ. anh thì ăn sầu riêng còn em đàn bản Đứt Đường Tơ cho anh nghe. Anh bảo em: “Tơ đâu có đứt mà đàn bản ấy. “
duongdinhloiChẳng ngờ đó là bản đàn định mệnh của chúng ta. Bây giờ “Tơ đã đứt” và không phương nối lại, đàn một nơi dây đàn một ngả.
Anh chúc em hạnh phúc. Hy vọng một ngày rất gần, chúng ta sẽ gặp lại nhau và sẽ về thăm lại Củ Chi dưới một khung trời mới.
Viết xong lúc tượng con quỷ chúa Lenin bị giật sập ở Mút-cu-oa
Dương Đình Lôi https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://moha.gov.vn/UserControls/Publishing/News/ChuyenTrang/print_tin_btChuyenTrang.aspx%3FUrlListProcess%3D970DA0496338BC1522CB27A95AF4EC6A1BC574D533EE0E550EDDE102BE0156ADB847C3C7370898C9078E17735F5CEF4E%26ItemID%3D2387%26webP%3Dbotruong&ved=2ahUKEwiMhsLu6dmEAxWPr1YBHYV0C7sQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3GOXm9WvVi4Bu-m1t0Gag6

link bài viết trong group Bóc Phốt Tài Chính trên facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2SxysvdW6E4fpiJp/?mibextid=oFDknk

