Ch 125: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World

Harold practically shot upright, moving away from Lu Yao, his brow furrowed. “How could there be such an underhanded spell?”

Lu Yao hadn’t expected him to react so strongly, raising an eyebrow slightly. “You can’t avoid it. Come over here and talk properly.”

Harold remained on guard, unmoving.

From his seat in the single armchair, Si Jin crossed his arms, his golden eyes flashing slightly. “Boss, have you encountered a problem?”

The other staff, sprawled out and satisfied from their meal, slowly sat up, their gazes focused and alert.

Harold’s expression shifted as well.

The twin fairies, still in a food coma on the long table, struggled to rise.

Lu Yao reached over to help Merulu and Puxiu sit up, giving their chubby cheeks a playful pinch as she shook her head with a smile. “It’s nothing serious. The Little Pet Cafe is just short on staff. The circumstances in that world are unique, with a high turnover rate, making it hard to find suitable employees.”

Since the shop expanded, they’d been understaffed.

She had posted a hiring notice that afternoon, and while many people applied, the ones who passed the interview were still in their probation period. By closing time, they had all transformed into fish and floated away in bubbles.

Tina glanced at Harold and added, “Does the boss want Harold to help out?”

For a split second, Harold’s deep blue eyes morphed into dragon eyes, his pupils narrowing. He froze, then puffed out his chest as joy slowly crept into his expression.

“Hm… If possible, I did think about it. But Harold has school, and it can’t be neglected. If it’s too inconvenient, I’ll think of another solution.” Lu Yao pondered aloud.

Harold raised an eyebrow, striving to keep his tone casual. “I’m tired of staying in Dragon Valley. I already know all the magic the teachers are teaching. I aced the magic quiz today.”

Tina nodded. “Harold’s magic skills are much more advanced than the other young dragons, and his understanding of magic far exceeds his classmates’. The teachers often praise him. If the boss needs his help, I can assist him with any missed lessons.”

Si Jin shook his head at Harold’s obvious eagerness, though he concealed his amusement and said, “It’s Harold’s first time outside Dragon Valley. I’ve taught him all the basic magic young dragons need, and he’s learned it well. Still, it’s tradition for young dragons to stay in Dragon Valley until adulthood.”

The little black dragon’s magical knowledge and combat skills had long surpassed those of newly matured dragons leaving the valley.

His return to Dragon Valley was partly to make amends for past neglect by his kin and partly because the boss wanted him to experience a full childhood.

Harold scowled and slapped Si Jin on the shoulder. “Since when did you teach me?”

Unfazed, Si Jin replied, “During sparring.”

Harold: “…”

Si Jin was becoming increasingly shameless.

In the end, Lu Yao reached out to Dragon Valley, and after consulting with Teacher Muxin, decided Harold would continue studying in the valley in the mornings and assist at the pet shop in the afternoons.

The prerequisite was that the little black dragon could successfully locate her position in that world.

Harold then pulled a small handful of scales from his pocket and handed them to Lu Yao.

With this settled, it was already quite late.

Lu Yao gently poked Merulu and Puxiu’s rounded bellies, then returned to her room to rest. She noticed a message from two hours ago on her phone.

Luo Huan: [Boss, sometimes I find it hard to speak. Is it because of the confidentiality contract?]

Lu Yao replied with a simple: [Yes.]

Luo Huan had already confirmed this with Jing Yuxi.

When he saw Lu Yao’s response, he was still excited and, without much thought, asked, “If I want to introduce new guests, how should I go about it?”

His first thought was to bring his mother to the Little Pet Cafe, as well as some friends he knew in the entertainment industry. It would be an eye-opening experience for them.

[Unless necessary, I don’t recommend bringing friends. If it’s truly someone facing psychological struggles, please notify me in advance.]

Though the boss didn’t specify any consequences for bringing unauthorized guests, Luo Huan felt an inexplicable pressure.

[Got it.]

…

In the blind box shop, rows of colorful little birds stood in formation on the floor, their beady eyes all fixed forward.

Tiger Cub sat properly in the front, hind legs on the ground, with its tail curled slightly: “Awoo.”

On the far left, the white-faced violet lovebird lifted its head and chirped.

The row of little birds raised their heads in turn, responding with a chorus of “cheep” sounds, filling the shop.

Lu Yao entered, curious. “Counting off? Do they actually understand?”

Lilly and Xue Ge stood with Tiger Cub. Hearing the sound, Lilly was the first to turn around, trotting over to Lu Yao and grabbing her arm, “Tiger Cub is training them. These little chickies are even naughtier than the baby kittens; the second you look away, they start fighting.”

Xue Ge nodded beside her. “They’re clumsy and spoiled, with no awareness that they’re supposed to be working.”

