Rain Dinners casino, top-floor banquet hall.
Crystal chandeliers lit the entire hall as brightly as day, and gilded walls reflected an extravagant sheen. The long tables were laden with Alabasta's finest delicacies and wines. Dancers from across the land danced gracefully on the central stage while musicians played decadent melodies. Dignitaries and wealthy merchants in splendid clothing exchanged drinks, their laughter, clinking glasses, and flattery weaving together into a portrait of worldly excess.
Zhou Yu sat in the lounge area in the southeastern corner of the banquet hall, holding a glass of amber wine. With a gentle smile, he chatted animatedly with several local Alabastan medicinal herb merchants. He spoke elegantly and knew the South Blue's medicinal herb market like the back of his hand. Occasionally quoting classic texts, he soon won the merchants' favor.
"You certainly live up to your reputation as a great South Blue merchant, Mr. Zhou. Your knowledge is remarkable!" A plump merchant raised his glass, his face wreathed in smiles. "What medicinal herbs are you planning to buy in Alabasta this time? Our Desert Ship trading association has twelve plantations along the Sandora River. Just say the word, and we can guarantee ample supplies!"
Zhou Yu smiled and raised his glass. "Alabasta's desert herbs are world-famous, especially seaberries and agave. In the South Blue, you can hardly find them at any price. However..." He paused, showing just the right degree of regret. "This trip was rather hasty. I'm only accompanying a friend here for some recreation. Any specific purchasing plans will have to wait until I return and discuss them with my trading association."
"Of course, of course!" The plump merchant nodded repeatedly, though a shrewd gleam flashed through his eyes. "But Mr. Zhou, now that you're in Rainbase, it would be a shame not