Divine Convenience Store

In one obscure region within the Celestial Realm floating above the Realm of Nine Heavens, the heart of the Divine Pantheon bustled with activity.

Streams of divine energy flowed through its halls as figures could be seen carrying reports, requests, and updates coming from somewhere.

Within one of the grand chambers, a peculiar setup had been recently established. A gleaming array of golden communication artifacts. Each one radiating a soft, harmonious glow.

Standing before this curious setup was none other than Zhenren Lihua, the custodian of commerce and harmony.

Her serene expression was occasionally broken by a small smile as she sifted through the latest report on the Divine Convenience Store that they recently opened.

"Interesting. A Golden Patron emerged before someone pointed out the vague pricing of our products. And he says he has no experience in this field."

Shortly after, a soft, melodious ringing echoed through the chamber, signaling an incoming call.

Lihua's lips curled into a faint smile as she turned to the functionary seated in front of the artifacts, signaling her to pick up the incoming call.

This particular functionary was known as Yangyang. She's a low-ranking servant of the Divine Pantheon who had just been assigned to become a hotline assistant. Her features were sharp and ethereal, her movements precise and efficient, but she possessed none of the radiant grandeur of the divine beings she served. Her work was in the subtle details. She was also a bit of a pushover.

She glanced up and nodded respectfully at Zhenren Lihua before reaching for the golden communication artifact. She adjusted her spectacles as though she was preparing her psyche before swallowing nervously, taking a moment to calm down as she accepted the incoming call.

"Greetings, esteemed customer. This is the Divine Convenience Store Customer Support Hotline. How may I assist you today?"

With a steady tone, she greeted the customer behind the call with a subtle tremor of anticipation. She wasn't used to talking with people, or even divine beings for that matter. Before she was assigned here, she usually dealt with information. Raw data. Figures. That's her expertise.

And now, she has to act like some kind of a call operator for the store.

.

There was a brief pause, followed by a composed but slightly annoyed voice.

"Yes. I have a complaint regarding your recent price adjustments. My name is Yu Qingyan, a Golden Patron of your establishment. I demand to know why the items I purchased yesterday are now significantly cheaper. Please confirm that the correct prices of these items have been applied to the recent purchases."

Yangyang blinked, her mind racing to find a suitable response.

She had expected queries about malfunctions or missing items, not a direct challenge to the store's pricing policy. This mortal was… remarkably bold.

Before answering, she glanced at Zhenren Lihua again as though seeking confirmation. And the response she received was a subtle nod.

This kind of complaint was what they were expecting.

Sighing internally, Yangyang put on a professional smile as she forced her voice to remain enthusiastic. At the same time, she pulled up the recent transaction made under the name of the customer and she couldn't help but gawk at the numbers. 980 high-grade spirit stones. For a low-ranking servant like her, that was equivalent to several years of her salary from the Divine Pantheon.

"Esteemed Golden Patron, I understand your concerns and I sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused. The recent price adjustments have been implemented to reflect the current economic conditions and the fair trade values within the Realm of Nine Heavens. We believe this ensures a transparent and consistent shopping experience for all our customers."

"Huh? What about the customers that purchased them before? Shouldn't you provide them with the same price? Does your policy only benefit newly visiting customers?"

Yu Qingyan's sharp voice shot through.

Yangyang winced at it. The complainant's tone was as icy as the peaks in the highest mountain within the Celestial Realm. Looking back at the list of Yu Qingyan's purchases, Yangyang could understand why she was complaining right now.

"I understand that Miss Yu is displeased, is it?"

"Indeed. That's correct. You're also correct. It's my name. Who am I speaking to by the way?"

Yangyang adjusted her glasses, her brow furrowing slightly as her mind struggled to find a suitable answer. "M-My apologies, Miss Yu. Please understand that I'm merely a… a functionary, tasked with assisting valued customers like yourself. I was assigned to provide clarification and to address any concerns you may have. My name is unimportant."

She then took a sip of her lukewarm tea as her fingers began inquiring through the recent data.

"We, at the Divine Convenience Store, value our customers' experiences. After a concern was raised yesterday, the System that's assisting the store has calibrated the prices to create a balance for all of our customers regardless of their time of purchase and wealth."

"I see… and this explanation is it? What a waste of time. So basically, I'm still stuck with the expensive products I bought earlier and you won't be of any help to me?"

Yangyan hesitated as her face paled slightly. She could feel the pressure of the customer's intense scrutiny. It's too much for her. This was never part of her job! But Zhenren Lihua was observing. And the problem was… the customer had a point.

Does she have permission to decide about the customer's compensation? She has no idea.

"I-If I may, dear esteemed customer. The loyalty card you've received will ensure that future purchases are made with more benefits than others, including having priority on limited products. Should we also provide a refund for your earlier purchase for the products that had their price decreased?"

As Yangyang blurted that out, she could feel herself sweating slightly. It was too much. She could feel Zhenren Lihua's gaze behind her and then the pressure coming from the complainant.

She should've rejected the reassignment but she thought this was a promotion as she was going to work closely with a divine being. Alas, she was wrong.

There was silence for a moment on the other end, and Yangyang did her best to hold her breath.

"A refund?" Yu Qingyan said with a calculating tone.

'Oh no… she's scheming something, isn't she?' Yangyang inwardly thought as she tried to steel herself for what was to come next.

—

Back at the Divine Convenience Store, Yu Qingyan stepped away from the poster as the glow of her communication artifact dimmed, her expression a mixture of satisfaction and reluctant admiration.

"Whoever came up with this hotline… they're either a genius or a madman." She muttered, recalling the stuttering voice from the other end.

Lin Mo, overhearing her, couldn't help but smirk. "I'll take that as a compliment, Miss Yu. What do you think? Did they address your concerns to your satisfaction?"

Yu Qingyan shot him a look before grinning. "You heard it, Shopkeeper. I'm going to get a refund. At least half of what I spent yesterday. But don't think this absolves you, Shopkeeper. You owe me one."

Lin Mo chuckled, bowing slightly. "I wouldn't expect anything less from our esteemed Golden Patron. And on behalf of our store, I will personally apologize to you. Shall we set a date?"

"Huh? Date? Wait… What are you talking about, Shopkeeper?"

"I mean, a meeting to personally apologize to you. The vague pricing might have been out of my hands but I knew it was taking advantage of those pretty well-off like you."

"Not that. I mean… date?! Don't tell me you're entertaining my grandmother's suggestion?!"

Yu Qingyan froze mid-sentence, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink as realization dawned on her. She quickly composed herself, clearing her throat and crossing her arms in a show of defiance.

"Shopkeeper, let me make one thing clear. I have no intention of indulging in such ridiculous suggestions. My only interest here is in your store's products and ensuring fair treatment as a Golden Patron."

Lin Mo broke a non-professional smile, raising his hands in surrender. "Of course, Miss Yu. I believe you."

Or so he said, but somehow, he couldn't but find the reaction of this Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion adorable.