Senso-ji Temple, as the oldest temple in country R, was originally expected to be a courtyard with preserved ancient architecture. However, upon entering, it was discovered to be a modern scenic area combining a commercial plaza and a park.
The streets were crowded with people, noisy and bustling. Shops on both sides of the street displayed a dazzling array of goods.
High-priced dining establishments, souvenir shops that ripped off customers, luxury consumer goods that didn't deceive the poor – everything was available. (Daifeng Novel)
The two walked along the street with the crowd, experiencing the lively atmosphere unique to scenic spots. Ryukawa Suko looked around, her small face adorned with a girlish smile.
"It's so lively! Oh? Turtle-shaped rice cakes, they smell so good!"
"Asakusa Lantern ice cream! So cute~"
...
Bai Ye, on the other hand, frowned slowly, his spatial perception fully engaged, searching for traces of magic.
However, after walking for several streets, he found nothing unusual. Instead, his handsome appearance attracted quite a few girls to follow him.
At the entrance to the Hall of Kannon, there were many small vendors and stalls selling various talismans, with many tourists gathered to choose.
Ryukawa Suko's eyes lit up, and she pointed, "Bai Ye-kun~ Look quickly... there are talismans there!"
Since magic exists? Then... could these talismans also be real? Ryukawa Suko's eyes showed anticipation.
Bai Ye, who was about to enter the Hall of Kannon, stopped. He glanced over.
There were talismans for getting rich tomorrow, for good luck in romance, for longevity, for warding off ghosts, for lasting all night... priced from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen. The cheapest cost several thousand Great Xia coins!
Seeing them stop, the stall owner nearby glanced over and his eyes lit up.
What a handsome couple!
"Sir, Madam, would you like a talisman? I have talismans blessed by Master Shimizu, very rare and effective!" the stall owner called out enthusiastically.
"You two are a couple, right? Then my 'Till Death Do Us Part' talisman is perfect for you!"
A couple? Ryukawa Suko's heart skipped a beat, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, and she cast a few shy glances at Bai Ye.
However, Bai Ye remained as calm as ever, showing no interest. He dismissively added, "Just a pile of waste paper, a charade," and prepared to leave. (Daifeng Novel Network)
Yet, local tourists from country R, upon hearing the name 'Master Shimizu', immediately gathered around.
"Boss, do you really have Master Shimizu's talismans?"
"Where? How much?"
"What are you pushing for? Move aside, I was here first! I'm buying!"
...
"You don't recognize quality!" The stall owner glanced at Bai Ye's retreating back, then continued to amiably attend to the surrounding tourists, pointing to the talismans in his glass display case.
"Everyone, don't rush, these are all them! All blessed by Master Shimizu, very effective!"
"Really? I'll buy one!"
"I'll buy one too! If it's really Master Shimizu's talisman, that's a huge bargain!"
...
Ryukawa Suko followed behind Bai Ye, constantly looking back curiously.
"Bai Ye-kun~ that 'Master Shimizu' seems very effective! Or is he really a骗子 (piànzi - swindler)?"
"What magic, what talismans, it's all fake..." Before he could finish speaking, Bai Ye suddenly stopped, turned his head back to the small stall, his gaze slightly narrowing.
"Oh!" Ryukawa Suko turned around and ran straight into Bai Ye's arms with a rush.
"Bai Ye-kun??"
"'Master Shimizu's' talismans? Perhaps he really is a 'mage'!" Bai Ye gently pushed her away and then walked back towards the small vendor.
Really? Is there another mage? Ryukawa Suko looked surprised and quickly followed Bai Ye's steps.
The stall owner's recent shouting had attracted quite a crowd, and Bai Ye stood aside quietly, waiting.
"Sir, have a good trip! With this 'Endurance Talisman,' you'll surely be able to regain your vigor."
"Classmate, don't worry~ With Master Shimizu's 'Guaranteed Pass Talisman,' you're sure to get good grades!"
...
After waiting for a while, the tourists finally dispersed slowly, and the display case was much emptier. The stall owner's face was beaming.
Glancing around, he quietly took out a large box and refilled the display cabinet.
Suddenly, someone approached him. The stall owner quickly looked up, putting on a friendly smile.
"Welcome~ the two of you..."
Upon clearly seeing Bai Ye, the stall owner's expression faltered. Underneath his professional demeanor, he continued to smile.
"Hahaha~ Have the two of you changed your minds? Want to buy a talisman?"
Bai Ye, with a faint smile, asked, "Are these talismans... really Master Shimizu's talismans?"
"Of course!" the stall owner replied confidently.
"Are they all for sale?"
The stall owner pointed to the cabinet and said, "Of course, you can buy them all! However, there's only this much left..."
Bai Ye nodded and looked up at the pendant around the stall owner's neck, pointing at it,
"This one."
The stall owner's expression changed drastically. He instinctively clutched the pendant around his neck and stammered, "This... this is not for sale..."
[Another chapter later]