After the tax collector finished speaking, silence fell over the surroundings.
Qin Ran stood silently where he was, showing no intention of paying points to enter the city, while the tax collector maintained his smile.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
Under Qin Ran's gaze, sweat began to bead on the tax collector's forehead.
Though Qin Ran's gaze was perfectly calm, it inexplicably made the tax collector feel a certain pressure.
The tax collector felt as though he were standing before a boiling copper pot. Looking up, he could see dried shrimp, scallions, radishes, and red dates bobbing in the clear broth.
All it lacked was sliced lamb.
And he was that sliced lamb, while Qin Ran stood before him with chopsticks, ready to pick him up.
I'm going to be cooked and eaten!
The instant that thought rose in his heart, the tax collector bowed.
"Of course, for someone as distinguished as yourself, everything is free."
"Here is your hot towel. It can help ease the fatigue of your journey."
"Please, come in."
"If anything happens, please tell me immediately. As you know, I will be right here, ready to serve you with the utmost dedication."
The tax collector turned to take a hot towel from beside him and presented it to Qin Ran with the utmost respect.
"Mm."
Qin Ran did not take the hot towel. He merely nodded and tugged the rope in his hand, prompting White Jack to walk forward immediately.
They passed through the city gate.
Qin Ran found himself looking at a thoroughly medieval street.
The clothing was slightly different, but loose garments still predominated. Women wore dresses, while men wore robes. The fabrics varied according to status, and the decorations included gold, silver, and even gemstones.
When a man in a silk robe