Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Reward
The middle-aged man finally caught up, panting. He stopped in front of the small Rabbit Clan female, forcing a strained smile.
"Miss, please wait."
"About what happened earlier... my master was in the wrong. He knows it now. He would like to invite you back to renegotiate the matter of the Mermaid’s Eye..."
Yu Zhizhi was a little surprised.
’The jewel merchant was so firm just a few minutes ago, absolutely refusing to trade. Why the sudden change of heart?’
She looked at Luther, but the young man from the Guard Team just shrugged, indicating he was just as clueless.
He found it strange.
Merchant Geoffrey’s temper was well-known.
He was wealthy enough to rival a nation, and his private vaults held countless treasures.
’For this haughty, profit-driven merchant to relent... could it be that Geoffrey truly needed Ms. Zhi Zhi’s help with something important?’
"Alright." Yu Zhizhi decided to go back.
’Since Geoffrey has relented, I have to take this chance to get the Mermaid’s Eye.’
When Yu Zhizhi returned, she saw the man pacing at the entrance. As soon as he looked up and caught sight of her petite figure, he immediately strode over.
This time, Geoffrey went straight down on one knee. He used the highest formal greeting of the Beast World Planet, taking the small Rabbit Clan female’s delicate hand in his and looking up at her with utmost sincerity.
"I was in the wrong before. I offer you my sincerest apologies. I hope you will not take it to heart, Miss."
Yu Zhizhi stared at him, a little stunned.
Geoffrey wore a striking red uniform, his short, dark-blond hair slicked back smoothly. There was no trace of mockery in his dark eyes—only complete and utter respect.
’...The jewel merchant’s behavior was a complete one-eighty. For a moment, she started to wonder, ’Could he have the same illness as Louis?’’
She couldn’t help but turn to look at Louis.
Louis noticed her gaze and looked down at her. The coldness in his black eyes was replaced by the faint hint of a smile.
"You can get up," Yu Zhizhi said softly.
Geoffrey stood, still emotional. "Honored Miss, please follow me. I will take you to see the Mermaid’s Eye."
Yu Zhizhi nodded.
She followed him.
Geoffrey led her into an elevator, taking her to the special vault where he kept the Mermaid’s Eye.
He pushed open the door to reveal a floor paved with elegant, cyan jade tiles. Shimmering jewels and gems were everywhere, so dazzlingly brilliant it was almost blinding.
In the lavish treasure room, the artifacts on the jade shelves were a bewildering sight. She followed Geoffrey to the very back.
The man picked up an oval-shaped container inlaid with white jade. Clear, azure seawater sloshed inside, and through the glass, a pair of deep blue Mermaid’s Eyes could be faintly seen.
Yu Zhizhi stared, mesmerized.
’So this is...’
’Yusen’s eyes... the ones that were gouged out?’
Geoffrey gazed at the container in his arms. It held his favorite—the most beautiful Mermaid’s Eye he had ever collected. The thought that it would no longer be his as of today made his heart ache.
"Is this what you desire?" Geoffrey asked, clutching the container tightly, unwilling to let it go.
Yu Zhizhi nodded slowly. "That’s it."
"Ah, here are the gems I brought—" Yu Zhizhi opened the small case she was carrying. "All of these."
Seeing the case filled with exceptionally high-grade and pure gems, the anxiety in Geoffrey’s heart finally settled.
He resigned himself to the trade.
Geoffrey picked up a deep purple gem, tears welling in the corners of his eyes. "This one will do. I like this one."
Yu Zhizhi let out a soft "oh."
Behind her, Luther’s face was a mask of astonishment.
’It was as if he didn’t even recognize the eccentric jewel merchant anymore. Was this really Geoffrey?’
’How could he be so agreeable?’
’Everyone knew he was obsessed with the Mermaid’s Eye, yet he’d agreed to the trade after just casually picking a single gem from Ms. Zhi Zhi’s case.’
’This was simply—’
’—handing over his most prized possession without a fight.’
Geoffrey handed the container to Luther, his gaze lingering reluctantly on the Mermaid’s Eye inside. "You must handle it with care."
Luther nodded. "I understand."
’Ms. Zhi Zhi had come all this way for these eyes, intending to give them to the Mermaid she had purchased.’
’It was clear Ms. Zhi Zhi was very fond of her Mermaid male consort.’
Holding the deep purple gem with both hands, Geoffrey looked down at the small female who only came up to his chest and couldn’t help but stoop slightly.
"Next month, the Divine City will be holding the Moonrise Festival. If you have the time, Miss, you should come and join the festivities."
"The Moonrise Festival? Is it fun?" Yu Zhizhi’s interest was piqued.
Geoffrey’s eyes curved into a smile. "Very fun. It’s the Moon Rising Empire’s oldest festival. They hold the city’s largest ball at sea, stretching all along the coastline."
Luther chimed in, "It really is wonderful. I’m sure you would enjoy it."
’Paradise really isn’t a place for having fun.’
’But the Divine City is different. Ms. Zhi Zhi would have a great time here.’
Yu Zhizhi silently repeated the name "Moonrise Festival" in her mind, then smiled faintly. "If I have time, I’ll come check it out!"
"In that case, please be sure to send someone to inform me in advance, so that I may host you properly."
"Okay~"
Yu Zhizhi glanced at the beautiful container, then handed her small handbag to Louis, who was standing beside her.
Luther gently handed her the container.
The very instant Yu Zhizhi took it, a system notification sounded in her mind—
[System: Ding! Congratulations, Host, for completing the side quest "Mermaid’s Eye"! Distributing reward!]
[System: Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have obtained one "Disguised Identity (Seven Days)" item!]
[System: Host may open inventory to view or use!]
’The side quest is complete!’
A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Yu Zhizhi’s face. She hadn’t expected such a sudden, favorable turn of events that allowed her to complete the trade so smoothly.
The Beastmen present could all sense the little Rabbit Clan female’s joy.
’It seems she really, really likes the "Mermaid’s Eye,"’ they thought.
After a moment’s thought, Yu Zhizhi gave the jewel merchant a slight bow. "Thank you~"
Geoffrey went pale with shock. His knees buckled in fright, and he nearly collapsed to the ground! He stammered, "N-no, you’re welcome!"
Having gotten what they wanted, they prepared to leave.
Geoffrey personally escorted them all the way out.
He watched until Yu Zhizhi was in the car, waving tearfully. After the car had driven off into the distance, Geoffrey could no longer control himself and revealed his Beast Form.
In the blink of an eye, a magnificent Peacock was crouched on the ground, sobbing softly.
Tears streamed down Geoffrey’s face in his Peacock Form.
—He was crying for the Mermaid’s Eye, his most beloved treasure, which he had no choice but to hand over to that small female with his own two hands.
The middle-aged Steward stood to one side, a helpless look on his face.
’He was glad his master was willing to forge a good relationship with the honored Miss. But once his master started crying, it was very difficult for him to stop.’
The Peacock’s chest feathers were soaked with tears. He asked between sobs:
"Do you know... why I agreed to the trade?"
"Why?"
