11 Days Before the Diamond Moon Festival
Ruby stood in the long line at the village government office, wiping sweat off her forehead.
The crowd of merchants and business owners waiting to register was endless, stretching far beyond what she had expected.
She sighed, shifting her weight from one foot to another, feeling the ache in her legs from standing for so long. The sun wasn't helping either.
"I should've come earlier…" she muttered under her breath.
By the time it was finally her turn, she was already feeling tired and frustrated.
She quickly registered her name as a merchant for the Diamond Moon Festival.
Then came the next question—
"How much space do you need?" The officer asked, his voice neutral but firm.
Ruby paused, thinking. The bigger the space, the higher the price.