First on the tour

Mimoko struck a pose as she stared at herself in the mirror. Having regrown her hair, she wasted no time in tying it up in buns as she dawned a red China dress.

"I thought you said you'd tackle this after Valentines Day," Daria chuckled as she entered the room.

"I figure it's best to get a start now since I want to try finding some of the secret puzzle cafes on my own," Mimoko smiled.

"All of them?"

"Well, if multiple SPCMs just so happen to be in one place, I'll take advantage of that."

...

Xiu grimaced as Mimoko suddenly appeared before her. "Oi, why are you here?"

"I want to go looking for your fellow SPCMs," Mimoko smiled as she struck a pose.

"Sneakers x China dress... Ugh, actually works... But you said my fellow SPCMs? Does that mean..."

"Yes, I wanna challenge your maestro."

Xiu's mood improved instantly as a malicious grin spread across her face. "That means we gotta go to the mountain. Then I can call everyone-"

"I actually want to try and find as many places on my own."

Xiu's scowl returned. "Ugh... No, it actually works out. Ngh, but Beijing... Oi, you really have to go to EVERY city? Cuz if you don't, I can escort you to 5 of the remaining 6."

"Why not the 6th?"

"Because it's Beijing and it's north. All the other cities are west of here."

"Where exactly are we?"

"Huh? Shanghai, dumbass."

"SHANGHAI!?"

"Don't tell me you warped here without knowing that."

"I... kind of did."

"And did I ask you to tell me that? Ugh, well, you up for a walk and a challenge?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you're looking to tour, I've got two options for you. Do you want a challenge first, or a walk in the park? Sewn mouth or twintails?"

Mimoko frowned for a bit before suddenly coming to a realization. "'Sewn mouth'? Like Bao-chan?"

"Ding, ding, ding! So Bao then? Nanjing. And since it's nightfall, everything will be lit up. Hmm, wonder if she's got a performance though."

"Hmm?"

"Oh, Bao does kunqu. It's essentially Chinese opera."

"But doesn't she sew her mouth shut?"

"Not when she's on stage. Anyway, I'll call a transport for you. Even pay it myself, since I really want to see you beat Xiao Lin."

...

Mimoko stared in awe at the lit up Qinhuai River. "So Bao-chan's secret puzzle cafe is in the hotel here," she nodded as she walked into a fancy hotel. Seeing a sign for a restaurant on the top floor, Mimoko took the elevator up, and soon found herself before a fancy restaurant.

She quickly looked around and smiled when she noticed one of the decor railings had a black pawn on it. Walking up to it, she gave it a rub, causing a panel in the wall to open. And after following the path, there Mimoko was in a secret puzzle cafe.

"Mm? Oh, a customer. Give me a sec while I stitch up my mouth," Bao grumbled.

"Do you have to? I don't mind if you talk during the game," Mimoko frowned.

Bao paused as she realized who was before her. "Y- You!? Why are you here!?"

"I want to challenge your maestro, so first, I need to go through all her SPCMs."

Bao gulped as she did a little bow. "W- Welcome to the secret puzzle cafe. I'm SPCM Chen Bao. C- Care to attempt the daily puzzle if you haven't already?"

"How much to challenge you?"

Bao gritted her teeth. "960 points."

"Deal."

Bao let out a sigh as a chessboard rose from the counter. "Chess 960, blitz, you get White. Now... begin..."