Chapter 14: Underground City
"Granny Lucy, you look more energetic than ever."
"Miss Linni, this outfit really complements your temperament."
In the department store, Xu Mo greeted the incoming customers with a smile.
"Xu Mo, you seem more energetic too. Did you grow taller?" An old white-haired lady carrying a shopping basket smiled and said.
"He has indeed grown more handsome. Shouldn't Master Batu be considering a son-in-law?" The middle-aged woman next to her, dressed rather 'fashionably' with light makeup, also smiled when she heard Xu Mo being addressed.
"Granny Lucy, Miss Linni, what do you need?" Bai Wei shouted from the side, knowing Xu Mo was teaching her.
Bai Wei admired Xu Mo a lot; he could remember the names and preferences of every customer, always making them feel happy with his polite demeanor.
Sometimes she thought, it would be great if she could be as 'sunny' as Xu Mo.
Xu Mo could indeed sense his changes; ever since he came to this world and started cultivating the Breathing Technique, he was changing every day.
Or rather, evolving!
It was like a mysterious energy was causing his brain and body to evolve simultaneously. He could clearly sense that his memory and learning abilities were far superior to before. After teaching Mia Wind Valley that day, Mia also tried to teach him instruments, which Xu Mo picked up with ease.
His physical fitness was improving every day.
"Xu Mo, I'm ready."
Mia came down, carrying her instrument on her back and holding Yaoer, who was wearing new clothes, with her right hand.
"Yaoer looks so pretty today." Xu Mo extended his hands to pick up Yaoer, who smiled happily.
"Did you thank Miss Mia?" Xu Mo asked.
"Yes." Yaoer nodded.
Mia glanced at Xu Mo, looking at his old clothes.
"Mia." A voice came from outside. Xu Mo turned around and saw a carriage approaching from a distance, with Elsa waving at Mia from it.
"Coming," Mia replied, smiling. "Xu Mo, let's go. Sister Bai Wei, sorry to trouble you with the store. We'll go together next time."
"No problem. Goodbye, Miss Mia." Bai Wei smiled.
Mia and Xu Mo approached the carriage. Elsa helped Mia up and sat with her. Mia then took Yaoer into her arms while Xu Mo sat below them next to the coachman.
Sitting in the carriage, Xu Mo looked up and saw Master Batu standing by the window upstairs.
"Xu Mo, be careful on the road," Master Batu reminded Xu Mo.
"Master Batu, don't worry. I'll take good care of Miss Mia." Xu Mo nodded.
Mia was going to attend a concert and asked him to bring Yaoer along. Xu Mo did not refuse. He was a bit worried about Mia going alone, and besides, he wanted to understand more about this world.
From the information he had, it seemed he really was underground.
Moreover, he felt that the ideology and technology in the Underworld were constrained. There were almost no schools; ordinary people could only exchange labor for basic survival rights, which were not even guaranteed. He wanted to know what his parents discovered that brought about their death.
"Let's go," Elsa said, and the coachman urged the carriage forward. Besides carriages, Xu Mo could also see bicycles and motorbikes on the road. He hadn't seen any cars yet and wondered if he would see them this time.
"Goodbye, Sister Bai Wei." Mia waved at Bai Wei.
"Goodbye, Miss Mia. Have a safe trip." Bai Wei smiled in response as the carriage departed from the department store and proceeded down the main road.
In Xu Mo's memory, the original host had never traveled far in the Underground City. Without a mode of transport, he only moved around nearby areas. The farthest he had been was the black market after coming to this world.
"Mia, Wind Valley has such a beautiful atmosphere. Su Xi said everyone was immersed in it, and no one had heard that piece before. Are you sure you didn't compose it?" The carriage bumped along, and Elsa, holding Mia's hand, exclaimed. Both were music enthusiasts.
In the Underworld, most people struggled for basic necessities. Those who surpassed that level had little to satisfy their spiritual entertainment. Hence, music and poetry were widely loved by many girls.
As for men's preferences, Xu Mo had seen them in the black market.
Mia glanced at Xu Mo in front of her with a look of curiosity. After that day, Xu Mo had taught her several pieces of music, all with as beautiful atmospheres as Wind Valley. Xu Mo had only said he had heard them but couldn't explain where, which made her suspicious.
Additionally, Xu Mo asked her not to tell anyone else, saying she had heard them herself.
"Yes." Mia nodded. "Elsa, do you think I could create such beautiful music?"
Elsa looked at Mia, thinking she didn't seem to be lying.
"By the way, Elsa, has Ms. Irina really lived in the upper world?" Mia asked. Ms. Irina, who initiated this concert, had invited the composer of Wind Valley. Hence, Elsa had invited Mia.
"Yes, Ms. Irina is the daughter of a City State Member. I hadn't met her before either," Elsa said.
"Then she must know what the upper world is like," Mia said with a look of longing. "I wonder if I might have a chance to ask Ms. Irina about it."