Enjoy!
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Memory transcript Subject: Lance Cross, Human Exchange Researcher
Date: [Standardized Human Time] October 1, 2136
“Did you guys take the seasickness pills? We don't want a repeat of last time.”
“Yes, I would rather be overboard than have to suffer through that misery again.” I rolled my eyes at Torum's exaggerated hate for the motion sickness they had on the maiden voyage.
The others gave similar affirmations to taking the medicine. We weren't on the boat yet, or even at the coast, but it was smart to give it time to kick in. Cresting the hill near the sea, we saw the progress that had occurred while we were stuck inside our base. It was something that would make life infinitely easier for the Venlil.
The three of them couldn't see it from their seats in my truck. Their heads didn't quite rise above the dash. It was a uniquely human creation, but I knew they would appreciate not needing to be ferried from shore to the boats and back. Though I was a little sad we only did that once.
Damn Gojids, ruining my fun.
After just a few minutes, we parked at the newly created parking lot. Though calling it a parking lot was giving it too much credit. In reality it was little more than a gravel and sand patch that was compressed down to create a more solid surface for the vehicle.
My door opened with a light creak. Once I was out of the truck, I opened the rear door for the Venlil while Atama began unloading the supplies. I received a trio of “thanks” from them in various ranges of friendliness. Once out, they saw what had given Atama and I our good moods.
Well, I guess the additional good mood.
“What's that?” Sant was the most curious of the group at the latest addition to our launch site and pointed towards the first structure of its kind here on Venlil Prime.
“That, my fluffy friend, is a dock!” I gestured at the long wooden structure that extended out into the sea. Said sea was gently lapping against the wooden beams while the wooden walkway itself stood an even two feet above the surface. The brand-new structure stood out on the otherwise pristine coastline.
At the very end of the dock, where the water was deeper, was Atama's vessel. Sadly for both him and it, the larger vessel was still not necessary for our shallow water explorations. But that would not be the case forever. There was a reason we had the larger vessel on hand after all. Eventually my Orca II would be replaced after we completed our exploration of the reef. After that we'd be searching for alien Pelagic life and exploring the waters beyond the horizon.
Speaking of my boat, it was tied up along the left side of the Dock. The Orca II bobbed a bit more than the larger and more stable research vessel. We would be using it for this expedition out to the reef that would last until tomorrow afternoon.
“A dock?”
Atama stepped forward, slinging a bag of food hanging on his shoulder. “Yes, it's a structure to hold our ships and to make it easier to board, supply, and disembark. It will be invaluable after a long expedition.”
Giving one of the pylons that stuck up a mild kick, I nodded in approval. “A few engineers set this up while we were indisposed. That means you guys won't have to worry about getting soaked on the way to the boat anymore.”
Hale stood on his toes to look in the bed of the truck. “I was wondering why I didn't see the rubber raft this morning. I was worried you were going to have us swim today.”
“I mean, we can.” I put on a faux serious thinking face as I pretended to ponder that idea. “It would be good practice after all...”
Torum, of course, was not having it. “I took the training you predators made us do. But that was in case I fall into the sea, not for traveling to your boats.” His crossed arms and narrowed eyes made it clear he would fight that idea. Likely physically as well as verbally.
I shrugged with a light smile. “No worries, I was just pul- I was just messing with ya.”
Hale gave me a curious look, but not much else. With a few guiding orders here and there, we managed to get the supplies on board in short order. After Sant confirmed our readiness for departure to the folks back home, we boarded.
This trip was to be a longer expedition compared to the single day outing a month ago. That meant that we and the Venlil would be sleeping on the boat together. Needless to say both us and them were nervous about that. Not that anything dangerous would occur, but for how the herbivorous aliens would handle it. Sant would likely be the most fine out of them based on his personality, Torum was bound to be interesting, and Hale would probably be a good bit nervous all night.
Night being a relative thing on this constantly sunny planet.
“The lab coats make any last minute requests?” Sant looked confused for a moment before he made a noise of understanding and pulled out his holopad and pulled up some notes from the lab techs.
“There's the request Mula made for substrate and sediment samples a few paws ago; she wants to see what the ocean sand holds. Phim wants us to scrape a few corals for bacteria and algae samples, if there even is any. Dr. Khan was insistent on more samples of the colorful coral and as many others as we can, she says she has made some interesting findings but needs a greater sample size to make any conclusions. She also wants more samples of animals, specifically invertebrates.”
The older woman had been pretty busy in the lab lately.
I wonder what she's found?
“Oh, and there's a message for Atama from... Mayor Rina?” The large man poked his head up from the storage compartment he'd been filling. “The message is: “Don't forget my Kelp, Mr. Oliver.” Since when did she know our schedule?”
“Oh, Aila gave it to her.” Hale said as hopped from the dock onto the Orca II. “They have been in contact since the potluck. The Mayor requested updates on our work so she can be better informed on what we're doing. I'm more curious about her request to Atama specifically.”
“Yeah!” I turned to give the shrugging Kiwi with a raised eyebrow. “How come the Mayor is giving you a request? Not the team, but you?”
“Remember when that kid ran into me? And how all the exterminators got all twitchy?” The man's eyes slid over to Torum, who simply huffed and turned his head. With a huff of his own, the man turned his attention back to us. “Well she helped diffuse the situation, as thanks, I promised to bring her back some Sand Kelp. After she ate our whole supply, it seems she has become enamored with em.”
“Huh. Alrighty then.” If the Mayor wants Kelp leaves, then we'd make sure to get her enough to last. We needed her on our side in order to keep the program out of any more hot water. She'd helped us with the townsfolk in the last few weeks. If the price was a few leaves, that was easy. “Let's not forget that when we collect some samples.”
Atama gave a cheerful thumbs up as we finished loading up the supplies and gear.
A good few cordura tubes and cases of rattling boxes put a smile on my face. While this was supposed to be the time where I would begin exposing the Venlil to alternate specimen gathering methods, the issue with the Gojids and the spike of discontent canceled the other trips we'd planned for that month.
We were behind schedule, which wasn't the end of the world, progress was progress and there are tons of studies that take more for less. And at least we'd already discovered proof of xenomarine-biology. Nobody can doubt our program in that sense.
Selfishly, I was also itching to test out my skills here. I mean, all I've done so far while here was drive a boat and help teach the Venlil to swim. Atama and Mei at least showed off their skills in the sea and the lab respectively. Me? I set up a few shallow water traps and got wasted... Not exactly what I was brought on to do. Hell, I had to get Hale to do the specimen retrieval after being stuck in the base.
So catching a big damn alien fish would show the Speep and the people back home why I was brought along. Placing a box of trolling lures by the aft edge, I thought about how I'd deal with this.
I gave Hale a brief explanation of what I was bringing a week or so ago, but knowing I'd need to explain it to the other two, I decided to use it as a trial run. He was very unnerved, obviously. The concept of hunting was one of the greatest taboos in the Federation. He didn't want to be involved in the methods at all. He would only accept being an observer and help with preservation. Him not fleeing to his room that night was honestly more than I expected.
But he did give me important feedback. He and I agreed we should wait until we were already underway before breaking the news to the other two. After all, gathering samples of fish besides scavengers is necessary. We know they exist, Atama's colorful follower being our best example.
A quick visual check on the others showed. It would still be close to an hour before we actually cast off. Giving the box a friendly pat, I started heading back to the car to get the rest of the gear. I had a good feeling about this trip. Hopefully it will go even better than the last.
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[Transcript time advance: Two Human hours]
“Now, I bet you're wondering why I have you three here and Atama operating the helm?” The trio of Venlil gave me a few curious ear gestures. I was seated on one of the crates full of lures, hooks, and other various fishing equipment. “Today we're going to be using a few methods that I know will cause some... Issues...”
Torum's eyes narrowed, an expected result, as was his paw hovering closer to his knife. Calm down buddy, it's just fishing. Hale on the other hand gave an ear flick of understanding while Sant tilted his head slightly.
“Now I know that the Venlil, and the Federation at large, have their own beliefs on the food chain and a proper ecosystem.” A shitty belief. “However, I and the rest of my people do not, and as we saw, the ecosystem beneath the waves is a lot more varied than you are used to. Such differences have clearly made a few of you nervous. And that is fine, but you are all going to need to get used to a few things pretty quick.”
“Like?” Sant was curious, but I could see a few nervous ticks in his ears.
Well, here goes nothing. Taking in a deep breath, I reached behind me and brought out a fishing rod. The rod was my go-to shark rod back home when fishing the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Atlantic coast from the Eastern Shore down to the Keys. There were no hooks or lures attached; just the rod and spooled reel.
“I'm going to be hunting down predatory fish near the reef.” The reaction was instantaneous.
Sant, despite his claim to be “predatory” , flinched back. He might not be afraid of the sea and displays less fear overall, but this clearly was not something he liked. Torum acted as predicted. His paw actively gripped his knife as he looked at the rod with extreme levels of distrust.
Before they could speak, I held up my hand. “I know you're going to have questions, but I'd like to ask you to let me finish my speech first. That cool?” The two didn't give me any pushback, so I continued.
“As we saw back at the end of August, the fish here are similar in how aquatic life acts on Earth. By primarily being predatorial. Out of all the species we saw, the only one we could identify as perhaps herbivorous was a type of mollusk.” I set down the rod and pulled out my holopad. I brought up an image album containing a few of the species we found in the traps laid all those weeks ago. I passed Sant the holopad since he was in the middle. “These species were discovered by laying down traps in the shallow waters near where the dock now is. And while we have no way of knowing if they are hunters or not, each species was observed to have flesh in their stomachs. Also, one did have some plant matter as well which is interesting.”
Hale looked a little unwell at the second half. I hadn't told him that tidbit, a request from Dr. Khan. She herself was struggling to get Phim, Tumi, and Mula to not show high stress and other bad signs. Tumi especially, she froze or bolted whenever exposed to anything more predatory than a jarred specimen. Something our older colleague was working hard to remedy.
“I don't think I have to tell you three how dangerous it could be to try and capture one of these animals by hand.” I saw what that blue and red fish did. No way I'm pissing it off and putting my fingers near its mouth. “That's where this gear comes in. It allows me to catch these fish in a safe manner. I will do it by using lures that mimic their prey.”
“You want to bring those dangerous beasts on board!? Yet you denied my request to bring my flare gun!”
“You'll imitate prey!? To find more predators!?”
“I knew you humans were a dangerous species! This is proof. You use tactics that surpass the Arxur in their cruelty!”
“Alright!” I had to raise my voice a bit to speak over the two. I wasn't happy about that with how the three reacted, but I wasn't about to be compared to the Arxur. “I understand why you are against these methods, and being close to them in the first place. But it's necessary. We can't just ignore the largest group of animals just because they are predators. We will study them all equally.”
“And once we know the sea is full of these predators, how will we deal with them?” Torum, the Venlil that kills then burns any non-herbivores spoke up. I knew this was coming, it was long overdue to lay down some rules.
“We won't be.” That got him to bolt upright.
“We won't be removing them!? Why!? Just having these creatures on our planet taints the water! It is my duty to remove said taint!”
“Not here, Torum. While the Federation seems to have a policy of removing predators, Humanity does not. We live with our natural world, dangerous and nuisance animals included.”
“We are not on your planet. Here on Venlil Prime, we keep our people safe by burning threats to ash.”
I swept my hand out over the sea. “Well unless you have a method of torching the sea, I don't see said methods doing much.”
“But that doesn't matter.” Once again I picked up the rod and from one of the side compartments, I pulled out a lure. The chrome top water plug rattled gently. I held it in front of my face and shook it slightly. “We’re here for science and discovery, as sanctioned by your government.”
I let out a sigh at their expressions. Anger, fear, and uncertainty spread over their faces and bodies. “I know now after coming here that it won't be easy. This is hardly what we expected when we came to this planet. Still, this is how things need to be done. Once we reach the reef, Atama will dive and get a few samples, before we disturb them further. Once back, I get to work. He'll act as my assistant in case something big bites.”
“Won't bringing any of these creatures on board be dangerous?” I looked over to Sant. The poor guy did not look happy about this, but at least he wasn't acting like Torum.
“A fish out of water? Dangerous? Not likely.” I chuckled a little at how a bit of the negative emotions morphed into confusion. Their translators were likely giving errors. “It's a human phrase, but you'll understand it when you see it. Unless they are as formidable as a Swordfish or a Sawfish, I think I'll be able to handle ‘em.”
I put the lure back in its place and stowed the rod in its holder before standing up. The thing had reeled in a number of larger fish. Hopefully it would hold up to the unknown creatures here. I had more, in case it was over or under kill, but it should be a good way to probe.
With my quick speech done, I let the three Venlil get back to the tasks they were assigned to. Sant hurried over to Atama, likely seeking to get information and clarification from the man. Their friendship was a good one, similar to myself and Hale's.
Hale himself decided to go back below deck. While he had more of a heads up about this. He was still surprised when I told him of the plan. I didn't like surprising them this much. But it had to happen this way. Ripping the band-aid off was the surest way to stop any dread from stewing.
Slow and steady had not been working as we'd thought. Only Sant, Aila, and Hale seemed like they were able to come to terms with changing views. The rest? Torum was at least upfront with his issues.
Speaking of, the scarred Venlil would likely be the most useful one, once we got him free of his hatred. Strong, experienced, and willful. He'd make one hell of an asset if we could get him into the sea. If only he wasn't such a jerk.
Regardless, I needed to make sure I was ready. A quadruple check of my gear would get my thoughts away from the planetary issues and back on my task.
Watch out, fish, you're about to have a new king in your food chain!
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Thanks for reading! I wonder what they will find out there? >;)
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Những thước phim quý hiếm về siêu thị đầu tiên tại Sài Gòn và đầu tiên tại Việt Nam – Siêu thị Nguyễn Du
30/07/2021 Bởi thivang1811
Ngày nay đi trên bất cứ con phố nào của Sài Gòn ta đều dễ dàng tìm thấy những cửa hàng tiện lợi, những siêu thị mini khác nhau. Chúng ta cũng không còn thấy bất ngờ về sự xuất hiện của các siêu thị mini này, chúng trở thành một “điều tất nhiên” mà hiện hữu bên ta. Nhưng nếu quay ngược thời gian lại, sống vào những năm trước 1975, người dân khi ấy lại rất vui mừng với sự xuất hiện của siêu thị mini đầu tiên tại Việt Nam lúc bấy giờ – Siêu thị Nguyễn Du.
Năm 1967, Siêu thị Nguyễn Du được mở cửa. Siêu thị Nguyễn Du là siêu thị đầu tiên ở Sài Gòn cũng như là đầu tiên của cả Việt Nam, tọa lạc tại góc đường Nguyễn Du – Chu Mạnh Trinh. Đây là cơ sở kinh doanh nhà nước do Tổng cuộc Tiếp tế của Chính phủ Việt Nam Cộng hòa điều hành. Siêu thị Nguyễn Du mở ra kỷ nguyên của hệ thống bán lẻ, mang lại cho người dân những trải nghiệm tiện lợi khi mua sắm, điều mà trước đó chưa từng có.
Tổng Cuộc Thực Phẩm Quốc Gia & Siêu thị Nguyễn Du trước 1975, số 42 Chu Mạnh Trinh, Q1
Một dịp sát tết, bước đến siêu thị ta sẽ được trải nghiệm một không gian mua sắm rộng lớn và thoải mái, nó giống một cửa hàng cực lớn, máy lạnh mát rượi và đầy những thứ lạ lẫm. Khách mua hàng toàn những người lớn ăn bận lịch sự, nam với áo chemise bỏ vào quần, những người lính và nhiều phụ nữ bận áo dài.
Khi ấy các xe đẩy mua hàng cũng không được nhiều như ngày nay, khách mua hàng toát mồ hôi xếp hàng tính tiền, tay lủ khủ hàng hóa trong những cái túi lưới.
Siêu thị Nguyễn Du được thiết lập ở góc đường Nguyễn Du và Chu Mạnh Trinh, Sài Gòn (hai con đường này nay thuộc quận 1, tên đường không thay đổi cho đến nay) do Tổng Cuộc Tiếp Tế thành lập.
Vào năm 1966, ông Trần Đỗ Cung, đứng đầu cơ quan trên được giao nhiệm vụ quân bình thị trường. Ngoài việc cấp bách như giải quyết những việc cần thiết cho đời sống người dân như nhập xe gắn máy, điều hòa việc phân phối thịt heo, gạo,… Ông dự tính thiết lập tại Việt Nam các trung tâm bán lẻ để phục vụ đại chúng, nhất là những người có đồng lương ổn định.
Đầu tháng 2.1967, một phái đoàn do ông Cung cử ra đã đến thăm chợ Mỹ (Commissary) ở đường Hùng Vương, Chợ Lớn để quan sát hoạt động cùng cách tổ chức của cơ sở này nhằm lên kế hoạch kinh doanh xây dựng trung tâm thương mại bán lẻ đầu tiên tại Việt Nam.
Một tuần sau đó, ông Trần Đỗ Cung cùng một chuyên viên tài chính lên đường đi Philippines theo lời mời của Tập Đoàn Siêu Thị Makati ở thủ đô Manila để nghiên cứu về quản lý, kiểm soát, tổ chức và sản xuất thực phẩm.
Họ còn tiếp tục đến Hồng Kông, Singapore để tham quan các siêu thị. Sau đó, tổ chức đào tạo về cách vận hành siêu thị cho nhân viên và tổ chức một khu chợ tết vào tháng 1.1967, vừa để phục vụ việc mua sắm tết vừa tổ chức buôn bán theo hình thức mới để huấn luyện nhân viên của mình.
Theo hồi ký của ông Trần Đỗ Cung xuất bản tại Mỹ năm 2011, một Kiến Trúc Sư người Đức tên Meier đã được thuê vẽ họa đồ xây cất siêu thị, phối hợp với Công ty NCR về trang bị, thiết bị bên trong.
Ngày 16/10/1967, siêu thị đầu tiên ở Việt Nam chính thức ra đời- Siêu thị Nguyễn Du – mở đầu một kỷ nguyên mới cho ngành bán lẻ.
Từ cửa vào, khách đi tay không vô siêu thị bằng một cửa quay, tự lấy một giỏ xách hay xe đẩy và đi lựa chọn hàng đã ghi sẵn giá trên kệ. Chọn xong, họ tính tiền ở các quầy thu ngân có máy tính tự động. Siêu thị này có 6 quầy thu ngân ở cửa ra, trong đó có một “quầy hỏa tốc” dành cho những người mua ít hàng. Còn có một lối ra cho người không mua hàng.
Cách thức và quy trình mua hàng ở siêu thị Nguyễn Du ngày ấy không khác so với lối vận hành bây giờ của các siêu thị hiện đại. Nhưng khi chiêm nghiệm lại, chúng ta ngạc nhiên và thú vị khi nhận ra nó đã được áp dụng từ hơn 50 năm về trước đối với khách mua hàng tại Sài Gòn.
Trong hồi ký, tác giả Trần Đỗ Cung đã tả lại không khí lúc đó như sau: “Siêu thị đã hoàn tất trên đường Nguyễn Du, có bãi đậu xe rộng rãi.
Ngày khai trương cả đoàn xe Honda, Mobylette và Vespa rầm rập kéo đến chở vợ con hí hửng bước vào ngôi chợ tối tân mới mở cửa, phục dịch khách mua hàng một cách niềm nở và lịch sự”.
Nữ diễn viên Kiều Chinh mua sắm tại siêu thị
https://preview.redd.it/mmro8ahao2hc1.png?width=781&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f67559fb3cdbfd74124fc8b0b24f034604381d0
https://preview.redd.it/2uaytd3io2hc1.png?width=709&format=png&auto=webp&s=eb2aff50a16acd1c4c176ea43752b9b0fb1d3412
Siêu thị Nguyễn Du với tổng diện tích trên 30.000 m2, ở một khu phố còn vắng vẻ không phù hợp cho việc buôn bán lắm nhưng khi siêu thị được lập ra, số khách hàng lui tới được đánh giá là “ngoài mức tưởng tượng”. Trung bình mỗi ngày có khoảng 2.500 người đến mua sắm và doanh thu mỗi ngày tối đa là 1,5 triệu đồng thời đó.
https://preview.redd.it/k1v4jha0p2hc1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=a34e044298cf629863cbe6f0e84b8ffce6ffa8e7
Với diện tích 30.000m2, có 800 mét vuông là khu vực bán hàng, 1.000 mét vuông cho khu đậu xe. Về các kho châm hàng có: kho thường 500 mét khối, kho đông lạnh 200 mét khối nhiệt độ -20 độ C, kho lạnh 200 mét khối với 0 độ C. Về các kho dự trữ có: kho thường 10.000 mét khối, kho dự trữ đông lạnh 4.000 mét khối. Thiết kế quầy bên trong bao gồm: các quầy thường dài 150 mét, diện tích 300 mét vuông. Có 6 máy thu ngân NCR có bàn lăn tự động. Các quầy khác là: quầy thịt tươi, quầy thực phẩm đông lạnh, quầy rau trái cây, tủ lạnh đựng các sản phẩm từ sữa. Toàn siêu thị gắn máy điều hòa không khí và có hệ thống truyền hình hữu tuyến để kiểm soát. Ngoài ra còn trang bị máy phát điện 105 Kw.
https://preview.redd.it/ntkc56w4p2hc1.png?width=781&format=png&auto=webp&s=56bfc86c1da361a90c4f72ff98d153f6ab951df5
Một tháng sau ngày khai trương, siêu thị Nguyễn Du tổ chức một sự kiện đánh dấu sự thành công của mình. Khi người khách thứ 100.000 đến đây và đặt tay vào cửa quay, loa phóng thanh phát to: “Hoan nghênh công dân siêu thị thứ 100.000, là anh Lê Văn Sâm…”. Anh được choàng băng kỷ niệm và được ông quản đốc trao tặng giải thưởng trị giá 10.000 đồng.
https://preview.redd.it/j6nviz3cp2hc1.png?width=781&format=png&auto=webp&s=4b5b227d0e603e951074649176bfb45c08bc5c26
Siêu thị Nguyễn Du hoạt động như các siêu thị ngày nay theo chủ trương khách hàng là người đi mua, tự chọn và tự mang hàng đã chọn đi thanh toán. Càng ngạc nhiên hơn khi thời ấy, tại Nguyễn Du đã phát hành thẻ hội viên siêu thị cho khách hàng.
https://preview.redd.it/b34k9zcjp2hc1.png?width=500&format=png&auto=webp&s=6605031c6ef881e66134bf148b5bbf0b156e0005
Trước khi siêu thị được thành lập, trong giới doanh thương Sài Gòn, tuy rất nhanh nhạy với cái mới đã có nhiều ý kiến cho rằng đây là việc làm “không tưởng”. Tuy nhiên, Tổng cuộc Tiếp tế với ý định sẽ thiết lập các chuỗi dây chuyền siêu thị tư nhân đã không chùn bước. Sau khi siêu thị này hình thành ít lâu, họ nhận được nhiều thư tán thưởng và nhiều tư nhân tấp nập gửi đơn đến đề nghị cộng tác thiết lập siêu thị tư nhân dưới hình thức này hay hình thức khác.
Đến tháng 12, đã có hai siêu thị tư nhân cỡ nhỏ là An Đông và Đoàn Thị Điểm mở ra. Cái thứ ba ở Biên Hòa được trang bị để mở vào Tết Mậu Thân năm 1968.
Siêu thị này và những siêu thị nhỏ khác ở Sài Gòn và các vùng lân cận hoạt động đến 1975 thì chấm dứt. Sau đó là khoảng thời gian vắng bóng siêu thị cho đến gần 20 năm sau, vào khoảng những năm 1993 thì mới xuất hiện trở lại.
Đến nay nhiều người vẫn cho rằng, siêu thị ở Việt Nam bắt đầu quá muộn mà không biết nó đã hình thành từ gần nửa thế kỷ nay và đã được tổ chức hoạt động rất tốt không khác gì các siêu thị bây giờ.
Sau khi siêu thị Nguyễn Du được thành lập không lâu, ông Cung được SMI (Viện Siêu Thị – Super Marketing Institute) mời qua Bangkok (Thái Lan) gặp các nhà buôn Thái để trình bày kinh nghiệm khi hình thành siêu thị đầu tiên này. Như vậy, dù đang trong hoàn cảnh chiến tranh, Sài Gòn đã đi trước Bangkok, vượt qua một thành phố lớn sống trong hòa bình về việc buôn bán lẻ qua hệ thống siêu thị.
​

