Without a brush, how can one become a shopkeeper?!
The shopkeeper's abacus clicked and clacked in his mind, calculating how to triple the price later.
"What? Do you think I can't afford this Mora?!"
What the shopkeeper could think of, Ningguang, as a max-level merchant, couldn't possibly not know?
The other party's calculations were all tactics Ningguang had long mastered. She could figure it out with her eyes closed.
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare, Lord Ningguang, please don't be angry..."
A cold glance from Ningguang was enough to make sweat bead on the shopkeeper's forehead, filling him with apprehension.
He really shouldn't have tried to play smart in front of Lord Ningguang, the shopkeeper regretted it deeply.
"Have someone pack this dress and deliver it to the Jade Chamber. Someone will pay you the Mora!"
Ningguang said calmly. On this grand occasion, she didn't intend to pursue the matter further, just a verbal warning.
"Understood! Understood!"
The shopkeeper personally packed it and handed it to the maid beside him, instructing her to deliver it immediately.
"Fengyi, let's go~"
The stern expression Ningguang had a moment ago softened when she turned to Fengyi.
This surprised the shopkeeper immensely. He was curious about Fengyi's identity, that Lord Ningguang would treat him with such gentleness.
"Mm-hmm, Yanfei. If there's nothing else, then I'll be going..."
This was the first time Fengyi had witnessed Ningguang's commanding presence. Her stern gaze and furrowed brows carried a powerful pressure, a result of her long tenure in a position of authority.
Ningguang had always given Fengyi the impression of a gentle, confident, and noble older sister. Beneath that gentleness, Fengyi had almost overlooked Ningguang's status as one of the Liyue Qixing.
Perhaps only Fengyi could truly appreciate Ningguang's tenderness.
Before leaving, Fengyi politely greeted Yanfei, who was still browsing for undergarments.
"Um... uh, it's nothing! See you tomorrow!"
Yanfei had intended to ask Fengyi for help in choosing some undergarments, but when she saw Ningguang's meaningful smile, she instinctively swallowed her words.
Yanfei thought: Why do I suddenly feel like Ningguang can see right through me? Impossible!? I must not have slept well last night, causing me to be disoriented and hallucinate!
By the time Yanfei snapped back to reality, Fengyi had already left the shop with Ningguang.
It seemed she would have to choose her undergarments herself!
Comparing her options, Yanfei found that the one Ningguang had chosen was the most attractive.
To avoid being outdone tomorrow, Yanfei gritted her teeth and, with a heavy heart, agreed to buy it.
However, she hadn't brought enough Mora with her today, as she had only intended to buy a decent quality undergarment.
Yanfei could only ask the shopkeeper to hold it for her while she went back to get the Mora.
"We've been shopping all morning, and it's getting late. How about we go grab something to eat?"
Fengyi had only eaten some snacks earlier while waiting for Ningguang to get ready at the Jade Chamber.
Snacks were delicious, but they didn't fill the stomach!
Even before noon, Fengyi's stomach started rumbling again.
So, he suggested getting something to eat.
"Alright, but the Liuli Pavilion and the Last Resort usually open in the afternoon. If you really want to eat there, it's not impossible to arrange for them to open early..."
Ningguang said after a moment of thought. Arranging for those establishments to open early was just a matter of adding a bit more Mora!
For Ningguang, any problem that could be solved with Mora was not a problem at all!
"Since they're closed right now, let's not disturb them. How about we try somewhere else? I think Wanmin Restaurant is a great choice!"
Fortunately, the Liuli Pavilion and the Last Resort weren't open yet. Otherwise, with his appetite, a meal there would have emptied his wallet and possibly left him in debt.
In truth, Fengyi wasn't picky about fine dining. As long as it was delicious, that was enough!
This was his honest opinion, not because he was broke!
Besides, a free lunch was always the most satisfying!
"Wanmin Restaurant? I have some recollection of it. I've heard their cooking is quite good!"
Ningguang nodded. Since Fengyi insisted, she had to abandon her idea of booking out the Liuli Pavilion.
Ningguang followed Fengyi, and they arrived at the entrance of Wanmin Restaurant.
Even though it wasn't yet their opening hours, a lively queue had already formed in front of Wanmin Restaurant.
"Yo, Little Brother Fengyi, you're early today! But there are quite a few customers waiting now, please bear with us for lunch!"
Chef Mao, who was busy, caught a glimpse of Fengyi and greeted him with a smile.
"Why are these customers queuing for so long?"
Ningguang watched the customers enduring the hot sun, patiently waiting. She was curious about what kind of food could possess such an allure.
"It's the new dessert that Little Brother Fengyi developed – Ice Cream! It was an instant hit as soon as it was launched yesterday, but the quantity is limited, and we simply can't keep up with the demand... Uh, Lord Ningguang? You're here in person?!"
Chef Mao, who was busy with his work, explained briefly when asked. But when he looked up, he saw that Lord Ningguang, one of the Liyue Qixing, had personally graced his humble establishment.
Chef Mao quickly put down his work and greeted her respectfully.
It seemed Lord Ningguang had come with Little Brother Fengyi...
'To be acquainted with Lord Ningguang, Little Brother Fengyi is truly remarkable!'
Chef Mao couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
"Chef Mao, please add two servings of Ice Cream to today's lunch order!"
Fengyi smiled at the busy Chef Mao. He was also happy to see his Ice Cream selling so well.
"Ice Cream from the freezer is here!"
Xiangling's voice preceded her.
She appeared, along with Guoba, carrying a full bucket of Ice Cream towards the front of Wanmin Restaurant.
Guoba's two small eyes sparkled, his gaze fixed on the wooden bucket filled with Ice Cream, while he desperately suppressed his drool.
"Fengyi! Uh... and Lord Ningguang, you've arrived at the perfect time! This is the first bucket of Ice Cream officially on sale today!"
Xiangling placed the Ice Cream bucket on the ground and waved for Guoba to get spoons and small bowls, happily greeting Fengyi and Ningguang.
"Give these two servings to Fengyi and Lord Ningguang first. Don't worry, you'll get yours too!"
Xiangling scooped two balls of Ice Cream into bowls and had Guoba deliver them to Fengyi and Ningguang.
However, Guoba's unwavering stare made Xiangling's eyelids twitch, forcing her to add a reminder.
After watching Guoba complete his task and return, Xiangling began selling Ice Cream to the waiting customers.
"Rich milky flavor, cool and refreshing, is this Ice Cream? It looks very good!"
Ningguang looked at the scoop of Ice Cream in her hand. Even before tasting it, her first impression was very positive.
Ningguang observed that the customers queuing under the scorching sun, after purchasing their Ice Cream, eagerly dug in with their small spoons, letting out contented hums.