Standing on the streets of Liyue, Bai Mo pondered for a moment, trying to recall what he had intended to do before leaving Teyvat. Wasn't it to rest at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor after some shopping?
No—
Sleep?
Who could sleep at a time like this!
The thought of his money-making plan and his desire to advance the final 50,000 volts of his Electromagnetism Martial Arts—Current Rotation in Teyvat made Bai Mo immediately turn around and head toward Xigu Ju in Liyue Harbor.
As the largest treasure house in Liyue, Xigu Ju housed numerous antiques and precious items.
Thus, Bai Mo confidently strode into the shop, carrying a box full of artificial gems.
The shopkeeper of Xigu Ju, Linglang, quickly approached upon seeing Bai Mo. "What would you like to buy, dear customer? Xigu Ju has newly arrived antiques and even a statue of the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis!"
"Shopkeeper, I'm not here to buy. I have some goods I'd like to sell. Would you be interested?"
With that, Bai Mo opened the box in his hands, revealing an assortment of sparkling gems.
Linglang's eyes lit up at the sight—after all, what woman could resist the allure of glittering gems?
"May I take a closer look?"
"Please, go ahead."
However, after examining the gems, Linglang's expression quickly turned troubled.
Setting down the ruby, she shook her head. "My apologies. At first glance, I thought these might be elemental crystals. But it seems they don't react to elemental energy at all?"
Bai Mo's heart sank slightly, though he maintained a calm demeanor. "Elemental crystals are rare and hard to come by, aren't they?"
"True," Linglang conceded. "Though these gems lack elemental energy, they are quite beautiful. Perhaps they could be used for jewelry or decorations."
After some thought, she offered, "I'm willing to pay 1,000 Mora per piece."
"Goodbye."
Bai Mo immediately closed the box and prepared to leave.
"Wait, don't go! If 1,000 is too low, how about 1,500? 2,000! 2,500! I'll even raise it to 2,500!"
"Shopkeeper, I appreciate your offer," Bai Mo replied politely. "But since I came straight to Xigu Ju with these gems, I should at least compare prices elsewhere. It's only fair to shop around."
Hearing this, Linglang didn't press further, though she added, "I'll offer 3,000 Mora per piece. If you're interested, you know where to find me."
Bai Mo nodded and left Xigu Ju without another word.
As expected, this world was saturated with elemental energy, and even minerals and ingredients bore traces of it. His artificial gems, lacking any elemental properties, were at a disadvantage.
It seemed he'd need someone's help to market these gems properly.
After packing up, Bai Mo hurried back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Greeting Old Hei, who was on duty at the entrance, he followed his directions and found Zhongli enjoying tea under the moonlight in the courtyard.
"Zhong—Zhongli, I've been looking for you! I need your help with something."
"Oh? What seems to be the trouble, young Bai?"
"I'm broke," Bai Mo admitted bluntly. "I was planning to sell some gems for Mora to get by. Could you take a look and tell me how much these might be worth?"
Zhongli didn't refuse the request. Setting down his teacup, he picked up a few gems and examined them carefully.
After a moment, he shook his head. "Young Bai, these gems are indeed visually striking, but they lack the beauty of nature."
"While aesthetically pleasing, they are devoid of the soul of true stone."
Though Zhongli's words sounded abstract, he was essentially pointing out that these gems weren't natural formations.
But as the Geo Archon Morax, his understanding of stones was unparalleled.
"In that case, how much could these gems sell for?"
"Though they lack soul and elemental energy, their brilliance is undeniable. For the right buyer, they might fetch 10,000 to 20,000 Mora apiece."
"10,000 to 20,000?" Bai Mo couldn't help but frown, recalling Xigu Ju's offer of 3,000. "Zhongli, thank goodness I consulted you. I almost got scammed!"
"Once I sell these gems and buy enough ingredients, I'll treat you to the finest Adeptus' Temptation!"
"Oh?" Zhongli's expression shifted slightly. "Young Bai, your goal in selling these gems is to purchase ingredients?"
"Yep," Bai Mo nodded. "I showed the recipe you gave me to Chef Xiangli at Wanmin Restaurant. While she can make it, some of the ingredients are too rare. Aside from gathering them myself, buying them outright would be too expensive."
"So, I figured I'd sell some gems for Mora to ease Xiangli's burden a bit."
"Is that so?" Zhongli mused, then shook his head. "In that case, I'd be happy to assist."
After all, the recipe for Adeptus' Temptation had been left behind by the former Stove God, Marchosius. Now, it was being recreated by Xiangli, the chef chosen by Marchosius himself.
What a twist of fate.
"For the gems, you might want to consult Director Hu Tao. She's acquainted with the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu. That young man enjoys collecting fine books and jade—he might be willing to pay a good price for these gems."
"As for the ingredients for Adeptus' Temptation, which ones are you missing? I have a few old friends who might be able to help."
"I'd have to ask Xiangli about that. Right now, I'm just trying to raise funds, so I didn't get into specifics."
"I see," Zhongli nodded. "Then I'll visit Wanmin Restaurant tomorrow to inquire. As for the gems, you can ask Director Hu Tao for assistance tomorrow as well."
With Zhongli's advice, Bai Mo felt much more at ease. Satisfied, he returned to his room and fell asleep almost instantly.
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!