• Nguồn bài viết: Góc xưa
• Bài viết gốc: https://chuyengocxua.com/sai-gon-xua/nhung-thuoc-phim-quy-hiem-ve-sieu-thi-dau-tien-tai-sai-gon-va-dau-tien-tai-viet-nam-sieu-thi-nguyen-du.html?fbclid=IwAR2FeOq84jHJlygFtvDa2qKrdI_qEiDcolzRF16KpRS3qXuocDBg9MvkOpc

Disclaimer: I do not speak Korean. This is purely translated by machine with a lot of cleanup afterward. With that in mind, I am open to criticism to improve these translations. Enjoy!
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Chapter 325
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Shock.
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That was the feeling enveloping everyone in the teahouse.
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Every member of the Mount Hua Sect, Beggar Sect, Southern Edge Sect, Lower District Sect, and Dragon Phoenix Escort Agency was gripped by disbelief. Dozens of eyes, wide with stupor, stared at the unfolding drama.
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"So."
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Thud!
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“If you don't have anything nice to say.”
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Thud!
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“Shut the fuck up.”
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Thud!
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“Where do you get off insulting me and then throwing the first punch?”
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Bang!
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The sound of the last hit was unusually loud. Accompanied by the sound of splattering blood, the elder's body hit the ground hard.
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Blood smeared his face, distorting the once proud features that had enchanted countless admirers. The once perfect set of teeth, defying his eighty years, was now reduced to a solitary front tooth.
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“Talking shit about someone's master, fucking bastard.”
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Bang!
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The last tooth arced through the air, landing obscurely in a corner.
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The onlookers, faces blank with shock, shared a collective thought:
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'What am I witnessing right now?'
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An unimaginable, unprecedented scene was playing out.
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A young man, virtually unknown in Murim, was overpowering the First Sword of the Southern Edge Sect, the Sahyung of the Sect Leader. It was beyond belief.
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Yet, the evidence was before their eyes.
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The rapid exchange, too swift for the eye to catch. At the end, the old man lay defeated, the young man standing victorious and solitary.
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“Fire Dragon…”
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The words, whispered by someone, echoed deeply within the hearts of the witnesses.
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Sleeping Dragon of Shanxi. That was the name given to Jin Tae-Kyung when he first became known in Murim.
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But it was wrong. The sleeping dragon had awakened, poised to dominate not just Shanxi, but the entire world's horizon.
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He was no longer just a dragon; he had transformed into a Fire Dragon.
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“The only school subject in my life where I scored 100 points was ethics, but now I am attacking the elderly. Wake the fuck up, old man."
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Or perhaps, he had become something more fearsome – a Mad Dragon?
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The chaotic scene around Jin Tae-Kyung, clutching the bloodied and soot-streaked beard of Hwang Bo-Eom, jarred the thirty Tai Yi Sword Team members back to reality.
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They recognized the old man in Tae-Kyung's grip as their esteemed elder, Hwang Bo-Eom, the Tai Yi Ruthless Sword, elder martial brother to their Sect Leader.
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“Now, wait!”
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“Master!”
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Voices erupted in unison.
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Amidst them, a particularly loud and forceful shout rang out.
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"Bastard! Unhand Sabaek right now.”
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At that moment, Hwang Cheon, leader of the Tai Yi Sword Team and disciple of the Southern Edge Sect, swiftly unsheathed his sword, advancing towards the fray.
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Swoosh, clank.
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“…!”
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Hwang Cheon's eyes widened in disbelief.
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In the blink of an eye, the situation had turned.
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The threatening edge of a sword halted at his throat. A pale bamboo cane pressed firmly against his chest, and his half-drawn blade was now trapped by another's.
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Three Peak Masters had effortlessly subdued Hwang Cheon, issuing warnings in succession.
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“It would be best not to pull out that sword.”
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“If you want to fight, me and the Dragon Pheonix Escort Agency will fight you.”
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“If you get hit with the Dog Beating Stick Technique, it will be quite painful. I’ve already achieved fifth mastery of it.”
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Baek Mu-Seong, the First Crane of Mount Hua, Ju Hwa-Ran, the Flower-Shrouded Blade, and Goong Gi-Bang from the Beggar's Sect were all poised for action.
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But there were more.
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“Protect the young mistress of the Agency!"
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"This is troublesome. It's almost over, but it would be problematic if it ends like this."
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Heo Jun, Chief Courier, and the stoic Song Il-Seom, both of the Dragon Phoenix Escort Agency, whispered enigmatically, rallying their couriers against the Southern Edge Sect's disciples...
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"The Branch Master of the Beggar's Sect commands you beggar bastards. Show those bastards, who are worse than yellow dogs, what it feels like to be beaten with a stick!" [Note: "yellow dogs" just refers to an average stray dog, many of which are tan or yellow.]
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“So we're both bastards?"
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"Hah, it's been a while. Let's have a proper brawl."
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“If you get even slightly injured, it’s the Branch Master's fault. Don’t scold us if we can’t beg later.”
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Heuk Geol-Gae and his fellow beggars eagerly brandished the clubs strapped to their waists.
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"You guys, don't get needlessly involved and get hurt. Just write down everything that happens without missing a detail. It'll sell for a high price later."
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"Are you planning to make enemies of the Southern Edge Sect?"
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"Huh? Why would I make an important customer an enemy? This is for the Southern Edge Sect. Even if I mark up the price, they'll have no choice but to buy it."
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"Remarkable, as expected!"
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"Draw a picture too. Make it vivid, as if it's going to jump out at any moment."
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"Yes!"
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Wolhwa, alongside the Lower District Sect, eagerly set about transforming the extraordinary scene into vivid narratives and illustrations, aiming for a major sensation.
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"Wow! I've never seen anything like this in my life!"
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"Look there! Even Hyuk Mu-Jin is here, the Vice Leader of the Taiyuan Jin Dragon Squad and the right-hand man of the Squad Leader!"
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Observing from a distance were Cheong Pung and Hyuk Mu-Jin, who had remained unnoticed until now.
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As the situation veered off course, Hwang Cheon's face flushed with a mix of humiliation and rage.
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“What is this? Everyone stop now!”
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The reply came from an unexpected source.
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“What if I don’t want to stop?”
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“…!”
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Hwang Cheon gasped sharply.
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Through the crowd, his gaze collided with eyes blazing with an icy intensity.
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“I asked: What are you going to do if I don’t want to stop?”
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Vapors of white steam curled from the corner of Jin Tae-Kyung's mocking mouth.
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Was it the aura of a deity he witnessed? The mere act of locking eyes and the faint whisper reaching his ears left Hwang Cheon breathless.
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An overwhelming presence stood before him.
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'How can you be so strong at such a young age?'
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Hwang Cheon was struck by the realization that for Jin Tae-Kyung, who had vanquished the First Sword of the Southern Edge Sect, age was merely a trivial detail.
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'A monster, he is a monster.'
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And now, that very monster was looking at him.
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His own martial prowess, once a source of pride, now seemed insignificant under Jin Tae-Kyung's imposing aura. Hwang Cheon found himself nervously swallowing.
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"Sajae, step back now. Everyone else, sheath your swords."
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At those words, the figure obstructing his view became clear.
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Eyes widening in recognition, Hwang Cheon exclaimed.
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“Hyuk Sahyung…!”
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The Lone Dragon of the Southern Edge Sect, Hyuk So-Pyung. The future of the Southern Edge Sect, still holding his fame and position despite his indulgence in pleasures.
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Hyuk So-Pyung stood before Hwang Cheon, staring at Jin Tae-Kyung with a stern gaze.
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Despite being aimed at by dozens of weapons, his voice was resolute and unshaken.
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“Please stop the meaningless fighting.”
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“Meaningless? You want me to stop?”
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A hushed hiss of breath escaped Jin Tae-Kyung's lips.
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“You may have started it, but I am the one who will finish it.”
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“I know. That’s why I’m asking you for a favor.”
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"Asking, huh? Just because you have a mouth doesn’t mean you should speak carelessly. You might actually get it ripped open."
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"The outcome is already clear, so I'm asking you to show the generosity of the strong."
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The Southern Edge Sect disciples were taken aback not only by his respectful tone and manner but also by the nature of his appeal.
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From behind him, Hwang Cheon, silent until now, lifted his head and interjected.
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"Sahyung! Speaking of the generosity of the strong, such words demean the prestige of Sabaek and the Great Southern Edge Sect…"
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"Sajae."
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“Yes, Sahyung?”
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Hwang Cheon's interruption was swiftly curtailed by a voice serene yet edged with firmness.
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“Can you shut your mouth?”
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“…Sahyung?"
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Both Hwang Cheon and the rest of the Tai Yi Sword Team stared at Hyuk So-Pyung in disbelief.
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Hyuk So-Pyung, under their astonished gazes, slowly began.
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"Had you eyes, you'd have seen, and had you ears, you'd have heard: how this all started." [Note: this sentence was structured a bit differently than normal. Essentially, Hyuk So-Pyung is saying if they have eyes and ears, they should have seen and heard how all of this started.]
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“…”
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"Plotting in the shadows to swallow up the Dragon Pheonix Escort Agency is not the act of a noble and reputable Sect. Thus, our sect has already lost its dignity."
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His voice was measured, his face contorted with emotion, yet Hyuk So-Pyung continued.
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"Furthermore, wielding swords with murderous intent in front of such clear evidence, without admitting faults, means even the last strand of trust in our sect is broken. Who among us dares to speak of prestige? Me, who wallowed in pleasures, forgetting my duties? Or you, who refuse to admit wrongs and only protect your pride?"
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Hwang Cheon bowed his head, shame evident. Along with him, all thirty disciples of the Southern Edge Sect stood silent, their grip on their sword sheaths betraying their turmoil.
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They were confronted with the bitter truth of Hyuk So-Pyung's words, a hollow feeling of disgrace replacing their sect pride.
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Though no one spoke, their emotional turmoil was palpable to all present.
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“At least for today… We were not the Great Southern Edge Sect.”
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With these parting words and a rueful glance at his peers, Hyuk So-Pyung turned away.
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He then bowed deeply, showing utmost respect to the silent observer.
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"I, Hyuk So-Pyung, a disciple of the Southern Edge Sect, dare to ask. Deeply reflecting and apologizing for the wrongs our sect has committed, please show mercy just this once and spare him."
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His demeanor was profoundly deferential, akin to addressing a superior in the martial arts realm.
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The recipient of the bow was a young man, his features tinged with a youthful, blue hue.
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After a brief pause, Jin Tae-Kyung, who had been silently observing Hyuk So-Pyung's gesture, finally spoke.
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“It’s really distasteful to let an old bastard like him live... But fine, I’ll let it go just this once.”
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Before Hyuk So-Pyung could even raise his head, a cheerful voice continued.
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“After just one more hit.”
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Crack!
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​
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* * *
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​
​
Describing the interior of Dengwang Tower as merely 'ruined' would be an understatement.
​
The roof had caved in, and all furnishings lay in ruins, casualties of the fierce duel between me and Hwang Bo-Eom. Cold wind and murmurs from onlookers drifted through the shattered walls.
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“Oh my god, Dengwang Tower…”
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“What the hell is going on? Does anyone know what happened?”
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“I don’t know exactly either. However, as I heard the story, about an hour ago, the Tai Yi Ruthless Sword of the Southern Edge Sect led his disciples…”
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In Xi'an, the heart of Shaanxi Province, no event at Dengwang Tower could escape public scrutiny.
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Curious and concerned locals gathered, only to be met by the stern gazes of dozens of martial artists.
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"That's enough."
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“It’s Murim’s business, so don’t get involved and leave quickly!”
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Armed with various weapons, these martial artists formed a barrier, causing the onlookers to hesitantly withdraw.
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I watched the Southern Edge Sect disciples, laboring to conceal the interior chaos, with a hint of disdain.
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“Such effort, really.”
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The prestige of the great Southern Edge Sect lay in tatters, their desperate attempts to preserve any semblance of dignity appearing both pitiful and futile.
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I flopped down onto a wooden chair with a broken backrest and spoke.
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“Alright, despite the unpleasant incidents, what needs to be ended must be ended. Let’s now find a consensus through dialogue instead of barbaric violence.”
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“…”
​
“…”
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Ignoring the sharp glares from every direction, I couldn't help but smile wryly at one individual.
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“So, Hwang Bo-Eom, what do you think?”
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Hwang Bo-Eom's response was more of a pained groan than words.
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“Huh, huhuhuhuh...”
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Both arms broken, a fractured leg, and internal injuries that would need a year to mend. His nose and teeth, too, were beyond repair.
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From his barely open mouth, the sound of blood-tinged phlegm mixed with his groaning.
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“Huhuhuh.”
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Gently grasping Hwang Bo-Eom's wrist, his breath ragged, I suppressed the impulse to inflict further harm.
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Channeling a hint of my energy into him, his ashen complexion showed a slight improvement.
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“Patient, patient, please come to your senses. It's time for an injection, no, a negotiation.”
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“Huh, Jin Tae-Kyung. You…”
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“That's my name. Don't wear it out.”
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“You bastard, do you think our Sect will leave you alone…?”
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"Hmm."
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He's still delirious.
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Pondering briefly, I then moved my hand swiftly, striking like a bolt of lightning.
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Swoosh!
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“Cough!”
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The slap sent Hwang Bo-Eom reeling, his eyes rolling back.
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He teetered on the brink of falling off the chair, but Hyuk So-Pyung caught him, releasing a weary sigh.
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"Hah."
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“It's not my fault. This guy keeps asking for it. He practically begs to be killed, what can I do?”
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“Still, restrain yourself. Any more and his life will be in danger.”
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“You have it tough too. Given his personality, I doubt he was very nice to you either. Right?”
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“…It doesn't matter what kind of person he was. He is my master's elder brother and a disciple of our sect.”
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The complexity in his expression hinted at deeper undercurrents.
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Was his past indulgence in drunken brawls a consequence of this?
​
The question momentarily intrigued me, but I refrained from probing. My curiosity was not so keen.
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More pressing matters demanded attention.
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“So, let's start the negotiation. Miss Ju, are you ready?”
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“Me? Yes, certainly.”
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“Just tell us your demands.”
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Is this reality, or some surreal dream?
​
Bewildered, Ju Hwa-Ran, her cheek tinged with red, began to speak.
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“Our escort agency demands the Southern Edge Sect for contract nullification and a penalty for this incident…”
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Her words were abruptly cut off by Hwang Bo-Eom's hoarse interruption.
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"We refuse. Our sect will not provide any compensation.”
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I knew he would be like this.
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I winked at the rigid Ju Hwa-Ran.
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"Miss Ju, just a moment."
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"Yes?"
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"It'll only take a second."
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Without further delay, I administered another slap to Hwang Bo-Eom.
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Swoosh!
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“Cough!"
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“Sabaek!”
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“I ask again. Will you compensate them?”
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Hwang Bo-Eom's gaze, ablaze with resentment, met mine.
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"Our sect will not make... any compensation..."
​
Swoosh!
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“Cough! We will not make any compensation.”
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Swoosh!
​
“Cough! We will make any compensation!”
​
"Okay, compensation! Okay! Thank you!"
​
Negotiation is easy, right?

