Mathieu (thoughtfully, sitting in the dining hall, eating after a long day): “So...what exactly do you think Huang Hua does all day, being the ‘Leader of the Light Guard’ and everything?” Guardian: “Erm... well obviously choosing who goes on missions...” Mathieu: “Mmm hmm...” Guardian: “Leading the meetings...” “...” “Er...” “...” “I mean, Leiftan said Miiko was always rushing around, she must have lots of duties we don’t know about?” Huang Hua (rushing over, looking tired, grins): “Oh good, you’re together, saves me a trip! Guardian - As promised, here is your daily salary” (hands over elaborate box to Guardian) Guardian: “Oh yeah, thanks.” Huang Hua: “Mathieu - As promised, here is your daily salary” (hands over elaborate box to Mathieu) Mathieu (looking at Guardian pointedly): “Thanks...erm...I was just wondering, have you been delivering these all day?” Huang Hua (stifling a yawn): “Yes, nearly finished now, then home to fill more boxes...I should get going really...” Mathieu: “You know, on Earth we have a much faster way, a monthly aut...” Guardian (kicks him under table) Mathieu: “Ow!” Huang Hua (looking dismayed): “What?” Guardian (smiling kindly): “He means, maybe you could deliver the salary monthly, it might save you some time.” Huang Hua (crestfallen): “Oh...I...never...thought of that...” Mathieu (pats Huang Hua on the shoulder, kindly): “Don’t worry, you haven’t wasted that much....Ow! Guardian!” Huang Hua (in despair, walking away, mumbling): “Seven years...oh my god...every day for seven years...” Guardian: “You could have been more subtle, you know.” Mathieu: “Look, at least I didn’t tell her about envelopes!”
