Unbearable Itch

"Maple City?"

"Lin Jin?"

Their expressions changed the moment they heard those words. What was originally an exchange out of politeness and courtesy turned cold and hostile. Indifference was immediately apparent on their faces. 

The abrupt transition baffled Lin Jin. Noticing his visible confusion, one of the appraisers remarked coldly, "So you're Appraiser Lin Jin of Maple City. Hmph! Please forgive me for not receiving you at the door as I didn't know you would be paying headquarters a visit."

Lin Jin was momentarily taken aback by his enigmatic tone.

'I don't know who these appraisers are, and I don't recall meeting them too. It's impossible that they have a grudge against me, so what gives? Why was there such a drastic change in their attitudes when they heard my name?'

How odd.