Since Hong Yijia hadn't brought any lodging supplies, and Lin Yilin, who usually lived alone, hadn't really considered such things, the two of them decided to go to Hakeman Supermarket on Beixiao Road in the afternoon to buy some daily necessities.
Also, with a friend visiting, they couldn't just eat casually anymore, so they'd also pick up some ingredients for meals.
Bianjiao Square, located west of Beixiao Road, is a somewhat desolate commercial area, and Hakeman Supermarket is situated there.
As a well-known supermarket chain in Dadu, Hakeman opening a store on Xixikeke Street was seen as a sign of optimism for Xixikeke's commercial future.
Before the recent underground unrest affected the order of the Grey District, Xixikeke Street's development had indeed been steadily improving.
If the Jacob Family hadn't suddenly perished while doing so well, the nobles in Dadu's core circle had originally hoped for it to become the new generation's underground king of Dadu, controlling the Grey District's underground order.
As a result of this sudden demise, not much order was established; instead, various gangs and other forces, vying for the territory and industries left behind by Jacob's collapse, caused even more chaos through their infighting and fragmentation.
Although it has finally calmed down recently, the blow to Dadu was severe.
The number of homeless people on Xixikeke Street increased significantly, small and medium-sized gangs emerged like mushrooms after rain, and established gangs absorbed these new groups and a large number of desperate individuals.
Social unrest exacerbated various conflicts within the Grey District, and the widespread panic made it easier to attract Illusions.
A series of chain reactions caused undercurrents to surge in Xixikeke.
Hakeman Supermarket was also affected by this, but as the saying goes, businesses that can open from the core circle of the White District are not easily trifled with.
Hakeman Supermarket on Beixiao Road has extensive experience in dealing with 'zero-dollar purchases'; employees, especially cashiers, are regularly armed, and their work uniforms must include bulletproof vests.
Local gangs and offices that have received payment from Hakeman Supermarket—yes, the focus is again on our highly popular Banmu Office—escort the supermarket and maintain its operations.
To be honest, it's truly impressive that they can keep it open.
Lin Yilin particularly likes this supermarket; their product quality is guaranteed, and Lin Yilin is even a member of this store, receiving considerable discounts.
Hong Yijia's behavior perfectly fit Zheng Fan's stereotype of a noisy woman; she became incredibly enthusiastic as soon as she entered places like malls, and coincidentally, both she and Lin Yilin were very wealthy.
However, Bianjiao Square in Xixikeke was considered a failed investment; due to the turmoil caused by the Jacob Family's collapse, this mall, once built, failed to attract large-scale businesses, so high-end goods that would satisfy Hong Yijia were naturally very few.
In fact, when wandering around here, one must be careful not to venture into certain obscure corners or too deep into the maze-like mall.
Those areas may very likely have become gang hideouts.
"So why on earth are we going to a supermarket? Is my financial capability not appealing enough?" Zheng Fan stood beside Lin Yilin, arms crossed, feeling underestimated.
"Supermarkets have discounts, Mr. Illusion's assets come with a premium, and even if the quality might be good, there's always the chance of a situation like with the coffee machine. Isn't the choice obvious?" Lin Yilin said emotionlessly.
"Don't be so calculating," Zheng Fan looked up at the sky helplessly.
"Money doesn't grow on trees," Lin Yilin still responded with this truism, then complained, "Moreover, Mr. Illusion's premium and discounted prices are no longer something that can be brushed off with mere careful budgeting."
"I think Mr. Illusion is right!" Hong Yijia, who had just been loudly insisting on browsing the mall before Lin Yilin dragged her back to the supermarket, suddenly raised her hand.
Lin Yilin rolled her eyes at her: "Why are you joining in the fun?" She clearly couldn't see or hear Zheng Fan.
"Contextual cloze is a basic skill, Xiao Lin, let alone for a negotiation master in my line of work," Hong Yijia said playfully, "I don't mind trying out Mr. Illusion's super abilities from the ultra-modern era! I can pay for it!"
Zheng Fan nodded in satisfaction: "You're sensible, but since you don't mind, then I'm a little hesitant."
He almost forgot he was buying things for this woman.
Lin Yilin looked at the two of them, feeling her mental energy draining twice as fast. Could she ask for double pay? Oh, she was the 'boss,' so never mind.
"In any case, it's a no. Let's go, finish shopping and get back before the sun sets." Lin Yilin set the goal and walked straight ahead.
Hong Yijia could only follow.
Then Zheng Fan went directly in the opposite direction from them—the children's toy section!
He hadn't yet sampled this world's offerings in that regard since arriving.
"Hiss, the Gundams in this world seem pretty good too, but why are they all so realistic, mixed with a biological feel, and even a bit horrifying... Is this really the children's toy section?"
He scanned a few boxes of robot-type model toys on the shelves in front of him, which were completely different in style from the familiar Gundams in Zheng Fan's memory.
Based on Dadu's current prices, they were indeed in the more expensive category.
Zheng Fan pulled out his smartphone—bought with his ability after he had some spare cash—intending to directly search for related terms.
"taboo Machine Devil series? A supernatural dark fantasy robot war set against a multi-world backdrop? A classic, super-long series..." Zheng Fan looked it up and was actually a bit interested.
The search showed that this series was initially considered a cult animation, with horror and darkness as its main selling points, but it sparked a trend. Subsequent commercialization pushed it forward, and the series underwent multiple reshuffles and reforms. To this day, to expand its audience, it has shed its core horror and darkness, but its visual presentation still insists on impactful gore and violence, further strengthening fan loyalty.
It enjoys extremely high popularity in Dadu, and related model toy merchandise brings in extremely high profits. Another strong proof of Dadu's citizens' excellent mental state.
"Every world will eventually encounter its own Bandai..." Zheng Fan couldn't help but sigh, looking at a taboo Machine Devil in front of him, with a two-faced, stitched-together appearance yet possessing a unique beauty. He felt a desire to acquire it.
"Oh? This 'taboo' model is actually still in stock? That's quite rare." Suddenly, a female voice sounded beside Zheng Fan.
Zheng Fan turned his head, catching a glimpse of vivid fiery red long hair.
She was extremely tall, even taller than Zheng Fan, a super mature woman easily over 1.9 meters.
Her eyes were even more dazzling golden-red, like two suns, giving the Illusion of radiating light, with red eyeliner at the corners of her eyes and a constant, confidently bordering on arrogant, smile on her face.
A deep red coat draped over her body still couldn't hide her supermodel-like figure, and her long, fair legs were largely covered by black high-heeled boots.
What the hell is this person?
Too dazzling—literally.
There was a fundamental difference in temperament from the cosplay enthusiasts in strange costumes that Zheng Fan remembered.
Most importantly, the scent of Phantasms was so strong.
Phantasms? Illusion?
It was so potent, mixed into a blur, that Zheng Fan couldn't quite distinguish it for a moment.
But...
Zheng Fan glanced at the item in front of him: "taboo?"
This was the Machine Devil he was planning to acquire, even intending to call Lin Yilin over to get it.
What a pity.
He pouted unhappily, turned to leave, and decided to go back and manifest a better one himself.
"Sir, are you also interested in this taboo? I have no intention of stealing it from you; you can buy it."
Then, just as Zheng Fan turned to leave, the woman behind him called out to him.