Miss Riddler just wants to level up in peace.

Fortunately, I recovered some interest; this is the price I pay for using her as a body pillow.

"It's alright, it's just a pity Bronya isn't here, it was so hard to break the new record..."

That's what they say, but actually, most of the time it's Celine who's playing.

Although humans are small, the little gadgets they create are truly interesting and even have some use.

[Hmph, considering how pleasant I was last night, don't you dare stop me like that next time.]

Xilin was very unhappy with the sudden body switch.

If it weren't for Kiana's interference, Xie Ziyao would have been completely taken advantage of by her by now.

Like eating an apple, peeling away the outer skin little by little to reveal its sweet and delicious interior...

"Just bear with it a little longer. Once you're separated and completely free from the Honkai, we'll go back to find everyone."

Ziyao sensed the dejection in Kiana's voice and offered her comfort.

After breakfast, the two replenished their disguise potion.

There was only one purpose in coming to Yuehai City—to collect the materials on the list.

Volume 1: Chapter 144 Rita

"so bitter."

Yuehai City is more like a suburban area than a city.

There are very few tall buildings; most are low-rise buildings that do not exceed twenty meters in height.

As soon as I stepped into the street, a strong, bitter smell wafted over, as intense as Chinese medicine.

Truck after truck passed by, leaving tracks on the snow-covered road.

"A friendly reminder from the map service: You have deviated from your route. Please turn right and continue straight..."

After taking a slight detour, the two arrived at the busiest alleyway in the area.

The museum not far away is hosting its triennial pharmaceutical expo, showcasing the rich local pharmaceutical culture and attracting many tourists.

"Kiana, remember this: I am now the young lady of XX Pharmaceutical Company."

Before coming to Moonsea City, she asked Raven for help to obtain a false identity that would make her movements easier.

This is the territory of destiny; one must be extremely careful in everything one does.

"Ziyao, how about we go for a walk over there?"

This was Kiana's first time encountering these things. All sorts of medicinal herbs and raw materials were displayed in glass cabinets, with slips of paper next to them filled with descriptions, making it dazzling to look at.

"If you find something very valuable at an inconspicuous stall, will you become rich?"

".....Won't."

You've read too many weird novels, how could you possibly find an old man just by buying something?

If it's gambling on jade, it's alright, but the odds are rather low.

The good stuff has already been picked over; what's left is just for fooling unsuspecting people. Buying something good is harder than winning the lottery.

One party wants to gain an advantage, and the other party wants to take advantage of a bargain; the buyer and seller form an adversarial relationship outside of the contract.

"Hmm... I see."

Kiana seemed thoughtful; she wanted to see if there was any alum crystal nearby that she could use as a material for the pendant.

Ziyao did not stop or pause, but instead found the relevant person in charge and handed him the purchase list.

It's more convenient to contact the distributor directly than to ask each store individually.

For example, selling fruit is much more convenient than a simple roadside stall. Fruit shops offer a wide variety of products, but the price is slightly higher. However, they are much more convenient.

"I'm sorry, some of the lower ones are fine, but we've never even heard of the ones above. Where did you get this list from?"

After receiving the list, the herbal medicine dealer shook his head repeatedly, pointing to items such as "Collapse Crystals," "Ancient Will," and "Star Stones," indicating that he had never heard of them before.

"How about we explore other places...?"

Kiana took Ziyao's hand from the side and made a suggestion.

If everything is taken care of here, how can she secretly buy crystals to make a pendant?

Or should we find an excuse to slip away?

"Business is based on integrity. Since we are selling, why hide it?"

"Miss, you've misunderstood. We really don't have these things here."

The middle-aged man smiled ingratiatingly, while secretly observing Ziyao in front of him.

The young woman was poised and straightforward, seemingly with a clear purpose. She didn't linger at any of the small shops and went straight here.

Their company is the second largest pharmaceutical company in the area, so naturally they have everything on the list.

However, how did an ordinary person like her know all this?

"To be frank, I don't have much time."

Ziyao took out a business card with her information written on it.

Many pharmaceutical companies here have partnerships with Destiny and numerous other organizations, and they are well aware of the existence of the Honkai.

Some items related to Honkai will appear here and then flow into the black market.

The truth will eventually come out, and soon the whole world will know that a terrible disaster has been lurking around them.

“…”

After reading it, the man was initially taken aback, but then his expression changed immediately, and he gave an apologetic smile.

Clutching the business card tightly, he dared not neglect Ziyao for even a moment longer.

"Please, please take a seat."

He quickly bowed and invited the two to the VIP room.

"Thank you, I don't drink."

Ziyao pushed away the Red Army wine offered by the waiter and refused.

"Forgive my ignorance, but I didn't know you were the young lady of your esteemed company. Are you here to discuss business or just to purchase the items we just discussed?"

This morning, he heard that a big shot was coming from above. Could it be Miss Zi in front of him?

"This is not something you should know."

"Yes, I understand."

The man sat upright, his back straight.

If he loses this potential client, the young girl, he'll probably get a scolding from his boss.

"Can you gather all the items listed above within two days?"

The girl tossed the list onto the table, her eyes incredibly clear, and the subtle pressure she exuded made the man a little nervous.

"It's possible, but there are a few things..."

Among the list are three extremely rare materials, which even Tianming himself doesn't have many of.

In the entire Yuehai City, it is estimated that only the largest pharmaceutical companies have this capability, as they have undertaken many of Tianming's customer orders.

"You don't need to worry about these three things. Here is the address; we'll have someone deliver them to you later."

After leaving her business card, Ziyao led the distracted Kiana out of the VIP room.

“Miss Zi, I must remind you that Lister is a local bigwig here, and even your family is not someone to mess with. If you can't buy it, then forget it.”

As they were leaving, the man kindly reminded them, but unfortunately, the two had already gone far away.

The dazzling sunlight slanted down, and compared to the sweltering heat of summer, the winter sun felt warm.

Walking through the old-fashioned alleyways,

"Ziyao, I saw some delicious food over there. Why don't you go buy the ingredients first? I'll bring you some back."

"Okay, remember to add extra spice."

Just as they were parting, several young men noticed the list in Ziyao's hand and surrounded the two of them.

"Is this your first time here, little girls? You look like you're looking for something. Would you like us to help you?"

One of the blond-haired men stepped forward and spoke, showing no regard for the difference between men and women.

Despite it being a cold winter day, the two women were dressed in light, thin dresses made of soft, expensive fabric, clearly from wealthy families.

Kiana's internal alarm bells were ringing; the other person's hair color made her feel very uncomfortable.

"No need, thank you for your kindness."

Ziyao frowned slightly, but still maintained her politeness.

As she spoke, she noticed that several people were wearing the same name tags.

"You bunch of good-for-nothings, instead of working properly, you come here to harass girls, huh?"

Kiana stood at the front, looking at the thugs with disdain.

“How can you call it harassment?” One of them stepped forward, blocking the path on the left. “We genuinely want to help the two ladies.”

"Yes, we've lived here for over a decade, and we can meet any of your needs."

"abnormal."

Since these people don't know what's good for them, they should be taught a lesson to prevent them from harming others.

To deal with them, you don't even need to be 10% serious.

Just as Kiana was about to make her move, Ziyao stopped her.

"Kiana, ignore them. Go buy your things first. Oh, and remember to add extra spice."

"Hey, but they..."

Ziyao leaned close to Kiana's ear and gently blew hot air into her ear, saying, "Don't worry, they're just a few brainless salespeople."