The afternoon slowly gives way to evening as Aomi and Níng continue their journey toward the Jīn Region.
Neither of them stops for long.
They travel along the winding road, passing through forests and open fields as the sun gradually sinks beyond the horizon.
By the time night arrives, the distant darkness is interrupted by a sea of golden lights.
Aomi slows his steps.
Far ahead, an enormous city stretches across the land.
Countless buildings rise behind its towering walls, their windows illuminated by warm lanterns.
Bright signs hang above the streets, and even from this distance, the faint sounds of merchants and travelers reach their ears.
The entire city glows against the dark sky.
Níng stops walking.
Her eyes widen as she stares at the magnificent sight.
“Whoa! It’s huge! How can a city even get this big?!”
Aomi glances at her before looking back at the city.
” This is Jīn Region.”
He pauses for a moment before continuing.
“The largest region for gold trading in this part of the continent. Merchants from all over come here to buy and sell gold. If you want to make money, this is one of the best places to start.”
Níng’s eyes sparkle.
“Then there must be tons of rich people here!”
“Probably.”
“Probably?! Aomi, look at it! Even the walls are enormous!”
She points excitedly toward the city gates, nearly bouncing on her feet.
Aomi simply continues walking.
“Come on. Staring at the walls won’t make us any richer.”
“Hey! Wait for me!”
Níng quickly catches up with him.
As they approach the entrance, the enormous gates become even more imposing.
Several lanterns hang from the stone walls, illuminating the guards stationed at the entrance.
Four guards stand in front of the gate, each wearing dark armor with golden insignias on their chests.
Their eyes carefully follow the travelers entering and leaving the city.
The moment Aomi and Níng approach, one of the guards steps forward.
“Hold it. Who are you two, and what business do you have in the Jīn Region?”
Aomi stops without showing any signs of nervousness.
He reaches into his pouch and takes out a small piece of gold, holding it between his fingers.
“We’re merchants. We’ve come to sell some gold and purchase a few things before continuing our journey.”
The guard takes the gold and examines it beneath the lantern light.
He turns it over, checks its surface, and exchanges a glance with the guard beside him.
After a brief inspection, he returns it.
“Gold traders, huh? You picked the right place. Just don’t cause any trouble inside the city.”
“Of course.”
The guard steps aside and gestures toward the entrance.
“Then go ahead. Welcome to the Jīn Region.”
Aomi nods and walks through the gates.
Níng follows closely behind, turning her head from side to side as though she is afraid of missing something.
The moment they enter, the city swallows them in a flood of light and noise.
Markets line both sides of the broad streets.
Shops display golden ornaments, polished jewelry, precious stones, and all sorts of valuable treasures.
Merchants stand beneath brightly colored awnings, loudly advertising their goods to passersby.
Some shops are so lavishly decorated that even their doorframes appear to be made of gold.
Carriages roll through the streets, carrying wealthy customers and merchants between districts.
The scent of freshly cooked food drifts from roadside stalls, mixing with the metallic fragrance of the countless jewelry shops.
Despite the late hour, the city shows no signs of sleeping.
If anything, the night seems to make it even livelier.
Níng walks beside Aomi with her mouth slightly open.
“There’s so much stuff here! Look at that shop! And that one! Wait, is that an actual golden statue?!”
She turns toward a nearby storefront displaying a small golden dragon.
“Hey, Aomi! Do you think it’s real gold?”
“Probably.”
“Can you stop saying probably?!”
“Would you prefer it if I lied?”
Níng pauses.
“…No.”
“Then keep walking.”
She puffs out her cheeks but obediently follows him, her eyes continuing to wander over every shop they pass.
A little farther into the city, she suddenly stops.
On top of a distant hill stands an enormous palace, overlooking the surrounding streets.
Its walls shimmer beneath the lanterns, and golden rooftops rise toward the night sky.
Long banners hang from its towers, while several smaller buildings surround the main structure.
Unlike the crowded markets below, the palace stands in relative silence, its elevated position giving it an air of authority.
Níng points toward it.
“Hey, what’s that place? Is it some kind of royal palace?”
Aomi follows her gaze.
