Shajin stepped into the clothing store once again, heading straight for the premium section without the slightest hesitation.
"Yo, kid, back again?" the blond-haired clerk sneered as he approached.
Seeing that Shajin ignored him, the clerk continued, "Quit dreaming. These clothes aren't something someone like you could afford!"
Shajin shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself, Persistent pest.
He walked directly to the fur-trimmed coat he'd been eyeing before and picked it up without a second thought.
Then he selected a teal inner shirt and a pair of gray trousers to go with it.
On top of that, he casually added a few sets of pajamas and loungewear.
Overall, the purchase cost over two million Mora.
The blond-haired clerk's eyes went wide, jaw practically hitting the floor.
No way… Is this guy some young master from a major clan out here slumming it?!
When Shajin emerged from the fitting room, everyone around couldn't help but do a double take. Clothes really do make the man—his already striking appearance, paired with his elegant new outfit, made him look every bit the noble scion.
Passersby cast curious glances his way, many of them doing double takes.
The "slave brand" on his neck, once hidden beneath his collar, was now openly visible. But he no longer felt the slightest shame—this mark would no longer bind him.
Oddly, no one seemed the least bit surprised by the brand. A few onlookers even began speculating aloud whether it was some kind of new fashion trend and wondered if they should get one too…
At that moment, the blond-haired clerk rushed up with a sycophantic grin.
"Heh heh, young master, I swear I didn't mean anything by it! Even if you gave me ten guts, I wouldn't dare offend you!"
Shajin smiled faintly and replied unhurriedly, "Oh? Is that so?"
Seeing that Shajin wasn't angry, the clerk breathed a huge sigh of relief and quickly said, "You're a magnanimous man, surely you wouldn't stoop to bicker with someone like me, right?"
Shajin nodded with a smile. "Don't worry. I won't hold it against you."
With that, he pulled a single Mora from his pocket and handed it to the clerk.
"A tip."
The clerk didn't dare refuse. He took the coin with both hands and bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, thank you, young master!"
Shajin's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "No need."
…
Shajin wasn't in a rush to leave the shopping district. After all, he'd just come into a huge sum of Mora.
With money in hand, he could finally enjoy life without worrying about survival.
And with the deed in his pocket, he didn't need to stress about lodging either.
Strolling leisurely through the streets of Liyue Harbor, he felt lighter than ever.
The shops lining the streets were aglow with lanterns, their displays brimming with goods that attracted crowds of buyers.
From time to time, Shajin would step into a store and pick up interesting little trinkets.
Just like the gold-pink sunglasses on his nose and the rounded hat perched on his head—they gave him a more dignified, untouchable air.
Shajin relished standing out like this. Only by being conspicuous could he ward off those with ill intentions.
Flamboyance was his armor—his way of ensuring that he wouldn't be overlooked or underestimated.
I'll protect myself. No one will control me ever again.
That was Shajin's vow of self-preservation.
He didn't seek lofty ideals—just a self-centered, pragmatic kind of freedom.
As it grew late, Shajin followed the address on the deed and easily located the inn that now belonged to him.
Though it wasn't especially large, it was far from small. Just from appearances, Shajin estimated that the inn must generate at least 100,000 Mora in daily profit.
An inn making this much money is only worth a little over eight million Mora?
As Shajin stepped inside, a staff member quickly approached.
"Good evening, sir. Would you like to check in?"
Shajin simply pulled out the deed and flashed it to the clerk. The staffer's expression changed dramatically.
"Please wait just a moment."
He hurried upstairs without another word.
Shajin calmly sat down on a couch in the lobby, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and waited in silence.
Before long, a pudgy middle-aged man came hurrying over, his forehead slick with sweat.
He greeted Shajin obsequiously.
"Boss! You're here! I'm Wang Defa, the manager of this inn. But please, feel free to call me Xiao Wang!"
Wang Defa was stunned to see such a young man as the new owner. He knew the inn had been sold, but he hadn't expected the buyer to be so youthful.
Shajin gave a slight nod, speaking curtly, "No need for formalities."
He waved his hand and sipped the tea in his cup.
Wang Defa grinned obsequiously. "Boss, the tea here is all top-quality."
Shajin's smile was subtle, almost sly. "Hmm. Not bad."
Then he finished the rest of the tea in a single swig.
Seeing this, Wang Defa quickly poured another half cup and asked tentatively, "Boss, is there anything else you need?"
Shajin set the cup down and tapped the table with a finger. "Prepare a room for me."
Wang Defa immediately nodded and pulled a key from the highest drawer at the front desk. He handed it to Shajin with both hands. "Boss, this one's on the top floor. We just renovated it yesterday—guaranteed to your satisfaction!"
Shajin accepted the key and nodded. "Good." He turned and headed for the elevator.
Wang Defa let out a sigh of relief. Young as he is, this new boss has a powerful presence… not someone to trifle with.
He was glad he hadn't messed up his first impression.
The previous owner had made his fortune running rigged games at a casino before dabbling in the inn business.
But he never really cared about managing the place, which gave Wang Defa plenty of… "creative space" to operate.
Although the inn appeared to be worth only 8 million Mora on paper, Wang Defa knew its real value was closer to 20 million.
As for where all that extra profit had gone… well, that wasn't hard to guess.
Better keep a low profile for now…
Inside the elevator, Shajin pressed the button for the top floor. As it ascended slowly, he stood quietly, his mind already planning his next move.
When the doors opened, he stepped into a peaceful and elegantly decorated hallway, clearly the result of meticulous design.
Opening the door to his room, he was greeted by a refreshing scent.
The furniture was arranged neatly, the bed looked luxuriously soft, and a pot of blooming flowers sat by the window.
Shajin nodded with satisfaction and muttered, "Yeah… this suits me just fine."
Then he flopped onto the bed.
"Finally… I can get some proper rest."
_
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