Chapter 87: Better Decisions

Chapter 87: Better Decisions

With my goal now being to head back to the area that Lynn and Ai had lived, and where Old Rong had died, I begin wrapping up our trip in this shopping area.

Before moving on, I find myself just staring out at the layout of the shopping area around us, which is quite interesting.

When I first got here, I wasnt able to fully appreciate what I was seeing. Compared to the shops from the poor area, each place has a defined spot that they work within. While many of the shops do not have an attached building that they work within, each of the stands, as I would call them, are well made and have their wares draped over and around their spots.

While some of the items I see are still questionable, theyre still significantly better than what I saw in the poorer section.

This doesnt even take into account, the sheer number of fabrics hanging between the buildings. Gorgeous patterns that float and move with the wind from every wall, building, and shop.

Everything is obscured, reminding me of the movies I used to see. Those had the main shopping location being called a Bazaar.

Looking at the people, everyone is covered up. Concealing or revealing their faces, in accordance with their status. Case in point, many of the merchants have their faces covered. The ones who dont, seem to be using it as a form of status, a way to help sell their wares even better. Things like Aldenos Wonders or Jins Jewelry, that seem to be exotic to this area, use their names as branding terms. The same goes for the customers, who use their status to achieve benefits and leverage in negotiation.

From what I can tell theres actually quite a mixture of foreign elements here, which is maybe why my presence in the city wasnt that strange to people, when I first got here. I also get the feeling the norms here with people being concealed, may not be the standard everywhere

At the end of the day, though, this is just a marketplace. Huge for me and my perspective, but small when compared to the places that I will eventually see.

Even with that thought, though, I feel that Im missing something here. Like theres a war taking place right under my eyes that I cannot see. A quick scan gives the impression that there are numerous dynamics that are obviously taking place in in the marketplace. Far too many to do anything other than just a broad inquiry, without causing a headache.

The overarching feeling I get from it, though, is that I dont need to be worried about it at this time. So, I think its time to move on.

Before we leave this area though, I remember I do remember that there is another place Id like to check out, before I had it back to the other side of town. Walking down the street I spot the area, the Luxury store.

However, it appears the luxury store is no longer there. Instead, a shop with armor in it appears to have replaced it. With the string that Lin had given me earlier still on me, I stop one of the beggar children running around.

Excuse me, do you know what happened to that luxury shop?

I fish out a big copper coin to get reliable information from them.

His eyes travel from the string on my finger, to the arm band on my wrist, and finally to Shi with her yellow sash, beside me.

I can see him freeze for a moment, before stuttering out, D-d-dat guy ran away. S-s-sometin aboot prweparin.

I actually grew up around here. Most of the girls in our group did, as well

Growing up out here isnt a good life. At least in the group, we make sure they are old enough and actually want to work the Avenue. If you dont, there are other spots for you. You make less, but its enough to live on.

Out here? It doesnt matter how young you are and what you want to do. Theyll take what they want.

Silence falls again between us, before I speak up.

Shi, Im sorry if it seemed like I was judging you earlier I have never gone through anything close to what you and the other girls around here have gone through and likely still go through. But I do trust that you are doing what you believe is right, for both them and yourself.

I support your decision and if you need someone to hear you out and just listen, Ill do that for you.

Her head turns quickly at my words, slightly confused and her mouth slightly open. Her eyes start blinking quickly and seems to struggle to find words, before finally a chuckle comes out.

Heh. You really are something else, arent you? You shouldnt be apologizing to someone like me. If anything, you should be punishing me for being so disrespectful

Her eyes look around, causing me to look around as well. No one else is around. A pulse confirms that.

She bites her lips and steps a little closer. Placing a hand on my leg.

Hey

Her eyes lock onto mine, upturned. Glancing over at a clearly empty building.

Ah no. Not at this time.

Im not going through this again. Im done being tossed around by my emotions.

I like her, but I will do this on my time. On my terms. Maturely.

I open my mouth to speak.