“Something like that. It’s one of the main centers of authority in the region. They conduct important affairs there, organize major festivals, and oversee various regional activities.”
Níng tilts her head.
“So it’s important?”
“Very.”
Her eyes brighten again.
“Then there must be something amazing inside! Treasures? Secret rooms? Maybe even some ancient inheritance!”
Aomi looks at her.
“Why would an administrative headquarters be full of secret inheritances?”
“Because important places always have something interesting hidden inside!”
“That’s not how the world works.”
“Then how does it work?”
“Usually, someone hides something valuable, someone else finds it, and everyone ends up trying to kill each other over it.”
Níng stares at him for a moment.
“…That’s actually a pretty good point.”
She looks back at the palace, seemingly reconsidering her expectations.
Aomi resumes walking.
“Come on. We have more important things to do.”
“Like what?”
“Making money.”
“Oh, right!”
Níng hurriedly catches up with him.
However, she is so distracted by the surrounding shops that she barely notices a heavily loaded cart approaching from behind.
Aomi notices it first.
Without warning, he reaches out, catches her by the arm, and pulls her closer to him.
The cart rattles past, its wooden wheels rolling only a short distance from where she had been standing.
Níng freezes.
Aomi releases her arm.
“Be careful. You can’t spend the entire night staring at everything around you.”
She looks at the cart as it disappears into the crowd, then turns toward him.
“Ah… sorry.”
“It’s fine. Just pay attention to where you’re going.”
His tone remains calm, without the slightest hint of irritation.
Níng rubs the back of her head.
“I got a little carried away.”
“A little?”
“Okay, a lot!”
Aomi shakes his head and continues walking.
This time, Níng follows directly behind him, making a conscious effort to watch the road.
It doesn’t last very long.
Soon, Aomi stops in front of a jewelry shop.
Its exterior is decorated with polished wooden panels and golden carvings.
Several display cases sit behind the windows, filled with rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other ornaments that gleam beneath the warm lights.
Níng looks at the shop, then suddenly remembers something.
“Oh! Right! We’re here to sell the gold!”
Aomi glances at her.
“You remembered.”
“Of course I remembered! I just happened to be looking at other things.”
“Convenient.”
Before she can complain further, Aomi pushes open the door and enters.
A small bell rings above them.
Inside, the shop is considerably more spacious than its exterior suggests.
Glass cabinets display finely crafted jewelry, while several customers examine the merchandise beneath the watchful eyes of the staff.
A well-dressed employee approaches them with a welcoming smile.
“Good evening, esteemed customers! Welcome to our establishment. Are you looking for something in particular? We have rings, necklaces, bracelets, and precious ornaments of all kinds.”
Another employee approaches from the side, eager to assist.
“If you’re looking for quality, you’ve come to the right place! Our jewelry is carefully crafted, and we offer a wide selection for every occasion.”
Aomi listens without much interest.
Then he walks past them.
He reaches an empty counter, opens his pouch, and begins placing four boxes onto its surface.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
The sound draws the attention of everyone nearby.
One of the employees stops speaking.
Another looks at the boxes, then at Aomi.
“Excuse me… what are those?”
Aomi opens the nearest box.
Inside, golden pieces gleam beneath the shop’s lights.
He opens the second, then the third, and finally the fourth.
For a moment, the shop falls completely silent.
The employees stare at the gold.
Even a customer standing nearby turns around to see what is happening.
Aomi folds his arms.
“We’re here to sell these.”
The employee who had approached them first quickly regains his composure.
His welcoming smile becomes considerably more serious.
“I see. In that case, please allow us to inspect the merchandise.”
He gestures toward a nearby seating area.
“Would you kindly take a seat while our appraiser examines everything?”
Aomi nods and sits down.
Níng sits beside him, leaning forward to watch as the employees carefully carry the boxes to a separate counter.
One of them examines the gold with specialized tools, checking its purity and weight.
Another records the results, occasionally whispering to his colleague.
Several minutes pass.
Finally, the appraiser returns with a serious expression.
“The gold is genuine. Its quality is excellent, and the quantity is considerable.”
He looks toward Aomi.
“May I ask what price you have in mind?”
Aomi answers without hesitation.
“One million spiritual stones.”
The employee pauses.
