Contents
Chapter 23: Friends of Friends
Overview
Wen pursues cultural influence, cultivating film contacts and pitching growth of Kekon’s movie industry aligned with No Peak. She and Hilo visit Marcucuo to study jadesports and recruit talent. News arrives of Mountain retaliation in Lukang, but Hilo stays the course. At Sel Lucanito’s party, Hilo courts Danny Sinjo as Wen sets moves to acquire Cinema Shore.
Summary
Wen attends the Janloon Film Festival with Abukei artist Ren Jirhuya, whose introductions lead her to producer Sian Kugo of Cinema Shore. Hearing challenges of Kekon’s small market and foreign stereotypes, Wen signals No Peak’s backing and asks how to grow a homegrown industry, positioning herself to leverage clan influence for cultural impact.
Wen convinces Hilo to take a “vacation” to Marcucuo to assess jadesports and entertainment as tools in a wider battle over public perception of jade. She frames it as understanding and shaping modern meaning, not joining jadesports. Mid-trip, Juen reports five former Six Hands who swore to No Peak were ambushed and killed in Lukang after the Mountain exposed them. Hilo, angry but resolute, keeps the trip on course, trusting Juen to respond.
In Marcucuo, Wen and Hilo attend a lavish party at media and gaming tycoon Sel Lucanito’s mansion. Lucanito extols jadesports’ global potential. Hilo remains polite but guarded, while Wen angles for strategic introductions.
Wen asks to meet Keko-Espenian jadesports champion Danny Sinjo. Hilo engages Sinjo respectfully, praising his heritage and suggesting that true recognition awaits him among Kekonese audiences. They separate from the crowd to discuss opportunities, with Sinjo visibly impressed by the Pillar’s personal attention.
Confident in Hilo’s pull, Wen resolves to act: she will alert Shae, bring Sian Kugo into the clan as a Lantern Man, acquire Cinema Shore, and center Danny Sinjo as a marquee star—turning film and media into No Peak’s cultural front to redefine jade’s image worldwide.
Who Appears
- Kaul WenPillarman; cultivates film contacts, proposes cultural strategy, orchestrates Marcucuo trip, targets Cinema Shore acquisition and recruiting Danny Sinjo.
- Kaul HiloPillar; accompanies Wen, receives news of Mountain killings, maintains course, personally courts Danny Sinjo to consider Kekon opportunities.
- Danny SinjoKeko-Espenian jadesports champion; impressed by Hilo, hears pitch to reconnect with Kekon through film and broader recognition.
- Sel LucanitoTomascian media and gaming tycoon; hosts party in Marcucuo, promotes jadesports, seeks global audience for jade entertainment.
- Sian KugoProducer and co-owner of Cinema Shore; discusses industry constraints; targeted by Wen to become a Lantern Man and partner.
- Ren JirhuyaAbukei artist; introduces Wen to film insiders and helps open doors at the Janloon Film Festival.
- Maik JuenHorn; informs Hilo of Mountain ambush killing five defectors in Lukang and manages the response.