Chapter 309:
He felt he had put in too much effort for Harlee and Rhys to become an item.
Harlee and Rhys exited the car together, while Patrick didnât tag along as he had matters to deal with. The craft street they had stepped onto was short, featuring merely a dozen stalls. Yet, just beyond, local food courts promised at least a couple of hours of exploration.
No sooner had Fritz stepped onto the street than he bumped into an acquaintance.
After a quick word to Harlee, he engaged in lively banter with his friend by one of the nearby stalls.
Meanwhile, Harlee and Rhys ambled along the street, pausing here and there.
Harlee showed little interest in the Claelian crafts, merely casting fleeting glances without actually touching anything. Rhys, perceptive of her disinterest, covertly browsed his phone for locales that reflected the essence of Mogluylia.
Harlee halted abruptly at an elderly vendorâs stall, crouching to examine a delicate, light pink pouch. The vendor, a decades-long resident of Claelia who had migrated in his youth for better prospects, felt too rooted to leave in his old age despite the changing times.
Crafting provided him with a humble livelihood on this vibrant street.
Despite Harleeâs and Rhysâ understated outfits, the vendorâs experienced eyes recognized the air of affluence they carried.
Brimming with enthusiasm, he casually tossed out a question as he introduced his products.
âSo, youâre here for the famous public jadeite bid, arenât you?â
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Rhys, momentarily halting his browsing, looked up with a playful smirk and replied, âIs it that obvious?â
Harlee was genuinely surprised. She hadnât seen this relatable side of Rhys before, his ability to seamlessly connect with the merchant through a simple exchange.
With a knowing laugh, the vendor remarked, âIâve been around these parts for years.â
Each year, around this time, Claelia draws crowds of visitors, and most are here dreaming of striking it rich with jade,â the vendor remarked, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as he leaned in.
âIâm originally from Mogluylia myself, and it pains me to see my compatriots suffer.
Despite Benedictâs death, his legacy of human trafficking, organ trades, and fraud continues. Once greed grips a person, destruction is the inevitable end.
A little dabble in gambling can be fun, but heavy bets can ruin lives. You both look like you have means, but remember, even the greatest of wealth can slip away.â
A tear crept down the vendorâs cheek, his bent form heavy with unspoken tales.
He quickly wiped the tear away, forcing a cheerful smile.
âIâm merely sharing thoughts.
Donât let it bother you.â
His eyes briefly met those of Rhys and Harlee, sparking a fleeting grin.
âAre you two perhaps a couâ¦â
The vendor was about to hand them twin pouches as gifts when Fritz rushed over at the most inopportune moment.
.
.
.