It didn't take long before both of them arrived at Daisal. The atmosphere was lively, and citizens flocked around, searching for their own answers.
Zixin asked Hope, "What time is the 'market' active?"
Shock covered her expression, her thoughts running wildly, For the love of living, don't tell me he's planning to head there?
She replied, trying her best to dissuade him, "It's usually not active during the day, but even so, the danger still stands. After all, it is a gathering area for criminals."
"I already know the risks, so no need to worry about me. I'm not a child who would be lured by his curiosity." Zixin replied, knowing the irony behind his words.
Liar! Hope imagines herself puffing up her cheeks, not doing it in reality because Zixin would catch onto her thoughts.
She added, her tone dyed with false concern, "Activity is usually at its highest at night because the fights only occur at night. Information travels the fastest during it too."
Zixin probed, not letting this opportunity go to waste, "Is this also one of those pieces of information that managed to slip through the so-called 'cracks?'"
Silence reverberated, no response being given, a silent confirmation of Zixin's suspicions, At least I know when to go now.
He's definitely going isn't he? What an idiot. Hope thought for a second.
After their conversation came to a decisive end, Hope walked forward, continuing to lead the way and placing herself back into a position of power.
Not long after, the scent of newly baked goods came, leading them inside the bakery.
Zixin walked towards the counter, asking Hope, "What do you want to buy?"
She tilts her head, her confusion apparent, "Why?"
Zixin explained, "I kind of ruined the mood so I want to repair it by buying you treats."
Suspicious. Hope thought for a moment.
Zixin sighed, apologizing, I'm sorry my wallet but I really want to obtain her trust. If I don't, I won't have a countermeasure against Fang Hau.
She rubbed her chin, as if pondering over a life-changing question. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as she spoke with a child-like excitement, "I want cookies!"
She placed her order, puffing up her cheeks with delight, "I want every cookie please!"
Zixin reached for his wallet, opening it and handing his payment to the cashier.
The cashier handed the paper bag to Hope,
How can she eat so much? Maybe she has a different metabolism from most? I suppose that would explain things but… where does it all go? Zixin wondered, scanning Hope without her knowledge.
I think my sister once said that people with large appetites carry their weight evenly but I might be misremembering it. She did mention that for women it tends to go to their breasts. Uh… forget it, I'm not that curious anyway. Zixin dismissed all his thoughts, waiting for Hope's next step.
"I want ice cream." She spoke playfully, her excitement rising by the second.
"Where do we even buy ice cream?" He questioned.
Hope led Zixin down the street, searching for the vendor while she elaborated, "There's usually a vendor selling ice cream around this area. You'll know when you see him."
"Why would someone sell ice cream in such a rural area? Wouldn't it instead be better to sell it in major cities?" Zixin asked, hoping for an answer.
Hope shook his question off, "I don't know, maybe it's because of competition? But, to me, it doesn't matter since it seems fun."
She continued to lead the way until they spotted the vendor. He was a middle-aged man with receding grey hair. He wore a black coat, as he pushed his cart around. The cart was painted grey, with a poster attached.
Zixin was about to ask for the flavors but his lips stopped when he noticed the flavors written on the poster.
"What flavor do you want?" He turned his gaze at her as he tilted his head.
"One of everything–" She paused, noticing Zixin's twitching smile, before continuing, "Fine, one blue berry!"
The vendor chuckled, teasing Hope, "Oh, has Hope finally found a lover?"
Hope waved her hand exaggeratedly, dismissing him, "I can't imagine such a pitiful future."
"Hmm? I see, what do you think?" He turned to Zixin.
"Me? I have no interest in love, I just want to learn." He replied, handing the man his payment.
"Oh? So you're an outstanding scholar and Hope as a perfect housewife, what a couple." The vendor laughed.
Here we go again. This is why I rarely buy ice cream, he's so annoying. Like, this weirdo never shuts up. I wonder what Zixin thinks of him. Hope thought before her gaze landed on Zixin, ignoring the vendor's presence.
This person is strange to say the least. This cart however is interesting. I've never seen an ice cream vendor push a cart with their products. Zixin's curiosity rose, ignoring the vendor's quirks.
The vendor hands Hope her ice cream, and Zixin asks, probing calmly, "How did you think of creating a cart to sell ice cream?"
The vendor explained, smiling briefly, "I own a small ice cream shop but the sales are low so I thought about creating a cart that I would push across the street and perhaps attract the attention of potential buyers."
This feels like a good opportunity but I don't know why. Hmm? Perhaps I could invest? Having some sort of income would be helpful because I'm still not sure how long I will stay here, and the longer I stay, the more I would inevitably spend on Hope's cravings. Zixin thought, deciding on his new course of action.
He spoke, composed as ever, "May I invest in this business of yours?"
Puzzlement spread across the vendor's expression. He spoke, "I'm very thankful for your kindness but why invest in my business? It barely makes a profit."
"It may be because you don't advertise enough, and because you lack employees. You're the owner so you should be planning things, instead of working tirelessly like this." Zixin explained.
Hmm… how do we sell them? I suppose waiting for the result first would be the best idea. Zixin thought.
Zixin opened his wallet, handing the vendor his investment.
Tears began dropping down the vendor's eyes, and tears flowed until his eyes were eventually dyed red, "Thank you! I–I couldn't have expected this!"
…
A few hours later, Zixin and Hope sat down on a bench.
Hope questioned him, her smile replaced with composure, "So, why did you decide to invest in the ice cream business?"
"I wanted to create a way of earning money, so I thought that investing wasn't a bad idea." He explained.
It also means that I won't have to rely on my sister as much. Now that I think about it, my sister did declare my execution if I failed to enter the Hex Zone. I suppose that's gone now, that's good. Wait, I'm getting off topic aren't I? Zixin shook his thoughts off, regaining his composure.
Whatever, he just fell for that old man's scam. Not like it bothers me in the first place so he'll just see. Hope wondered before paying her attention to him.
Zixin asked, "I have yet to make a decision regarding Fang Hau's request so, I want to ask: can I stay here for a little longer?"
"No worries! Just leave it to me." Hope's exaggerated smile returned.
Zixin relaxed both his body and mind, preparing to enter the Hex Zone.
He calmed down and began splitting his mind. He grabbed forward, but his mind merged instead, causing his first attempt to result in failure.
On his second attempt, he created a wall between his thoughts but it soon collapsed when his intrusive thoughts started bombarding it. His second attempt led to failure.
On his third attempt, he created a whirlpool out of his thoughts, later splitting it into two and causing him to enter the White Palace.
He thought, Three attempts… Sigh, I need to train on entering the White Palace as fast as possible at any given moment.
He left the White Palace, letting his mind merge back into one.
He noticed Hope's watchful gaze, as she asked, "Did you just enter the Hex Zone?"
"By definition, yes."
She smiled genuinely, congratulating him, "Entering the Hex Zone is a big deal for Holders right? Congratulations! I'll make sure to make tonight's dinner unforgettable."
…
At the dinner table Zixin ate his meal, a subtle smile forming as he ate. The meal was no soup but it reminded him of the warmth that made him love soups.
After their meal, Zixin spoke, "I can wash the dishes. You cooked this meal, so it's only natural that I wash the dishes."
Hope nodded, stretching her arms, a sign of exhaustion.
Zixin swiftly washed the dishes, finishing after ten minutes.
He started heading down Mount Lorebale, his curiosity over the market having reached its limits.