Chapter 96: River Tour
After a refreshing nap in the horse carriage, Anji was bursting with excitement to explore Silver Water Town. The delicious snacks from their cook in the Celestial Dragon Sect had kept her hunger at bay. As soon as they dropped off their bags in the lodging, she eagerly tugged on her older brother’s sleeve, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Are we going to see the Silver River first?"
Minshen smiled. He had already anticipated this. The Silver River Tour was one of the tourism highlights of this little town. Hong Nian Niang had a great marketing strategy and was raking in profits like no tomorrow from the boatman arrangement. In name, the river tour agency and the guest house were two separate legal entities. However, it was a secret monopoly. Zhang Mou was an extremely talented financial adviser, so they had no issues with the local government.
While the siblings were occupied, Gu Ying checked the rooms for security arrangements. Although this guest house was managed by the Gentleman Club, it did not hurt to be cautious.
Mingshen patted his sister’s head and nodded. They would set off as soon as the steward returned with proper arrangements. In the meantime, Anji examined the talismans hidden inside the walls. They were very well-connected, and she had no complaints. She could not hear the shopkeepers hollering from the streets below, even if she could see them. Too bad not many people could afford these convenient talismans. If Anji had her way, she would design them in a way that common folks could afford them without needing any cultivation. The servants of the Celestial Dragon Sect had benefited a lot from Anji’s creations. She wanted to spread that joy with as many people as she could.
In less than fifteen minutes, the steward returned.
"Esteemed guests, the river tour arrangements have been made. Shall I lead you to where the boatman is waiting?"
Hearing that it was time to depart, Anji bounced over, and Mingshen gave the man a generous tip for his quick services. The boat ferry service he requested was one of the more expensive ones because he did not want to experience seasickness again. Just in case, he had Anji consume some motion sickness medicine before they left the room.
It only took ten minutes on foot from the Seven Star River View hotel to reach the pick-up point on the river dock. The only downside was the hot and humid weather. Even with the umbrella Gu Ying held over her head, Anji was covered in sweat even if it was still spring. According to Mingshen, the water reflected the sun off the surface, making it easier for people to become tan.
"It’s the reason why the anti-sun creams make a huge profit here," he smiled from behind his fan and pointed at a cosmetic shop with a long queue.