The auction house staff said they would try to get in touch and keep Matthews informed if they heard anything about the lodestone.
As Matthews left the auction house, he suddenly remembered that he had never experienced a banquet in this world. On a whim, he walked into a lively establishment filled with lights and music.
"May I ask what brings you here, sir?"
"Drinks, and someone who can sing well!"
The moment the attendant saw Matthews toss him a bag of gold coins, he eagerly led Matthews to a private room. Before long, several beautiful singers arrived. One of them poured Matthews a cup of wine and said, "Sir, this is the most famous Green Ant Wine in our establishment."
Matthews picked it up and took a sip. It was pretty good, not as strong as the liquor from his previous world. It was more like beer, leaving a faint tingling sensation in his mouth.
That made sense. In a den like this, the main source of profit was the alcohol. The girls who served drinks and sang were secondary. Why would they serve strong liquor that got people drunk so easily?
A petite girl who looked as delicate as a little doll began to sing in a high, lilting voice. Listening to her sweet, cute voice, Matthews realized that she wasn't suited to singing such risqué songs. He remembered some lyrics and tunes from his previous life that were better suited to a cute girl, taught them to her, and asked her to sing them for him.
Just then, an old man passed by Matthews's room and heard the novel tune. He pushed open the door and walked in. When he saw Matthews, he said, "So it's you!"
Matthews looked closely and recognized the old man who had