Lilly added, “Two days of training, and they’re finally starting to get the hang of it.”

They had taken in twelve little birds this time—three pairs of lovebirds, two pairs of cockatiels, and one pair of budgies.

The birds came from an acquaintance of Ji Feiming who had been breeding parrots for years. These little ones were in good condition, with bright feathers, energetic personalities, and a friendly disposition.

Still, mixed breeds tend to quarrel.

But after training from the shop’s magical plants and creatures, the chicks now stood in a row, forming a disciplined little avian army.

“Thanks for all your hard work. I’ll bring back some grilled eel tonight.” Lu Yao squatted down and rubbed Tiger Cub’s soft head.

Lilly’s eyes sparkled as she salivated. “And stir-fried crab, takoyaki, and sashimi. Boss, no favoritism!”

“Alright, alright. Can I take them to work now?” Lu Yao gestured at the little birds on the floor.

The row of birds tilted their heads, watching her curiously.

Xue Ge replied, “One day is fine. But they’re forgetful and fussy, so bring them back tonight for more training.”

Lu Yao smiled. “Got it.”

She placed the birdcage on the ground, and the little birds hopped and lined up to enter.

..l

At the Little Pet Cafe in the garbage sea.

Lu Yao arrived with the birdcage, and the cats were already hard at work.

Qingmei ran over with a gossip-filled expression. “Boss, you’re late—you missed the drama of the century.”

Lu Yao: “What drama?”

With a satisfied look, Qingmei explained, “You know how there’s been that jellyfish and great white shark fighting outside the shop these past few days?”

Lu Yao: “Mm-hmm, they came into the shop?”

Qingmei nodded. “It was so dramatic! Turns out, the purple-striped jellyfish is the famous actress Wen Jingyi, and the great white shark is Shi Bin, the heir of Shidai Entertainment.”

Lu Yao blinked, “Oh?”

In Qingmei’s world, Wen Jingyi and Shi Bin were the epitome of “top-tier.”

One was a stunning, talented actress, and the other, a wealthy playboy from a prestigious family. At the start of the year, they’d shocked everyone by announcing their marriage, leaving jaws on the floor.

Rumors had it that Wen Jingyi looked like Shi Bin’s unrequited love from his student days—a “white moonlight” who successfully climbed the social ladder through this resemblance. The story went that theirs was a marriage of convenience, and Wen would be cast aside if the “white moonlight” ever returned.

“I always thought it was like that too, but today I learned the truth was completely different,” Qingmei continued, vividly recounting. “Turns out, the actress actually is the ‘white moonlight’ Shi Bin has been longing for all these years.”

Lu Yao raised an eyebrow. “And how do you know Wen Jingyi is Shi Bin’s white moonlight?”

Qingmei lowered her voice. “Right when we opened this morning, the actress and the heir walked in. They started arguing the second they came in, and it was loud. A lot of people heard it, and everyone gathered around to watch the scene play out before it finally ended. Wen Jingyi is so beautiful; she looks even better in person than on screen. From all my years of reading novels and watching dramas, I’d say they’re in a classic ‘white moonlight, estranged couple, chase-the-wife-to-the-bitter-end’ storyline. The plot has officially progressed to the ‘chase-the-wife-to-the-bitter-end’ stage.”

Lu Yao was puzzled. “If she’s not his ‘white moonlight,’ how does it turn into a ‘chase-the-wife-to-the-bitter-end’ situation?”

Qingmei replied, “Don’t forget there was a ‘reunion after separation’ somewhere in between. Maybe it just didn’t go smoothly—emotions tangled with constant ups and downs, love mixed with resentment, and here they both end up.”

“Hm…”

Her imagination was more vivid than any gossip blog.

Just then, the birdcage shook; the little birds were eager to get to work. Lu Yao lifted a hand to pause the conversation and headed toward the transparent tunnel. “I’ll take the birds to the jellyfish room first. Keep an eye on the guests’ orders.”

On the upper level of the jellyfish room, there were only two guests—a man and a woman.

Seeing the woman’s face, Lu Yao thought, This must be the actress.

With thick, voluminous curls like seaweed, sharp, refined features, snow-white skin, and long, slender limbs, Wen Jingyi was strikingly beautiful, exuding an almost intimidating allure.

She stood with her arms crossed in a corner, chest rising and falling as she simmered with anger.

The man, back turned to her, had his hands behind him in a stiff, tense posture, equally displeased.

With such a tense atmosphere, it was no wonder no one else was around.

Carrying the birdcage, Lu Yao walked in without hesitation.

Troubles are like life and death—indifferent to beauty or wealth, everyone faces them alike.

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