A warning and a note on why this chapter is quite late. I'm now in migraine season.
Every winter starting in early to mid January through mid to late February I get daily or every other day migraines. The length can be from four to six hours of debilitating pain. Needless to say, that makes writing hard. What little free time I have gets taken over by work that is a bit more pressing. I'm trying to write, but with how my head has been, it takes far longer than it has any right to.
I'm writing, albeit slowly. Thank you.
Now, on to the consequences of what you read in the last chapter!
First / Previous / Next
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Memory transcript Subject: Hale, Venlil Ecologist
Date: [Standardized Human Time] September 16, 2136
I had a large smile on my face as I watched Lance shuffle into the dining room. I let out a confused hum at the look of my friend who, for the first time in many paws, was wearing his mask. Though, on the top portion. My confusion shifted to amusement as I saw the modification he made. I failed to suppress a laugh as I saw a pair of sunglasses taped to the cover.
“Lance, you right?” Atama seemed to put two and two together quickly and he let out a bark of laughter. “I see now! You had a hard night, yeah?”
“Ugh... ‘tama, buddy, please stop yelling...” He shuffled over to the kitchen before looking thoroughly through the fridge. From how his entire body slumped, he didn't find what he was after. “Right, herbivore planet... Fuck...”
“Oh no, you have to go without the classic hangover cure, that's awful. No greasy goodness for you.” A sad whine came out of Lance's throat as he continued to search around the food storage area.
“Greasy food?” My translator gave an error for a description. Not a mistranslation error, but just flat out refusing to translate the word. Odd.
The suffering human muttered to himself too low for me to hear. Atama was able to clear things up for me. “Food high in protein, lipids, and iron are popular cures for hangovers back on Earth, especially where Lance is from. He's probably feeling more miserable right now at that realization.”
“Oh. Poor Lance.” Though the food Atama mentioned sounded similar to a Cure Bean and Maggroot smoothie. Maybe I could ask about finding the ingredients in town?
“Yes, poor Lance.” Turning away from his fellow human, who was now making the caffeine heavy drink coffee, Atama looked me up and down. I could see the questioning look on his face, so the words he spoke next did not surprise me. “Now I know wild-man there is able to handle his liquor pretty well, so to see him in this state means last night was a heavy night. So I gotta ask, how are you looking like nothing happened?”
“Bullshit speep... Fucking sponge-ass livers... Monster.” The disjointed words from across the room had Atama raise an eyebrow; a sign of confusion for humans. I myself let out a few chuckles at the gibberish.
“As Lance and I learned last night, it seems like Humanity can't beat the Venlil on our tolerance for alcohol.” I received a rude gesture from Lance as he made his way to the table. “It was quite amusing to see how fast his confidence turned into inebriation. I don't think I even got tipsy.”
“Really? How much did you have?”
“Lance and I shared a bottle of what he called whiskey; I must say it tasted wonderful. After that and when he saw me unaffected, he brought out what has become my new favorite drink.” I looked at Lance who was now slowly sipping from the dark drink. I could see the frown on his face. “What was it again? Some fruit based drink?”
“You drained a whole bottle of Applejack. A red label bottle aged ten years...” I could not see his eyes behind the double layer of eye protection, but I could guess what his gaze held. Even without the visual cues, his voice gave everything away; the whining nature of it was quite amusing. “I can't believe I didn't stop you...”
“Lance, I had to stop you from drinking more.”
“Pfft! Hahaha!” Atama's laughter was boisterous and sharp, but it ended abruptly when he saw Lance cover his ears. “Right, sorry mate, forgot about that. But really, you have to admit it's funny.”
“I have so much regret...”
“And I have so many photos.”
It was at that point where both humans froze; all sound had stopped, not even breathing. Both of them turned their attention away from each other and on to me. Atama leaned forward with a strange smile while Lance began shaking his head. He also made a strange gesture with his hand along his throat. I'd need to ask him about that later.
“Hale...”
“Go on...”
“Well, after Lance and I finished the whiskey, he became a bit less understandable. He was mostly cognizant, so we kept going. After the second glass of the Applejack however, he... I don't know if there is any other way of putting it, but he... devolved?”
Atama nodded slowly as Lance dropped his face onto the table. “Let me guess, his speech wasn't just slurred, but also wildly different and altogether harder to understand?”
My ears perked up at that perfect description. “Yes! That's exactly it! My translator kept giving me error messages and tried it's best to give approximate guesses, but it was not great.”
“That's cause he wasn't able to code switch under the influence.” The large human flinched for a moment before giving Lance an apologetic look. “Oops, sorry mate, it just kinda slipped out.”
“Code switching?”
“It's...” Atama looked back at Lance who raised his head before he shrugged limply. Seeing no motivation to stop the explanation, Atama continued. “Code switching is changing how one talks for whatever reason they desire. It is usually people who have accents, have a more unique tone of voice, or speak a different dialect from the general masses. It tends to be common in media jobs or other public facing positions.”
“And Lance, you do that?”
“A’yup.” There it was! The way he spoke last night! Just like then, my translator failed to give an exact translation, but it suggested it was a word of affirmation. It didn't last however, after another sip of his drink, he spoke in the tone I was used to. “I do it since in most places back home, speaking with a flatter accent is considered proper.”
“I still don't understand the point of it. Why care how people speak as long as you can be understood?”
“Well, as you experienced last night, I wasn't easily understood. Slurred speech aside, the translator for English wasn't programmed with an Appalachian accent in mind. Now that's not to say I'm upset at that, it's understandable that niche regional ways of speaking are on the back burner. I'm sure they'll put an update out eventually.”
“I don't mind having an occasional error for the translation if it means you can speak how you're supposed to.”
“I'll... Take that under consideration.” Lance sent me a faint smile before leaning back up. Though the motion clearly affected him, making him massage the side of his head. He seemed to be getting better, but he still looked like he was in pain.
“Anyways, about those photos you took?”
Lance shot Atama a look from under his mask before turning to me. “Don't do this Hale. If you share them, then it's over for me.”
“So you know what's in them?”
“Not in the slightest, I have no memory of the night after my first glass of Applejack. It's all dark from there.” His head subtly shifted towards me. “Which concerns me. I know the type'a drunk I am. I can hazard a guess.”
“Well, I don't know. It was a pretty amusing night.” I waved my tail at the suffering human with a smug smile. “After all, you still haven't told me about those things you've been making.”
“Now wait just a minute, you're the one that got distracted by the booze!”
“And you're the one that continued that distraction with your desire to see my limits.”
“Trying to assert your dominance on Hale, Lance? That's sad.”
“First you terrorize us with swimming, now you want to assert your dominance on our drinking culture? You humans truly are cruel.”
“I apologize for my colleague, he was raised by raccoons. He's never quite recovered.”
“Hardy har har... If y'all’r gon' be like this I'd rather see what happened last night.”
“Oh?”
A large flash of teeth were sent to me before the larger human morphed it into a closed lip version. “Please Hale, share with us the tale of Last Night Lance.”
I gave a happy whistle accompanied by a tail wave. “I would love to!” As I began to recount the events of last night, Lance got up to retrieve a second cup of coffee.
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[Memory Transcript Paused: Supplemental Information on relevant events can be found in a separate Transcript for Subject: Hale on September 15. Would you like to proceed?]
[Yes] [No]
Well... This was something...
“Lance, buddy, are you alright?” My friend that I had been drinking with had been boasting about his skill when it came to drinking. Though after only a single bottle between us, Lance had become drunk surprisingly quickly. I wasn't sure if it was the speed of the drinking or the strength, but to me it was not that bad.
Once the first bottle had become empty and the differences between our states became clear, he became more competitive. The man reached under and brought out a slightly larger glass bottle named for an Earth fruit. Applejack. After a single glass, I fell in love.
Its beautiful flavor overwhelmed me at first. I could taste the hint of what must have been the fruit the drink was named for. Lance was proud of this particular drink, since this particular style was invented in his home region.
After a single glass of the new alcohol, his composure continued to get worse. His face was red, his voice changed completely, and his coordination was worse than a pup’s. Though the worst part by far was his demeanor. Lance had not stopped smiling and giggling for the last quarter paw. It was a little disconcerting.
“Mmmhmm.” Despite my incomplete knowledge on human language and behavior, I knew that this wasn't normal. “Ahm still as right asa raindrip.”
Don't raindrops fall though?
Lance reached for his empty glass, and missed by a few hairs [inches]. The man glared at the thing for a moment before getting it on the second try. He poured himself another drink and began sipping it.
“How’re ya not feelin it? We've had...” Lance paused as his eyes became unfocused. After a moment, he blinked and shook his head, his eyes cleared up once more. “We've had a gud few drainks... An yet, you're looking brighter than’a spring Cardinal.”
More errors for my translator to attempt to fix. I looked at my holopad to try and tone down the alerts since there wasn't any likelihood of Lance improving. Though I took the chance to take a photo of the giddy human.
“Perhaps you just can't hold your liquor?” That seemed to be the case for my friend. However, the human seemed to take offense to that claim.
“Whutidujussay!?” Lance leaned forward while using his empty hand to keep him steady. The hand holding his drink was used to point at me, drink dangerously close to spilling out. “I'll have you know I come from a proud line of alcoholics!”
“I'm sorry?”
“Tha wasa joke... Pa wasn't a dunk nor’m I.” He took a somber sip. “Damn, fell flat...”
While he became lost in muddled thought, I finished off my second glass of the new drink. Too late I realized that my quick pace seemed to spur Lance to keep up with me. Much to his own detriment. Lance barely managed to pour me a third glass and went to give himself another when my paw grabbed his hand.
“Lance, I think you might have already drank more than you should.” I admit, I was beginning to get a bit tipsy, but I was nowhere close to his level of inebriation*. I* still had my rational thinking. Lance though... Lance clearly did not.
The man wrapped his drink holding arm around me, the tilted glass of booze spilling a few drops on my wool. I thanked the stars he still had a shred of balance, because if he didn't, he'd take both of us to the floor. Even so I had to strain myself from being crushed.
“Well damn...”
“Uhh... Lance?”
“-luffy.” Soon after he muttered words I wasn't able to catch, his head flipped over and began resting stop of mine. While that in itself was odd, the way he began to rub his face against my wool was stranger. “y'all speep’r just too damn fluffy. Like clouds... It’ain't fair.”
“I'm glad my wool care routine pleases you so much.” In the spirit of this strange but comforting camaraderie, I gave him a compliment as well. “I think it's interesting how you style your facial fur. Very well done.”
“Awwww! Thanks buddy!” the man stroked his mustache before poking my upper lip. The action surprised me and I let out a surprised bleat. “I wunner if we could get you a handlebar? Or maybe something with that mass’a fluff ya got? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...”
“I-I don't think that would work the same...” I was able to push myself out from under his arm, much to his vocal disappointment as he slumped on the desk. I had to brush away a few of the predatory instruments he'd been working on away from him just in case.
For my efforts, one of the hooks became tangled in my fur. Thankfully it didn't stab me, but it was surprisingly annoying to pull out.
“Uh oh, got a Venny on the hook!” A giggling Lance pointed at my struggle before bursting into a laughing fit. “Bahaha! First catch of the trip’s a wild Hale! Oh the humanity!”
Eventually I got it free without stabbing myself. Lance’s unintelligible advice was, while funny, not helpful. I had to stop him from sloppily pouring himself another drink. I wasn't sure if I could handle him in a worse state. Not alone.
“Lance. I think you've definitely had too much.” Gone was the professional, albeit often eccentric, Human. Lance had fully lost what composure he'd been holding onto. I tried to sit him back up to no avail. “You should probably lay down now, to let you sleep all this off.”
Looking at the clock on the wall, I saw that it was late. No doubt the others were fast asleep and unable to help. That wasn't great since I doubted I could carry Lance up to flights of stairs from his workshop up to his room. Looking around the work area, I saw something that could work. He and Atama had brought a couch down here earlier. I was curious as to why they wanted one here, but it was invaluable at this moment.
“Come on Lance, let's get you over this way. Time to rest, yes?” Once I got him down, I'd run to my room to get him a blanket. Though actually getting him there was easier said than done. The Human was not exactly cooperative. “Lance, please stop nuzzling my head. We need to get you on the couch.”
“Mmmm, talking plushie.” There was a quiet moment where I feared he'd already passed out. Thankfully he shuffled a little and spoke up again. “Yeah, I’am a lil slepy.”
“Of course you are.” Thank the stars he was being cooperative for once.
It took a bit. But eventually I was able to guide the drunken man over to the couch and plop him on it. I chuckled at the noise he made as his face hit the back cushion.
“Wha'r you laughin a’?” a single eye glared at me as he was face down on the soft couch. He tried but failed to lift his head up to glare fully at me. A quick photo of him was snapped. Future teasing material for when he brings up the Pool Incident.
“Don't worry about it.” I put one of the pillows under his head to get his face free, just in case humans vomited when intoxicated as well. Once he was in position and mumbling about being cold, I turned around to fetch him a blanket. That was a mistake.
With more speed than anyone in his condition has any right to have, I felt an arm wrap around my stomach. “Speh.” That was all I could say before I was dragged backwards with an embarrassing bleat.
“Mmmmmmmmmm.” No sooner had Lance brought me onto the couch did he further trap me by wrapping his other arm around my upper torso, hand patting my head. “Comfy...”
“Lance please, I'm not a pillow!” I wiggled around in his grip to no avail. I was in an awkward position, my legs dangling off the side of the couch as Lance held me almost perpendicular to himself. Staying in this position would be bad, I knew that. I gently tried to poke his hands with my claws, but he did not seem to care.
“Prickly buddy, lyke a hedgmhug.”
Using my tail, I brought my holopad close enough to where I could just barely pick it up. Looking through my contacts, and ignoring the snoring vibrating through my spine, I came to a dismal realization. I can't call Atama because he'd mock me mercilessly, Aila or Dr. Khan because they're both older and disrupting their sleep seems wrong, Sant for a similar reason to Atama, Torum because of obvious reasons, Phim or Tumi because they would faint at seeing the situation, and Mula because I honestly don't know too much about her.
“Speh.” In this time of awkwardness, there wasn't much I could do besides wait.
In the long moments of boredom, I took a few pictures of the situation as proof. Plenty to prove that Lance must be kept from drinking large amounts of alcohol when near any Venlil. If not for their safety and sanity, then for him accidentally shoving his face into the wrong Ven’s wool.
“Mmmm... Comton camdy...” It was at that moment I felt a wetness on my neck.
As I have the humans say: Fuck...
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[End of Supplemental transcript for September 15: Would you like to resume play of September 16 transcript?]
[Yes] [No]
“Well... I reckon it could’a been worse.” Over the course of my retelling of the story, Lance had taken off his glasses and mask. With the exposed face, I was able to see the red eyes with accompanying bags under them. His face became more red with embarrassment as the tale went on. Atama's laughter hardly helped. “Wait, I woke up alone though? And without a blanket.”
“How did you manage to get out of that?” Atama finally managed to get his laughter under control enough to ask a question between chuckles. “I mean, Lance isn't exactly small. And even drunk, he's still going to be stronger than you. No offense.”
“None taken.” I was aware of the differences in our biology. It would be embarrassing if I felt any less of myself because of that. “It took a while, but eventually while unconscious, his grip loosened up enough for me to wiggle out.”
“Fuck me...” Lance put his head in his hands as Atama laughed loudly. I could see one of his green eyes peek between his fingers to look at me. “Hale, if you share those, I might actually have to eat you.”
“Hah! Don’t let the others hear that!” The other man was clearly having the time of his life at this. The Human’s humor was starting to infect me as I let out a good laugh as well. “I can't believe you drooled on him! Oh poor Hale, I bet you took a good shower afterwards?”
“Immediately, yes. I thank the stars nobody else saw, I'd hate to have to explain to Torum that I'd managed to drink Lance under the table and then become little more than a stuffed animal to him, and perhaps a food. After the first hair [two minutes] of panic, I resigned myself to being a pillow and blanket for him.”
“Oh god! Any Venlil would think he was about to eat you. HAAAH! I can see it now!” Atama threw his hands wide in a theatrical manner. “Human arrested for aggravated cuddles!”
“Breaking news! Scientific program under fire for reports of predator attacks.”
“Hardy har.” Lance was doing his best not to look amused at our jokes, but I could see an upturned lip. “I'm glad you're both having a grand ol time at my expense.”
“Yeah sorry buddy, low hanging fruit and all that.”
“I swear...” Lance shook his head at us, his smile no longer being hidden. “Tag teamed by both a Human and a Venlil... What has the world come to?”
“Oh, so you don't like progress when it's at your expense?” Atama raised an eyebrow at his friend. “How sad.”
The two Humans continued to bicker in good cheer and I contemplated the events of the last tail [month].
From terrified of the thought of being near a Shadestalker let alone an Arxur to comfortably joking about being eaten by Lance. I let out a quiet chuckle as I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl at the center of the table.
I took a satisfied bite as I sent a few of the less scandalous photos to the group chat. I'm sure they'd love to see me and a Puddle-like Lance. Though I kept his snuggle attack to myself of course. That would just cause a stampede.
-------
In case anyone is worried about the Venlil group chat and excluding the humans, don't worry. There's a total of three chats in play. One for humans, one for Venlil, and one where all of them are present. Nobody's being left out :)
Also, I've put thought into a sort of mini chapter about the Venlil kids getting a lecture from the mom after being given back by the exterminators. If there's interest for that whole event of them and the exterminators, comment below.
First / Previous / Next

