Ch 179: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World

Mushui City, Lingxiao Pavilion

After more than twenty days, Die Qi finally received a message from Liangjing and quickly made her way toward the main pavilion.

Inside, the master of Lingxiao Pavilion sat behind a desk as Jin Lu and Qi Wu, recently returned from Jiangnan, reported on their mission.

Die Qi lifted the beaded curtain and, bowing, presented the letter. “Master, Ku Ba has sent back a message.”

Jin Lu, who was in the middle of a critical update, frowned at the interruption and scolded, “What trivial matter couldn’t wait until I finished? Do you not understand priority?”

Die Qi raised her head, her eyes bright with excitement, ignoring Jin Lu’s rudeness. “The information from Ku Ba this time is quite extraordinary.”

Jin Lu, unimpressed, said, “Information is just information; what could possibly be so special?”

Used to her partner’s temper, Qi Wu stepped forward to restrain Jin Lu and looked at Die Qi with interest. “What kind of information has got you so excited, Qi?”

The master motioned for Die Qi to open the letter, indicating that they should all take a look.

Though Die Qi had already read it, she was still brimming with excitement as she carefully unwrapped the thick leather package. Beneath it lay three layers of waterproof oil paper. After peeling off each layer, there was finally an envelope containing the information.

For Ku Ba, with his usual recklessness, to have wrapped the letter so meticulously underscored its value.

Aside from Die Qi, the others’ expressions remained calm, though their demeanors turned serious as they waited to uncover the precious information.

Die Qi opened the envelope and took out a stack of small papers, handing them to the master, with Jin Lu and Qi Wu instinctively leaning in.

The master took the papers, and upon glancing at them, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes. “What is this?”

Qi Wu, clutching the desk, exclaimed, “Isn’t that Ku Ba?”

Jin Lu hadn’t recognized him immediately, and he leaned in closer, frowning. “That’s really Ku Ba? Who cut his hair? He looks so disheveled!”

The message from Ku Ba was only one page, accompanied by five or six small images.

“And there’s more than one! Who is that woman leaning against him?” Jin Lu took one glance and turned away, his ears tinged red with irritation. “Why isn’t she dressed decently? Shameless!”

Qi Wu guessed, “The woman looks scantily dressed, with her hair loose. Could she be Ku Ba’s romantic interest?”

Jin Lu clenched his fists. “His eyes and heart must be blind to have chosen someone like that!”

Used to the group missing the point, Die Qi couldn’t help but interject, “Don’t you find it odd that these little papers can depict Ku Ba’s appearance so precisely?”

The master carefully examined the photos. “Did he explain this in his letter?”

Die Qi nodded, handing over the letter. “He wrote that these small sheets are called photographs. The woman in the photos is the mysterious woman the client wanted him to investigate. The place is called a movie theater, and this female shopkeeper is shrouded in mysteries, making it impossible for him to return just yet.”

This was only a summary; Ku Ba’s letter contained many details about the wonders of the movie theater. To confirm his claims, he had specifically sent these photos back.

Jin Lu, holding one of Ku Ba’s photos, was tempted. “I think he’s just enjoying himself in Liangjing and doesn’t want to come back. I’ll go drag him back.”

Qi Wu shot Jin Lu a look. “You and Ku Ba are always at odds; he wouldn’t come back with you. Besides, you just returned from Jiangnan, and you mentioned on the way back that you’re exhausted and need at least three months of rest to recover. If someone must go to Liangjing, it should be me.”

Die Qi, out of sight of the others, discreetly rolled her eyes and then took out another letter from her sleeve. “Xiao Jiu also sent back a message. He reported that his previous mission is complete, but he was injured during it. His leg injury is severe, and he needs three to five months to recover.”

The master’s mood darkened as he read Xiao Jiu’s letter. “Jiu’er has always been a heavy-hearted person who never complains about hardships. It’s rare for him to mention his injury openly. How could we leave him alone in such a state?”

Die Qi replied, “The master’s concerns are valid. I would be willing to make the journey to retrieve Xiao Jiu.”

After a moment’s consideration, the master nodded slightly. “Granted. With Qi heading out as well, the pavilion will be somewhat empty. Jin Lu and Qi Wu, you two will handle pavilion affairs in the meantime and take the opportunity to rest.”

Jin Lu & Qi Wu: “…”

Die Qi left the main pavilion and swiftly returned to her quarters to pack. That very day, she set off on horseback, racing out of Mushui City.

…

Liangjing, Song’an Street

Ku Ba blocked Ye Xiao’s path, staring intently at his sunglasses. “How did you get those?”

Ye Xiao responded briefly, “Lu Yao gave them to me.”

Ku Ba took a deep breath. “I’m asking why the boss would give you something like that.”

Lu Yao had given Hongyu her glasses because her eyesight could still be saved, and with the lenses, her vision became clear. But Xiao Jiu’s eyes had been damaged since birth, so wearing glasses wouldn’t let him see anything.

Ku Ba also felt that, ever since getting these sunglasses, Ye Xiao had become a bit… smug. It wasn’t obvious, and maybe no one else noticed, but Ku Ba, who had known him since childhood, could tell—Ye Xiao was clearly showing off.

Ye Xiao: “…”

Lu Yao came out of the break room, unaware that Ku Ba was once again “picking on” Ye Xiao over his sunglasses. She waved enthusiastically at the two of them. “A new movie trailer—it’s completely different from before! Come take a look.”

Ku Ba turned, and the image that appeared on the ad screen sent a chill down his spine.

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