Amalia suddenly stopped and thrust the packet of milk candies that Rafael had given her into his hand. "Take it. Please don't follow me anymore."
After that the footsteps that had been following closely disappeared behind her. When she almost reach out of the alley, she glanced from the corner of her eye and confirmed no one was there anymore. That person had been following her for the milk candies in her pocket after all.
...
The next day, before heading out, Amalia logged into the Red Espiritual Net. Since the network's staff had clarified the situation for her and sent a private message, more and more people were purchasing her artifacts. Many were inquiring about when new artifacts would be available, but Amalia neither deleted nor responded to the messages.
Shutting down the private messages, Amalia suddenly remembered something was missing. It seems Carlos hadn't come to see her for a long time. However, she didn't dwell on it, assuming the other person was busy.
That day at the stall, there were notably more people seeking her help to repair their artifacts. Among them were a few of the thin stall owner's old customers. Amalia sensed the thin stall owner's undisguised glares, clearly very angry.
"Aren't you two worried? She's not just stealing my customers but yours too," the thin stall owner suddenly remarked to the old and chubby stall owners.
Both the old and chubby stall owners remained silent.
Growing somewhat anxious, the thin stall owner continued, "Don't look at the few customers she's snatching now. Once she takes all of your customers in the future, it will be too late to worry."
"As much as that's true, what can we do about it?" The chubby stall owner almost smiled, "She's relying on genuine skills. Do we need to compete with her on skill?"
"Some people are naturally suited for this kind of work," the old stall owner finally spoke.
"Skills?" The thin stall owner's face suddenly showed a hint of sarcasm, seemingly recalling something. "If others have Skills, should we just step aside for them?"
"No one should step aside for anyone unless that's what you truly believe." The old stall owner spoke lightly. "People who belittle themselves only end up deeper in their own misery. In our line of work, mindset are matters."
Spirit Cultivators refine the soul and the mind. If the mind isn't right, it's destined to go nowhere.
The thin stall owner's expression drastically changed, immediately lowering his head.
Amalia didn't pay attention to their conversation as she received a call from Samuel - something had happened to Carlos.