Sitting in the front, Xu Mo heard their conversation and couldn't help but ask, "Miss Elsa, Miss Mia told me it's quite far. I've never traveled far before. Where is the concert being held?"
Elsa looked down at Xu Mo. To her, Xu Mo was like her coachman, a servant. She didn't understand why Mia treated her servant so well, and moreover, he was still young and already mingling in the black market, making Elsa see him as a delinquent.
Though feeling superior internally, Elsa courteously replied to Xu Mo, "The concert is being held at the church in the main city of the City State. It's the center of the Underworld." There was a hint of pride in Elsa's voice, which Xu Mo naturally picked up on. He didn't say much but felt an indescribable sensation.
If someone were born in the Underworld, they might think this was their entire world. To Xu Mo, this was undoubtedly very sad.
"Thank you, Miss Elsa," Xu Mo said.
Elsa didn't respond.
"I rarely go to the main city either. The last time was long ago. This time, I must have a good look," Mia said to ease any awkwardness, smiling at Xu Mo. "Xu Mo, let's tour around with Yaoer later."
"Yes." Xu Mo nodded lightly.
The carriage continued down the road silently. The coachman didn't say a word, and Xu Mo remained quiet too, leaving Mia and Elsa to chat throughout the journey.
It was indeed a long journey. After an hour, the carriage reached the outskirts of the main city. Xu Mo could see a giant gate ahead, with many people and motorcycles passing through, along with small four-wheeled vehicles.
The architecture and streets conveyed a mechanical style, reminiscent of a primitive steel city.
The carriage passed through the gate and moved along the spacious streets of the main city, where people bustled about. It was evident that their residence was just on the outskirts of the Underworld, which was much more bustling here.
Shops lined both sides of the streets, with various street vendors selling goods.
"Brother, what's that?" Yaoer pointed to a stall selling candied haws.
"Elsa, I want to stop for a while," Mia said.
"Stop the carriage," Elsa called, and the coachman halted. Xu Mo helped Mia off the carriage, and she ran to buy a stick of candied haws for Yaoer.
"Thank you, Sister Mia," Yaoer said happily.
Elsa couldn't understand the smile on Mia's face. She would jest with Yaoer on the road but wasn't too enthusiastic, only doing so for Mia's sake. She couldn't fathom why Mia treated her servant's sister like her own, always holding onto her.
However, Elsa was very kind to her friends. Her family was evidently better off than Mia's, but she still regarded Mia as a good friend. They shared similar interests, and Elsa had always admired Mia's singing voice, even envying it a bit.
"We have some time. Mia, shall we stroll down Xiangshe Street? There are lots of beautiful dresses there," Elsa suggested. "Many are designed in the upper world."
"Alright, as you say," Mia nodded.
The carriage entered the main city. Xu Mo could see iron castles standing tall in different places far away. He didn't expect such luxurious buildings in the Underworld, once again criticizing the original host's perception of the Underground City.
On Xiangshe Street, the shops on both sides were dazzling, with many having unique decorations that opened Xu Mo's eyes. It was a style completely different from his original world.
The group got off the carriage, and Elsa took Mia to shop for beautiful dresses.
While shopping, Mia took Yaoer inside, and Xu Mo waited outside.
After visiting several stores, Elsa bought quite a few dresses, but Mia still held Yaoer's hand while her other hand was empty.
"Mia, so many pretty dresses suit you. It's a pity not to buy them," Elsa said, walking ahead of Xu Mo with Mia.
"It's too expensive here. I have plenty of clothes at home," Mia said indifferently.
"Huh?" At that moment, Mia stopped and looked at a children's clothing store beside them, which was very dreamy.
"How beautiful," Mia's eyes lit up, and she pulled Yaoer inside. "Let's try it on."
Elsa stood there, stunned. She had been urging Mia to try on clothes all the time, but Mia never did. Yet now, she was taking Yaoer to try them on.
She stomped her foot in frustration and didn't go in, just standing outside watching.
Seeing this scene, Xu Mo wanted to laugh. He didn't mind Elsa's small notions as long as she wasn't malicious.
As for class concepts, who doesn't have them? Not everyone is as 'foolish' as Mia.
"Xu Mo, come and see. Does this look good?" Mia had already dressed Yaoer in a new dress and called out to Xu Mo outside.
"It looks good." Xu Mo smiled as Yaoer happily twirled around.
"Brother, can I wear it?" Yaoer asked Xu Mo.
"Yes, as long as Yaoer likes it," Xu Mo nodded. Elsa looked at Xu Mo and Mia, sighing secretly.
The clothes on Xiangshe Street had a minimum price of several dozen Federation coins. Buying a few pieces would amount to a servant's monthly pay. Mia was stingy towards herself but generous in picking dresses for her servant's sister. Elsa could only sigh that Mia was too foolish!
PS: What do you think the Underworld is like?