Disclaimer: I do not speak Korean. This is purely translated by machine with a lot of cleanup afterward. With that in mind, I am open to criticism to improve these translations. Enjoy!
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Chapter 312
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Upon the surrender of the Black Stone Fortress bandits, the young leader Ju Hwa-Ran was the first to compose herself.
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Her gaze, ineffable and profound, met mine as she offered a deep bow of respect.
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“I am greatly indebted to you.”
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“It’s nothing."
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I was just passing by and it didn’t take much time. The level-up was satisfying enough for me.
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To Ju Hwa-Ran, however, this intervention was like a lifeline.
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“If it weren’t for Young Master Jin's help, our Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency would have had to bury our bones here. I’ve heard of the reputation of the Sleeping Dragon of Shanxi, but it’s true that you are a hero who can’t stand injustice.”
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“Hero, what hero? Those are just flattering rumors, you know.”
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“What?”
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“Even if I see injustice, I sometimes let it go. I only deal with the ones who really bother me. But somehow, the ones who bother me always turn out to be the worst ones, like Thousand Strength Axe here.”
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As I spoke, I observed the body of Thousand Strength Axe being hauled off.
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“And our family also runs an armed escort agency.”
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“Ah, the Jin Family's Escort Agency.”
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The former Star Cloud Escort Agency operated by the Woo family had rebranded to the Jin Family's Escort Agency, now prospering with over five branches.
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Given the proximity of Shaanxi and Shanxi, an inevitable intersection with the Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency seemed likely.
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“You know about the Jin Family's Escort Agency? If we ever meet, treat us well. Just like today, helping each other with mutual cooperation.”
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“Mutual cooperation?”
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“Is there a problem?”
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“You do realize that the Jin Family's Escort Agency and our Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency are competitors, don’t you?”
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Competitors?
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Surprised, I inquired further.
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“Is that true?”
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“You really didn’t know?”
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“Yes. I haven’t paid much attention to the family business.”
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“If you hadn’t saved us today, the Jin Family's Escort Agency might have been able to expand into Shaanxi. Even though it doesn’t seem like it now, we are still in control of Shaanxi.”
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“I see.”
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“It’s fiercer than it looks in this business. There are many unseen struggles and occasional violent conflicts.”
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“Well, if we can’t expand, it’s okay. I’ll tell my oldest brother to stay friendly.”
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Ju Hwa-Ran, after a moment of contemplation, couldn't help but laugh.
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“Thank you for that.”
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Her smile took me aback with its unexpected beauty.
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I barely managed to stifle my astonishment, when whispers from behind reached my ears.
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“Incredible, it’s the first time I see someone more beautiful than Miss Seo-Wol.”
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“Ju Hwa-Ran, the Flower-Shrouded Blade, is one of Northern Jiangbei's Three Beauties. I don’t know who Seo-Wol is, but you dare to compare her to Ju Hwa-Ran?”
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“What nonsense. Young Master Goong, go scrub on some of that river rock. Your dirtiness is unbearable.”
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“What’s it to you!”
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“You’re a beggar, aren’t you?”
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“Ha, well, that’s true.”
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An innocent voice followed.
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“No, it’s true. Miss Seo-Wol is pretty too.”
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“What’s with you, Young Master Cheong? I didn’t know you could say such things.”
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“And in my eyes, Young Master Goong is pretty too.”
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“…Then, pretty Young Master Goong, why don’t you go wash in the river? Especially focus on your eyes.”
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Without a doubt, it was the Bermuda Triangle.
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Under normal circumstances, I would have made introductions, but the level of conversation was so low it was embarrassing to even speak.
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As I awkwardly cleared my throat, Ju Hwa-Ran glanced over my shoulder.
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“Who are those people?”
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“I don’t know.”
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“But you came with them.”
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“They’re just companions for the road.”
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“Really?”
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“I swear to the heavens.”
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Trying to keep my voice low was futile; the Bermuda Triangle caught wind of our conversation and reacted explosively.
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“Squad Leader! Are we an embarrassment to you?”
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“Are you embarrassed of me?”
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“Savior! I'm fine! Please be embarrassed of us!”
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“...Actually, they are my friends.”
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“They look like it.”
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It was a heart-crushing comment.
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Ju Hwa-Ran, wearing a gentle smile, offered a respectful bow to the trio.
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“I am Ju Hwa-Ran, the young leader of the Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency, and I greet our saviors.”
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I wasn’t quite sure what these guys did to be called saviors, but the Bermuda Triangle also bowed their heads.
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“I am Hyuk Mu-Jin, the commander of the Jin Dragon Squad, and the right-hand man of the Sleeping Dragon of Shanxi.”
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I interjected calmly.
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“He's not the commander, but the temporary commander, and less of a right-hand man, but more like my left pinky finger.”
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Then, Goong Gi-Bang introduced himself.
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“Beggar Goong Gi-Bang at your service.”
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“The future Beggar King.”
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Cheong Pung spoke next.
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“Hello! You’re pretty!”
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“As you can see, this child is a bit special. A bit lacking, but a good friend.”
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After their whirlwind introductions and my own clarifications, Ju Hwa-Ran's mouth slightly opened in disbelief.
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Her eyes, wide and black, seemed to quake in astonishment.
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“So, let me get this straight… left pinky finger, future Beggar King, and a slightly lacking but good friend, is that right?”
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“Yes, that’s accurate.”
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“I’ve never heard such descriptions before.”
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“Should I repeat it?”
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“No, thank you.”
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She sighed deeply, her gaze shifting to each one.
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“I have heard about the accomplishments of the Swift Wind Sword in the suppression of the northern bandits.”
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“...What?”
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Hyuk Mu-Jin stared at Ju Hwa-Ran, confusion written across his face.
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Swift Wind Sword, a moniker unbeknownst to him until now. He seemed pleased by it though.
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Before a response could be mustered, Ju Hwa-Ran continued.
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“The person beside you is Young Master Goong Gi-Bang, disciple of the Boundless Seeker, the leader of the Beggar Sect.”
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“Ni- nice to meet you.”
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“And finally, it's an honor to meet Young Master Cheong Pung, the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua. My grandfather and father always regarded the Sword Saint, Mae Jong-Hak, as a hero of righteousness.”
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The Divine Dragon of Mount Hua, a title bestowed upon Cheong Pung after the Great Celestial Banquet.
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Cheong Pung was visibly surprised.
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“Wow, how do you know all that?”
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Ju Hwa-Ran offered a knowing smile.
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“Because I am the young leader of the Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency.”
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Her response was brief, yet laden with significance.
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We departed Henan mere days after the conclusion of the Great Celestial Banquet.
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‘She's astonishingly quick at gethering intelligence.’
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Particularly impressive was her knowledge of Hyuk Mu-Jin, a relatively unknown martial artist in Shanxi, not to mention the exactitude of his nickname.
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This revealed Ju Hwa-Ran's meticulousness and sharpness.
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‘The Flower-Shrouded Blade. A beauty harboring hidden danger.’
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She was not just hiding a single danger; she was a Peak martial artist, and combined both a keen intellect and an alluring beauty.
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She had rightfully earned her place among the future leaders of Murim, the Ten Dragons and Phoenixes.
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‘Impressive. With such capabilities, she must be managing the escort agency well.’
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I recalled hearing from Goong Gi-Bang about the Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency's recent struggles.
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I dismissed the stray thought that surfaced.
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‘Ah, what does it matter to me.’
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Finding the Divine Doctor is more pressing right now.
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Having already been delayed for nearly an hour, we must hurry if we want to reach our destination before dawn.
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“Miss Ju, we need to get going.”
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Ju Hwa-Ran seemed taken aback by my abrupt statement.
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“Right now?”
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“There’s an urgent matter.”
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“It’s already late. Why don’t you stay the night and leave tomorrow…”
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“That’s a bit… I need to be in Xi’an by tomorrow.” [Note: Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province.]
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“Ah.”
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Ju Hwa-Ran appeared to want to say more, hesitating momentarily.
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“Will I see you again?”
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“Of course. If fate allows it.”
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As I nodded and turned to leave, Ju Hwa-Ran added softly.
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“I will never forget the favor of saving my life.”
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“Well, even without me, you would have avoided the worst situation, so you don’t need to be that thankful.”
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“Huh?”
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“Of course, there would have been some damage.”
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Does she still not know? It seemed plausible.
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I offered Ju Hwa-Ran, who wore a look of confusion, a small smile before shifting my attention to the intense gaze of the young courier.
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​
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[Lv.110 Song Il-Seom]
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‘The martial world is indeed vast. That such a skilled person is just a courier.’
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He was the source of the piercing gaze I had felt throughout my conversation with Ju Hwa-Ran.
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His stare had been so intense, it felt as if the back of my head was on fire.
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‘But why has that guy been glaring at me like that since earlier? Do we have some grudge?’
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It wasn't just me who sensed the hostility. Cheong Pung, trailing close behind, whispered to me.
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“Savior, did you feel it too?”
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“Yeah. I don’t know why, but it’s quite obvious.”
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“Right? Maybe he thinks you're pretty too."
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“…….”
​
Please stop talking nonsense.
​
​
​
* * *
​
​
​
As our group rapidly departed, Ju Hwa-Ran watched our retreating figures and was soon joined by another.
​
“Hwa-Ran.”
​
“Ah, Uncle Heo.”
​
Heo Jun, having resolved the bandit situation, joined Ju Hwa-Ran, following her gaze.
​
“The Sleeping Dragon of Shanxi, Jin Tae-Kyung. A truly remarkable young man. The others as well.”
​
“That’s true. They say not to trust the rumors of Murim… but this time, it seems they were actually understated.”
​
Ju Hwa-Ran reflected on Jin Tae-Kyung's martial skills.
​
His prowess was nothing short of staggering. While she was thrilled by his abilities, a hint of envy tinged her thoughts.
​
‘If only I had such power.’
​
The Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency's current predicament might have been averted.
​
Suppressing the words teetering on her lips, Ju Hwa-Ran suddenly used Sound Transmission.
​
- Uncle Heo. Keep an eye on Chief Escort Song.
​
Heo Jun, an experienced and shrewd chief courier, subtly acknowledged her request, cleverly intertwining his response within a different conversation.
​
- Hwa-Ran. What do you mean by that?
​
- It's still just a guess. But there are several troubling points.
​
Ju Hwa-Ran pondered over the events leading to the recent chaos.
​
From the unexpected leak of the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng to the relentless onslaught they faced in the past four months, everything pointed towards a sinister undercurrent within her own ranks.
​
'The final words of Young Master Jin keep echoing in my mind.'
​
His assertion that the worst would have been avoided even without his intervention implied the presence of a formidable force within the Dragon Phoenix Armed Escort Agency.
​
Among them was someone capable of overpowering Thousand Strength Axe and countering the adversaries.
​
‘And… those eyes.’
​
It was only a moment, but she had seen it clearly.
​
The way Jin Tae-Kyung’s gaze lingered on Song Il-Seom as he turned away.
​
And the subtle surprise in his eyes.
​
‘There’s definitely something.’
​
Recalling the past two years, Ju Hwa-Ran, who had taken the reins of the agency at a young age, had faced numerous setbacks.
​
If these failures stemmed from excessive trust or, worse, betrayal, how should she proceed?
​
Whoosh!
​
The cold wind swirled around her as she stood, lost in thought.
​
​
​
* * *
​
​
​
“Could you provide a quiet room?”
​
The man in white, despite his weary appearance, spoke with such courtesy that it was difficult to decline.
​
To the guard at the entrance, he resembled a dignified crane.
​
‘Who is he? A new face.’
​
The guard watched over Xi’an Tower, which, as its name suggests, was a representative pavilion of Xi’an.
​
To stay here, one needed not only money but also a corresponding status. That’s why the faces seen here were usually familiar.
​
'A lone young man, without a carriage or attendants…'
​
Normally, this would warrant an immediate refusal.
​
Yet, there was something compelling about him, prompting the guard to engage personally, dismissing his subordinates.
​
“Have you visited our pavilion before?”
​
“No, I haven’t. My circumstances don’t allow for such luxury.”
​
The young man’s bashful smile and the gesture of rubbing his cheek caught the guard's attention.
​
'That emblem!'
​
The embroidered pink blossom on the young man's white sleeve caught the guard's eye, signifying something significant.
​
The guard's eyes fixed on the unmistakable embroidery of a fully bloomed plum blossom.
​
With a tone of hesitancy, he spoke.
​
“Ma-May I ask for your name, sir?”
​
“I am a Taoist named Mu-Seong, with the surname Baek.”
​
“The First Crane of Mount Hua!”
​
He was the direct disciple of the head of the Mount Hua Sect, True Heavenly Sword. The First Crane of Mount Hua, Baek Mu-Seong, smiled faintly. [Note: This is not to be confused with the Heavenly Sword King, who is the grand-patriarch of the Namgoong Family. True Heavenly Sword is the first disciple of the Sword Saint, who appears in manhwa chapter 167. The direct translation of his moniker is "Heavenly Sword True Person", but this doesn't sound quite right.]

