"Aaaah~"
At dawn, Mo Yan stretched and yawned as he slowly made his way downstairs. The others, looking equally drowsy, were already gathered at the table.
"Morning, everyone. Looks like I'm the last one," he said, rubbing his eyes. Once he was more awake, he noticed someone was missing. "Wait, where's Zixuan?"
"She's still sleeping," Kailin replied with a nod, while Zhao Heng glanced toward the ceiling. "She probably overexerted herself yesterday."
"Yeah, between treating Zhao Heng and Yaohui's injuries, she worked really hard," Tianlang added, arms folded and smiling.
Zhao Heng nodded with a rare softness. "Let her rest. One more day won't hurt."
"So then what do we do today?" Kailin asked. "Don't tell me we're just gonna wander around the city aimlessly."
Tianlang grinned. "Actually, I have a suggestion. Today's market day—the open-air bazaar is just outside the city. It'd be a good chance to stock up on supplies while we can."
"Sounds reasonable," Zhao Heng agreed.
"Great, then it's settled!" Kailin beamed. "After breakfast, Mo Yan and I will go to the market with Tianlang. Zhao Heng, you stay here in case Zixuan wakes up and wonders where we are."
"No problem," Zhao Heng replied.
But Tianlang suddenly frowned. "Wait, hold on. Why do I have to come along? Can't you two go by yourselves?"
"What kind of question is that?" Kailin crossed her arms. "You're our guide! We don't know this place, and we've never even used the local currency. You don't expect us to shop on credit, do you?"
Tianlang sighed, hand on his forehead. "Tch. Fine, I see your point. Wait a second… All that was just a roundabout way of asking me to foot the bill, wasn't it?"
"Hehe, more or less. Besides, it was your idea, so for today, you're our mobile wallet," Kailin replied cheerfully.
Tianlang's face twitched. "Hey! I don't hear any friendship in that statement at all!"
While Kailin and Tianlang bantered, Mo Yan chuckled to himself. After finishing breakfast, the trio set out from the inn and headed for the market.
"Come one, come all!"
"Freshly baked flatbreads! Still warm!"
The market was located near the city's entrance—the same one the group had passed through upon arrival. Unlike the somber quiet of the inner city, the bazaar was lively and bustling, filled with voices calling out prices and deals.
They walked through the crowd, stopping at stalls while Tianlang patiently explained what each item was. Although the names were unfamiliar, most of the products were functionally identical to those from their original world.
Suddenly, a vendor tucked into a corner called out to them.
"Hey there! Come take a look! I've got everything you could want, and it's all top quality for a great price!"
Kailin tilted her head and stepped over. The stall was covered in colorful bottles and jars, many of them packaged in eye-catching designs.
"Looks fancy…" she murmured.
"These are all local specialties," the vendor said enthusiastically. "Try one and you'll be hooked! Normally 70 Ta'anba apiece, but for you folks, just 35! That's half off!"
Kailin didn't respond. She stood up straight and glanced toward Tianlang, subtly signaling him with her eyes.
Sighing, Tianlang walked over, rubbing his temples. He picked up one jar after another, examining them closely. After a while, he gave a disapproving snort.
"No offense, but aren't these just low-grade knockoffs? I'm not seeing anything worth the price you're asking."
"What?! Sir, you wound me!" the vendor exclaimed, forcing a smile. "I'm a humble seller of daily goods. Why would I deceive my customers?"
"I never said they were fake," Tianlang replied coolly. "But look at this—flashy packaging, no manufacturing date, no listed origin. These are clearly unregulated products."
"You're not from the factory, so how would you know what's legit or not?" the vendor snapped.
That's when Tianlang smirked. "Funny you mention that. I've heard of certain shady sellers jacking up prices to trick out-of-towners. You wouldn't happen to be one of them… would you?"
The vendor visibly flinched.
"Y-you don't know what you're talking about! This is a legitimate business! Don't think you can scare me with a few buzzwords!"
"He's totally scared already," Kailin whispered with a smirk.
"Well then, since we're on the subject," Tianlang said, crossing his arms, "we happen to know Officer Clorinde personally. If you're so confident in your wares, we could ask her to take a look. What do you say?"
"Clorinde?!" The vendor blanched, but quickly recovered. "Hmph! Who are you trying to scare? Everyone around here knows Clorinde! Why not say you're friends with Lord Esha himself while you're at it?!"
At those words, both Kailin and Mo Yan fell silent.
The vendor sneered. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Came here to cause trouble, didn't you?"
"What's going on here?"
A familiar voice called out from behind them. Mo Yan and Kailin turned, both stunned.
"Officer Clorinde?!"
Speak of the devil. Tianlang had just mentioned her, and here she was.
"What brings you here?" Mo Yan asked.
"I was patrolling the area," Clorinde said, arms crossed. "I heard some shouting and came to check it out. What happened?"
Tianlang stepped forward. "This vendor claimed his goods were quality items, but from what I can tell, they're just cheap junk with no regulation."
Clorinde turned toward the vendor. Her expression immediately darkened.
"Liu Si… it's you again."
"You know him?" Kailin asked, surprised.
Clorinde nodded grimly. "His name is Liu Si. He's been arrested several times for price-gouging visitors from other provinces. Looks like he's back to his old tricks."
Realization—and rage—flashed across Kailin's face.
"So Tianlang was right?! You sleazebag, trying to scam me? I'm nobody's wallet!"
"You—you're making baseless accusations! My business is totally legitimate!" the vendor protested, clearly flustered.
Tianlang folded his arms confidently. "Still denying it? No problem. Officer Clorinde is right here. We can always take a trip to the station and test your products. You game?"
"No need," Clorinde said coolly. "I trust Tianlang's judgment—he's quite the expert in these matters."
"Wait… expert?" Liu Si blinked, then paled. "Hold on—Officer Clorinde, you actually know them?!"
Clorinde nodded. "Of course. This is Mister Tianlang, a personal friend of Lord Esha—and that makes him my guest."
"L-Lord… Esha?!"
~~------------------------
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