He had expected a substantial amount, but the requested price is still high enough to demand careful consideration.
After a moment, he smiles politely.
“That’s a rather ambitious asking price. Considering the quantity, we could offer you ninety thousand spiritual stones as an initial payment.”
Níng’s head snaps toward him.
Ninety thousand?!
She almost opens her mouth to object, but Aomi speaks first.
“Two million.”
The employee’s smile stiffens.
“…Excuse me?”
“Two million spiritual stones.”
Aomi leans back in his chair, his expression completely indifferent.
“If ninety thousand is what you believe this gold is worth, then perhaps we’re wasting each other’s time.”
The employee’s forehead begins to sweat.
He glances at the boxes.
The gold is genuine, the quantity is substantial, and acquiring such a shipment could bring the shop a considerable profit.
Losing the deal would be a serious mistake.
He clears his throat.
“Please, there’s no need to rush into a decision. Surely we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.”
“Then make an offer worth considering.”
The employee hesitates before raising his offer.
“How about one million and seventy thousand spiritual stones?”
Aomi remains silent for a moment.
Then he nods.
“Fine by me.”
The employee blinks.
He had prepared himself for another round of negotiations, yet Aomi has accepted almost immediately.
“Excellent! We appreciate your business.”
He quickly turns toward another staff member.
“Prepare the payment. Ten boxes of spiritual stones, as agreed!”
The employee hurries away.
Níng stares at Aomi.
Then she stares at the boxes of gold.
Then back at Aomi.
What just happened?
Moments later, several employees return carrying ten boxes filled with spiritual stones.
They place them carefully before Aomi and wait while he checks the payment.
Satisfied, he opens his pouch and stores all ten boxes inside.
The employees watch the movement with barely concealed amazement.
Aomi rises from his seat.
“Thank you for the transaction.”
The employee bows slightly.
“The pleasure is ours. We hope to do business with you again.”
“Perhaps.”
Aomi turns toward the door.
“Níng. Let’s go.”
“Ah—right!”
She quickly follows him outside.
Behind them, the employees begin discussing the transaction in hushed voices.
Outside, the cool night air brushes against their faces as they rejoin the bustling streets.
Níng walks beside Aomi in complete silence.
For several moments, she seems lost in thought.
Then she suddenly turns toward him.
“Wait a minute.”
Aomi continues walking.
“What?”
“You just sold all that gold for over a million spiritual stones!”
“Yes.”
“And you made him agree to the price even after he tried to offer us ninety thousand!”
“Correct.”
Níng stops walking.
Aomi takes another step before realizing she is no longer beside him.
He turns around.
“What now?”
She points at him accusingly.
“How did you do that?!”
“Negotiation.”
“That’s not an explanation!”
“It’s the explanation you’re getting.”
“Aomi!”
He sighs.
“Come on. We need somewhere to stay for the night.”
“Tell me first!”
She immediately follows him again, refusing to let the matter go.
Eventually, they find a nearby hotel and rent a room for the night.
The room is simple but comfortable, with two beds, a wooden table, and a window overlooking the illuminated streets of Jīn Region.
After closing the door, Aomi places his pouch on the table and stretches his shoulders.
“Finally. We can rest.”
He turns around.
Níng is staring at him.
Not at the pouch.
Not at the room.
At him.
Aomi narrows his eyes slightly.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
She doesn’t answer.
Instead, she walks straight toward him.
“Aomi.”
“What?”
“Explain.”
“Explain what?”
“THE NEGOTIATION!”
Before he can react, Níng grabs his shoulders and pushes him backward onto the bed.
Aomi lands on his back with a soft thump.
Níng climbs onto the bed and settles herself on his hips, leaning forward until her long hair spills over her shoulders.
She looks down at him with wide, expectant eyes.
“Now you’re not going anywhere until you tell me!”
Aomi stares up at her.
For a few seconds, neither speaks.
Then he calmly asks, “Are you planning to interrogate me like this every time I make money?”
“If necessary!”
“Get off.”
“Explain first!”
He closes his eyes briefly.
What a troublesome girl.
“Fine. Listen carefully.”
Níng immediately straightens, her attention sharpening.
Aomi raises one hand and begins explaining.
