Pigeon Feather Tailor Shop.
An ordinary tailor shop located on Fool’s Gold Street in Neum City.
The shop isn’t large, nowhere near the size of the next-door Stone Oven Bakery.
The decor inside isn’t particularly impressive either, and it’s almost cramped with all the fabric-filled shelves.
However, the business is unexpectedly good.
The shop owner most likely conducted thorough market research before opening.
Matching the shop’s simple and unadorned style, the goods here are generally low-priced yet sturdy and durable.
It fits well with the positioning of Fool’s Gold Street as a residential area for ordinary workers’ families.
Furthermore, its rather tricky location means the nearest competitor is three streets away.
All things considered, it quickly gained many returning customers shortly after opening.
If nothing unforeseen occurs, following the current thriving business trend.
In not too many years, the shop could recover its initial investment and start turning a profit.
This is almost the retirement life Jeff has dreamed of.
Thinking back to a few months ago, after losing a left leg in what seemed like an ordinary transport job, his outlook on life was utterly bleak.
At that time, lying lonely in Kalanfor’s Sun God Church, he even considered ending his life to spare his children the burden.
Fortunately, the friendly priest in the church consoled him and helped him regain his spirits.
Realizing that not dying that night at the hands of that undead creature, but being saved by two accompanying adventurers with just a lost leg.
Was already a stroke of luck.
So he decisively announced his retirement in the tavern, sold the caravan he had operated for many years.
Returned to Neum, pushed the plan ahead, and opened this tailor shop with his wife and daughter.
Now, months have passed.
Kalanfor has turned into ruins, with the once Sun God Church being nothing but charred remnants.
As for those two adventurers who saved him...
One of them, a half orc, is now missing, probably gone to distant lands.
The other seems to have made a bit of a name for themselves.
A while ago, when drinking and chatting with a fellow adventurer in the tavern, he heard some informational bits.
Planning to find some free time, once the shop’s business settles in.
And take a few gifts to River Valley Town to properly thank the adventurer and catch up with a few old friends in town.
"Hey, do you still have that green one in your store? I see there’s only half a roll left on the shelf."
Inside the tailor shop, a short, stout middle-aged woman, hand on hip, pointed at the shelf in front of her and asked.
"Yes, we do, ma’am, it’s in the back warehouse," Jeff replied enthusiastically, his wooden prosthetic leg tapping on the floor with a crisp sound.
"Please wait a moment, I’ll go get it."
He turned around, gave a few instructions to his daughter, "Lilina," who was in charge of the register, and went into the back room.
Standing by the shelf, watching Jeff disappear behind the door.
A shrewd and cunning glint flashed in the narrow eyes of the middle-aged woman, which stood out amid the fleshy folds of her face.
She reached out and took the last half roll of fabric from the shelf, quickly stepping to the counter.
"It’s too much hassle, I’ll just take this, I’m in a hurry."
"Give me a fifty percent discount, how about it?"
Just as Lilina, holding the bag she had pulled out from under the counter, was about to help the customer check out.
Upon hearing this, she paused and hesitated, saying:
"Ma’am, the prices in our shop are already..."
"Hey, what’s with all the talking? We’re all neighbors here; can’t you give me a bit of a break?"
Before the girl could finish, the middle-aged woman waved her off.
"It’s not like your shop is the only one in town; I can buy elsewhere, can’t I?"
"And your quality isn’t necessarily better than other shops, right? I’m helping your business, you see?"
"Besides, if you give me a deal today, and I find it good after using it, I’ll definitely come back. I might even bring a few more customers over, you’ll profit!"
"Come on, give me a definitive answer, sell or not sell!"
"If you don’t sell, I’m leaving!"
Who knows where this middle-aged woman, with barely any schooling, learned this entire playbook.
She first pointed out her "neighbor" status, indicating that Pigeon Feather Tailor Shop wasn’t her only choice, she didn’t have to spend here.
Then, she articulated the benefits to the tailor shop for selling to her at a reduced price—the potential to bring in more customers in the future, subtly hinting that her opinions could sway the shop’s reputation among local residents, applying pressure.
Her speech was rapid and advancing in layers.
In just a few sentences, she completely controlled the rhythm on the scene.
Making Lilina, a recently graduated young girl, emotionally swayed by her words, losing the ability to think.
As if refusing the discount demand would completely ruin the tailor shop’s business.
Seeing the middle-aged woman about to turn and leave, she hurriedly raised her voice to retain her:
"Wait, ma’am, please don’t leave yet!"
Having prepared in advance, the middle-aged woman’s face showed a look of success. She promptly turned around and placed the coins she had already prepared onto the counter, pushing them to Lilina.
Meanwhile, she smoothly put the half roll of fabric into the basket hanging on her arm.
"Little girl, if only you’d done this sooner, rest assured, it won’t be your loss."