One of the older agents let out a defeated sigh. “Then what do we do?”

Jian didn’t answer immediately. He glanced around the store and the bustling activity within as the excited customers picked up store products before lining up to the counter where Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu had already returned.

“Nothing… for now. We will end our investigation here and submit our report. But we’ll continue observing this store. If it truly remains neutral and continues to uphold its business principles, we can do nothing. However…” His gaze sharpened. “If the Shopkeeper ever oversteps, if he starts bending the rules in a way that threatens the kingdom’s balance, we must be ready.”

His subordinates murmured their agreement. They knew what this meant.

The Silver Lotus Hall would remain watchful. But for now, they had to check out their items.

One by one they stood up and walked at the end of the line. No matter how much they tried to hide it, the expressions under their masks were also that of excitement and anticipation for the items they bought from the store.

Talisman, pills, manuals, snacks, meals, and beverages. Everything the store can offer can be seen in their baskets.

—

Back at the check-out counter, Lin Mo was now standing behind it as he relieved poor little Xiao Ya from the duty of handling such an overwhelming number of customers. The little girl had been diligently managing the transactions, her small fingers flying across the counter’s crystal interface with surprising efficiency, but Lin Mo could see the fatigue beginning to creep in.

With a warm smile, he patted her head. “Good work, Xiao Ya. Go take a break and grab something to eat.”

Xiao Ya blinked up at him, clearly torn between her sense of duty and her growling stomach. “But, Shopkeeper, the line is still so long…”

Lin Mo chuckled. “It won’t get any shorter if you collapse from hunger. Don’t worry, I’ll handle things here.”

Liu Xiaoyu, who had returned from one of the aisles, was holding a thick manual that made Lin Mo remember the thick books he had from college.

She tapped Xiao Ya’s shoulder and grinned, “Leave it to the boss, Xiao Ya. You’ve already done great! Come, I found the right cultivation manual for you. You should start your practice while resting.”

With a reluctant nod, Xiao Ya finally scurried off with Liu Xiaoyu to the Shopkeeper Quarters.

A moment later, Yangyang emerged, her glasses fogged up slightly, “Shopkeeper Lin, do you need assistance?”

“Mhm. You must have witnessed everything, right?”

Yangyang nodded. She could see everything from the PC-like device she was using for her, after all.

“Yes. It was honestly amazing… You had that vision all along. However, looking at this long line…”

Her voice trailed off.

Lin Mo understood what she wanted to say.

“It’s fine. It’s still manageable for now. But in the future, I’ll put in a suggestion for an automatic checkout counter. It won’t be that difficult for the divine beings to create an artifact like that, right?”

Yangyang adjusted her glasses and glanced at the long line of customers still waiting to check out.

“Un. Integrating a self-service counter like that could significantly reduce wait times.”

Lin Mo smirked. “Exactly. But for now, we’ll have to make do with the traditional way.”

With that, he resumed handling transactions, his hands expertly moving as he scanned the items and rang up the register. Each beep of a successful purchase was accompanied by nods of satisfaction from the customers, some of whom were already chatting about what they’d try next time.

Eventually, the turn for the masked figures of the Silver Lotus Hall came.

And the first thing that Lin Mo said to them was…

“Dear customers, I appreciate you complying with our store’s policy, however, I have one more request.” He paused for a moment to let his voice travel to the last Silver Lotus Hall agent in the line. “Your masks. Please take them off when you’re inside the premises of our store.”

The sudden request caught the Silver Lotus Hall agents off guard. A ripple of tension passed through them as their hands instinctively twitched toward their masks.

Jian’s gaze darkened behind his, his mind raced through possible implications. Removing their masks meant exposing their identities. As members of the Royal Intelligence Division, anonymity was their greatest shield. Yet, here in the Divine Convenience Store, the usual rules did not seem to apply.

“This store operates under clear guidelines. Transparency is one of them. We do not discriminate between customers, be they sect disciples, nobles, or even agents of the royal court. However, we ask for the same courtesy in return. No masks within the premises.”

