C3 The First Customer

Time slipped away silently, and before he knew it, five days had flown by.

At the shop's entrance, Lo Chuan reclined in a rocking chair, seemingly at ease. Yet, as he watched the ceaseless flow of pedestrians on the street beyond the alley, a sigh escaped him internally.

Five whole days! Not a single bottle of Coke sold.

But what could he do? His shop was tucked away in a secluded alley; a lack of customers was to be expected.

Dusk was setting in, and as he gazed at the distant sunset, a touch of resignation flickered in Lo Chuan's eyes.

It looked like another day without patrons.

Just as he was about to shut up shop, a light exclamation drifted from the mouth of the alley.

"Tsk tsk tsk, to set up shop in such a tucked-away spot. Boss, you've got a unique style!"

A youth clad in dark brocade robes approached the storefront, offering his observation.

Lo Chuan's spirits lifted at the sight of the young man—business, at last, seemed to be knocking at his door.

"They say the finest wine needs no bush, and if the goods are truly exceptional, customers will find their way," Lo Chuan responded coolly, casting a glance at the newcomer.

The young man paused, pondering the shopkeeper's offhand remark.

"The finest wine needs no bush... Excellent! I didn't expect you to be such a kindred spirit, Boss! I, Bu Lige, am set on being your friend!"

Bu Lige's eyes sparkled as he relished Lo Chuan's words, bursting into hearty laughter.

To any local, the name would strike a chord of awe, for 'Bu' was the surname of the South Marquis of the Heavenly Star Empire, and in all of Deepmount City, no other carried it.

Thus, the identity of the youth named Bu Lige was clear—he was the sole heir to the South Marquis' Palace!

Of course, for Lo Chuan, a newcomer to this world for just over a month, such details were unknown to him.

"Well then, why not step inside and have a look around?" Lo Chuan invited, with an air of nonchalance.

"Absolutely," Bu Lige nodded, his smile beaming. "You're quite the character, boss. I bet the merchandise here is top-notch!"

He had already made his way into the shop as he spoke. The decor inside caught Bu Lige off guard, his eyes lighting up with intense surprise. As the South Marquis' son, he was well-versed in the finer things, yet he had never encountered a shop quite so lavishly appointed.

To think that such pristine glass, worthy of an auction hall, was merely used here for countertops and shelving! Was the world going mad, or was he still dreaming? In the Heavenly Star Empire, glass was a rare commodity, a luxury reserved for the nobility and cultivators.

"What's the story behind this boss?" Bu Lige wondered, his gaze shifting to Lo Chuan, who stood nearby, his curiosity piqued.

"All the items for sale are on those shelves," Lo Chuan directed, pointing to the glass shelves. "Feel free to browse."

Snapping out of his reverie, Bu Lige approached the shelf Lo Chuan had indicated, where the coke was displayed.

"One, two, three..." Lo Chuan silently counted.

Seconds later, Bu Lige's exclamation rang out, just as Lo Chuan had anticipated.

"What the—?!" Bu Lige's eyes bulged as he read the description of the Coke, his expression one of utter disbelief.

"Healing non-lethal wounds instantly? You've got to be kidding me, boss!" Bu Lige exclaimed, his voice tinged with astonishment.