"No, I am not running a beauty shop," Noa answered. "But I am going to import some interesting items these days."
"Junior sister Xue, is this the same product you were talking about these past two days? The same one that made your hair this beautiful?" the blonde woman, who was visibly older than the others, asked.
She had an athletic build—not a muscular one, but rather toned with years of disciplined training. A narrow waist and long, slender legs hinted at her hidden beauty.
Every word she spoke was softly uttered, as if they were measured yet captivating.
"Yes, Senior sister Qing Xuan. This is the place where I saw the bottles but didn't dare to buy them. Thankfully, my junior brother bought it for me and loved it just after trying it once," Xue Hanly answered, eager to purchase more.
Other girls watched the situation, giggling with anticipation. They were beauties of their own league, but none of them could compare to Qing Xuan or Xue Hanly.
The former was watching Noa with eerie curiosity. Her eyes were constantly peering at him, trying to inspect him and his strength.
But after trying to feel Qi from Noa, Qing Xuan found nothing. There was no drop of Qi she could sense on him, which made her reevaluate the guy.
Meanwhile, Noa was joyfully taking shampoos from the shelves.
'I made it,' he thought. 'I survived this mission as well.'
He handed each of the girls their bottles with a polite smile, his movements efficient yet gracious.
Xue Hanly took her share and was about to pay for it when Qing Xuan caught her hand, offering to pay for the items. "Let me pamper my juniors."
The girls cheered and thanked her with a tight hug. Their arms wrapped around one another with effortless grace, their happiness overflowing with loud giggles.
For a fleeting moment, Noa lost his words. He was amused by how even the small transaction made his day lovelier.
Still, before the girls left on their business, they scrutinized him again.
The shampoo they bought wasn't just an average head cleaner that made their hair shine. It was way more than that.
Every drop of the elixir was worth a single true spirit coin in their eyes.
The reason was simple.
Washing the head with these shampoos had spiritual benefits. Somehow, they contained micro Qi particles and boosted mental clarity during cultivation.
It also improved meridian flow and spiritual flow, increasing the speed and quality of the cultivation.
Though the effect lasted only for a day, Xue Hanly experienced their miraculous nature firsthand. That's why she was the most confused one.
How could such an item be in the hands of someone who had no cultivation base? And why would Noa sell them at such a cheap price in an abandoned corner of the street?
However, there was something even more confusing about Noa and the shop he was managing.
Xue Hanly wanted to buy more, her desire and greed taking control of her usual cold and aloof personality. But she was unable to do so. As if just buying one bottle weighed her spirit, making her give up her desire.
She wasn't the only one to experience the same thing.
Her senior sister, Qing Xuan, felt the same thing. It was like she became spiritually bloated, as if divine karma that didn't belong to her pressed her feelings down.
They left the street with nothing but questions and confusion.
At least everyone was content with their purchase, especially knowing that Noa was about to add new stuff to his booth.
Meanwhile, clueless about the chaos he had caused, Noa observed his surroundings.
"I did it. Choosing this product was a brilliant move. But turns out that bald boy saved my ass. Thank God he is a simp," he said aloud, not caring about the empty street.
Then he summoned the system message.
» [Mission: Sell Five Items from Earth Back to Another Dimension: 5/5]
» [Reward: $500; additional items to sell.]
Noa was feeling great. The second task was completed, and he had $700 in liquid assets. In addition, he was the owner of the five true spirit coins—his wealth would last him for decades in this world.
"Show me the new item options," he demanded, and glanced at the transparent system panel.
Wet Wipes
Energy Drinks
Scented Candles
Fidget Spinner (New!)
Slippers (New!)
Noa was about to select energy drinks when he heard a voice.
It was none other than his robotic companion being kind enough to give him advice.
[Choose either spinner or slippers.]
"Why?" Noa asked. He didn't want to blindly follow everything his soulless assistant said.
[The newer unlocked product you decide to put on the market, the higher the price it will have. This would help you open your first proper shop as soon as possible.]
"Wait, what if I exchanged the spirit coins I have? Can I just be done with my debt?"
Noa got an idea, determined to make the most of the opportunity.
[Of course you can. But I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I am taking half of the bill as a fee on each exchange you make. It only works when you want to exchange for dollars.]
A silence fell.
"You are a scammer, aren't you? What the fuck do you mean you are taking half of my money?" Noa asked, searching for ways to punch the hovering window in front of him.
[There is nothing I can do. That's just how it is. I am not doing a charity here—this is for mutual interest, and please understand that. As for the exchange rate, you would get $30,000 for the true spirit coins you currently have.]
"No need," he answered. "Take only three coins and give me $15,000. I have a debt to pay."
[Sure. Choose the item from the selection, and we can go back to Earth at any time.]
Noa knew what to pick. The choice was simple—a guarantee to hit the market if he played his cards right.