The soft sound of the door opening gently broke the stillness inside Baichuan Bookshop.
The icy wind outside slipped through the gap, bringing a chill that cut to the bone.
Zhao Baichuan raised his head lazily, a smile spreading across his face.
"Little An! Not hunting on the ice plains today? You even thought to bring someone to my little shop?"
Xu An hurried to the counter, his face lighting up with a familiar yet respectful smile.
He hunted beasts on the ice plains year-round and occasionally came to the bookshop to consult notes on Demon Beasts. He and Zhao Baichuan had known each other for some time.
"Elder Zhao, I went. I just got back."
Xu An stepped aside to bring Li Yun forward, his tone warm.
"This is my distant elder cousin, Lin Zishan. He's just come from out of town to stay with me. It's his first time in Carter City, and he doesn't know his way around."
"He'd like to read a few books here and learn more about Carter City's customs, so he can settle in sooner."
As he spoke, Xu An deftly took two mid-grade Frost Crystals from his robe.
He gently pushed the Frost Crystals across to Zhao Baichuan. That was the bookshop's rule for reading, and he had always observed it.
"This is today's reading fee. Sorry for the trouble, Elder Zhao. Please look after him."
Zhao Baichuan glanced at the two Frost Crystals and smiled. "No need to make a fuss over looking after him. I opened this bookshop for people to read. Pay the fee, and you can browse as you like. If you need anything in particular, have this young man... ah, young Lin, let this old man know."
Li Yun hurriedly cupped his hands. "Thank you, Elder Zhao."