Business Invitation
Night fell, and the stars twinkled.
Merchants' gatherings often take place at night, and this remains true today.
However, unlike in the past, the focus of the entire event tonight was not a familiar face, but a young girl.
In a lavishly decorated hall in the north of the city.
A magnificent chandelier casts a warm glow from the ceiling, illuminating the entire space.
As Elena entered the hall, her elegant and confident demeanor immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.
The young merchant wore her carefully chosen attire tonight, perfectly accentuating her beautiful figure. But more importantly, a pair of sheer, thin stockings encased her legs, swaying gently with each step, shimmering with a subtle sheen.
"..."
"Now, there's no need to even actively promote it."
Notice the stares of the men and women around you.
Ailini had already confirmed the success of the trip, and everything else would probably fall into place naturally.
"Miss Ailini, you look absolutely stunning tonight! And those trousers of yours are..."
"These are called stockings."
Ailini corrected the other person's statement, a charming smile appearing on her face:
"I found these during a trip. Aren't they special?"
A noblewoman nearby also joined the conversation:
"It's so beautiful! You great businessmen who travel the world always manage to find such exquisite items. How do you manage to do that?"
"Everyone likes exquisite and beautiful things," Ailini replied politely, avoiding the topic of the origins of stockings. "But I believe that true beauty needs to be discovered with the heart. Whether it's stockings or any other product, they are merely a reflection of each person's style and taste."
Ailini smiled and greeted everyone who struck up a conversation.
She would occasionally sway her skirt gently, making her stockings shimmer even more alluring under the lights. Sometimes she would step into the shadows of the banquet, letting the ambiance accentuate the perfect shape of her legs encased in stockings.
Soon, a young man couldn't resist any longer.
He approached Ailini and began to fawn over her, casually inquiring, "Your stockings perfectly complement your outfit and figure. But I'd also like to know, what is the meaning behind such clothing? Would it be suitable as a gift for ladies?"
Almost simultaneously, some businessmen also actively joined in.
The other party was a powerful merchant from the Riverbank Merchant Guild, wielding considerable influence in Nine Bends City. His attitude towards Ailini also differed.
"I must admit, you've found a very good product. What I'm curious about is whether we'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the future?"
Ailini's answer was dignified and appropriate:
"Thank you for your interest. I'm also happy to explore new opportunities for collaboration. Perhaps we can sit down and discuss this in detail during lunch tomorrow?"
"..."
When Ailini, wearing Linsey's stockings, stole the show at the party.
Linsey, however, did not steal the spotlight.
After parting ways, he returned home alone.
At this moment, Linsey was on a newly built fishing platform, with two brand-new Fishing Rod in front of her.
One of them is meticulously woven from emerald green plants. The rod appears delicate, yet it contains a strong and resilient power. The entire fishing rod exudes a faint green hue, like a blooming green Vines.
Upon closer inspection, it is adorned with tiny and delicate flowers.
Every leaf and flower shimmers with natural luster, constantly displaying vitality and life.
The other fishing rod has a rugged and powerful design.
The material of this fishing rod seems to have been extracted from the lava of the terrain, and the entire rod exudes a dark red light.
It is currently nighttime.
With the help of the darkness, one can vaguely see liquid flowing inside the rod, reflecting the orange-red flame patterns on its surface.
And holding this fishing rod feels like it contains endless heat.
The touch was warm, but not scalding; it felt quite magical.
[Tool: Flower Fishing Rod]
Using this fishing rod will moderately increase your fishing success rate. The natural power contained within the rod allows you to fish in the Natural Secret Realm.
This fishing rod is made from rare materials and is reasonably priced.
[Tools/Weapons: Magma Fishing Rod]
Using this fishing rod slightly increases the success rate of fishing. It allows fishing in lava. When used as a weapon, it automatically inflicts a certain amount of high-temperature burn damage.
A fishing rod imbued with the power of fire, at a reasonable price.
"..."
"Fishing in the Natural Secret Realm and lava?"
Linsey raised an eyebrow.
The main material for the [Flower Fishing Rod] is obtained by defeating the Flower Fairy in the Black Mountain World; the material for crafting the [Magma Fishing Rod] is, of course, Meteorite Ingot.
The former effect is easy to understand; it must be some special natural environment, perhaps even the same kind of secret realm where Linsey planned to treat her injuries.
But the latter...
"Just like in the game, you can actually fish out of lava?"
Linsey scratched her head.
He picked up each fishing rod and tried fishing in the river in front of him.
The fish quickly took the bait and were caught, and the subsequent city chests brought Linsey an additional 13 Silver Coin.
After completing the Fisherman Set and possessing the special Fishing Rod.
Linsey has finally said goodbye to the situation of frequently catching trash, and now most of the time she can have a good catch.
"Call--"
"I wonder how things are going with Ailini?"
After fishing for several rounds, Linsey sighed and turned to check on her companion.
He didn't want to attract too much attention in the city.
Therefore, all the management work was handed over to Ailini, and the risks she bore naturally increased accordingly.
And Linsey can do it—
"Let's use as much of this money as possible to compensate Ailini, except for the cost of the medicine."
Linsey murmured softly.
He raised his palm, and although the Golden Ring was not visible, the equipment was indeed working.
"This also seems to be one of my money-making activities. I wonder if the Golden Rule can indirectly affect it?"
Anyway, I hope things go smoothly on her end too.
"..."
Linsey didn't sleep a wink tonight.
He and Ailini had agreed to meet the next day to discuss any issues that arose during the sales process.
The next morning...
Just as Linsey put away her fishing rod and was about to leave, a knock sounded at the shop door.
Clang clang clang—
A rapid knocking sounded on the door.
Linsey casually opened the map and saw that there was only a yellow dot symbolizing neutrality at the entrance.
He frowned as he opened the store door.
A young man dressed as a waiter appeared in front of Linsey.
[Clue Collection]
Patched pockets, panting heavily, tense gaze.
Although the fluctuations weren't strong, Linsey was still able to sense the Essence energy on the other party through her [Game Player] ability.
A young awakened individual who wasn't doing well financially and seemed somewhat rushed? Linsey speculated, and the young man spoke up:
"Mr. Linsey, is that right?"
Linsey nodded:
"That's right."
The young man then continued:
"That's how it is!"
"My master heard that you came from Lookout Point City and has some things he wants to know, so he sent me to invite you over."
Linsey tentatively asked:
"Who is your father-in-law? Do I know him?"
The young man answered with immense pride, his tone even bordering on condescension:
"My master is Mr. Ya Li Kun!"
The young man's demeanor exuded a self-assured confidence.
It was as if Linsey should know and immediately accept the invitation the moment he uttered the name.
"..."
Faced with this situation, Linsey shrugged, her tone somewhat bewildered:
"Okay, then who is Ya Li Kun?"
"Shouldn't you at least introduce me before inviting me over?"