AZI Volume 5 Chapter 2

"Our next items are rather special. They're storage pouches. Each one is capable of holding an entire house's worth of items in them. Starting bid will be at 550,000 NWDs!"

In order to draw up more funds, the Ashen River Hall had decided to sell some of their spare storage pouches.

And following Dan'er's demonstration of how these items work—

"600,000 NWD!"

"800,000!"

"1.1 million!"

Rather quickly, the price of a single storage pouch rises.

...…

Staring intently at the other side with her right hand placed on the armrest—

"…"

Mo-laoban pays no heed to the ongoing auction, as she maintains a complicated expression on her face that is hidden beneath her hood.

This expression seems to be one of vexation; for her mood at this time is very much akin to an enraged child, who doesn't have anything that she could vent her frustrations on.

"Elder sister?"

"Nuo'er…"

"Yes?"

"…Ai."

Opening her mouth, but unable to formulate a word, Mo-laoban could only heave a sigh.

Storing Shui Yue away, Mo-laoban leans back in her chair, and mutters—

"My head is a mess right now…"

Blinking her eyes, Nuo'er thought—

(Seems like the matter between elder sister and Long-shao is temporarily water under the bridge.)

...…

Time flies, and as the sun begins to set, the skies are dyed burning orange.

Seeing the fatigue ridden expressions that are on the bidders' faces, Dan'er smiles charmingly, and asks—

"Well then, shall we get to the main dish?"

At the snap of Dan'er's fingers, two workers push a large board onto the stage.

Pinned onto the board is a world map with specific coordinates marked out.

"Most of us have come here today for one reason only, and that is none other than the excavation rights to the ancient ruins. As there is no way to accurately gauge the value of these rights, bidding prices will begin at zero for the first one. Without further ado, let us begin bidding on the first excavation rights!"

Announcing this, Dan'er taps one of the marked areas on the map with an extended pointer.

The first excavation rights are for a ruin located more than 3,000 miles away from GC012.

"Finally."

Rising from her seat, Nian Tao Tao looks to the auction stage with a sharp gleam in her golden eyes.

"…"

Similarly, Nian Yao Yao, who is seated in the chair opposite of her mother does the same, and asks—

"Old hag, how much are you planning to spend?"

"And why should I tell you, my foolish daughter?"

"Hmph."

(Uh? That place, if I recall…?)

Standing a bit away from the two—who are currently bickering with each other, Jing Yin looks to one of the marked coordinates with a subtle frown.

"Hm?"

Similarly to Jing Yin, Teng Hao, who had noticed the same coordinate, turns to Gui Lian, who is beside him, and says—

"…Gui Lian, that coordinate?"

"…I see it. Dammit…"

Looking at the same coordinate as Jing Yin and Teng Hao, Gui Lian clicks her tongue, and suggests—

"Let's leave."

"Un."

Nodding his head, Teng Hao follows Gui Lian, as they leave the restaurant together.

...…

"…"

"…"

In the same instance, the two military generals who are present—Yang Ning and Liang Jin He rise from their seats, and place their hands onto the guard rail.

"Finally, the main dish."

"Indeed."

Getting out of their seats as well, Shao Tianming and Wang Yongning directed their attention to the auction stage.

"Here comes the main event."

Staying in his seat, Ye Chen, who has his arms folded, narrows his dark eyes.

Placing her cup down, Li Xue smiles with amusement, as she remarks—

"Even though I won't have the chance to participate in something like this, I still feel rather excited."

Glancing at Ye Chen, Yu Ji asks—

"Captain, will we be going on another excavation right after this?"

"No. There's a lot of preparations that needs to be done on the rights holder's side. Basically, a bunch of bartering between the holder and the people that they're hiring for the job. Honestly, just sit tight for the time being."

"…"

Maintaining silence, Qing Yue glances at the floor that Nian Tao Tao is on.

...…

"Tch."

Clicking his tongue, Long Hua can't help but feel extremely dissatisfied with being able to only obtain a single flute for coming here, and towards this, the Tai Xuan Emperor remarks—

(*-laoban, 12 pulls are worth a lot if your luck is good.)

"…Only if my luck is good."

Just as an expression of irritation appears on Long Hua's face, Bai Wen asks—

"Lao Long, you want to grab dinner after this auction?"

Recalling the free food that was given to him when he came to register the auction items being quite good, Long Hua asks—

"Here?"

Towards Long Hua's question, Bai Wen replies—

"Real greedy of you."

"Your amusement today was at my expense; entertainment is meant to be paid for."

"Fine, fine."

Despite answering as such, Bai Wen thought—

(Did Lao Long forget who the restaurant's proprietress is, or is he just that brave?)

Either way, it was no skin off his back, and looking at Zhen Qing Huai and Zhen Rong, Bai Wen asks—

"And you two?"

Expecting there to be more entertainment, Zhen Qing Huai answers—

"We'll join you. Today was quite amusing. I'll share the cost with you even."

"Sweet."

Turning to Long Hua, Tian Cheng asks—

"Master, are you sure about dining here?"

"…"

Long Hua has naturally not forgotten about Mo-laoban being the proprietress of this restaurant, so towards Tian Cheng's question, he answers—

"Ai… This grudge has already seeped into the bones. I might as well settle this as soon as possible."

Taking a sip of wine, Bai Wen remarks—

"Oh, real manly of you, Lao Long."

"This being her restaurant is actually to my advantage. As proprietress, she can't possibly have the heart to tear down her own shop."

"Makes sense."

"I'm going to take this chance to get my sword back as well."

...…

On the other side—

"Elder sister, they seem to have plans to eat dinner here after."

Taking a sip of tea, Mo-laoban answers—

"So be it then."

"Hm? I thought, you'd be against this."

"A restaurant is a place to eat. Why would the proprietress chase her own customers out?"

Scratching her cheek with an awkward smile, Nuo'er replies—

"Makes sense."

"Still, I might end up charging them a limb or two."

"Uh…"