However, this time, it felt like time was passing exceptionally slowly.
After waiting for what felt like forever, that clever little boy still hadn't returned.
Lovia's initial leisure gradually turned into doubt, followed by a hint of unease.
"What's going on? Could it be extra crowded today?" She poked her head out, peering toward the bookstore, but there was no sign of the little boy.
After a while longer, just as Lovia began considering whether to risk getting closer to take a look, the little boy finally appeared!
He was struggling to carry a cloth bag that was noticeably more bulging than usual, jogging back with an expression of excitement from completing his mission mixed with the tension of having been given a solemn entrustment.
"Big Sister! Big Sister!" The little boy ran into the alley, panting. After looking around to make sure no one was there, he handed the heavy cloth bag to Lovia. "Here! Shopkeeper Sun said this is what Mr. Lovia deserves. Please make sure to hold onto it tightly!"
Lovia hurriedly took the cloth bag. Its weight filled her heart with joy, but she immediately noticed the boy's hesitant expression.
"What is it? Did Shopkeeper Sun say anything else?" she asked in a low voice.
The little boy scratched his head, trying hard to recall. "Shopkeeper Sun... he looked especially happy, but also a bit anxious. He gave me this and said I must repeat his exact words to the person who sent me."
"He said, 'This old man means no offense! I just want to ask you, little friend, if you could convey a few heartfelt words to the gentleman for me?'"
Lovia thought for a moment and said to him, "I see. Actually, I'm also just helping the gentleman deliver letters!"
"Is that so? Then, Big Sister, will you see the gentleman? The Shopkeeper asked me to make sure the message is delivered, and because of time, he didn't have a chance to write a letter." The little boy was also a bit conflicted; after all, he had accepted the errand fee from the Shopkeeper!
Lovia said vaguely, "...You could say that."
Upon hearing this, the little boy nodded repeatedly. He cleared his throat and imitated Shopkeeper Sun's excited and earnest tone: "'Please be sure to tell him that everyone at Sanyu Bookstore admires the gentleman's talent to the point of total prostration! The gentleman's talent is truly world-shaking! Every time this old man reads the gentleman's great work, I am left in awe! The bookstore is made more glorious because of the gentleman! I fervently hope the gentleman takes good care of his health and continues to bestow his manuscripts upon us in his leisure time. The bookstore waits with bated breath and would never dare to rush him. The remuneration has been adjusted to the highest rate; if the gentleman has any other requirements, please do not hesitate to let us know!'"
The little boy's imitation was vivid. After finishing, he felt a bit embarrassed. "Um... that's about it. Shopkeeper Sun repeated 'be sure to tell him' several times and even gave me extra Mora to make sure the message was delivered."
Lovia was stunned for a few seconds after hearing this. Then, a mix of surprise and a touch of pride bubbled up from the bottom of her heart like warm bubbles.
It turned out there wasn't a mistake; rather, her identity as 'Mr. Lovia' was so popular that Shopkeeper Sun was being this serious, even reaching the point of repeatedly asking for messages to be relayed for fear of losing contact!
It seemed she had become Sanyu Bookstore's star attraction.
The'safety first' tension quietly faded away, replaced by a sense of satisfaction from being recognized and valued. Her little tail couldn't help but wag a circle under her cloak.
The recognition and importance she had never received in her past life made Lovia's nose twitch, and her eyes felt a bit stinging. But she quickly remembered the little boy was still there, so she wiped her nose and gave him some extra Mora as thanks. "Thank you. The message has been delivered. You did a great job."
The little boy took the Mora and ran off happily.
Holding the heavy payment, Lovia leaned against the brick wall of the alley. She felt her heart still racing slightly from the false alarm, but the corners of her mouth were already curling up uncontrollably.
"Hmm... it seems Mr. Lovia's charm is even greater than I imagined," she whispered, her sapphire-blue eyes curving into crescent moons. "Is Shopkeeper Sun afraid I'll stop updating? Or is he afraid I'll run off to another bookstore?"
Either way, it gave her a tangible sense of being strongly needed as a creator.
As for what Shopkeeper Sun might be worried about? Switching bookstores? That was impossible!
Shopkeeper Sun and Sanyu Bookstore had helped her at the very beginning and given her recognition and value. No matter what happened, she definitely wouldn't burn her bridges!
Lovia pulled her hood tight, carefully hid the cloth bag full of Mora, and blended into the bustling crowds of Liyue Harbor with a light step.
Her little tail wagged an excited circle under her cloak.
In high spirits, Lovia decided to immediately carry out her previous plan: buy a large amount of marine plants to make stew, find a few of the brightest ores, and give herself, the great author, a proper reward!
She pulled her hood tight, clutching her fresh payment, and blended into the bustling crowds of Liyue Harbor with a light step.