Men Dong’s rambling to Mu Cengxiao, whether intentional or not, was heard by Gu Baiying. Whether Mu Cengxiao paid attention or not was unclear, but Gu Baiying certainly did.
The next morning, he went down the mountain.
Due to the threat of the demon race, Shaoyang Zhenren had prohibited the disciples of Taiyan Sect from descending the mountain, fearing that they might be ambushed by the demon forces. However, recently the sect needed some herbs from Hua Jin Pavilion that had been previously purchased, so Gu Baiying was sent down. Before he left, Daoist Yueguang reminded Gu Baiying to pay attention to any unusual activities in Pingyang Town.
Pingyang Town was as peaceful as usual, but the recent turmoil in the cultivation world and the news of a possible resurgence of the demon race had caused many cultivators to leave. The once bustling town seemed quieter in the daytime.
Yet, no matter how quiet, Hua Jin Pavilion remained as lively as ever.
Jin Feicui, leaning on the counter with her golden fan, smiled at Gu Baiying and said, “It’s only been a day, and here you are again? Although it’s good to see you frequently, you’re coming too often, making me a bit uneasy. Is something wrong?”
The young man remained silent and walked inside with his head down.
Seeing this, Jin Feicui’s smile faded. “Could it be that something really happened?”
She followed Gu Baiying inside, her usual playful tone replaced with seriousness. “Is it related to the demon race? I heard customers in the building say that the demon race plans to target the cultivation world again. Did you come down suddenly because you have news about them? Baiying, considering the friendship between your mother and me, you mustn’t lie to me. If the demon race really comes, I need to make plans and quickly close the shop and leave. You know small businesses aren’t easy, raising prices if a fight breaks out won’t solve much, and not raising prices while continuing to lose isn’t feasible either… People need to make a living!”
Jin Feicui, the manager of Hua Jin Pavilion, was more concerned about her business than the potential chaos from the demon race. While others worried about the world’s turmoil, she worried about whether her shop could continue to operate. Gu Baiying had no doubt that if the demon race really destroyed the cultivation world, Hua Jin Pavilion wouldn��t collapse—if necessary, it would just relocate to the demon realm, and Jin Feicui would remain Jin Feicui.
Gu Baiying suppressed his feelings and said, “It’s not about the demon race. I’m here to buy something.”
“Buying something?” Jin Feicui was taken aback. “Why so serious about buying something?” She lightly patted her chest with her fan and complained, “You scared me half to death.”
By now, they had reached the second floor of Hua Jin Pavilion. With few patrons around during the day who came up to enjoy the river view, the young man cleared his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable, and said softly, “I have a friend…”
Jin Feicui fixed her gaze on him.
“He has a friend whose birthday is coming up, and my friend wants to give this friend a gift.” He said it all in one breath.
Jin Feicui blinked, seemingly confused by the repeated mention of friend. After a moment, she caught on and, with a sly look in her eyes, drawled, “A friend, huh—”
Gu Baiying emphasized, “Yes, a friend!”
A knowing smile crossed Jin Feicui’s face, and she casually asked, “So, does your friend like this friend of his?”
Gu Baiying’s expression shifted slightly, and he instinctively denied, “No, not at all.”
As if sensing his insincerity, Jin Feicui nudged the young man’s arm and teased, “It’s just giving a gift to someone you care about. Why be so evasive? Tell me, how old is your friend’s love interest? What do they look like and what are their preferences? What color do they like?”
Gu Baiying looked at her warily. “Why are you asking this?”
“I need to know what the girl is like to give you… I mean, your friend, some advice on what to give her. Giving a birthday gift has its skills. A good gift might bring them closer, but a poor choice could end up driving them apart.”
“That can really happen?” Gu Baiying was surprised.
“Of course! So you better tell me what the girl is like.”
The young man hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking, “Nineteen, with outstanding looks, cheerful disposition, and she likes…” He hesitated again. “Green?”
Jin Feicui’s eyes darted around as she feigned surprise. “Oh, it sounds like she might be Miss Yang?”
“Nonsense!” Gu Baiying immediately denied, “What does this have to do with Yang Zanxing?”
“I was just guessing. Why are you so worked up?” Jin Feicui shook her fan. “For a young lady, some jewelry would be nice. The jewelry in Hua Jin Pavilion is the finest in Pingyang Town. Here, come upstairs with me. I’ll show you some of our most treasured items. If you find something you like, considering your mother’s relationship with me, I can give you a discount.”
“My friend,” Gu Baiying emphasized.
“Alright, alright, your friend.” Jin Feicui turned and said, “Come on.”
Gu Baiying followed Jin Feicui up to the third floor.
The first floor of Hua Jin Pavilion was an auction hall, the second floor had tea rooms with river views, and the third floor was where valuable items were stored. Only esteemed guests were allowed to select from these items, and ordinary customers were not received.
Once on the third floor, Jin Feicui led Gu Baiying to a small room. The room was simply decorated with a long bench, a table, and wooden cabinets covering all walls from floor to ceiling. Jin Feicui asked Gu Baiying to sit on the bench, then walked to a cabinet. She suddenly produced a golden key, which she used to open the drawer. With a handkerchief, she selected a few pieces of jewelry and placed them on a silk cushion before walking back.
Jin Feicui placed a golden tray on the table and said, “Baiying, don’t say I didn’t show you anything good. These are rare items.”
Gu Baiying frowned and picked up a necklace.
“This is a Pearl Snow Shell Chain. It’s made from the moonlight harvested by golden silk clams from the seabed. Only one snow shell chain can be made from a thousand golden silk clams. I spent ten thousand spirit stones to acquire this chain.”
Gu Baiying scrutinized it, then let it drop. “It has a fishy smell.”
He picked up another jade bracelet.
“This is the Ghost Moon Red Lotus Blood Jade Bracelet,” Jin Feicui said, fanning herself. “Look at this bracelet. It’s as red as a beauty’s blood. When placed under moonlight at night, a beautiful figure will appear on the jade, smiling gently. It’s quite magical.”
Gu Baiying recoiled as if avoiding a plague and hurriedly tossed the bracelet back onto the tray. “Do you want her to be scared to death?”
Jin Feicui stifled a laugh and picked up a hairpin. “What about this? It’s the Celestial Palace Night Tour Golden Hairpin. It’s a pair with the one I’m wearing, made by the same master who is now no longer in this world. This is the only one left. I originally intended to keep it for myself, but I’m showing it to you because of your mother.” She touched the golden hairpin in her own hair. “Don’t you think mine is stunning?”