I must admit that I have been taking a lot and not giving back enough, as it relates to the endless consumption of online media for all things HiFi. It's so easy to consume, comb through forum threads, and devour YouTube to get what you want, buy stuff, and get bloated. But also quite satiated. And so, it’s time to shed, share, and give back!
Disclaimers: Firstly, I am NOT an expert and very much a MidFi newbie. So, I will be using the English language and feelings over technical terms, most of which I am still grappling with after a year in this sometimes jargon-ny but joyful hobby. Secondly, most of the gear is long gone, and what remains are lasting impressions rather than analytical detail. Third, it's a bit long!
Background: Until Dec 2022, I was a Sonos fanboy with speakers in nearly every room. I was very content, until I experienced a proper component system and since then I have sold nearly all of them → Now, I have two listening spaces: dedicated stereo setup for streaming in the living room and a stereo/home theater space in the family room with cd player, vinyl, towers, power amp, streamer and receiver with 5.2 HT with bypass for the power amp. Call it a 40th year indulgence rather than a midlife crisis.
Note: It’s hard to talk about streamers without talking about music, speakeamp pairings and their characteristics - their lives are undoubtedly intertwined. Streamers were used to drive a variety of equipment, leaving the goal of this write up set on capturing the essence of the source, versus downstream equipment. In the mix were Parasound amps (A23, 2125 V2), Cambridge Audio CXA81, Dali Oberon 7, Focal Chora 826, Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G, ELAC UBR 62, Sonus Faber Sonetto 1. This other wild card is a $80 external DAC that really changed the equation for all streamers discussed, barring the Rose. Some equipment was acquired new on sale, most were either refurbished/open box or bought used on the local market here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Impressions:

1. Marantz SR 5015 & Heos: This is where my journey into MidFi started, what opened the rabbit hole in and out of which a good chunk of leisure time in 2023 was spent. (+) With good speakers, resolving ones like the Focal Chora and MA Silver 300, they worked pretty good, especially given my reference point of the Sonos Play:5. They didnt bring out the detail and soundstage the Dali’s were capable off, which I discovered later on when paired them with a better source/DAC. Pure Direct Mode was a minor improvement, but nothing to write home about. (-) The Heos app is a mixed bag. It gets the job done, but the UI isn’t as streamlined for playlist selection, queue management, etc. Even the very recent updates still leaves a lot to desire. I think the Wiim/Arylic slightly outpaced the Marantz overall. That said, adding the external DAC to either dedicated streamer made an immense difference in top end detail, broader placement of instruments on a wider and taller sound stage. The wrench in my comparative equation is best $80 I have spent: the SMSL SU-1 DAC.

a. Digression/Rabbit hole entry point: This was around the time when I wanted to make sure my investment was the best possible one, and I explored other towers like the Dali’s - which had this big, bold and luscious sound, looked great, but lacked have the shimmer and finesse the other two had. I was faced with what seemed like hard choices, but in hindsight I would have been happy with any of them. And so the game of exploring the world of DACs and streamers came into my life c/o the cheap audio man, IIWI reviews and several other YouTubers and redditors. I still wonder whether this path was more playground than Pandora’s box - I will expand on this in my learnings section.

1. Arylic S50 Pro: This was the first dedicated streamer I experienced. (+) A really nice DAC implementation, soundstage was open, details pronounced and etched in, may be a little bit firmly, especially in contrast to the smooth sound of the CXN V2. App is extremely functional, zippy with little fluff, gets the job done. The little remote, although cheap, did a fine job. (-) When used as a digital pre-amp, I didn’t quite like the experience of changing volume - large swings in gain with each click, accompanied by an unnecessary beep, but I got used to it. I really liked it and wanted to keep it, had it not been for the streaming issues with Tidal, which lagged and jarred quite frequently. Arylic support tried a few things, didn’t work, and offered me a refund after 4 or 5 months of owning it. Ethernet would have fixed it, but that was not an option for me.
   
2. Bluesound Node (current gen): I feel like this one gets a lot of attention and rightfully so! (+) I love the simplicity of the experience and how unobtrusive this little device is. In a world where screens and buttons are becoming novelty, the usability of the top panel is refreshing - the presets, volume and music controls atop light up as you approach it with a nifty proximity sensor. The app is slick in both design and function with the most recent update upping usability a bit - less taps to get to stuff. Playlist/queue management is great too along with neat song recommendations. Right now I have the Node as digital source using the CXA81’s DAC and preamp. What I really like with this setup is the remote training feature the Node has - which means that I have the amp’s remote controlling the streamer, with volume control given to the integrate amps’s notably better gain control. (-) The DAC is... well, bleh - it’s fine, just sounds a bit boxy. Sound stage opened up nicely with the outboard SU-1: significant difference in the placement of falling balls in 3D noted in the track Bubbles by Yose Horikawa. Details were vibrant and the bass got fuller, bordering boisterous - which is great for most bookshelves. The changes were also more noticeable with the Sonetto’s impressive resolving and staging abilities. Side note, the SMSL DAC is very comparable to the CXA’s, which I use instead of the SMSL. (-) With such as nice app overall, there are some niggles which affects usability with volume control, which blocks out play controls in the app while changing volume. You have to X out of the volume to get back to play controls - why!? when there is plenty of real estate! I also mostly listen to Tidal Playlists which I have created, and it does take a few scrolls to get to it! When I select “My Music”, I am presented with My Mixes, Songs and then my playlists. Clicking in does not expose a search box to search for a specific playlist - not ideal, and the WIIM does this. I did and still have issues getting Qobuz setup with the login page running into issues; support was prompt and responsive but no progress even after factory reset.
   
3. Cambridge CXN V2: Smooth operator - grown up, mature and wise. Like they‘ve been around a long time bringing forward many lives worth of experiences. (+) Elegant delivery of sound and aesthetics. It looks really slick sitting beneath the matching CXA81. Sound quality was great, very well balanced, detailed and rich sounding. Wasn’t as sparkly as the detail produced from the outboard SMSL DAC, but plenty good when paired with resolving speakers. The unified remote was neat as well, with one button powering on everything. I thought the app worked quite alright as well, wasn’t the slickest out there, but got the job done. (-) I liked the idea of the display, but legibility of even the largest font size faded quickly sitting past 2m/6ft away. It would work if I were sitting any closer, but the purpose of the display didn’t hitting the mark. I was prepared to pay extra for the display and simplicity, but the decision to part with it was mostly due to cost versus value derived.
   
