Jaune was confused by the sudden appearance of the two beautiful and cold women.
He had just finished hiring Xiao Che and Xiao Lingxi, and the two were excitedly examining their new work environment.
Jaune noted that Xiao Che didn't seem to care much about Xia Qingyue.
Their relationship seemed to be one of obligation, not affection. Xiao Che was clearly closer to his little aunt, Xiao Lingxi.
'Hum, so Che doesn't really want to marry her. But it was because of old promises...,'
Jaune mused.
He knew little about this world's customs, but he already disliked the idea of a marriage being managed by anything other than the two people involved.
Shaking off the thought, he focused on the customers.
"Welcome to my shop! What can I do for you two?"
Jaune asked, putting on his best customer service smile.
"We have everything from healing potions to custom weapons."
He quickly brought up the pricing for this universe.
The local currency was Profound Coins, with the highest value being the Purple Profound Coin.
Everything in his shop—even the cheapest Copper Rank items—started at 1,000 Purple Profound Coins to establish the perceived high value.
To the powerful Elder Chu Yueli and the rich genius Xia Qingyue, the prices were trivial.
"Do you have anything that can help me with my cultivation?"
Chu Yueli asked directly, her voice crisp and cool.
She had been stuck at a particular cultivation wall for many years, her progress halted by an inner stagnation.
"Let me check,"
Jaune replied, immediately asking Ciel for the solution.
[Solution found: The subject is suffering from an accumulation of Yin Poison due to conflicting techniques and prolonged exposure to her Sect's environment. The Host could purchase the Nine Profound Needle Acupuncture skill to safely treat and enhance her cultivation. Please do not forget to ask for labor cost.]
Ciel's emphasis on the labor cost sparked a moment of clarity for Jaune.
'Labour cost... That's right, I have never thought of that! I've only charged for items!'
[Skill—Nine Profound Needle Acupuncture]
[Origin—God World]
[Rank—Silver]
[Price—5 msc]
Jaune purchased the skill instantly, and the knowledge flooded his mind: the precise locations of the meridians, the proper Qi flow, and the exact technique to insert the needles.
"I can definitely help you, Miss Chu Yueli"
Jaune confirmed.
"I can provide you with acupuncture to release the accumulated Yin Poison in your meridians, which should allow you to advance. But I have two conditions."
He looked her straight in the eye.
"First, I will have to touch you in some places where you might feel uncomfortable to insert the needles. Second, the labor cost for my expertise is very reasonable. It is 2 silver coins."
He internally calculated that two silver coins—the cost of his time and knowledge—was more than fair.
Chu Yueli felt a deep sense of disorientation.
Normally, she would have been mortally offended when any one requested to touch her body, especially a non-sect member.
But seeing Jaune, he didn't seem to care about touching her; he cared more about the small sum of coins.
'How should I feel about this?'
She thought. Her rigid Frozen Heart Art cultivation base, which kept her emotions cold and suppressed, shook a little bit from the sheer absurdity of the situation.
"Then please help me. I will pay for whatever coins you mean,"
Chu Yueli agreed immediately.
She was loaded with local Profound Coins and was desperate for a breakthrough.
"Excellent. Then come to the back. I will prepare a private room for you,"
Jaune said, leading her toward the rear of the shop.
Before following, Chu Yueli looked back at Xia Qingyue.
"Disciple, you will wait here. And if Young Master Jaune could help me, you must show him the same respect and willingness to cooperate."
She was certain that Xia Qingyue would soon need the same kind of help.