'What's happening?' Noa thought, amused.
The seemingly ordinary toy was the hardest puzzle he had ever tried to solve. At times, colors shifted on their own, while at other times, the lines moved out of his fingers.
All Noa could do was give up. 'That's what I would expect from a heavenly treasure. And it adjusts to the user.'
But he wasn't saddened because of it.
It was just a minor hurdle he could close his eyes to. The cube would work for everyone else in this world, and he knew it.
Now, Noa had to wait for new customers and hope they would give his products a chance. Unfortunately for him, nightfall was closer than his luck.
"I guess this is the end for today," he muttered, nearing the entrance.
Just as Noa was about to lock the door, a hand tapped on the window, asking him to wait before closing.
The hand was tiny.
It probably belonged to a child, but Noa was perplexed by the fact that someone had seen him through the dark windows, especially since the sun was already down.
"Come on in," he said, letting the stranger inside.
Not only was he interested in who visited him this late, but the prospect of having a potential customer was too good to miss.
After opening the door, instead of a tough-looking cultivator, a cute little girl peeked through the doorway.
Her wide, blue eyes sparkled with wonder.
Clutching a worn plush bear in her hands, she stepped into the store.
She seemed hesitant, even afraid. Her gaze wandered, studying the lined-up shelves and glowing items until it landed on Noa.
He stood before her, towering over her tiny frame.
Though Noa felt disappointed it wasn't a customer, he didn't want to leave a child behind.
[Host, I hope she isn't your type. Karma wouldn't allo—]
The system's joke was interrupted by a deep cough Noa made.
"How can I help you?" he said gently. "Are you lost? Where are your parents?"
She shook her head shyly and hugged her bear tighter. "It smells nice," she whispered innocently.
Noa chuckled, trying to soften his voice even further.
"Good nose. That's my new item. Do you want to try it?"
The girl nodded slowly, still hesitant. But the hunger and warmth of Noa's voice calmed her nerves.
Noa made the first move. She also wandered beside him, watching tall shelves with curious eyes.
'Is she homeless?' Noa thought after seeing her rough condition.
Even her white long dress had seen better days.
'Might as well,' he muttered to himself and leaned up and grabbed one of the bottles.
Then he gave it a light shake and held it towards her. "You can drink as much as you want."
"Really?" the girl exclaimed. She seemed surprised by the kindness, as if it was her first time receiving help.
Before taking the bottle out of Noa's hand, she blinked a couple of times. But the hunger was too hard for her to overcome.
Swallowing hard, she took the bottle with both of her hands and opened the cap with no hesitation.
Noa watched her every action. The girl started with a cautious sip.
But when her eyes lit up and lips curled into a smile, Noa knew she loved it.
She sipped again—quicker this time, as if she was afraid of it vanishing from her hands.
"It's like drinking clouds!" she gasped.
Noa smirked, crossing his arms before patting her small head.
Instead of dodging his touch, the girl allowed Noa to nudge her slightly. Then she wiped her mouth with her sleeves and asked,
"Are you selling them?"
"I try," Noa nodded. "It's going to sell, right?"
"For sure!" she shouted, her previous shy nature nowhere to be found.
Lasting for a moment, her clarity returned as her head hung low toward the ground. "It's delicious," she added softly, her cheeks pouting in embarrassment.
'Nothing happened when she drank it,' Noa noticed. 'Just like me.'
[She can't cultivate,] the system explained. [There are strong curses cast upon her, and they are blocking her meridians.]
Noa's eyes narrowed. 'Why would someone curse her? She is just a kid.'
There was nothing Noa could do to help this child.
He was powerless.
As for the girl, she grew on him quite quickly. Her company was greatly appreciated.
'She is like a must-protect character,' Noa thought, looking at her white, silky hair.
"Do you want another one?" he asked, handing her a new bottle.
"No," she shook her head. "Yun Qiqi's tummy is happy."
"Really?" Noa questioned. "You don't have to be shy around me. Consider me as your older brother."
He made this claim because Yun Qiqi reminded him of his sister.
Mia was someone he missed and cherished dearly, and seeing someone who reminded him of her warmed his heart.
"Brother," Yun Qiqi repeated silently.
"Yes," he nodded. "Call me Brother Noa."
For a heartbeat, she stood frozen. Then she bounced her foot, jumping with joy.
A grin broke through her face. It was childish, cute, and wide.
For someone who had to fend for herself, this simple action meant something far more important.
Yun Qiqi wasn't alone anymore. Having even one person on her side brightened her mood.
"You can't take it back!" she announced suddenly.
"I won't," Noa promised. "Yun Qiqi is my little sister from this day onwards."
She laughed and hopped around. This moment felt unreal, as she wasn't just a beggar. Now she was Noa's little sister, and the world had better watch out.
Yun Qiqi seemed smug about it, her face showing proof of her happiness.
But there was something she wanted to do—something she had done ages ago and longed for.
"Older Brother Noa, can you play with Qiqi?" she asked, trying to act cute by lowering her voice.
"Play?" Noa asked. "Sure. What do you want us to play?"
"Hmm. Something with Old Bao would be great," she said, showing her bear with a thoughtful expression.