4. Wiim Pro Plus: What a screaming deal this is! (+) Utterly simple to setup and sounds pretty darn good, especially for the price. I found the overall sound quality quite comparable to that of the Node’s, albeit a tad bit more open. The Sonetto’s presented the stage to be a bit flat in terms of depth, but crisp and fairly well detailed. The app is nearly identical to the Arylic’s and works equally well. (-) Not a whole lot to critique, except for the on-device controls. The controls are on the front face with faintly etched marks making them niether easy to feel, or see. Even my mildly over overgrown nails make button contact, rather than my finger trip, leading to a subpar tactile experience. I wish they were placed on the top face instead. The remote does make up for it though, with plastic that feels good and even voice controls - wah lah! At times, tracks randomly skip to the next one - weird, but only on Tidal “masters” curated playlists, and not on my own ones. Along with these quirks skipping back doesn’t work - maybe just bug, or user error!
   
5. HiFi Rose RS 250: We have a looker here, and a possible keeper - but not all roses here. (+) The display is nothing short of stunning, with sound quality to match. Starting the unboxing process solidifies that everything about this piece exudes luxury. Packaging is A+, it's compact yet hefty and reeks of indulgence with a sturdy aluminum chassis and a volume dial that has a nice clicky feel to it, albeit petite. On startup, the display demands attention - with Album art, deep blacks, crisp detail, and track info that is legible from a good distance away. Even the subtle yet affirmative sounds it makes when powering on and switching circuits upon I/O selection point to well-designed circuitry. The Marantz receiver sounds like a tractor in contrast to it, sorry Marantz for the poke, but I’m sure your Model 40n drives like a dream. Sound quality - very happy. Details and staging are great, bass seems more tame and refined making the SMSL SU-1 seem more rogue. Dali Oberon 7s are not the most resolving speakers, I chose them for vocal prowess and the big bold sound they offer. The RS250 added much-needed top-end shimmer and wider sound stage to these towers - akin to a skilled acupuncturist opening up stuck energy channels. The Parasound A23 did make a good difference and then the REL T5i added great detail, but the source took the cake. (-) The app - it’s probably the only thing to criticize, besides not having a 12v trigger out. It does a lot and is therefore bloated and clunky to navigate. Like anything, you get used to it, and put up with it. For the many of us that do high res streaming a lot, usability and simplicity of the Node/Wiim are superior and more streamlined in contrast. There was no auto shut, only a sleep timer, although I think a recent update has fixed this. Display font for the sleep timer is abysmally small, so if you're using the remote to set it, you’d have to work off memory. Waking up to see the beautiful display glow all night because I forgot to power down did pinch. I had reached out to their support team for these issues and for Tidal connect support, their email response was prompt but a bit smug - take it or leave it - quote: “Auto Standby is currently not a priority, but If you press the timer button between the message button and the headphone button on the top of the Rose device, there is a function to automatically go to Standby mode if there is no operation after the set time.” And there was no such feature, to which they said “Those are the only options available.”
   

Lessons, Musings and Conclusions:
It was my third streamer, my fourth set of speakers, and here I was, focusing on the differences and analyzing the finer points. I realized I was missing the big picture. The reason I am in this “hobby” is fundamentally because music moves me. I had to pull myself out of this hole to truly embody what it means to feel music through gear.
It’s all about the music, but it's also about the gear, isn't it? This is an interesting one - a bit chicken or egg. Admittedly, I do like gear as well, and there's nothing wrong with that. I just have to be cautious about what I am seeking at that very moment - am I enjoying this beautifully crafted song or a listening for differences in the top hat line. It was a slippery slope I was navigating, and Steve Huff helped crystallize my thoughts and get to grips with what matters in this video: https://youtu.be/nDUQaqZRpnU? si=SPV2vANesqrB65Nn. If I could do this all over again, I would have looked for more opportunities to visit stores/dealers, connect with sellers that open up their homes to fellow audio aficionados to experience things, versus buying, selling, returning.
Musical subwoofers are game changers, and I love RELs! This little boxes (T/5i and T/5x) made such a dramatic difference to whole experience. I cannot think of putting together a system without one. The mid range and top end dynamics I was looking for came alive in the Dali’s when I hooked them up, and dialed them in - I was a bit baffled, nonetheless pleased!
Finally, for those that made it this far, I truly appreciate the interest! Feel free to reach out/DM if i can help share more related to this journey.
Huge thanks to Crutchfield, ListenUp, My local Bay Area HIFI dealer - Music Lovers, EBay Refurbished outlet for Cambridge that was great and to my local San Francisco Bay Area Craigslist community.

I must admit that I have been taking a lot and not giving back enough, as it relates to the endless consumption of online media for all things HiFi. It's so easy to consume, comb through forum threads, and devour YouTube to get what you want, buy stuff, and get bloated. But also quite satiated. And so, it’s time to shed, share, and give back!
Disclaimers: Firstly, I am NOT an expert and very much a MidFi newbie. So, I will be using the English language and feelings over technical terms, most of which I am still grappling with after a year in this sometimes jargon-filled but joyful hobby. Secondly, most of the gear is long gone, and what remains are lasting impressions rather than analytical detail. Third, it's a bit long!
Background: Until Dec 2022, I was a Sonos fanboy with speakers in nearly every room. I was very content, until I experienced a proper component system and since then I have sold nearly all of them → Now, I have two listening spaces: dedicated stereo setup for streaming in the living room and a stereo/home theater space in the family room with cd player, vinyl, towers, power amp, streamer and receiver with 5.2 HT with bypass for the power amp. Call it a 40th year indulgence rather than a midlife crisis.
Note: It’s hard to talk about streamers without talking about music, speakeamp pairings and their characteristics - their lives are undoubtedly intertwined. Streamers were used to drive a variety of equipment, leaving the goal of this write up set on capturing the essence of the source, versus downstream equipment. In the mix were Parasound amps (A23, 2125 V2), Cambridge Audio CXA81, Dali Oberon 7, Focal Chora 826, Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G, ELAC UBR 62, Sonus Faber Sonetto 1. This other wild card is a $80 external DAC that really changed the equation for all streamers discussed, barring the Rose. Some equipment was acquired new on sale, most were either refurbished/open box or bought used on the local market here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Impressions:

1. Marantz SR 5015 & Heos: This is where my journey into MidFi started, what opened the rabbit hole in and out of which a good chunk of leisure time in 2023 was spent. (+) With good speakers, resolving ones like the Focal Chora and MA Silver 300, they worked pretty good, especially given my reference point of the Sonos Play:5. They didnt bring out the detail and soundstage the Dali’s were capable off, which I discovered later on when paired them with a better source/DAC. Pure Direct Mode was a minor improvement, but nothing to write home about. (-) The Heos app is a mixed bag. It gets the job done, but the UI isn’t as streamlined for playlist selection, queue management, etc. Even the very recent updates still leaves a lot to desire. I think the Wiim/Arylic slightly outpaced the Marantz overall. That said, adding the external DAC to either dedicated streamer made an immense difference in top end detail, broader placement of instruments on a wider and taller sound stage. The wrench in my comparative equation is best $80 I have spent: the SMSL SU-1 DAC.

a. Digression/Rabbit hole entry point: This was around the time when I wanted to make sure my investment was the best possible one, and I explored other towers like the Dali’s - which had this big, bold and luscious sound, looked great, but lacked have the shimmer and finesse the other two had. I was faced with what seemed like hard choices, but in hindsight I would have been happy with any of them. And so the game of exploring the world of DACs and streamers came into my life c/o the cheap audio man, IIWI reviews and several other YouTubers and redditors. I still wonder whether this path was more playground than Pandora’s box - I will expand on this in my learnings section.

1. Arylic S50 Pro: This was the first dedicated streamer I experienced. (+) A really nice DAC implementation, soundstage was open, details pronounced and etched in, may be a little bit firmly, especially in contrast to the smooth sound of the CXN V2. App is extremely functional, zippy with little fluff, gets the job done. The little remote, although cheap, did a fine job. (-) When used as a digital pre-amp, I didn’t quite like the experience of changing volume - large swings in gain with each click, accompanied by an unnecessary beep, but I got used to it. I really liked it and wanted to keep it, had it not been for the streaming issues with Tidal, which lagged and jarred quite frequently. Arylic support tried a few things, didn’t work, and offered me a refund after 4 or 5 months of owning it. Ethernet would have fixed it, but that was not an option for me.
   
2. Bluesound Node (current gen): I feel like this one gets a lot of attention and rightfully so! (+) I love the simplicity of the experience and how unobtrusive this little device is. In a world where screens and buttons are becoming novelty, the usability of the top panel is refreshing - the presets, volume and music controls atop light up as you approach it with a nifty proximity sensor. The app is slick in both design and function with the most recent update upping usability a bit - less taps to get to stuff. Playlist/queue management is great too along with neat song recommendations. Right now I have the Node as digital source using the CXA81’s DAC and preamp. What I really like with this setup is the remote training feature the Node has - which means that I have the amp’s remote controlling the streamer, with volume control given to the integrate amps’s notably better gain control. (-) The DAC is... well, bleh - it’s fine, just sounds a bit boxy. Sound stage opened up nicely with the outboard SU-1: significant difference in the placement of falling balls in 3D noted in the track Bubbles by Yose Horikawa. Details were vibrant and the bass got fuller, bordering boisterous - which is great for most bookshelves. The changes were also more noticeable with the Sonetto’s impressive resolving and staging abilities. Side note, the SMSL DAC is very comparable to the CXA’s, which I use instead of the SMSL. (-) With such as nice app overall, there are some niggles which affects usability with volume control, which blocks out play controls in the app while changing volume. You have to X out of the volume to get back to play controls - why!? when there is plenty of real estate! I also mostly listen to Tidal Playlists which I have created, and it does take a few scrolls to get to it! When I select “My Music”, I am presented with My Mixes, Songs and then my playlists. Clicking in does not expose a search box to search for a specific playlist - not ideal, and the WIIM does this. I did and still have issues getting Qobuz setup with the login page running into issues; support was prompt and responsive but no progress even after factory reset.
   
3. Cambridge CXN V2: Smooth operator - grown up, mature and wise. Like they‘ve been around a long time bringing forward many lives worth of experiences. (+) Elegant delivery of sound and aesthetics. It looks really slick sitting beneath the matching CXA81. Sound quality was great, very well balanced, detailed and rich sounding. Wasn’t as sparkly as the detail produced from the outboard SMSL DAC, but plenty good when paired with resolving speakers. The unified remote was neat as well, with one button powering on everything. I thought the app worked quite alright as well, wasn’t the slickest out there, but got the job done. (-) I liked the idea of the display, but legibility of even the largest font size faded quickly sitting past 2m/6ft away. It would work if I were sitting any closer, but the purpose of the display didn’t hitting the mark. I was prepared to pay extra for the display and simplicity, but the decision to part with it was mostly due to cost versus value derived.
   
4. Wiim Pro Plus: What a screaming deal this is! (+) Utterly simple to setup and sounds pretty darn good, especially for the price. I found the overall sound quality quite comparable to that of the Node’s, albeit a tad bit more open. The Sonetto’s presented the stage to be a bit flat in terms of depth, but crisp and fairly well detailed. The app is nearly identical to the Arylic’s and works equally well. (-) Not a whole lot to critique, except for the on-device controls. The controls are on the front face with faintly etched marks making them niether easy to feel, or see. Even my mildly over overgrown nails make button contact, rather than my finger trip, leading to a subpar tactile experience. I wish they were placed on the top face instead. The remote does make up for it though, with plastic that feels good and even voice controls - wah lah! At times, tracks randomly skip to the next one - weird, but only on Tidal “masters” curated playlists, and not on my own ones. Along with these quirks skipping back doesn’t work - maybe just bug, or user error!
   
5. HiFi Rose RS 250: We have a looker here, and a possible keeper - but not all roses here. (+) The display is nothing short of stunning, with sound quality to match. Starting the unboxing process solidifies that everything about this piece exudes luxury. Packaging is A+, it's compact yet hefty and reeks of indulgence with a sturdy aluminum chassis and a volume dial that has a nice clicky feel to it, albeit petite. On startup, the display demands attention - with Album art, deep blacks, crisp detail, and track info that is legible from a good distance away. Even the subtle yet affirmative sounds it makes when powering on and switching circuits upon I/O selection point to well-designed circuitry. The Marantz receiver sounds like a tractor in contrast to it, sorry Marantz for the poke, but I’m sure your Model 40n drives like a dream. Sound quality - very happy. Details and staging are great, bass seems more tame and refined making the SMSL SU-1 seem more rogue. Dali Oberon 7s are not the most resolving speakers, I chose them for vocal prowess and the big bold sound they offer. The RS250 added much-needed top-end shimmer and wider sound stage to these towers - akin to a skilled acupuncturist opening up stuck energy channels. The Parasound A23 did make a good difference and then the REL T5i added great detail, but the source took the cake. (-) The app - it’s probably the only thing to criticize, besides not having a 12v trigger out. It does a lot and is therefore bloated and clunky to navigate. Like anything, you get used to it, and put up with it. For the many of us that do high res streaming a lot, usability and simplicity of the Node/Wiim are superior and more streamlined in contrast. There was no auto shut, only a sleep timer, although I think a recent update has fixed this. Display font for the sleep timer is abysmally small, so if you're using the remote to set it, you’d have to work off memory. Waking up to see the beautiful display glow all night because I forgot to power down did pinch. I had reached out to their support team for these issues and for Tidal connect support, their email response was prompt but a bit smug - take it or leave it - quote: “Auto Standby is currently not a priority, but If you press the timer button between the message button and the headphone button on the top of the Rose device, there is a function to automatically go to Standby mode if there is no operation after the set time.” And there was no such feature, to which they said “Those are the only options available.”
   

