Inside the Divine Convenience Store, Lin Mo was busy restocking the shelf of noodles when the door chime rang. He looked up, expecting more disciples from the Azure Gale Sect. Instead, his eyes widened slightly at the sight of the two women entering the store. One carried herself with an air of quiet power, while the other, though younger, exuded the confidence of someone accustomed to authority.
Behind them, Liu Xiaoyu's jaw dropped, and she quickly straightened her uniform before running to his side, whispering urgently. "Boss! Yu Qingyan is back! And… oh no! If I'm not mistaken, that's her grandmother. The Pavilion Master of the Verdant Sky Pavilion!"
Lin Mo blinked, then quickly schooled his expression into a polite smile. "Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store. How may I assist you today?"
The Pavilion Master's gaze swept over the store's interior, her expression one of genuine curiosity. "So, this is the famed establishment my granddaughter has been raving about. You must be the shopkeeper, Lin Mo."
Lin Mo gave a slight bow. "That's correct, dear customer. Feel free to browse our wares. I assume Miss Yu has noticed it already. We've expanded our wares since yesterday."
And just like he said, the moment Yu Qingyan took in the interior of the store, she was shocked at the sight.
Her eyes darted around the store, her composure cracking slightly as she took in the new additions.
The shelves seemed even more abundant than yesterday, stocked with items she couldn't even begin to categorize. The weapons rack had been rearranged, now featuring a set of peculiar-looking artifacts, and there was a new glowing cooler in the corner labeled 'Mystical Brews'.
Yu Qingyan, trying to maintain her usual composure, stepped forward as her gaze swept across the store. "Indeed, Grandmother, the store has expanded its offerings. It seems that each day brings new surprises."
The Pavilion Master's sharp eyes missed nothing. She noted the modern design of the shelves, the immaculate arrangement of products, and the faint, calming aura that seemed to permeate the air.
She turned her gaze to Lin Mo, her expression unreadable but intrigued.
"Shopkeeper," She began, her voice carrying a lot of weight, "I must admit, this establishment is unlike anything I've encountered in my years."
Lin Mo's customer-service smile widened slightly. "Thank you for your kind words, dear customer. We aim to provide unique and high-quality goods that cater to a wide range of needs. Please, take your time to browse. If there's anything you're curious about, I'll be happy to explain."
Yu Qingyan hesitated for a moment before stepping toward the shelf she had frequented yesterday, her eyes lighting up as she spotted a new flavor of Heavenly Dew Soda. 'Peach Blossom Sparkle', the label read, with a picture of a blooming peach tree and a glittery pink drink.
"Grandmother, you must try this," Yu Qingyan said, holding up a bottle. "It's… refreshing, to say the least."
The Pavilion Master raised an eyebrow, taking the bottle from her granddaughter's hands. She examined it closely, the modern packaging clearly foreign to her sensibilities. "A drink that sparkles. How peculiar."
"Dear customer," Lin Mo interjected smoothly, "The Heavenly Dew Soda is one of our current best-sellers. Miss Yu here can attest to that. It not only refreshes the body but also revitalizes the spirit. This new flavor, Peach Blossom Sparkle, is particularly effective for its soothing properties."
The Pavilion Master nodded thoughtfully before handing the bottle to Jing'er, who accepted it with her usual stoic expression. "We'll take one to try."
Yu Qingyan, meanwhile, had moved on to the noodle section, her eyes scanning the new varieties. She picked up a pack labeled 'Celestial Curry Burst' and turned to Lin Mo with a faint blush. "Shopkeeper, this wasn't here yesterday."
Lin Mo chuckled. "We receive new stock regularly. That particular flavor is known for its bold and invigorating taste. It's still spicy though. Miss Yu might want to try. We have also expanded our dining area."
He gestured to the corner where more machines had popped up. Sooner or later, he'd probably get a microwave that could heat boxed lunches and ice cream dispenser.
The Pavilion Master's gaze flicked to the noodle shelf, her lips twitching in amusement. "How peculiar. These items are… so unique. I'm starting to understand why my granddaughter spent her monthly stipend in just two days. Are you aware, Shopkeeper? My granddaughter was always so tight on expenses that she only set herself less than 1% of her salary for a monthly stipend. Everything goes to the bank or to the enterprises she's investing in. Now, you made her withdraw for the first time in a decade."
"I see. I should've put up a sign soon that our products may be addictive to the new tongues. We aim to provide balance, dear customer," Lin Mo replied smoothly but deep inside, he couldn't help but shake his head, "We wish to service our customers to the best of our abilities in the name of convenience. However, if it will lead to poverty or breaking one's habit, it'll be best to warn them."
Although he said that, Lin Mo's eyes continued to follow Yu Qingyan who was now about to make herself that new noodle. She's like Yan Wei. A customer with deep pockets. But unlike that pompous young master, she seemed more engaged in savory indulgences.
"You're quite the diplomat, Shopkeeper. Few merchants would care enough to warn their customers about overindulgence. But then again, it seems you've created something here that's difficult to resist." The old woman remarked.
Lin Mo maintained his polite smile. "We aim for balance, dear customer. A little indulgence is fine as long as it brings joy. Besides, it's not just the products but the experience that keeps people coming back."
The Pavilion Master nodded, clearly impressed. She gestured toward Jing'er, who was still holding the bottle of Peach Blossom Sparkle. "Jing'er, why don't you try this first? I'd like to see if it's as remarkable as Qingyan claims."
Without hesitation, Jing'er opened the bottle and took a cautious sip. Her stoic expression didn't change, but her eyes widened ever so slightly—a subtle but telling reaction.
"It's... pleasant," Jing'er said after a moment, her tone even. "Refreshing, with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the palate."
The Pavilion Master's lips twitched in amusement. "If even Jing'er approves, it must be something special." She turned to Lin Mo. "We'll take a case of these."
Yu Qingyan, who was busy preparing her Celestial Curry Burst noodles at the new dining station, nearly dropped her chopsticks. "A case, Grandmother?"
"Why not?" The Pavilion Master said lightly. "If it's as good as you claim, it would be a shame to only buy one."
Lin Mo nodded, expertly concealing his glee. "An excellent choice, dear customer. I'll have them packed and ready for you shortly but in the meantime, feel free to browse. We still have a lot to offer you. Our store boasted of providing convenience. I believe that dear customer can find something uniquely catered to your needs."
Upon saying that, Liu Xiaoyu who was waiting for his cue, immediately popped out from where she was observing.
"Needs, is it? We'll see." The Pavilion Master meaningfully said as she turned to Xiaoyu.
Lin Mo noticed the old woman's eyebrows jumping in slight surprise when she focused on his rabbit-like assistant. It's like seeing someone she hadn't expected to be here.
'Is Xiaoyu also from an influential force? A reclusive family, perhaps?' He mused. All he knew about her was that she was sent by her family to assist him in running the store. Also, that family worshipped Taihao as their deity.