Shae settles into her North Sotto apartment and begins to enjoy the independence it gives her. The neighborhood is fashionable and cosmopolitan, but Shae can still see No Peak's presence everywhere in the white lanterns and jade-wearing clan members on the streets. Without jade, Shae avoids drawing attention, trying to live near her family without returning to clan life.

Shae meets a new neighbor, Caun Yudenru, after several hallway encounters. Wanting anonymity but also ordinary social contact, Shae awkwardly introduces herself only as "Shae," then retreats into formality when Caun Yu reacts with surprise. The exchange reminds Shae how difficult it is to separate herself from the Kaul name.

Trying to find work on her own, Shae visits the city library and searches business directories. The slow process frustrates her because No Peak influence could easily open doors through a few calls, forcing Shae to question whether refusing family help is independence or pride. She persists briefly, then buys a typewriter to update her resume.

Lan unexpectedly visits Shae at her apartment instead of summoning her to the Kaul house. Shae is embarrassed by the modest apartment, but Lan treats the visit gently and informally before revealing his purpose. Lan confides that he doubts Doru is telling him everything he needs to know, despite Doru's experience and closeness to their grandfather.

Lan asks Shae, as someone he trusts and who understands the business, to inspect the mines, examine the books, and compare them to official KJA records. Shae worries that the request might be the first step in being drawn back into clan work, remembering how small favors for the Espenians once escalated and damaged her family ties. Lan insists this is a single favor, not a covert attempt to reclaim her service. Recognizing that Lan is asking rather than commanding, Shae agrees to go for him.