Divine Convenience Store

Normally, Lin Mo should've been worried about the upcoming crisis with the Poison Demon Cult but having witnessed Taihao's power on Day 1, he was thoroughly desensitized that only a being like Taihao could make him feel true fear. Hence, even without starting cultivation, the pressure from the big shots of the surrounding forces didn't faze him much. He could deal with them like any other customer.

As Lin Mo prepared breakfast in their newly expanded kitchen area, his mind was already racing with plans for the day.

The bundles would go live soon and he's anticipating a flood of customers, especially after the buzz Liu Xiaoyu created with her "advertisement" to the City Lord and officials.

It'll definitely be another busy day for them.

—

"Miss Yangyang, here is your breakfast. If you need a drink, you can get one in the fridge or if you prefer hot drinks like tea or coffee, you can make one over there at the counter. They're all products of the store so I believe they will suit your taste."

Lin Mo handed Yangyang a neatly arranged plate of breakfast, complete with sausage, eggs, and bacon. The aroma wafting from the plate caused her to blink in surprise before offering a polite nod of gratitude.

Yangyang received it and nodded at him in response. She looked busy enough that she couldn't even say something and so Lin Mo left her alone to do her thing.

The sun had barely risen, but the store was already abuzz with activity. Liu Xiaoyu had taken it upon herself to organize the inventory and check the automated setup the store arranged for the new bundles.

When Lin Mo emerged with the tray of food, he found her trying to put her Xingxing Glimmer Bundle next to them. He didn't stop her. It got slightly buried behind those bundle displays, after all. They were put near the entrance and there was even a huge banner promoting it, highlighting its prices and the applied discount.

At the same time, the system chimed softly, informing him of it.

[System Notice: Bundles Now Available

Scout's Survival Kit: 25 Intermediate-Grade Spirit Stones

Combatant's Arsenal: 30 Intermediate-Grade Spirit Stones

Purification Set: 40 Intermediate-Grade Spirit Stones

Emergency Bundle: 50 Intermediate-Grade Spirit Stones]

Each bundle was displayed prominently on their designated shelves, their packaging designed to catch the eye with vibrant colors and detailed descriptions of their contents.

"Look, Boss! I never thought it would be packed like this! But these weapons are looking out of place!" Liu Xiaoyu energetically pointed at it, her fingers specifically pointing at the Combatant's Arsenal shelf which had a weapon rack in front of it.

Clearly, it was a rack for weapons included in the bundle. They consist of different types from blunt to sharp weapons or even unconventional ones like gauntlets, whips, and fans. Their quality was all mortal-grade but according to the system, they're the highest quality within that grade. The only reason they're not categorized as spirit-grade was their lack of spiritual energy conductivity that could enhance any spells or techniques. Still, they were leagues above the average mortal-grade weapon produced by regular blacksmiths who had yet to advance in their profession. It could hold its own against the lowest quality spirit-grade artifact in terms of usefulness in combat.

"Hmm. Bring that rack over here next to me. Anyone who will buy the Combatant Arsenal bundle can take their pick here." Lin Mo ordered, pointing at the vacant space next to the counter.

Liu Xiaoyu saluted and carried them with ease, clearing up visuals of the bundle corner. Then she walked over in front of the counter, carrying a XingXing Glimmer Bundle with a shy smile.

Lin Mo looked at her and shook his head, "A promise is a promise. Go on, take that. I'll deduct it from my personal balance."

"Yes, Boss! I'll treat you to snacks! Or I can pick a martial arts manual suitable for you!"

[Personal Balance: 63.6 Spirit Stones]

"Sure. Sure. Come here and eat before we open. I'll check our Daily Task."

[Daily Tasks]

[Attract new customers: 0/30]

[Sell any bundle: 1/50]

[Repeat customers: 0/15]

[Tier Progression: Emerging Store (4853/10000)]

"Fifty bundles, huh? That's ambitious but not impossible. With all the buzz Xiaoyu stirred up yesterday, we might actually hit that."

"Boss, you're worrying about that? It'll be easy! Our store's influence has already surpassed a normal merchant caravan" Liu Xiaoyu chirped as she stuffed a forkful of eggs into her mouth, her ears twitching while chewing happily.

"Well, let's hope that's the case. We can't be complacent though."

"You're doing great, Boss. Don't doubt yourself. Hehe."

As the two finished their breakfast, Yangyang emerged from their quarters, her expression composed but faintly softened by the scent of food lingering in the air.

"Shopkeeper Lin, Assistant Liu," She began, adjusting her glasses. "The Customer Hotline is fully operational. I've also prepared a report template for today's bundle sales. If you'd like, I can monitor customer feedback in real-time and provide updates."

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Thanks for setting that up, Miss Yangyang. Let me know if anything unusual comes up. Hopefully, no one complains about something absurd."

Yangyang nodded, "If that happens, I may need your help, Shopkeeper."

"No problem. But Miss Yangyang, one advice."

"What is it?"

"Smile."

"Excuse me?" Yangyang couldn't help but tilt her head at his answer.

But Lin Mo simply nodded before doing a gesture of stretching his lips, curving them up into a smile.

"Smile even if you cannot see the complainant's expressions. It'll be easy for you to deal with them."

That's standard knowledge for any customer service job, after all. Just because she's only talking to them through the communication artifact doesn't mean it's easier to deal with customers. Not to mention, most customers calling for the hotline will be complainants.

Smiling can help curb the stress she will accumulate.

Although still puzzled by it, Yangyang's lips curved up into a small smile as she nodded, "Oh… I appreciate the advice, Shopkeeper."

Liu Xiaoyu leaned over to Lin Mo, whispering loudly enough for Yangyang to hear. "Boss, she's way too serious. Maybe we should get her some Heavenly Dew Soda to loosen up."

Yangyang's cheeks tinted faintly pink, but she maintained her composure. "I appreciate the thought, but I assure you, I'm perfectly fine. I'll be returning to my station."

Watching her flush red as she retreated to their quarters, Lin Mo chuckled and shook his head.

"Enough teasing, you brat. Let's get ready to open. Today's going to be busy." He turned to his quirky assistant and tried to flick her forehead once again.

"I won't fall for that thrice, Boss!" Liu Xiaoyu evaded it and stuck her tongue out at him before running to the door.

With that, the Divine Convenience Store opened its doors, welcoming the fifth day of its operation.

As soon as the sign flipped to open, those waiting outside exclaimed loudly as they rushed in.

The first customers who set foot inside the store weren't sect disciples, they all looked like citizens of the city who'd heard about this store from someone influential.

And Xiaoyu, the one greeting them as they came in, recognized a few of them, specifically those who were wearing luxurious robes like they were bragging about their status.

"Oh! Dear customers! You're officials of the city, are you not? Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store!"

Ignoring Xiaoyu's enthusiastic greeting, the officials, clad in robes embroidered with intricate patterns denoting their ranks, glanced around the store with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Their expressions shifted as they took in the meticulously arranged shelves, the vibrant bundle displays, and the sheer variety of items available.

"This store… Why does it feel like I just entered a different realm?" One of them muttered not knowing how to digest the unfamiliar sight before them.