Ch 206: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World II

Ambrose’s team was specifically in charge of magical combat nail designs. After over a year of research and refinement, magical combat nails had become standard battle equipment on the Alexander Continent.

Their introduction even changed the traditional methods of combat on the continent, making them indispensable for most magical beings and wizards during battles.

Ambrose’s team planned to use up some of the store’s surplus low-to-mid-tier materials. Several hoarders on staff had nearly filled the storage with these materials. They rarely used lower-tier supplies, having initially gone through great lengths to collect them, but now found them an eyesore—too valuable to throw away yet too cumbersome to keep.

For the Mooncake Festival event, they prepared two beginner-level magical combat nail designs tailored for newcomers who had never or rarely used magical nails.

They also developed a mid-tier design approaching high-end quality, with upgraded materials and techniques. Despite its superior craftsmanship, it would be priced at a 30% discount, with even greater discounts for regular customers, making it ideal for budget-conscious wizards and magical beings who had already mastered the basics of combat nails.

This plan emerged entirely from the nail salon staff’s research into activity planning on the internet. While it might seem ordinary from a modern perspective, residents of the Alexander Continent, who rarely encountered such promotions, would likely find it refreshing and eye-catching.

Unlike modern marketing ploys layered with complexities, the nail salon’s event avoided excessive gimmicks like “collecting likes,” playing games, or inviting friends. The rules were simple and easy to understand, making the offer appealing to most customers.

When paired with the Mooncake Festival’s overarching event, Lu Yao believed it would enhance its novelty and expressed sincere approval.

The store owner’s affirmation uplifted the nail salon staff, who had been trying hard to suppress their nerves. They finally breathed a sigh of relief, and their spirits soared.

[Nail Salon Mumu]: Mumu will be in charge of the adorable sunflower design!

[Nail Salon Merulu]: Merulu and Puxiu are responsible for Beginner Combat Nail Design No. 1!

Puxiu, initially perched on Edward’s shoulder with Merulu, suddenly pouted and flew off to sit on Edward’s other shoulder after Merulu stole the spotlight.

The crowd’s attention shifted from the soft, jelly-like slime to the short and chubby little fairy before finally settling on the god-like vampire progenitor, Edward.

Leaning lazily in the corner of the sofa, Edward toyed with his emerald-encrusted cane. His eyes, as radiant as a deep lake, could ensnare anyone in their beauty.

[Little Pet Cafe Jiu Hua]: Who is this beauty? I need all his information in one minute!

[Hot Spring Inn Jie Xiang]: Such a stunning human, like a deity!

As the Alexander Continent’s oldest bloodline vampire, Edward was used to humans being captivated by his beauty. He merely curved his lips into a faint smile, remaining silent, which only deepened the infatuation of the young women in the store.

[Little Pet Cafe Jiu Hua]: Ahhhh! I don’t care, Store Owner, give me a private way to contact him! He’s my muse, my god of inspiration!

Jiu Hua, a bestselling author famous in the Eden Sea world, had worked at the Little Pet Cafe for a year without giving up writing. On the contrary, her constant exposure to various customers and events had left her overflowing with inspiration.

She used her time at the cafe to relax her mind and gather creative material.

Although most staff interacted frequently in the internal network, Edward’s beauty had remained somewhat elusive. While he enjoyed being active in group chats, he never posted clear photos of himself, so many employees were seeing him for the first time during this meeting.

During the noisy video conference, where more outspoken staff initially garnered the most attention, Edward’s quiet demeanor went unnoticed until now.

Like Jiu Hua, Edward’s appearance also sparked a surge of inspiration in Mei Xue, the lead concept artist for the internet cafe’s game development team. Unlike Jiu Hua, however, Mei Xue was too reserved to express her admiration so openly.

The nail salon staff were all exceptionally good-looking, except for the necromancer Ambrose, who used magic to disguise himself as a normal human to avoid scaring the younger, inexperienced employees in the shop.

Seeing Edward being adored by the other staff for his beauty, Ambrose raised a hand and asked Lu Yao, “Boss, this enchanted disguise cloak is hot and uncomfortable. Can I take it off?”

Lu Yao, fully aware of his intentions, mercilessly shook her head and turned to Jiu Hua. “You’re so lively—surely you’ve prepared the event plan already. Let’s hear it.”

Jiu Hua, Zhou Su, Ji Zhixin, and the round, plump seal sat together, the calm sea behind them shimmering with the sunset’s glow, waves gently lapping with soothing splashes.

In just a year, Jiu Hua had transformed from a sunny but socially awkward type into a fearless social butterfly. When called on, she didn’t hesitate and began speaking confidently.

[Little Pet Cafe Jiuhua]: “Our team has spent a long time brainstorming this activity. Little Pet Cafe doesn’t lack customers—in fact, we limit the number of visitors daily. For the Mid-Autumn Festival, we propose reviving last year’s popular underwater water gun competition. This game requires focus, offers stress relief, and could provide repeat visitors with an engaging experience that’s even more therapeutic than simply exploring the underwater world.”

