"Where to?"
As they walked out of the nightclub, Tanki Liuli surprisingly asked a question.
This left Jiang Chen slightly stunned.
Could it be that the Taoist nun sister didn’t have enough fun with the dice ga?
Possibly yes.
For her, even the simplest drinking ga felt novel, not to ntion who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of "winning"?
Mao Tu was quite tragically defeated earlier, not sure if she won a ga, but fortunately, they were just playing casually without any penalty system.
"She’s older than you, so be gentle with her in the future."
Jiang Chen coughed lightly.
He had inquired with Cao Jinse.
The Taoist nun sister is eighteen years young.
And Mao Tu?
Nineteen years young.
In terms of age, Mao Tu is indeed the elder.
Upon hearing that she was younger than Mao Tu, a look of surprise, albeit faint, appeared on her stunningly beautiful face, and Jiang Chen was left bemused.
You’re only eighteen, only minors could be younger than you.
But it’s understandable.
After all, the petite Mao Tu and her baby face are quite deceiving.
Tanki Liuli averted her gaze, not responding.
It’s not easy to find soone she can call "sister", and suddenly being told it was a mistake is a harsh reality.
Help!
Koda Kaoru’s call was rather urgent, but Jiang Chen seed unhurried; he took out his phone, opened navigation, searched for a weapons shop, and upon discovering it was only two kiloters away, he didn’t even bother to hail a cab and instead walked there with Tanki Liuli on foot.
Just like in Shenzhou, firearms are absolutely prohibited in Dongying, so Jiang Chen was searching for a cutlery shop.
After walking nearly half an hour, they reached just as the shop owner was about to close up.
"Hold on."
Jiang Chen quickly called out.
The owner turned back, using standard English, his eyes brightening upon seeing the ethereal Tanki Liuli, but still not relenting, "Business hours are over, co back tomorrow."
The owner continued intending to lock up.
"We walked half an hour just to co here, we heard your quality is the best and your selection most extensive, it won’t take long."
Jiang Chen was sincere; if they had taken a cab, they wouldn’t have needed to plead.
"Where are you from?"
The owner realized; if they were Dongying people, they wouldn’t be speaking English.
Although aware that so in Dongying harbor resentnt towards Shenzhou, it wouldn’t make sense to hide one’s heritage for such a reason.
"We’re from Shenzhou, traveling in Dongying."
Jiang Chen was prepared to leave empty-handed, but surprisingly, upon hearing their origin, the knife shop owner paused in closing the door and his deanor softened a bit.
"I am also from Shenzhou."
Switched back to Mandarin.
Apparently, honesty cos with its rewards.
"Co in."
The owner opened the door.
Rather than a knife shop, it would be more accurate to call it a crafts shop, or even an antique shop.
The shelves were lined with cold yet exquisite weapons, a dazzling array of selections.
Upon entering, Tanki Liuli’s eyes swept over the shelves, and in her eyes, normally indifferent to worldly possessions, a light brighter than seeing a gourt dish flickered.
"What would you like to see?"
"Knives or swords."
To avoid suspicion, Boss Jiang naturally said, "I have a bit of a thing for collecting these."
The owner nodded; such an interest wasn’t uncommon as his shop catered to such clientele.
"Feel free to browse, let know which one you fancy."
Jiang Chen nodded, taking in their surroundings.
There were many styles from various countries and different historical periods.
"Pick one."
Jiang Chen whispered, "Don’t set the bar too high, as long as it’s usable."
Usable?
In the civilized era, all the weapons here were controlled items, their sole purpose being for display and appreciation at ho.
Tanki Liuli glanced at him, not undermining his statent; her reticence now serving as an advantage, she soon raised her hand.
Jiang Chen and the owner’s eyes followed her arm.
It was the least conspicuous spot on the display, placed quite high such that most people would likely overlook it.
"Great eye."
The owner was surprised, not expecting this excessively beautiful woman to have such a discerning understanding of weaponry.
Or was it rely a coincidence?
Even if it were a coincidence,
it was still a kind of fate.
Conducting this kind of business, it’s not all about money.
The owner climbed a ladder, retrieved the ornate yet ancient weapon.
"Knife or sword?"
Jiang Chen inquired.
"Knife, a Tang Dao."
The owner carefully, as if handling a cherished possession, placed the Tang Dao along with its stand onto the counter.
In Jiang Chen’s stereotypical impression, knives were broader than swords, akin to a Green Dragon Crescent Blade, yet this Tang Dao, even sheathed, looked extrely slender and thin, not much different from a sword.
"This Tang Dao was a Shenzhou general’s sword from the Tang dynasty, which accompanied him in battles and earned great military rits. Later, during Dongying’s invasion, it beca a war trophy, taken back by the Dongying people, passed through many hands, before finally coming into mine."
As he spoke, the owner grasped the hilt and slowly drew the blade.
Perhaps it was psychological, but Jiang Chen felt the sudden flash of blade glare unusually glaring, accompanied by a strong aura of blood.
This knife was indeed very thin.
Listening to the owner’s story was enough, as the truth didn’t truly matter; as a rchant, selling for a good price always involves storytelling, but Tanki Liuli’s judgnt was undoubtedly reliable.
"What do you think?"
Boss Jiang turned to ask.
The owner grew increasingly puzzled.
Why consult a female companion when buying a craft collectible? It’s not like buying jewelry or costics.
Tanki Liuli nodded, her gaze fixed on that well-traveled Tang Dao, concisely stating, "Good knife."
"What’s the price?"
Boss Jiang asked straightforwardly.
"Twang."
The owner returned the sword to the scabbard.
"Two hundred thousand."
"Deal."
Jiang Chen was uncharacteristically brisk, even though custors frequenting such shops were usually not lacking money, yet the shop owner couldn’t hide his montary shock before earnestly reminding, "I ant in RMB."
Jiang Chen was silent, gazing back, then slightly smiling.
"I thought you ant in US dollars."
"..."
Proceeded with the bank transfer.
The shop owner looked at his compatriot with even friendlier eyes, for doing business ant being honest; the custor’s directness wasn’t a reason to raise prices indiscriminately.
Moreover,
In a foreign land, how could a Shenzhou person swindle another Shenzhou person?
"Hold on, I’ll grab a carry bag."
Though this Tang Dao was crafted exquisitely and wasn’t exactly eye-catching, it remained a controlled item; parading it around openly wasn’t quite appropriate, especially in the late hours.
"No need."
It was now that Jiang Chen seed to realize the need to hurry, but before he could extend his hand, a lambent jade-like hand had already picked up the Tang Dao, her slender fingers firmly gripping it.
"Let’s go."
Jiang Chen was taken aback.
Tanki Liuli had already turned to leave.
"Wishing you prosperous business."
With a word of blessing, Jiang Chen quickly followed.
As the two walked out of the shop.
"Koda Kaoru has been kidnapped; the situation might be very dangerous."
Jiang Chen finally revealed the reason.
Tanki Liuli, face as still as water, holding the newly acquired weapon, rely repeated the sa word.
"Go."
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