Divine Convenience Store

"Congratulations, esteemed customer," Lin Mo announced warmly as he presented Left Minister Shen Jinhai with the golden card glowing with a subtle aura of prestige. "You are now the sixth Golden Patron of our Divine Convenience Store."

Left Minister Shen looked at it for a moment before taking it. His total transaction amounted to 1120 intermediate-grade or 112 high-grade spirit stones. His basket was filled to the brim with expensive talismans, pills and even artifacts with modern designs. He also didn't shy away from picking out the various indulgences offered by the store.

After Lin Mo explained to him the benefits of being a Golden Patron, he stepped away from the line with a satisfied smile after putting his packed items into his spatial bag.

The sheer practicality of the benefits that came with the privilege was immense even for a man of his position.

"By the way, Shopkeeper. I have to return to the royal capital after this. Is it possible for me to send someone to acquire a Viewing Jade for me when it is released?"

Left Minister Shen asked upon catching a glimpse of the posters on the wall and remembering the Viewing Jades the Golden Patrons were fiddling earlier.

"It is possible. The Viewing Jade will be soul-bound upon activation. It doesn't matter who buys it. As a reminder, each customer can only have one such jade. Activating another one will not be possible. Only when it is lost can one apply for a replacement." Lin Mo nodded as he explained it clearly, letting the other customers hear him.

It was already the most anticipated product, after all.

"Good. Good. One more thing. With your rapidly spreading influence, is the Divine Convenience Store fixed on this location? Or do you plan to open another branch somewhere?"

Yu Qingyan had already raised this question, and as of now, the store was still incapable of opening another branch. He had yet to reach the Renowned Tier, after all.

Lin Mo tapped his finger against the counter, acting as though he were thoughtfully considering the question.

"This location is the foundation, dear customer. For now, all transactions will continue to be conducted here. But as demand grows, I won't rule out the possibility of… alternate solutions."

Left Minister Shen's gaze sharpened slightly. "Alternate solutions?"

Lin Mo chuckled. "Minister Shen, you should understand better than most. True influence does not necessarily require physical presence in multiple locations. As long as people have a way to access what they need, whether through intermediaries or specialized means, distance becomes irrelevant."

Minister Shen hummed in thought, nodding slowly. "Indeed. The capital may not have a branch of your store, but if someone like me can arrange for my people to purchase and transport goods on my behalf, then the store's reach will extend there all the same." He let out a soft chuckle. "It seems I am thinking too traditionally."

"Not at all. An expansion could still happen in the future," Lin Mo admitted, leaving just enough ambiguity to keep curiosity alive. "But before that, I need the right people to ensure the store's interests are properly represented."

Ending his words right there, the old official picked up on what he was hinting at.

The Divine Convenience Store, influential as it may become, will not easily allow someone else to propagate their goods without permission.

'He's already thinking far ahead, anticipating fraudsters, copycats and counterfeits. He's truly a clever businessman. I hope His Majesty decides wisely regarding this store.' He thought.

After a few more questions, Left Minister Shen Jinhai let the next person in line continue with their transaction.

And to Lin Mo's surprise, City Lord Wei Xian had also filled his basket to the brim with various items. Most of his purchases were talismans and manuals, most likely to upgrade the City Guards' combat prowess. His total may not reach 100 high-grade spirit stones but when his previous purchases were added, his total accumulated purchases went over it.

Thanks to that, he became the seventh Golden Patron. He was frowning though. He's bleeding from the heart for parting with such a large amount.

Nevertheless, Lin Mo kept up his professional smile, causing the City Lord to grumpily step away, joining Left Minister Shen as they departed the store together.

With the two prominent figures gone, the store's atmosphere gradually settled into a steady rhythm.

While the foot traffic remained high, the initial rush had calmed enough that Lin Mo could step away from the counter without causing too much disruption, letting Liu Xiaoyu who returned from inside the Shopkeeper's Quarters take over for him.

—

At the dining area of the store, Yu Qingyan who had yet to leave the store noticed Lin Mo stepping away from the counter and approaching her direction.

Her eyes flickered with curiosity as she tried to guess his intention. Beside her, Elder Chu Yueying also remained but seeing Lin Mo approaching, she couldn't completely hide the intrigue in her eyes.@@novelbin@@

Is the romance finally about to bloom between them? Her lips curled up into a mischievous smile as she prepared to jump at Lin Mo, not just because he was an interesting fellow but also to continue messing with Yu Qingyan.

Alas, that's not the case at all. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire

Lin Mo approached them with a different purpose.

His professional demeanor was still prevalent as it felt like he was about to discuss something of significance to them.

"Miss Yu, Elder Chu, do you mind if I ask for a bit of your time?"

Yu Qingyan turned to him with a small smile. "Not at all, Shopkeeper Lin. Watching the store's operations has been an eye-opening experience in itself."

Elder Chu also did the same but she only nodded.

The Official Distributor position was still waiting to be filled. And Lin Mo already picked Yu Qingyan and her Verdant Sky Pavilion for it. As for Elder Chu, he didn't mind her listening in on the conversation. Her experience and insight would likely provide valuable input.

Lin Mo pulled out a chair and sat across from them, his expression calm but carrying the weight of business. "I believe you already have an idea of what I want to discuss, Miss Yu."

Yu Qingyan folded her hands on her lap, "You did mention yesterday that I should look forward to today. You've already introduced the Viewing Jade and the Store Bulletin Board. You had us witness the newest expansion of the store in the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall]. Is there more? Perhaps, the Official Distributor position?"

Lin Mo's lips stretched into a meaningful smile as he nodded.

"Mhm. I'm here to talk to you about it. Our store is finally ready to enter into an agreement for an Official Distributor. I cannot think of anyone to put in it other than you, the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion.

Yu Qingyan didn't answer immediately but her elation couldn't be hidden from her face, "Shopkeeper, tell me, is this because you wanted to stop me from buying a box of Heavenly Dew Soda each day and stockpiling it like that?"

Riding her humor, Lin Mo let out a subdued laughter, "Indeed. I have to put a stop to it before other customers catch on to the loophole in our system."

Elder Chu Yueying interjected with her signature coy laughter. "So you do pay attention to the more subtle aspects of your business, Shopkeeper Lin. I'm honestly impressed."

Lin Mo gave a light shrug, his expression neither confirming nor denying the claim. "A good businessman must always stay ahead of his customers, lest they outmaneuver him in his own domain. Nevertheless, I don't see myself as an ordinary business as my tenet remains to be bringing convenience to everyone."

Yu Qingyan laughed, the melodious sound carrying through the dining area. "Very well, Shopkeeper Lin. Let's set jokes aside and discuss this seriously. You wish for the Verdant Sky Pavilion to become the Official Distributor of the Divine Convenience Store?"

However, Lin Mo's answer was a shake of his head, causing the two Elder figures of their respective sects to raise their eyebrows. But he followed up quickly which once again made the proud Emissary to be flustered.

"I'm extending a hand to the individual you, Miss Yu, not the Verdant Sky Pavilion as a whole. With the store's influence growing, many will seek ways to acquire our products even if they cannot personally visit. While I do not plan to open a second branch yet, I need a trusted intermediary to facilitate distribution beyond this city. I cannot see anyone else taking that position aside from you."