Lessons, Musings and Conclusions:
It was my third streamer, my fourth set of speakers, and here I was, focusing on the differences and analyzing the finer points. I realized I was missing the big picture. The reason I am in this “hobby” is fundamentally because music moves me. I had to pull myself out of this hole to truly embody what it means to feel music through gear.
It’s all about the music, but it's also about the gear, isn't it? This is an interesting one - a bit chicken or egg. Admittedly, I do like gear as well, and there's nothing wrong with that. I just have to be cautious about what I am seeking at that very moment - am I enjoying this beautifully crafted song or a listening for differences in the top hat line. It was a slippery slope I was navigating, and Steve Huff helped crystallize my thoughts and get to grips with what matters in this video: https://youtu.be/nDUQaqZRpnU? si=SPV2vANesqrB65Nn. If I could do this all over again, I would have looked for more opportunities to visit stores/dealers, connect with sellers that open up their homes to fellow audio aficionados to experience things, versus buying, selling, returning.
Musical subwoofers are game changers, and I love RELs! This little boxes (T/5i and T/5x) made such a dramatic difference to whole experience. I cannot think of putting together a system without one. The mid range and top end dynamics I was looking for came alive in the Dali’s when I hooked them up, and dialed them in - I was a bit baffled, nonetheless pleased!
Finally, for those that made it this far, I truly appreciate the interest! Feel free to reach out/DM if i can help share more related to this journey.
Huge thanks to Crutchfield, ListenUp, My local Bay Area HIFI dealer - Music Lovers, EBay Refurbished outlet for Cambridge that was great and to my local San Francisco Bay Area Craigslist community.

I must admit that I have been taking a lot and not giving back enough, as it relates to the endless consumption of online media for all things HiFi. It's so easy to consume, comb through forum threads, and devour YouTube to get what you want, buy stuff, and get bloated. But also quite satiated. And so, it’s time to shed, share, and give back!
Disclaimers: Firstly, I am NOT an expert and very much a MidFi newbie. So, I will be using the English language and feelings over technical terms, most of which I am still grappling with after a year in this sometimes jargon-filled but joyful hobby. Secondly, most of the gear is long gone, and what remains are lasting impressions rather than analytical detail.
Background: Until Dec 2022, I was a Sonos fanboy with speakers in nearly every room. I was very content, until I experienced a proper component system and since then I have sold nearly all of them → Now, I have two listening spaces: dedicated stereo setup for streaming in the living room and a stereo/home theater space in the family room with cd player, vinyl, towers, power amp, streamer and receiver with 5.2 HT with bypass for the power amp. Call it a 40th year indulgence rather than a midlife crisis.
Note: It’s hard to talk about streamers without talking about music, speakeamp pairings and their characteristics - their lives are undoubtedly intertwined. Streamers were used to drive a variety of equipment, leaving the goal of this write up set on capturing the essence of the source, versus downstream equipment. In the mix were Parasound amps (A23, 2125 V2), Cambridge Audio CXA81, Dali Oberon 7, Focal Chora 826, Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G, ELAC UBR 62, Sonus Faber Sonetto 1. This other wild card is a $80 external DAC that really changed the equation for all streamers discussed, barring the Rose. Some equipment was acquired new on sale, most were either refurbished/open box or bought used on the local market here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Impressions:

1. Marantz SR 5015 & Heos: This is where my journey into MidFi started, what opened the rabbit hole in and out of which a good chunk of leisure time in 2023 was spent. (+) With good speakers, resolving ones like the Focal Chora and MA Silver 300, they worked pretty good, especially given my reference point of the Sonos Play:5. They didnt bring out the detail and soundstage the Dali’s were capable off, which I discovered later on when paired them with a better source/DAC. Pure Direct Mode was a minor improvement, but nothing to write home about. (-) The Heos app is a mixed bag. It gets the job done, but the UI isn’t as streamlined for playlist selection, queue management, etc. Even the very recent updates still leaves a lot to desire. I think the Wiim/Arylic slightly outpaced the Marantz overall. That said, adding the external DAC to either dedicated streamer made an immense difference in top end detail, broader placement of instruments on a wider and taller sound stage. The wrench in my comparative equation is best $80 I have spent: the SMSL SU-1 DAC.
   1. Digression/Rabbit hole entry point: This was around the time when I wanted to make sure my investment was the best possible one, and I explored other towers like the Dali’s - which had this big, bold and luscious sound, looked great, but lacked have the shimmer and finesse the other two had. I was faced with what seemed like hard choices, but in hindsight I would have been happy with any of them. And so the game of exploring the world of DACs and streamers came into my life c/o the cheap audio man, IIWI reviews and several other YouTubers and redditors. I still wonder whether this path was more playground than Pandora’s box - I will expand on this in my learnings section.
2. Arylic S50 Pro: This was the first dedicated streamer I experienced. (+) A really nice DAC implementation, soundstage was open, details pronounced and etched in, may be a little bit firmly, especially in contrast to the smooth sound of the CXN V2. App is extremely functional, zippy with little fluff, gets the job done. The little remote, although cheap, did a fine job. (-) When used as a digital pre-amp, I didn’t quite like the experience of changing volume - large swings in gain with each click, accompanied by an unnecessary beep, but I got used to it. I really liked it and wanted to keep it, had it not been for the streaming issues with Tidal, which lagged and jarred quite frequently. Arylic support tried a few things, didn’t work, and offered me a refund after 4 or 5 months of owning it. Ethernet would have fixed it, but that was not an option for me.
3. Bluesound Node (current gen): I feel like this one gets a lot of attention and rightfully so! (+) I love the simplicity of the experience and how unobtrusive this little device is. In a world where screens and buttons are becoming novelty, the usability of the top panel is refreshing - the presets, volume and music controls atop light up as you approach it with a nifty proximity sensor. The app is slick in both design and function with the most recent update upping usability a bit - less taps to get to stuff. Playlist/queue management is great too along with neat song recommendations. Right now I have the Node as digital source using the CXA81’s DAC and preamp. What I really like with this setup is the remote training feature the Node has - which means that I have the amp’s remote controlling the streamer, with volume control given to the integrate amps’s notably better gain control. (-) The DAC is… well, bleh - it’s fine, just sounds a bit boxy. Sound stage opened up nicely with the outboard SU-1: significant difference in the placement of falling balls in 3D noted in the track Bubbles by Yose Horikawa. Details were vibrant and the bass got fuller, bordering boisterous - which is great for most bookshelves. The changes were also more noticeable with the Sonetto’s impressive resolving and staging abilities. Side note, the SMSL DAC is very comparable to the CXA’s, which I use instead of the SMSL. (-) With such as nice app overall, there are some niggles which affects usability with volume control, which blocks out play controls in the app while changing volume. You have to X out of the volume to get back to play controls - why!? when there is plenty of real estate! I also mostly listen to Tidal Playlists which I have created, and it does take a few scrolls to get to it! When I select “My Music”, I am presented with My Mixes, Songs and then my playlists. Clicking in does not expose a search box to search for a specific playlist - not ideal, and the WIIM does this. I did and still have issues getting Qobuz setup with the login page running into issues; support was prompt and responsive but no progress even after factory reset.
4. Cambridge CXN V2: Smooth operator - grown up, mature and wise. Like they‘ve been around a long time bringing forward many lives worth of experiences. (+) Elegant delivery of sound and aesthetics. It looks really slick sitting beneath the matching CXA81. Sound quality was great, very well balanced, detailed and rich sounding. Wasn’t as sparkly as the detail produced from the outboard SMSL DAC, but plenty good when paired with resolving speakers. The unified remote was neat as well, with one button powering on everything. I thought the app worked quite alright as well, wasn’t the slickest out there, but got the job done. (-) I liked the idea of the display, but legibility of even the largest font size faded quickly sitting past 2m/6ft away. It would work if I were sitting any closer, but the purpose of the display didn’t hitting the mark. I was prepared to pay extra for the display and simplicity, but the decision to part with it was mostly due to cost versus value derived.
5. Wiim Pro Plus: What a screaming deal this is! (+) Utterly simple to setup and sounds pretty darn good, especially for the price. I found the overall sound quality quite comparable to that of the Node’s, albeit a tad bit more open. The Sonetto’s presented the stage to be a bit flat in terms of depth, but crisp and fairly well detailed. The app is nearly identical to the Arylic’s and works equally well. (-) Not a whole lot to critique, except for the on-device controls. The controls are on the front face with faintly etched marks making them niether easy to feel, or see. Even my mildly over overgrown nails make button contact, rather than my finger trip, leading to a subpar tactile experience. I wish they were placed on the top face instead. The remote does make up for it though, with plastic that feels good and even voice controls - wah lah! At times, tracks randomly skip to the next one - weird, but only on Tidal “masters” curated playlists, and not on my own ones. Along with these quirks skipping back doesn’t work - maybe just bug, or user error!

Hifi Rose RS 250: We have a looker here, and a possible keeper - but not all roses here. (+) The display is nothing short of stunning, with sound quality to match. Starting the unboxing process solidifies that everything about this piece exudes luxury. Packaging is A+, it's compact yet hefty and reeks of indulgence with a sturdy aluminum chassis and a volume dial that has a nice clicky feel to it, albeit petite. On startup, the display demands attention - with Album art, deep blacks, crisp detail, and track info that is legible from a good distance away. Even the subtle yet affirmative sounds it makes when powering on and switching circuits upon I/O selection point to well-designed circuitry. The Marantz receiver sounds like a tractor in contrast to it, sorry Marantz for the poke, but I’m sure your Model 40n drives like a dream. Sound quality - very happy. Details and staging are great, bass seems more tame and refined making the SMSL SU-1 seem more rogue. Dali Oberon 7s are not the most resolving speakers, I chose them for vocal prowess and the big bold sound they offer. The RS250 added much-needed top-end shimmer and wider sound stage to these towers - akin to a skilled acupuncturist opening up stuck energy channels. The Parasound A23 did make a good difference and then the REL T5i added great detail, but the source took the cake. (-) The app - it’s probably the only thing to criticize, besides not having a 12v trigger out. It does a lot and is therefore bloated and clunky to navigate. Like anything, you get used to it, and put up with it. For the many of us that do high res streaming a lot, usability and simplicity of the Node/Wiim are superior and more streamlined in contrast. There was no auto shut, only a sleep timer, although I think a recent update has fixed this. Display font for the sleep timer is abysmally small, so if you're using the remote to set it, you’d have to work off memory. Waking up to see the beautiful display glow all night because I forgot to power down did pinch. I had reached out to their support team for these issues and for Tidal connect support, their email response was prompt but a bit smug - take it or leave it - quote: “Auto Standby is currently not a priority, but If you press the timer button between the message button and the headphone button on the top of the Rose device, there is a function to automatically go to Standby mode if there is no operation after the set time.” And there was no such feature, to which they said “Those are the only options available.”

Lessons, Musings and Conclusions:
It was my third streamer, my fourth set of speakers, and here I was, focusing on the differences and analyzing the finer points. I realized I was missing the big picture. The reason I am in this “hobby” is fundamentally because music moves me. I had to pull myself out of this hole to truly embody what it means to feel music through gear. It’s all about the music, but it's also about the gear, isn't it? This is an interesting one - a bit chicken or egg. Admittedly, I do like gear as well, and there's nothing wrong with that. I just have to be cautious about what I am seeking at that very moment - am I enjoying this beautifully crafted song or a listening for differences in the top hat line. It was a slippery slope I was navigating, and Steve Huff helped crystallize my thoughts and get to grips with what matters in this video: https://youtu.be/nDUQaqZRpnU?si=SPV2vANesqrB65Nn. If I could do this all over again, I would have looked for more opportunities to visit stores/dealers, connect with sellers that open up their homes to fellow audio aficionados to experience things, versus buying, selling, returning. Musical subwoofers are game changers, and I love RELs! This little boxes (T/5i and T/5x) made such a dramatic difference to whole experience. I cannot think of putting together a system without one. The mid range and top end dynamics I was looking for came alive in the Dali’s when I hooked them up, and dialed them in - I was a bit baffled, nonetheless pleased! Finally, for those that made it this far, I truly appreciate the interest! Feel free to reach out/DM if i can help share more related to this journey.
Huge thanks to Crutchfield, ListenUp, My local Bay Area HIFI dealer - Music Lovers, EBay Refurbished outlet for Cambridge that was great and to my local San Francisco Bay Area Craigslist community.

It’s such a random slang, but if you search “phim con heo,” (literally pig movie), you get porn. Funny story, when I was like 11, we had a VHS copy of Babe: Pig in the City, and I told my parents that I had watched it. I referred to it as “phim con heo” which literally means “pig movie.” My parents looked at me with their eyes wide open (because they thought I had watched porn). Then I showed them the movie and they felt relieved. I didn’t know why they looked shocked, but now it all clicks.

cách bỏ súc cát và phim con heo