Chapter 124: Chapter 123: Difference in Softness

’Sir, wake up.’

’Huh? Is it time to supplement my Skill time?’

Zhao Chi awakened from within Gu Qing’s Body.

He saw a bustling street filled with people.

The street was brightly lit and incredibly lively.

Street vendors had set up stalls at his feet, and just ahead was the clothing store.

It turned out Gu Qing had already entered the black market.

This time, Zhao Chi made a point to look at the sign.

Wanyan Huashang

No wonder the female owner’s alias was Wanyan; it was the name of the shop.

Zhao Chi didn’t quite understand the name.

But it certainly had the feel of a women’s clothing store.

The shop was crowded.

It seemed even busier than yesterday.

The few sales associates were overwhelmed. After Zhao Chi entered, no one had time to greet him.

Zhao Chi happened to walk over to the Silk Stockings section to see how yesterday’s batch had sold.

As it turned out, he didn’t see any of them.

’Maybe they all sold out?’

"Oh, Miss Zhao, you’re here! The manager instructed us to take you to the second floor as soon as you arrived. Please, follow me."

He turned to see it was the same sales associate who had helped him yesterday.

Zhao Chi nodded and followed her upstairs.

The second floor was also quite busy.

They sold complete women’s outfits here—some were 2-piece sets, some 3-piece, with the largest being 5-piece sets.

Fashion items like these Sets also came with an additional Set Bonus.

Manager Wanyan was helping a female customer. When she saw Zhao Chi, she smiled at him and pointed to the side.

The associate said, "Miss Zhao, please wait in our manager’s office for a moment. She’ll be right with you."

Zhao Chi nodded. "Alright."

He entered the office.

The sales associate bustled about, pouring tea and bringing out fruit.

Zhao Chi quickly refused. "Please, don’t trouble yourself. I’ll be leaving soon."

The associate shook her head with a smile. "It’s no trouble. Have some water. The manager will be here shortly."

A little while later, Manager Wanyan came in.

"My apologies, Miss Zhao. Thank you for waiting."

Zhao Chi waved his hand. "It’s fine."

The sales associate quietly excused herself and closed the door.

Wanyan sat across from Zhao Chi and topped off his teacup. "Miss Zhao, this is a new fruit tea. I had it brought in specially. Please, have a taste."

Zhao Chi refused.

When you’re out and about, you can never be too careful.

Especially with things you consume.

"No, thank you. Let’s just get straight to the Trade. I have 17 pairs to sell today. Do you have the cash?"

Wanyan smiled. "You’re so direct. Yes, I do. Let’s make the Trade now."

The Trade was completed quickly.

Both parties were satisfied.

Having earned 34 Gold Coins today, Zhao Chi could buy more Medicine. His production would be higher tomorrow, allowing him to earn even more money.

With money, things like Equipment would no longer be a problem.

Although the Trade was complete, Zhao Chi wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

"Manager Wan, I took a look at the Silk Stockings section downstairs, but I didn’t see any of mine. Did they all sell out?"

Wanyan chuckled. "How could that be? I would never sell items like these."

"Not for sale?" Zhao Chi was a bit surprised. "Are you keeping them to wear yourself?"

Wanyan looked to be around thirty years old.

Her Appearance was on the same Level as Tang Ruan and the others, but she was much more mature and had an excellent disposition.

She was dressed entirely in fashion items.

On one hand, it boosted her Attributes; on the other, she served as a display model for the shop.

She was also wearing Silk Stockings, but they were just an Ordinary model.

Although Zhao Chi was looking at her legs, from Wanyan’s perspective, it was Gu Qing who was looking.

So not only did she not mind, she even extended her leg.

Wanyan smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "Of course not. These are fine goods; I couldn’t bear to wear them myself. The ones I’m wearing are just ordinary fashion items. To be honest with you, I already had them sent out last night."

"Sent out?"

"That’s right. I sent them as gifts to friends and wives in the inner district. They absolutely loved them. Forget 17 pairs, even 70 pairs wouldn’t have been enough today."

Zhao Chi asked, "The inner district... you mean the area only High Level members can enter?"

"Of course. That’s the one."

"So there are different tiers of status in here, too."

Wanyan smiled. "It’s mainly for security. The two areas are separated so that if one is destroyed, the other can survive. Besides, new members must be observed for a period of Time, wouldn’t you agree?"

Zhao Chi didn’t answer.

But he felt what she said made sense.

"Manager Wan, why did you give those Silk Stockings away? The price isn’t low. You just gave them away like that?"

Wanyan’s smile faltered for a moment.

Then, her faint smile returned.

"The only reason this place can be a free land is because of their protection.

"They do collect taxes from us, but the rates are far more reasonable. All of us shop owners are willing to pay.

"But they don’t just have to maintain this place; they also have to find ways to deal with those nobles from the Central District. It’s not easy for them.

"They fight for everyone, so when we get good things, we’re happy to send them over. It’s worth it even if it helps them just a little.

"Although your fashion items are of crude Quality and aren’t part of a Set, they’re very useful in certain situations.

"That’s why I sent them off overnight. I’m certain they will be a great help to them."

Zhao Chi was silent for a moment.

Wanyan smiled. "The main reason I’m telling you all this is to convince you to keep selling to me in the future."

Zhao Chi said, "The next couple of days shouldn’t be a problem, but I can’t say for sure after that."

Wanyan nodded. "I heard. People from Zone 7 have arrived, and they’re going to increase the Magical Beast diversion quotas for the nearby towns and villages. If you have more fashion items to sell later, you can still sell them to me."

’Gu Qing, do you think she’s telling the truth?’

’To be honest, I’m not sure. But I hope she is.’

’Yeah... But even if she’s lying, it has nothing to do with me. I’m not losing out; at least I’m getting paid. It’d be even better if it’s true, though.’

’Mhm, that’s right.’

Zhao Chi stood up.

"Manager Wan, thank you for telling me all this. I’ll be going now. I’ll bring more Silk Stockings next time."

Wanyan stood up as well.

She extended her hand. "Thank you, Miss Zhao. We look forward to your next visit."

Zhao Chi also extended his hand in a friendly gesture.

They shook.

But Wanyan’s hand felt very hard.

It was a firmness that didn’t seem like it belonged to a woman’s hand.

It was a stark contrast to her delicate appearance and elegant demeanor.

Zhao Chi was a little surprised, but also a bit uneasy.

Unexpectedly, it was Wanyan who voiced her surprise first. "Wow! Miss Zhao, your hands are so soft! How do you take care of them?"

Zhao Chi was stunned.

His mind was full of question marks, and he didn’t know how to respond.

’Sir, have you forgotten? You gave us an Improvement for "Soft Body," that’s why.’

’So it’s not that her hand is hard, but that yours is too soft?’

’That’s right. This is how an Ordinary woman’s hands feel. Wanyan’s are actually considered quite soft.’

Zhao Chi’s mind was put at ease.

’So that’s how it is.’

He chuckled and said, "I guess I was just born with it..."

Wanyan’s face was full of envy. "Sigh, the difference between people is just too great. I’m so jealous of you."

Zhao Chi quickly said his goodbyes. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. My Appearance and figure aren’t good, so I’m often envious of people like you. Goodbye, Manager Wan."

"Alright, Miss Zhao. I look forward to seeing you again."

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