His words carried no malice, but they left no room for argument either. It was not a request. It was an expectation.

The surrounding customers, some still waiting in line and others browsing the shelves, turned their attention toward the agents, waiting to see how they would respond.

“Well, that’s unexpected.”

“I wonder if they’ll comply?”

“They already bought things, didn’t they? What are they gonna do, return them?”

Jian’s fingers tightened over his shopping basket before exhaling through his nose.

His earlier observation about the store’s ‘danger’ rang true yet again.

Lin Mo had masterfully maneuvered them into a position where refusing would only make them appear weak or suspicious.

After a long moment, he reached up and, with deliberate movements, removed his mask.

Beneath it was a sharp yet composed face, one that carried the weariness of someone accustomed to seeing too much. His dark eyes, however, held no hostility but it was filled with measured caution.

His subordinates hesitated before following suit, revealing their faces one by one. Some were older, their expressions seasoned with experience, while others were younger, their uncertainty betraying their inexperience. Nonetheless, they’re all experts in their own right.

If they fought against the customers blocking their way earlier in front of the store, the place would probably have turned into a wreckage.

Of course, the Divine Convenience Store would surely survive it.

Lin Mo smiled. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

He then proceeded to check out their items while asking them about the result of their investigation.

Lin Mo was confident they’d leave in awe, much like every customer they had.

If even the Poison Demon Cult’s High Priest fell prey to the store products’ ‘convenience’, what can a Royal Intelligence Division of a mortal kingdom do?

One by one, the Silver Lotus Hall agents accepted their purchases, their earlier apprehension replaced by reluctant admiration. While they didn’t tell him every thought they had about the store, it’s not hard to catch them on their hesitation.

As Jian took his bag, he met Lin Mo’s gaze once more. “You are a difficult man, Shopkeeper Lin.”

Lin Mo chuckled, completely unfazed. “I prefer the term ‘businessman, Leader Jian.'” Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire

Jian sighed but he didn’t push it anymore. He accepted his defeat against this enigmatic Shopkeeper.

With nothing more to say, he turned and left with his subordinates, the weight of their purchases heavy in their hands.

As the last of them exited the store, Lin Mo watched them go, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small shake of his head, he turned his attention back to the next customer.

Business continued as usual.

—

After another line of customers, the familiar figure of Left Minister Shen soon arrived at the counter.

He’d taken in everything Lin Mo had to show for.

His appearance earlier immediately quelled the conflict. The Exhibition Match which showcased the Divine Convenience Store’s hint of ambition. And the sea of items that he, too, couldn’t bear to not take into his shopping basket.

On his arrival to the city, he was only concerned about the skirmish report that he had received. But now, he was fully convinced… the victorious battle yesterday had to be carried by the store’s amazing products.

“Shopkeeper Lin, I must admit, your unconventional methods are undeniably effective. How you dealt with the Silver Lotus Hall is quite exemplary. Even as the Left Minister of the kingdom, I have no choice but to step down and let things happen as is.” He allowed a slight smirk to grace his lips, the kind that spoke of both admiration and calculated foresight.

Lin Mo inclined his head politely, not showing his inner triumph that made him smile from ear-to-ear.

From the Silver Lotus Hall alone, the store’s revenue was more than 150 high-grade spirit stones. And now, looking at the basket of the old official, he already calculated that it was another transaction that would exceed 100 high-grade spirit stones.

He’s going to be the 6th Golden Patron of the store and the 4th for the day. One more and the Daily Tasks would be cleared.

“Minister Shen, I strive to ensure that all procedures are fair and transparent. Our policies are designed not to discriminate, but to maintain order and mutual respect. I believe that even those with esteemed titles must adhere to the same rules as any other customer in our establishment.”

He ended that with a wink as he saw Yu Qingyan and Elder Chu standing not far away with their hands covering their mouths.

What policy? He only came up with it to scam the overbearing Silver Lotus Hall.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep