章 97: Chapter 97
Among the many adepti, Streetward Rambler was known for having the most frequent connections with mortals.
She had numerous disciples under her tutelage, the youngest of whom was Yaoyao.
Yaoyao was intelligent and eager to learn. Though she was still young and her knowledge lacked cohesion, sometimes leading to harmless but amusing mistakes, her potential was undeniable. With time, she was destined to become a well-read and accomplished young woman.
Her gentle, caring nature and sincere generosity earned her the favor of not only Streetward Rambler herself but also her senior disciples and other elders.
---
When Yaoyao first entered the adeptal fold, she was so young that she hadn't even mastered basic literacy. Madame Ping began teaching her the fundamentals—manners, poetry, and etiquette.
As Yaoyao grew, her lessons gradually included adeptal rituals, techniques for cultivation, and even the adeptus' own spear techniques.
The workload was significant, and Yaoyao often forgot details or failed to fully grasp the teachings, which was natural for a child. Madame Ping was patient, as she could see that Yaoyao earnestly absorbed her advice to study diligently.
Reciting poetry was difficult, but Yaoyao practiced every day, so much so that phrases like "Only when the granaries are full can propriety be observed" sometimes emerged in her sleep-talk.
Wielding a spear was a struggle due to its weight, yet Yaoyao persisted with daily practice.
Madame Ping felt both comforted and concerned by Yaoyao's determination. She worried that the little girl might overexert herself and injure her growing body.
Recently, she had been considering ways to strengthen Yaoyao's foundation. Among the adeptus' collection of spiritual medicines were herbs rich in vitality, but their potency was unsuitable for a child and required careful refinement.
Unfortunately, refining medicine wasn't her strong suit.
An old friend from the Chenyu Vale once bore the title Herbal Master for her expertise in this field, but she had long since…
Streetward Rambler had been planning a visit to Bubu Pharmacy, hoping to consult Baizhu, a doctor descended from the Chenyu Vale tradition.
Rumor had it that Baizhu was pursuing the Elixir of Immortality and had amassed a collection of rare medicinal herbs. Perhaps a trade could be arranged.
But now, unexpectedly, she had stumbled upon this discovery at Xia Zhi's little shop.
If Yaoyao could drink this rainbow juice every day, the subtle yet nurturing vitality within would quietly nourish her body, helping her grow strong and healthy.
---
In time, Yaoyao's physique might even surpass that of her senior, Xiangling.
Madame Ping smiled as she looked at the happy little girl before her. Yaoyao's connection to the adepti was truly profound.
Perhaps she should consult Moon Carver someday to divine Yaoyao's fate and see what destiny awaited her.
---
"Grandmaster," Yaoyao asked, breaking her reverie.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think big brother's eyes can be cured?"
"That will depend on what I find after examining him. If it's a common eye ailment, it should be easy to treat."
Madame Ping glanced toward Xia Zhi in the distance.
This mysterious shopkeeper's origins were unclear, and his strength was difficult to gauge. His affliction was unlikely to be something simple.
"When will you help big brother with his eyes?"
"Patience. He's busy running his shop right now. We'll come back later when he's free."
"Okay."
---
The two finished their juice slowly, savoring every sip.
When it was time to pay, Madame Ping called Shenhe over.
Shenhe shook her head gently. "There's no need to be polite, Grandmaster. This time, consider it my treat for you and Yaoyao."
Madame Ping, knowing Shenhe's personality, didn't insist. Smiling, she replied, "Very well."
Yaoyao, ever the polite child, sweetly said, "Thank you, Sister Shenhe!"
Shenhe nodded slightly and said softly, "Grandmaster, I'll walk you and Yaoyao out."
"Make time to visit me when you can."
"I will."
---
As they passed the counter, Madame Ping and Yaoyao bid farewell to Xia Zhi.
Xia Zhi smiled and nodded. "Take care, and please come again."
Shenhe escorted them all the way to the street and watched them until they disappeared into the distance. Then, she turned and briskly walked back into the shop, heading to the counter.
"Boss."
"Hmm?"
"I'll pay for the juice Madame Ping and Yaoyao drank today."
"It's fine. It's just a few glasses of juice—no need to be so formal. Consider it my treat."
"No, I must pay. I didn't bring any Mora with me right now, but I'll give it to you this evening."
"Alright then."
Xia Zhi smiled helplessly, glancing at Shenhe's uniform, borrowed from Zhu Zi.
It was stretched taut, and while it had pockets, they were clearly too small to hold much.
---
As the afternoon passed, the shop closed for the day.
Zhu Zi and Shenhe ushered out the last of the customers and began tidying up the store. They mopped the floors, wiped the tables, and washed the glasses.
The benefit of running a small shop became apparent at moments like this—no matter how busy business was, there wasn't too much to clean. The two of them quickly finished their work.
Additionally, the customers were careful while enjoying their drinks, so there was hardly any spillage. By the end of the day, the shop was still relatively clean.
In contrast, Wanmin Restaurant would often end the night with tables and floors littered with leftovers, requiring significant effort to clean.
Thinking about this, Xia Zhi couldn't help but admire how hard Xiangling and Chef Mao worked to run their shop from dawn till dusk.
---
About half an hour later, Zhu Zi and Shenhe finished their tasks and sat down to rest.
As usual, Xia Zhi brought over two glasses of juice and a plate of mooncakes as their daily treat.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"It wasn't hard! Thank you, boss!"
"Thank you."
Xia Zhi smiled and sat down at the table with them.
The three of them chatted as they enjoyed their snacks and drinks.
---
"Boss, we had so many customers this afternoon."
"Not as many as the morning."
"If we didn't limit purchases, there would definitely be more."
"True."
---
"Some customers asked to pay extra to buy more juice, but I refused them all."
"I'm sure some didn't give up, though."
"There were! One customer came in the morning, ordered two juices, and then came back in the afternoon for another two."
"You let them in?"
"I didn't realize it at first! But later, I noticed."
"Oh?"
"He was dressed as a woman, but when he drank the juice, I noticed he had an Adam's apple!"
"..."
Xia Zhi fell into silence.
What a bold display of determination.
"Boss?"
"It's fine. Forget it. He must really like the juice. That's dedication."
"Exactly! That's why I didn't expose him in public."
"Next time he comes, let me know. I'd like to meet such a dedicated customer."
"Boss, you can't see him."
"I can still hear his voice."
"Oh, alright! He'll definitely come back tomorrow."
---
The three chatted about this and other amusing stories. Mostly, it was Xia Zhi and Zhu Zi talking, while Shenhe quietly listened, occasionally giving brief responses. Despite this, the atmosphere was light and relaxed.
---
After a while, Zhu Zi finished her juice, licked her lips, and glanced at Xia Zhi. Clenching her fists, she tapped her legs lightly.
The soft sound caught Xia Zhi's attention.
"Zhu Zi, are your legs sore again?"
"A little."
"Do you need me to massage them again?"
"Yes, please! Sorry to trouble you."
Having experienced his massage earlier, Zhu Zi wasn't shy this time and happily agreed.
"Let's go."
Xia Zhi stood up, and Zhu Zi followed him to the back room.
---
A moment later, strange noises came from the room.
Shenhe paid it no mind, quietly enjoying her mooncake and juice.
Suddenly, Yaoyao's voice called out, "Grandmaster, the shop's still open!"
"Hmm."
Shenhe looked up to see Yaoyao and Madame Ping entering the shop again.
"Shenhe! I'm back! Where's big brother and Sister Zhu Zi?"
"The boss and Zhu Zi… are in the back."
Shenhe glanced toward the half-drawn curtain separating the back room.
"In the back?"
Yaoyao started toward the curtain, curious, but Madame Ping quickly grabbed her arm.
The little girl turned around, confused, to see her master staring at the back room with a peculiar expression.
"Don't go in."
"Huh?"
Yaoy
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