Lin Mo groaned inwardly. Of all the people to show up, why her?
Forcing a neutral expression, he stood up as he faced this customer who had a flair for scoping out his business.
"Welcome back, Miss Yu. What do you need today? Instant noodles again or are you here to propose another partnership?"
Liu Xiaoyu stifled a giggle at Lin Mo's tone. She whispered to him, "Boss, maybe she missed our noodles. Should we raise the price?"
"Shut it," Lin Mo muttered under his breath before refocusing on Yu Qingyan.
"Shopkeeper. Relax. I'm not here to discuss partnerships," She replied smoothly though her tone hinted at some lingering bitterness over yesterday's rejection. "But I did find myself curious about your unique wares. I've come to browse. Is that allowed or must I first sign a neutrality agreement?"
Lin Mo gave her a thin smile, "Browse all you like, Miss Customer. We're always open to those who open their wallets."
Yu Qingyan's lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh.
Without another word, she began checking out the shelves, her gaze lingering on the mystical items and mundane Earth goods with equal intrigue.
Liu Xiaoyu sidled closer to Lin Mo, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "She's totally here for the noodles. Watch."
"Quiet," Lin Mo flicked her forehead which she surprisingly failed to dodge despite her nimbleness, "You're supposed to be working."
"I am working," She pouted as she gestured to Yu Qingyan. "I'm keeping her happy by not bothering her."
Lin Mo sighed. "That's the bare minimum of your job description."
Yu Qingyan eventually stopped in front of a shelf stocked with bottled drinks. She picked up a bottle of Heavenly Dew Soda, tilting it curiously in her hand before snooping further into the walk-in cooler.
"This... is this some kind of beverage? Also, what is this storage? Which artisan made this?"
Lin Mo let out a small chuckle at Yu Qingyan's question, though he quickly masked it with a polite tone.
"It's called a refrigerator. A device to keep things cool and fresh, designed by a…" He paused, thinking how he should translate Earth's terms and its mundane technology to her, "...very skilled artisan. As for the drink, it's a beverage that refreshes the body and restores a touch of vitality. Perfect for a hot day or after a strenuous journey."
Yu Qingyan arched an elegant eyebrow, her sharp eyes flicking to Lin Mo. "And the price?"
"Two spirit stones per bottle," he replied smoothly, folding his arms. "It's going to be one of our popular items. Would you like to try it?"
She considered the bottle in her hand, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Why not? I've already gambled on your noodles, and they were surprisingly delightful. Perhaps this beverage will surprise me too. But the price… Why is it so steep?"
"Sorry, I'm not the one deciding its price. Complain to the divine being."
Lin Mo retrieved a bottle opener from beneath the counter, his movements deliberate as he popped the cap off and handed it back to her.
He put on a generous smile, far from charming. In his head, if she liked it, she might buy more.
Yu Qingyan took a cautious sip while her gaze remained fixed on Lin Mo as if expecting some trick.
But as the fizzy sweetness of the soda hit her tongue, her expression shifted ever so slightly.
A spark of genuine surprise lit up in her eyes, and she took another, longer sip.
Audible gulps rang out within the store and even Xiaoyu started to wonder about how delightful the drink could be.
"This..." She began with a satisfied smile. Her voice softened a lot almost as if speaking to herself. "This is... quite refreshing. The texture is peculiar; light and effervescent. And the flavor... balanced."
She looked back at Lin Mo, the faintest trace of amusement in her smile. "Another one of your mystical imports?"
"You could say that," Lin Mo replied, leaning on the counter. "So? Worth two spirit stones?"
Yu Qingyan didn't answer immediately, instead setting the bottle down with deliberate care. "For its novelty, yes. Let me take a dozen. Is it allowed to buy in bulk?"
"Of course. This is a convenience store, Miss. As long as you have the spirit stones to pay for everything. You can sweep my store clean." Lin Mo smirked. Of course, he didn't believe that at all. Taihao would surely intervene if some rich organization poured their spirit stones into the store and took monopoly of the divine-grade items.
"You're kidding." Yu Qingyan muttered in disbelief.
Yu Qingyan clicked her tongue but didn't press on the issue anymore.
Right on cue, Liu Xiaoyu, who had been eavesdropping with the subtlety of a child peeking around a corner, nearly dropped the bag of chips she was restocking as she ran back to the counter. "Twelve bottles? Boss, we're rolling in spirit stones!"
Ignoring her, Lin Mo maintained his calm demeanor, though internally he was already calculating his personal balance increase. "Twelve bottles will be twenty-four spirit stones, Miss Yu. Would you like them packed together?"
Yu Qingyan's response was a simple nod as she retrieved a pouch of spirit stones and placed them on the counter. "Please. And do include that fascinating refrigerator in our next partnership discussion."
Lin Mo chuckled lightly as he motioned for Liu Xiaoyu to fetch a crate for the sodas. "You seem very invested in our humble store, Miss Yu. Unfortunately, it's not my call to make."
"Curiosity," She replied with a nonchalant tone but her eyes were clearly showing more than she wanted to say. "It's not every day one encounters an establishment . Neutral ground, unique wares... and an enigmatic shopkeeper. One can't help but wonder what else lies beneath the surface."
Liu Xiaoyu, carrying the crate with surprising ease, placed it on the counter and grinned at Yu Qingyan. "Boss might be enigmatic, but he's just as clueless as I am half the time."
Lin Mo shot her a warning glance. "Thank you for that glowing review, Xiaoyu. Now hurry up and do your job, my dear assistant."
Yu Qingyan chuckled, her amusement genuine this time. "Well, Shopkeeper Lin, consider me intrigued. I'll return when I have more time to explore your... offerings. It's fine to recommend this establishment, is it not?"
"It is. But Miss Yu. Considering your position and affiliation, shouldn't it be wise for you to prevent the spread of our shop's existence?"
"You know your thing, shopkeeper. However, I doubt it will be wise for me to do that. Won't that make you frown at me? I want to gain your favor so… I'll do you one first."
With her purchase in hand, Yu Qingyan gave a final, knowing glance before leaving the store. The bell's soft chime signaled her departure, leaving a faint air of mystery in her wake.