Chapter 471: "Those who toy with fate will ultimately become its puppets."
Chapter 471: "Those who toy with fate will ultimately become its puppets."
"Here are the lavender seeds you requested, two silver coins in total. These White Crystal Chrysanthemum seeds are today's complimentary gift, please accept them as well."
"Thank you, young lady. I wonder where Mr. Lindsey found such a cute little helper like you."
"Farewell, customer. Welcome back next time."
"..."
Lindsey sat at the back of the shop.
He watched the customer who had just left and sighed, "Those who toy with fate will indeed become its puppets."
At the front of the shop, Seraphina was attending to each customer who entered.
From the morning's business, it seemed like a regular shop scene.
But for Lindsey, it was the first time he felt fear for his own skills.
With a waste-not attitude, Lindsey pushed the defenseless Seraphina into the shop, trying to turn her into a shop assistant.
Then, the [Game Player] skill began to exhibit extremely terrifying effects.
Seraphina was incorporated into the Management System, becoming a shop assistant.
This former Seventh Stage Awakened lost her self-awareness, unable to control her body, and unresponsive to external stimuli.
Unless Lindsey released her.
Otherwise, she was like a game character, transformed into an NPC who could only greet customers and conduct trade.
"Is this result too severe, or is it a well-deserved punishment?"
Lindsey looked at Seraphina.
The girl's expressions, reactions, and movements were all set by him.
This feeling of complete control over someone's life and death made Lindsey shudder.
Only when he thought of Seraphina's past 'achievements' did the sense of guilt in his heart dissipate.
"Sigh..."
"If someone comes into my shop and notices something strange about Seraphina..."
"Will they think she's a 'princess' worth saving and then come to 'righteously' challenge me?"
Lindsey found the situation even more bizarre.
He opened his attribute panel, and after this period of experimentation, the shop's transaction volume finally reached the required level.
"Coins: 150, Wood: 50, Metal: 10, Fabric: 10..."
"The cost of this upgrade is significantly higher than the last one."
"Oh, right! There's also that designer's business card."
Lindsey searched his bag and found the business card he had received at the Design Center.
"Primrose District (Orange Zone) - West Sea Corner Avenue 16 - 003"
"Hmm..."
"Let's go buy the materials first, and on the way back, let's invite that designer to take a look."
The conditions for upgrading the shop were clear.
Lindsey went around and gathered the necessary supplies from the Stonemason's Guild.
But the Thousand Sails City was too vast.
This time, without a guide, by the time Lindsey found West Sea Corner Avenue in the Orange Zone, it was already dusk.
West Sea Corner Avenue.
Originally, this place was like where Lindsey and Wah Wah Wah lived, a remote location right by the sea.
However, with the city's expansion, it became surrounded by the newly constructed urban area, and now it's considered an 'inner' district.
The beautiful ocean view and its erosion were both distant memories, leaving only the name 'West Sea Corner' as a testament to the past.
Lindsey arrived at property number 3 according to the address.
Before him stood a stone-built house.
The protruding balconies on the second and third floors were adorned with intricate carvings, a design that increased the building's lighting area while maintaining its texture and incorporating delicate design elements.
On the orange nameplate at the entrance, the owner's name was displayed.
[Will Palpatine]
[Sun and Sweet Orange Interior Design Studio]
Name Card Information Consistent, Lindsey Approaches and Knocks on the Door:
"Hello, is anyone home?"
The next second, Lindsey's keen hearing detects the sound of footsteps on the second floor.
As he waits for the door to open, he uses his skills to deduce the identity of the person inside.
"The sound of high-heeled footsteps—a woman, an adult."
"The second floor is the living room of this building—this lady lives here and has a close relationship with the owner."
"The designer isn't that old—so the person coming down to open the door is unlikely to be their child, but rather their wife or sister."
"The footsteps are going up and down the stairs, and the change in sound doesn't indicate a change in distance. So, she's descending vertically, which means there's a spiral staircase here."
Lindsey had just drawn his fourth conclusion.
The hurried footsteps also reached the front door.
The door was opened with a gentle motion.
And indeed, the woman who appeared before Lindsey had subtle wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, but her figure and demeanor still exuded a lingering charm.
However, compared to a normal person, this lady seemed weaker, as if afflicted by some illness.
She looked at Lindsey with a puzzled expression:
"Hello, sir?"
"May I ask who you're looking for?"
Lindsey took out the name card Will had given him:
"I made an appointment with Mr. Will, and I'd like him to help me with some interior design."
Upon hearing Lindsey's request, the lady's joy was evident.
She quickly invited Lindsey in and fetched some fruit powder from the cabinet, preparing a drink.
After finishing these tasks, she remembered to introduce herself:
"Sir, I'm Will's wife, Kona."
"Will... he went out to work today. He should be back soon."
"Have you had dinner?"
"If you don't mind, I can prepare something for you..."
"No need." Seeing Kona's embarrassed expression, Lindsey didn't expose the details, but politely nodded:
"Lindsey—Madam, just call me by my name."
As they waited, Lindsey's gaze roamed around the room.
The designer's home with his wife appeared rather impoverished, yet it wasn't devoid of small, intimate details of daily life.
In this world, cameras had not yet been invented.
So, a highly realistic dual portrait hung in the studio, meticulously maintained and protected, testifying to the couple's enduring love.
Meanwhile, Kona didn't want Lindsey to sit alone.
She was so bored that she was about to leave.
So, she approached Lindsey and initiated a conversation:
"Mr. Lindsey, may I ask what you're planning to design with Will?"
Lindsey smiled and replied:
"I'm thinking of renovating my shop, but I need help with the design."
Kona asked curiously:
"Your shop is...?"
"It's an ordinary plant shop in the Orange District." Lindsey said, pulling out a white lily from his bag, "Madam, please accept this. May your love with Mr. Will be as pure as this flower."
Kona's face lit up with surprise:
"Thank you so much!"
Kona took the flower and went upstairs to find a simple wooden cup to place the flower in it.
(Clearing her throat) "Madam, I have some ideas for the shop's design, but I'd like to hear your thoughts as well."
Kona's eyes sparkled with curiosity:
"Oh, please, do tell me!"
Lindsey smiled, his eyes gleaming with inspiration:
"I envision a vibrant, natural space, like a garden in full bloom. Your shop will be a sanctuary, a place where customers can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature."
Kona's excitement was palpable:
"That sounds wonderful! I can already picture it!"
Just then, the front door of the shop downstairs opened.
Will, looking exhausted, entered from outside. Seeing Lindsey, he didn't immediately recognize him, so he turned to his wife for help:
"Kona, what's going on here?"
But his confusion quickly turned into delight.
"Wait, you're the gentleman who helped me retrieve my design sketches!"
Lindsey nodded and stood up, extending his hand:
"Indeed, the man who keeps his promises."
"As agreed upon, I'd like to commission you for my shop's design."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
