Lin Mo's curiosity got the better of him, and he leaned forward, his professional smile giving way to genuine intrigue. "If I may ask, how exactly did the Spirit Tress Comb play a crucial role in your senior disciples' mission?"
The female disciple chuckled nervously, glancing at her companions, who also seemed amused by the memory.
"It's a bit embarrassing, really. You see, they were tasked with recovering an artifact stolen by a group of bandits. During the battle, one of our senior sisters had the… innovative idea to use the comb not just for its intended purpose but to enhance her agility."
Lin Mo blinked. "Enhance agility? With a comb?"
Another disciple chimed in, giggling. "Yes! She thought, 'If it can enhance hair growth and vitality, maybe it can enhance other things too.' So, in the heat of the moment, she ran the comb along her legs, and, well… it worked! She said she felt lighter and faster like the comb had infused her with some kind of energy boost."
Liu Xiaoyu, who had been listening intently, burst into laughter. "Boss, I told you! Our products are versatile! Who knew a comb could double as a battle tool?"
Lin Mo pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stifle his own laughter. "I'm not sure that's how it's supposed to work, but I suppose I can't argue with the results. Did it… survive the battle?"
The first disciple winced. "Not exactly. The comb cracked after prolonged use."
"I see. Dear customers, are you also planning on using the product for unconventional purposes?" Lin Mo finished, his tone laced with dry humor and a hint of displeasure as he eyed the enthusiastic disciples.
Despite only being at this job for three days, he couldn't but scream internally, 'Use the goddamn product as intended! They're made to be a comb for your hair! Not an agility buff!'
But he had to hold it in. They paid for their items, after all. It's up to them how they would use it. If it breaks… then it's not the product's fault.
The group of Crimson Vale disciples giggled, exchanging amused glances.
One of them, clearly the spokesperson, waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, no, Shopkeeper. We'll use it as intended. But if a situation arises where we need a… creative solution, it's good to know it can handle more than just hair care."
Hearing that, Lin Mo's internal turmoil calmed down as he chuckled, "Great, as long as you're satisfied with your purchase. But I must remind you, dear customers, that the Spirit Tress Comb is primarily a beauty product. It is for lustrous hair. Any other effects you experience are purely coincidental and not guaranteed. It may be more wise to buy talismans with the enhanced agility effect or other artifacts with similar abilities. Spend responsibly. It'll be a shame if you end up wasting a valuable product because of a misunderstanding about its intended purpose."
The disciples nodded, their amusement undiminished. The one in the lead leaned closer.
"How intriguing. A merchant telling his customers to spend wisely. Shopkeeper, we appreciate the thought. We'll keep it in mind. We'll definitely come back for talismans next time. But for now, this beauty set is all the rage in our sect. You might want to stock up."
Lin Mo offered a polite smile as he rang up their purchases. "Thank you for the suggestion, dear customer. Unfortunately, it will remain limited in stocks in the meantime. But if it becomes our best-seller, I'm certain our supplier will send more stocks."
The disciples nodded eagerly, their excitement undeterred as they handed over their payment.
As they left the store, their laughter echoed down the street, leaving Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu shaking their heads in amusement.
"Boss, we might need to add a disclaimer to some of our products. Something like, 'Not liable for unintended uses during life-or-death situations.'"
Lin Mo smirked, pulling out a notepad to jot down her suggestion. "Nah. They paid for their items. A disclaimer won't be needed. Let's just hope they're responsible customers. But if they're not, it's a win for us, no? They'll return and buy again."
"Oh! Boss, I've been enlightened. You're more cunning than you appeared to be. You're still thinking of ripping everyone off!" Liu Xiaoyu smirked as she dashed away to rearrange the nearly empty shelf of beauty products.
The morning passed in a flurry of activity as more customers came and went.
The adjusted pricing and the growing reputation of the store continued to draw in disciples from various sects, their curiosity piqued by the unique wares on display.
As the clock ticked closer to midday, Lin Mo checked the system panel to track their progress.
[Attract new customers: 12/20]
[Sell expensive items worth 20 intermediate-grade spirit stones and above: 5/5]
[Repeat Customers: 6/10]
"Not bad," Lin Mo muttered, nodding in satisfaction as he watched the near-completed Daily Tasks. Why did he think it would be difficult? Their growing list of customers would be able to draw in more customers.
Just then, the door chimed again, and Lin Mo looked up to see a familiar face enter the store.
It was Yu Qingyan, her elegant robes flowing as she stepped inside with her usual air of confidence.
However, there was a faint edge of irritation in her expression as her gaze landed on Lin Mo.
Unlike the previous times, she walked straight to the counter and slammed her palm down.
"Shopkeeper. We need to talk."
Lin Mo's professional smile didn't falter as he greeted her. "Miss Yu, welcome back. What brings you here today?"
Yu Qingyan's eyebrows twitched at his lack of reaction. But she composed herself and crossed her arms together.
"I heard about your price adjustments. Care to explain why I paid premium prices for items that are now significantly cheaper?"
Ah, there it was. The dreaded complaint he had been expecting.
"Miss Yu, I understand your frustration. The price adjustments were made after careful consideration and feedback from esteemed customers like yourself. However, I assure you that the quality of the items you purchased remains unmatched. The prices may have changed, but the value you received was no less than what was promised."
Yu Qingyan narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced. "That's a very diplomatic answer, Shopkeeper. But I can't help feeling like I was taken advantage of."
Lin Mo straightened as he gestured to the wall next to him where the poster was pasted, "If that's the case, Miss Yu has every right to complain. Please refer to our customer hotline poster. You can voice your concerns directly to the Divine Convenience Store's customer support. They'll handle your case with the utmost priority."
Yu Qingyan turned her head to the poster, her expression flickering between confusion and disbelief.
"A… hotline? What the hell is a customer hotline? What a bizarre thing to make?"
"Oh. It's a new initiative, dear Golden Patron" Lin Mo replied smoothly, maintaining his professional smile and observing Yu Qingyan's minute reactions, "It is designed to ensure all our customers feel heard and valued. Rest assured, any grievances will be addressed promptly by our esteemed customer support team."
"You didn't answer me, Shopkeeper. What is a hotline?"
"Oh? I thought you'd be pretty knowledgeable about it, Miss Yu. But basically, it's where you nag if you ever feel taken advantage of. As our first Loyalty Card holder. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with its service."
"Nag…" Yu Qingyan's lips twitched, annoyed at his almost sarcastic response but because of the Aura of Harmony still permeating the store, she easily calmed down. "Fine. I'll try this… hotline you're speaking of. But don't think you can shift the blame away, Shopkeeper. I will demand a personal inquiry with you!"
Upon saying that, the woman stomped away and stood before the poster before mumbling to herself, her voice tinged with awe, "... I've been in the merchant trade for decades and yet… I've never thought of the ingenious idea of addressing concerns in this way. How innovative."