"Space ring?"
Yue Yue was momentarily taken aback, then hesitated before speaking.
"Sir, the cheapest 10-square-meter space rings start at 500,000."
Although Wang Chen had braced himself for the price, he couldn't help but feel a little awkward when he heard the number.
500,000 that was nearly the price of a decent car. In some places, it could even be enough to buy a small house.
His earlier confidence vanished in an instant.
Turns out, he was still just an ordinary guy.
He couldn't help but think back to Mo Liuli's space ring, which had easily carried all her magic-infused honey. It had to be at least 100 square meters.
What a rich lady… Hmm... a "small" rich lady.
As his thoughts wandered, he glanced at the bonsai decoration beside him, where a small stream of water trickled between two rocky peaks.
Yue Yue blinked, seemingly making up her mind. She suddenly said, "Sir, as an employee of Treasure Pavilion, I have an investment opportunity. I can offer you the most basic space ring, but in exchange, all your future transactions will have to be with us. What do you think?"
If a client shows potential, the idea was that they would grow into a valuable asset, and the profit from future transactions would more than make up for the cost of the space ring. It was essentially a clever business strategy.
Of course, if Wang Chen's future trade volume didn't meet expectations, Yue Yue herself would face consequences.
"There's such an option? That works for me!"
Wang Chen's eyes lit up.
Trading with Treasure Pavilion wasn't a bad deal. It was the largest and most reputable merchant hall, with branches across the country. Everything was fair, and transactions were easy.
Once he understood the deal, he didn't hesitate to agree.
Yue Yue smiled, her expression playful. She casually flicked a strand of hair from her face, then leaned in, her lips close to his ear, as she whispered softly, "Then, my first time will be yours, sir. I hope you don't disappoint me."
Wang Chen felt the warmth of her breath on his ear, and her scent filled the air. He could even feel the soft touch of her chest on his shoulder. His body tensed, and he instinctively shrank his shoulders, feeling a little flustered as he nodded awkwardly. "Uh... yeah, sure."
What kind of service was this?
Yue Yue chuckled lightly and gave him a teasing smile before bending lower to complete the task.
Soon, the contract was signed, and a bronze-colored space ring was placed before Wang Chen.
"Let me help you put it on, sir. I can tell it's your first time, and you might need some help."
Yue Yue squatted down and smiled up at Wang Chen, her eyes filled with professionalism.
Wang Chen felt a bit embarrassed, but he couldn't deny that the service was a little… enthusiastic.
Before he had time to react, Yue Yue had already swiftly slid the ring onto his finger, adjusting it and making sure it fit perfectly.
Wang Chen had to admit Yue Yue certainly knew what she was doing. The sensation of someone else putting it on for him was strangely satisfying.
"So, this is the space ring?"
Wang Chen quickly connected with the ring, and he was amazed to find there were 10 square meters of space inside. Without hesitation, he began storing his extra materials inside.
When Wang Chen left the merchant hall, a few girls were gossiping.
"Yue Yue, did you just give him your first time?"
Yue Yue rolled her eyes at them. "Please, don't talk nonsense. I don't know why, but I have a feeling this guy is going to surprise me."
Her words triggered laughter from the others.
"We don't believe you. You're going to regret it. Miss Gu will probably have a word with you!"
They were referring to Miss Gu Qingqing, the manager of Treasure Pavilion. A beautiful woman who wore black stockings and high heels, she was the very definition of elegance. But beneath her beauty, her cold and stern personality was well-known.
Whenever an employee's performance suffered, she would drag them into the "black room" for a stern lesson.
When they came out, they were usually a bit worse for wear.
Yue Yue was irritated, but a hint of worry showed on her face. "We'll see. But I do hope this client surprises me."
---
Wang Chen arrived at Liu Qiang's shop shortly after. Behind the counter, filled with all kinds of goods, was a plump middle-aged woman seemingly napping.
It was Liu Qiang's mother, Zhao Xue known for her sharp tongue and formidable work ethic.
Years of hard work had taken a toll, and a stroke a few years back had left her with chronic circulation issues, causing her to fall asleep frequently while working.
Doctors said that only a high-level healer, above level 50, could treat her condition. But Liu Qiang's family couldn't afford such expensive treatment.
Liu Qiang had wanted to awaken as a healer to help his mother, but leveling to 50 was no easy feat for an ordinary person.
Zhao Xue often joked that by the time Liu Qiang reached level 50, she would likely be long gone.
"Zhao Auntie, is Liu Qiang around?" Wang Chen asked softly.
"Who is it?"
Zhao Xue lifted her head, smiling brightly when she saw Wang Chen. "Ah, Little Chen! You've grown strong! How's everything going? I've been so busy lately, I haven't had time to check on you and your sister!"
Before Wang Chen could reply, Zhao Xue was already rummaging behind the counter, grabbing a pile of items and stuffing them into a plastic bag.
"Here, these are some new supplements. They're not expensive, but take them to your sister and yourself. And listen to Auntie's advice don't awaken a profession. Your body isn't suited for it. If you ever need help, your Uncle and I can teach you to run the shop. We'll make sure you're taken care of..."
Wang Chen felt his heart warm at her kindness.
Zhao Xue and Liu Qiang's father, Liu Qi, had always been there for him, offering help whenever they could.
Wang Chen promised himself that once he succeeded, he would ensure Liu Qiang's family had a better life.
"Zhao Auntie, I got lucky. I awakened as a Mechanical Engineer. I'll be able to support myself now. Look, my artificial heart doesn't need an external power source anymore."
At this, Zhao Xue froze, her eyes widening in shock. "You… you awakened? Oh my goodness! You scared me half to death! You should have told me sooner!"
She clutched her chest in relief, clearly overwhelmed by emotion. "Thank goodness you awakened to a life profession! Now you have hope! Just focus on learning your skills, and things will definitely get better..."
Wang Chen smiled, feeling a bit helpless. But he couldn't help but be touched by her concern. Before she could go on, he quickly interjected, "Zhao Auntie, I wanted to ask… where did Liu Qiang go? Didn't he awaken a profession too? Was it a healer?"
At the mention of Liu Qiang, Zhao Xue's face flushed red, and she awkwardly looked away. "Well… yes, he awakened as a healer, but… it's a bit different from the usual kind. His profession is… special."