[Little Pet Cafe Leilei]: “We also think this collaboration should extend beyond current customers. Reaching out to those who visited once or twice but didn’t return as ‘deep-sea fish’ could be meaningful. Sending them a small gift might encourage them, and I’m sure Goddess Emerald Star would be happy to give these hardworking individuals a little boost.”

Leilei, the captain of the seal patrol, quietly left the frame, transformed into a human, and squeezed into view, pushing Jiu Hua aside. His round, chubby face, curly short hair, and large, shiny black eyes filled most of the screen.

The sudden transformation startled everyone, but Leilei’s adorable appearance and soft voice quickly eased their nerves.

Many staff members from other interdimensional shops weren’t familiar with the operations of Little Pet Cafe.

The deep-sea Little Pet Cafe existed to heal those trapped by life’s struggles and unable to process their troubles.

Some customers would visit once or twice, and as their emotions stabilized, they wouldn’t return. However, there were others who made reservations repeatedly, coming almost daily, yet showed no improvement in their condition.

Facing such clients daily, Little Pet Cafe staff sometimes doubted their work and responsibilities, feeling as though they weren’t truly helping those deeply in need.

When the boss suggested hosting a Mooncake Festival event, the seal patrol, Jiu Hua, Zhou Su, and Ji Zhixin had in-depth discussions and came up with this plan.

[Lu Yao]: “This is an excellent idea. It’s not only rooted in the shop’s current operations but also maintains a focus on regular clients. Little Pet Cafe, even customers who no longer visit deserve recognition and encouragement. The perspective of this activity is refreshing.”

Somehow, over time, the shop staff across the shopping street had started expressing their individuality and fully immersing themselves in their roles.

Reflecting for a moment, Lu Yao realized it probably began after her brief disappearance in the Floating World Continent. The staff had become increasingly competent ever since.

With more shops opening, Lu Yao sometimes found herself stretched thin. Having capable employees to assist her saved her significant time and energy.

Little Pet Cafe’s proposal received high praise from the boss, causing the previously relaxed atmosphere to subtly tighten.

It felt like that moment in a shared dorm when everyone had agreed to slack off together, only to discover during exams that your roommates were secretly studying, cramming last-minute, and pulling stellar grades, one after another.

Meanwhile, you—the gullible one—had taken their words at face value.

Betrayal! Absolute scoundrels!

Feeling the pressure, the staff of the Hot Spring Inn immediately stepped forward to present their ideas, afraid that the longer they waited, the more embarrassing their turn would become.

Heici bowed his head, resting his hands on his knees, looking slightly sheepish. “Our inn already has everything, and the guests lack for nothing. We couldn’t think of any interesting activities.”

[Hot Spring Inn Bai Lu]: “It turns out that a thriving business can be its own problem. Our guests’ every need is already met. The Little People are naturally a contented race, so planning additional activities feels like creating needs out of thin air.”

Other staff members’ inner thoughts: Is this… Versailles? I’ve never heard someone flex in such a humble, poetic way before!

[Hot Spring Inn Xiao Zheng]: “The Nitean Continent is currently in the harsh Twilight Moon season, with extremely adverse weather. Apart from the tribes near Thorn Valley, we haven’t had any traveling guests for days.”

[Childhood Tutoring Center Bai Yi]: “Isn’t that just low business performance? Hurry up and think of a way to use this event to boost revenue!”

[Hot Spring Inn Yuanwei]: “In past Twilight Moon seasons, the lack of food would force tribal warriors to form hunting teams to search for sustenance in the coldest months.”

[Hot Spring Inn Ziye]: “This year, however, the greatest boss appeared on the Nitean Continent, teaching us how to grow crops, preserve vegetables, and make warm clothing and bedding from animal hides. By the end of Breeze season, the Little People in Thorn Valley had stockpiled enough supplies to survive the long frost period.”

[Hot Spring Inn Jin Jin]: “Recently, the boss even slew a massive demon bull taller than a mountain in Thorn Valley. Not only did the Little People of Thorn Valley get large portions of meat, but the Red Pig, Luxiong, Xiaguang, and Black Rock tribes from faraway regions also carried away enough meat to last through the frost period.”

For her trip to Mingshi City, Harold had tested carrying living creatures through the spatial portal and brought a demon bull to Nitean. The bull wasn’t returned to the Alexander Continent but was slaughtered directly in Thorn Valley.

Considering the Little People’s diminutive size, it indeed took the combined effort of the entire tribe to consume such a colossal creature.

[Hot Spring Inn Ji Qingyan]: “Recently, we and the nearby Little People have been enjoying too much leisure. Sometimes, when they have nothing to do, they come to the inn to watch movies, soak in the hot springs, or simply lie on benches staring into space or roll around on window seats.”

Staff from other shops couldn’t help but glance at Lu Yao.

Hearing the Hot Spring Inn’s description, it didn’t seem like a case of Versailles bragging. Instead, it was clear the boss had taken such good care of both the guests and the local residents that everyone—guests and staff alike—had entered a state of blissful idleness, with no pressing “worldly” needs.

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