Chapter 37: Only You Are Willing to Celebrate the Birthday of the Imprisoned Lesser Lord Kusanali!

Dunyarzad was delighted; she never imagined Ye Xi would actually want to visit the Grand Bazaar.

Given Ye Xi's wealth and status, the Grand Bazaar might seem somewhat run-down, not a place fitting for someone like him. The people of Sumeru generally seek knowledge, and the more powerful they are, the more they revere the Sacred Order and avoid places like the Grand Bazaar. So, when she saw Ye Xi nod in agreement, Dunyarzad was filled with joy.

They entered the Grand Bazaar through Baoshang Street.

Dehya, walking a little behind, watched the two holding hands and felt like an unnecessary third wheel. However, Dunyarzad insisted she come along, leaving Dehya feeling slightly troubled. With someone as capable as Ye Xi, her protection was clearly unnecessary; she'd be more useful back at Humayi's house helping with errands or heavy lifting.

The Grand Bazaar was lively, full of stalls and children. When Dunyarzad arrived, she immediately drew the attention of many people, becoming the center of the crowd. Everyone knew about the donation to the Zubayr Theater.

In the Bazaar, a thriving theater means increased foot traffic, and more business for the vendors.

"Mr. Zubayr, Nilou, what are you discussing?"

At the sound of Dunyarzad's voice, both turned to her.

"Miss Dunyarzad!"

"Dunyarzad, we were talking about theater repairs… and who's this?"

Nilou glanced at Ye Xi and couldn't help but feel taken aback.

What a striking presence!

As a dancer at the Zubayr Theater, Nilou had met many people. Yet most men left no lasting impression. Ye Xi, however, was the first to leave a vivid mark on her memory.

Dunyarzad hid shyly behind Ye Xi, cheeks flushed. "This is my master, Ye Xi," she said. "You all wanted to meet him yesterday, right? So I brought him."

"What?!"

Dunyarzad's words surprised everyone around.

"You… you're Master Ye Xi?!"

Zubayr hurried forward to greet him. "Hello, Master Ye Xi," he said, bowing. "I am the manager of the Zubayr Theater, Sheikh Zubayr. On behalf of everyone at the theater, I want to express our gratitude to you! If not for your generous donation, our performance for the Flower God's Birthday Festival would have been too simple."

Nilou, still shocked, quickly followed Zubayr in greeting.

Nearby merchants murmured in awe.

"That's Master Ye Xi?!"

"Didn't they say Master Ye Xi is very old?"

"Yes, the Void clearly said he's over five hundred years old!"

"How could he look so young and handsome!"

"Oh my! I used to sympathize with Miss Humayi's family, but now I see the joke's on me!"

"With that face, that bearing… even without earning Mora, I'd want to stay with him!"

The crowd around them buzzed with envy toward Dunyarzad.

Ye Xi smiled and nodded. "Mr. Zubayr, please don't be so formal. Donating to you is my way of supporting the Grand Bazaar. In fact, I've been here before and genuinely enjoy the atmosphere."

The Bazaar vendors and theater folk felt like a family. While they didn't earn much money, their sense of unity, their mutual support, and their dedication to the Lesser Lord Kusanali kept them together.

"Master Ye Xi, we're truly honored to hear that!"

Seeing Ye Xi so approachable, Zubayr felt relieved. He turned to Nilou and said, "Nilou, we'll discuss theater repairs later. First, please show Master Ye Xi and his companions around the Bazaar."

"I'll temporarily close the Bazaar entrance to avoid too much excitement over Master Ye Xi's presence."

Noticing the seriousness of the situation, Nilou quickly nodded. "Master Ye Xi, let me show you around."

"Alright."

The purpose of Ye Xi's visit was to make himself known. As a supporter of the Grand Bazaar, he needed to win the people's favor not only for them to remember him, but also to rely on their support. Even if he became an enemy of the Sacred Order one day, he would still have the Bazaar's protection.

Dunyarzad and Dehya also followed along.

"Master Ye Xi, this is Mr. Shawarma, the representative of the food stalls at the Bazaar."

Seeing them, Shawarma quickly put his hands on his chest and bowed. "Master Ye Xi, it's an honor to meet you! Thank you for your donation to the Bazaar!"

"This is a small token of appreciation! Please accept it!" Shawarma presented a large bottle of wine the finest aged wine from his stall, usually quite expensive, but he felt no regret gifting it to Ye Xi. Ten million Mora! Surely, the Zubayr Theater would prosper, bringing more people to the Bazaar. And in time, his food stall would surely earn more, too.

Ye Xi took the wine with a smile, sniffed its aroma, and said, "It's indeed a fine wine. I'll enjoy it tonight."

"Thank you, sir!"

Shawarma sighed with relief. Initially, he feared Master Ye Xi might disdain the wine, but thankfully, he hadn't.

Though he accepted the wine, Ye Xi didn't feel entirely satisfied. He noticed people's admiration but also a sense of distance. He needed to bridge that gap.

Suddenly, he noticed a toy stall and several children nearby. He walked over.

"Master Ye Xi! I… I am Hu Shang…"

The toy vendor bowed nervously. The children beside him remained silent, not daring to speak.

Ye Xi asked, "May I buy some toys?"

"Of course! Take whatever you like consider it a gift from me!"

"I'll pay."

Ye Xi casually handed Hu Shang a bag of Mora, then knelt beside the children, softening his voice. "What's your name?"

"Sir… my name is Yusuf…"

A little girl hid behind Yusuf, too shy to speak.

Ye Xi sighed and glanced at Nilou.

She immediately understood. "Don't be afraid, everyone," she said with a reassuring smile. "Master Ye Xi is very kind. He probably wants to give you some toys."

Ye Xi nodded in appreciation. "Miss Nilou understands me well."

"I want to get closer to everyone and be friends," he said. "Rather than a distant 'master.'"

At his words, the surrounding vendors and theater folk paused, some subtly observing the scene.

Many people in the Bazaar initially thought someone as wealthy as Ye Xi would have only superficial intentions for coming and might secretly look down on their humble surroundings. They had all nervously prepared themselves, eager for Ye Xi to leave. But they hadn't expected him to say, "I want to make friends."

The revelation took them by surprise.

"It turns out Master Ye Xi wants to be our friend!"

"But we're just lowly street vendors. Do we really qualify?"

"Can people like us do that?"

Hearing their whispers, Ye Xi spoke firmly. "Absolutely. I appreciate each and every one of you."

"Because you are the only ones still willing to celebrate the birthday of the Lesser Lord Kusanali, imprisoned by the Grand Sage!"

At these words, the entire Bazaar fell silent.

"You… what did you say? The Lesser Lord Kusanali… is imprisoned!?"

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