“The first thing you need to understand is that the price a merchant offers you isn’t necessarily the actual value of your goods. It’s simply the price they hope you’ll accept.”
Níng nods enthusiastically.
“Okay!”
“The shopkeeper wanted to buy the gold for as little as possible. He started with ninety thousand because he wanted to see whether I understood its value or whether I was desperate to sell.”
“So he was testing you?”
“Exactly. And I was testing him, too.”
Aomi pauses before continuing.
“When I asked for one million, I gave him a reasonable starting point. But when he offered ninety thousand, I raised my demand to two million.”
Níng tilts her head.
“Why two million? Wouldn’t that make him angry?”
“Possibly. But that wasn’t the point. I wanted to change what he was worried about.”
“What he was worried about?”
“Think about it. At first, he believed he could buy the gold cheaply. After I demanded two million, he had two choices. He could risk losing the entire deal, or he could offer a price closer to what he was actually willing to pay.”
Aomi looks at her.
“Which do you think he preferred?”
Níng thinks for a moment.
“Buying the gold?”
“More specifically, buying it without paying too much.”
He continues.
“By asking for two million, I made my original demand of one million seem much more reasonable. Then, when he offered one million and seventy thousand, he probably believed he had brought me down from an unreasonable price.”
Níng’s eyes slowly widen.
“But you were already willing to accept around one million?”
“That’s right.”
“So he thought he had negotiated a better deal, even though you were already planning to sell it for something close to that amount?”
“Now you’re understanding.”
Níng stares at him in amazement.
Aomi continues in the same calm tone.
“The original price I estimated was around one million and sixty thousand spiritual stones. His final offer was ten thousand higher than that. I accepted because there was no reason to drag the negotiation out over a relatively small difference.”
He pauses.
“Besides, I didn’t know how much time we would waste if I kept bargaining. Time has value, too.”
Níng remains silent.
For once, she doesn’t interrupt him.
She simply looks at him as though she has discovered an entirely new side of his personality.
Then her face suddenly lights up.
“YOU’RE A GENIUS!”
Before Aomi can respond, she throws her arms around him in a tight hug.
Aomi’s cheek is pressed against her head.
“Hey. You’re squeezing my face.”
Níng only hugs him harder.
“Think about it! If we keep doing this, we’ll make so much money! We could buy an enormous house, eat delicious food every day, travel wherever we want, and—”
“First, let me breathe.”
“Oh, sorry!”
She loosens her grip slightly but doesn’t move away.
Then she looks down at him with a bright grin.
“Still, we make a pretty good team, don’t we?”
Aomi glances at her.
“We’ve completed one transaction.”
“And it was a successful one!”
“That’s not enough evidence to call us a good team.”
“Then we’ll do it again! And again! And again!”
She raises her fist triumphantly.
“We’ll become so rich that we won’t even have to look at price tags anymore!”
Aomi studies her excited expression for a moment.
Then he gives a small nod.
“Not a bad goal.”
Níng beams.
“See?! You agree with me!”
“I agreed with the goal, not your entire plan.”
“Same thing!”
“Not even remotely.”
She laughs and hugs him again, pressing her cheek against his.
Aomi’s expression remains as composed as ever, although his cheek is now being thoroughly squished.
Outside the window, the golden lights of Jīn Region continue to illuminate the night.
For Aomi, the city is another opportunity—a place filled with resources, connections, and possibilities he can use to advance his plans.
For Níng, however, it is something much simpler.
A place where she can explore, discover new things, eat delicious food, and make an unreasonable amount of money alongside her new companion.
And judging by the way she refuses to let him go, she has already decided that this is only the beginning.
“Hey, Aomi?”
“What now?”
“Tomorrow, can we visit the palace?”
“No.”
“Why not?!”
“Because we’re here to make money.”
“Then let’s make money at the palace!”
Aomi falls silent.
For the first time that night, he wonders whether teaching her negotiation was a mistake.
He flicks her head and pulls her ear.
” We are here to travel.
This place is merely a destination.
remember?”
Níng remembers and pouts nodding.
” Yeah yeah.
I remember that we are going to Azadia to find a spirit that can change appearances.”
this is by far the longest I ever wrote