Chapter 32: First Golden Patron
Lin Mo led her to a corner where a peculiar display stood, showcasing items that seemed more whimsical than practical. Lin Mo picked up what appeared to be a simple, unassuming foldable fan.
"This, Miss Yu, is the Celestial Breeze Fan," he said, flicking it open with a dramatic flourish. "At first glance, it's just a simple fan. But it creates a gentle breeze infused with calming spiritual energy. Perfect for hot days, stressful situations, or even subtle intimidation. Imagine fanning yourself during a negotiation while your opponent slowly feels their tension double or melt away."
He then glanced at the system panel for its price.
[Price: 10 spirit stones]
'Not a bad prize for its functionality.' He mused.
Yu Qingyan couldn't suppress a laugh. "A fan? Shopkeeper, are you suggesting I weaponize air conditioning?"
"It's not weaponizing, Miss Yu. It's strategizing. The same as how you do your work." Lin Mo said with his professional smile intact. "Look at this, it's practical, elegant, and sends a message. Plus, it's only 10 spirit stones. A small price for comfort and style."
Yu Qingyan considered it for a moment before placing it in her basket. "Fine. I'll take it. But if it doesn't work as advertised, I'll demand a refund."
Lin Mo smirked. "But of course. However, I assure you won't be disappointed."
As their tour continued, Yu Qingyan found herself drawn to more items than she hadn't anticipated she'd be interested in.
A set of Mystic Glow Lanterns for ambiance during late-night work sessions. A box of Spirit-Infused Tea Leaves that promised to sharpen focus. Even a spatial bag in the shape of a modern luxurious purse that women like her found the aesthetic appearance appealing.
Each one of them had been sold by Lin Mo's earthly sales pitches that made even Liu Xiaoyu's group not far from them stop to watch.
When Lin Mo noticed them looking, he made a sign before winking, making his energetic assistant become more enthusiastic about selling more items for the Pavilion Master.
By the time they returned to the counter, Yu Qingyan's basket was brimming with an assortment of items.
"By the way, Shopkeeper. Don't forget to include a box of Taihao Spicy Noodles and Heavenly Dew Soda," She said, setting her basket down with a satisfied smile.
"Understood. Let me get that for you." He stepped away for a moment to get the boxes from the inventory.
Yu Qingyan watched in interest, her mind gradually realizing that she had been duped by Lin Mo to a spending spree.
But because of her pride, she couldn't back down anymore. She stood before the counter with her arms crossed as she watched Lin Mo drop the two boxes next to her basket.
"Miss Yu, I admire how you embraced the spirit of strategic indulgence. Let me tally up your total."
He began ringing up her purchases, noting the sheer variety. From practical artifacts to indulgent snacks, her choices reflected a mix of utility and personal taste.
Eventually, Liu Xiaoyu appeared beside him who had also finished touring the Pavilion Master and making her pick up items here and there.
Upon peeking at the loaded counter, the energetic assistant couldn't contain her joy.
"Wow, Miss You really went all out today." Liu Xiaoyu whispered excitedly. "She might actually hit her thousand-spirit-stone goal!"
Lin Mo suppressed a chuckle as he finished ringing up the last item.
"Miss Yu, your total comes to 980 spirit stones. Shall I pack these for you?"
Yu Qingyan blinked, the weight of her purchases dawning on her as Lin Mo calmly recited the total. She glanced at the neatly packed items on the counter, a mix of practical tools and indulgent luxuries. The faintest hint of hesitation flickered in her eyes but she quickly masked it with a composed smile.
"980 spirit stones, you say?" She repeated, "It seems I've underestimated the allure of your store, Shopkeeper."
Lin Mo's professional smile didn't waver. "It's a testament to your refined taste, Miss Yu. Every item you've chosen reflects a keen eye for quality and utility."
But inwardly, he's already feeling ecstatic. Here she was. The store's first Golden Loyalty Card holder.
Yu Qingyan narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing the subtle flattery but deciding not to challenge it.
Instead, she reached into her spatial pouch and produced a sleek, ornate box. With a flick of her wrist, the box opened to reveal neatly stacked high-grade spirit stones.
She counted out the amount with practiced ease, "Here. 980 spirit stones."
Lin Mo accepted the payment with a slight bow, the system's notification confirming the transaction flashing in his peripheral vision.
[Notice: A customer has reached an accumulated purchase of 1000 spirit stones]
[Loyalty Card requirement has been met]
[Issuing of the card is now available to the following customer: Yu Qingyan]
Seeing those golden notifications, his professional smile faltered slightly as it revealed his genuine elation.
Still, he discreetly swiped them away as he straightened his back and pushed her purchased items to her.
Following that, he reached into a drawer beneath the counter, retrieving a small, golden-gilded card.
"Miss Yu," He calmly said, holding the card between his fingers with a flourish. "As our most esteemed customer to date, it is my honor to present you with the Divine Convenience Store's first-ever loyalty card."
Yu Qingyan's eyes widened slightly as she accepted the card. It was beautifully designed with intricate modern patterns that seemed to emanate divine energy. The words Golden Patron were etched elegantly across the top.
"Huh? A loyalty card?"
"Indeed," Lin Mo said smoothly. "This is our store's way of recognizing our most valuable customers. As a Golden Patron, you'll eventually enjoy exclusive benefits, including early access to new products, special discounts, and invitations to store events in the future. It's our way of showing appreciation for your continued support. However, because our store has only just opened for three days, it may take a few more days before we can offer some of the benefits I just listed. For now, it's nothing more than a fancy card, identifying you as our most esteemed customer."
Yu Qingyan held the card up, inspecting its craftsmanship. The divine energy emanating from it was subtle but undeniable. It wasn't just a token; it carried a sense of prestige. The sting from spending all of those spirit stones was slightly abated.
"Well, Shopkeeper," She said, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "You've managed to surprise me yet again. I'll accept this card and look forward to seeing what these benefits entail. Don't disappoint me."
Lin Mo bowed slightly, his tone brimming with professionalism. Yet inwardly, he's already thinking of baiting her with more products on her next visits. Apart from that, he's already started listing his potential Golden Patrons.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Miss Yu. Your satisfaction is our priority."
As Yu Qingyan took a step back, the Pavilion Master and Jing'er who were watching the whole proceedings stepped up next.
The moment Lin Mo met the old woman's eyes, his whole body trembled as extreme chill spread throughout. His elated smile froze as he realized the Pavilion Master's gaze had shifted from amused curiosity to something far more intense. Her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through him, as if she were dissecting every aspect of his being.
'Am I cooked for goading her granddaughter to spend 1000 spirit stones?' Lin Mo gulped down.