(Video)

[pupp3t]

[Li is reluctant to do this. Starting social interactions is not her forte even in the best of times, and this is very assuredly not that. Regardless, she turns on the video, takes a breath, and steels herself to try to communicate clearly and concisely.]

Hello. My name is Ya-Jing Li. Li, if you want to be formal. I'm new here and I... [what's a way to put this that doesn't make her sound dim-witted?] I'm a bit lost on what to do. Usually I operate with more of a plan than this. I think it would be wise to develop some kind of training regime so I can maintain my combat capabilities, but I'm unsure what to do with the rest of my time here. Suggestions would be appreciated.

And if anyone remembers me from the, um, dream, from before? I would like to hear from you, just to know you made it out alright.

Comments

video;

[nutbuckets]

[It opens with Harley's face as displayed from the bottom, double-chin and all, then shows her making a face at how she looks and adjusting the angle of the phone she's holding.]

Right, there we go.

[A little wave.]

Hiya Li! Nice t'meetcha! Don't remember you from the dream but uh, new people are always good, right?

Anywho.

Uh I could teach ya some gymnastics if ya want. I'm pretty good at that and it's totally useful in combat.

[A pause, during which she looks like she's waiting for a response, but then, very abruptly-]

Oh, I'm Harley Quinn!

video;

[pupp3t]

[Honestly, she's seen less flattering angles of people on video. At least Harley knows how to frame a shot. Li's just sort of aiming for her face being in frame and hoping for the best.]

Nice to meet you too, ma'am. I'm glad to be here.

[That's not remotely sarcastic. This place is substantially better than home in a number of ways.]

That would be very interesting. I don't have much experience with gymnastics, but I would be open to trying if you wouldn't mind putting up with my lack of prior skill.

Do you have a title you want me to call you by, or would Quinn-xiǎojiě be sufficient?

[She keeps her eyes from making direct contact with Harley's and tilts her head, deferring authority automatically. Li has many flaws but rudeness isn't on the list. Whether or not that instinctive body language of making herself look like less of a threat reads as polite across cultures, she's not sure, but that's something they'll have to learn together.]

[nutbuckets]

[Harley grins at the girl.]

Of course I don't mind if you're inexperienced, everyone's gotta start somewhere!

[And that title suggestion gets a look of utmost confusion from Harley.]

Quinn-what? Is that Korean?
No need for titles, you can just call me Harley!

[pupp3t]

Thank you for your understanding. I promise to be a good student.

[Li blinks at her, luminous red eyes completely lacking in comprehension. The idea someone wouldn't want a title never occurred to her.]

It's Mandarin. You put xiǎojiě after someone's last name when they're a woman you respect. Ah, but if you don't want that, I can just call you by your given name, I guess. It's whatever you want.

[Assertiveness, socially, is not her strong suit.]

[nutbuckets]

When would you wanna train?

[Thoughtfully, Harley taps at her chin, tilting her head a little.]

Well, if it makes you more comfortable, call me whatever ya like. Though no one's called me respectable before.

[pupp3t]

I guess I don't really have a schedule, here. So it'd be whenever you have free time and I do, too. Huh. I've never had no schedule at all before. That's new.

[Usually there's at least some guidance - wake up at this hour, be in bed by that one, something. Right now there's no scheduling at all and that's going to take a bit to get used to.]

I mean, you're older than me. It's only polite. But I can work with just a name if that's what you're used to. I don't want to impose my culture onto you or anything.

[nutbuckets]

Yeah, I don't got a schedule either, not really, just routines and stuff. Usually I'm free in the mornings after I get up, that's usually when I exercise too, so it'd be a good time. Does that work for you?

[Maybe giving her own schedule will help.]

An' I don't wanna disrespect your culture!

[pupp3t]

That would work for me. I've always liked mornings best anyway. I don't know why, but everything just feels clearer then, like my mind reset once the sun came up.

[As someone who's been forced to work nights, it might have stood to reason that mornings would lose that feeling as a result. Instead they somehow retained it. It's not the sturdiest framework to build a schedule around, but it's better than nothing.]

Really, it's fine. Northeastern China is behind the rest of Chinese culture anyway. I'm being old-fashioned even by the standards of most people back home.