The Perils of an Early Start

Luo Chuan nodded. "Origin Mall welcomes all visitors equally."

The meaning was clear, and Murong Haitang's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, boss!"

Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang sighed quietly.

It was apparent that the tranquil days of Origin Mall were about to end.

They understood it was inevitable, but a part of them couldn't help but feel a tinge of reluctance.

After bidding farewell to Luo Chuan, the group of four left the store.

Later that day, Bu Shiyi and Jiang Shengjun wrapped up their gaming sessions.

By afternoon, mercenaries Zhou Hu and Wei Qingzhu arrived, diving into their daily sessions in the Tower of Trial.

Before anyone realized it, the day had quietly slipped away.

The next morning, Luo Chuan followed his usual routine.

He rose early, freshened up, and made his way downstairs to open the shop door.

The sunlight spilling into the alley made him squint momentarily.

As his eyes adjusted, he was surprised to find Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang already standing outside.

"Good morning, boss," they greeted him with cheerful smiles.

"Why are you here so early?" Luo Chuan asked, confused.

Typically, the two only arrived around eight or nine in the morning. It was barely seven now.

Gu Yunxi sighed. "If we don't come early, there won't be any spots left. Teacher Haitang is planning to bring her students over—more than a dozen people. We came early to secure our place."

Jiang Wanshang nodded, then her expression brightened as an idea struck her. "Boss, can we increase the number of seats in the Tower of Trial? Don't you think ten is too few?"

Luo Chuan looked thoughtful.

Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind:

"Secondary mission released: The Tower of Trial's turnover must reach 10,000 spiritual crystals. Reward: Increase the number of positions from 10 to 20."

"Secondary mission released: The total number of players in the Tower of Trial must reach 30. Reward: Unlock a new game mode."

The system's reminder clarified things. The earlier mission to achieve a total turnover of one million spirit crystals was likely the main task.

"We'll increase the positions in the future," Luo Chuan replied.

"Really? That's amazing!"

Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang beamed with delight.

"But not yet. For now, I'm going to have breakfast," Luo Chuan added before walking out of the alley.

Breakfast, after all, was a priority.

Left behind at the store's entrance, Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang exchanged incredulous looks.

"He just... left?" Gu Yunxi muttered, staring at the spot where Luo Chuan had disappeared.

"He said he's going to have breakfast..." Jiang Wanshang echoed, her tone disbelieving.

The boss had actually walked away, leaving two young women waiting at the door, all for breakfast.

"I feel like it was a mistake to come this early," Gu Yunxi grumbled, her body radiating faint resentment.

In their rush to secure spots at Origin Mall, they had skipped breakfast themselves.

Gurgle...

The sound of their rumbling stomachs broke the silence.

"Should we go grab some breakfast?" Jiang Wanshang suggested hesitantly.

Gu Yunxi sighed, shaking her head. "Better not. What if the boss or Teacher Haitang shows up while we're gone? We'd lose our spots!"

Reluctantly, Jiang Wanshang agreed.

And so, the two young women stood quietly outside Origin Mall, enduring their hunger and enjoying the crisp morning breeze.