Du Juan stopped dead. She turned slowly, her expression glacial. "Two. Take it or leave it. You've thoroughly spoiled my mood."
The owner deflated, throwing his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright! Two it is. Here."
With a flourish, Du Juan tossed the two spirit stones onto the counter.
They clinked together, a final, dismissive sound.
She snatched the packet of herbs, clutched it to her chest, and stormed off without a second glance.
"You greedy old vulture!" she called back over her shoulder, the insult hanging in the air.
Xiao Pei silently fell into step behind her, his own troubles momentarily forgotten.
He could hear the stall owner muttering to himself, a mixture of annoyance and excited glee at having made a sale.
The two moved, not slowing their pace until they had left the bustling market district and entered a quieter, slightly shabbier network of alleys.
