"No, you paid for the first taxi, so I'll try my best and pay for the second taxi," Emily responded sternly. She wasn't willing to consider any other option.
Elias nodded, "Okay, you can have the bill this time around," he responded. He saw no reason to banter with her about who was settling the bill and make her angry.
Then, he entered the front seat and closed the door.
The taxi's engine roared to life as it moved toward its destination.
…....
After Emily paid the bill and they got out of the taxi, it immediately kicked into high gear and drove into the distance.
As Elias and Emily entered through the entrance of the park, they were greeted by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. The air was filled with the faint scent of blossom as they leisurely stroll through the park, taking in the natural beauty surrounding them.
After strolling into the park, they suddenly stopped to admire a grand oak tree, its branches reaching the sky and watched as several people were feeding the ducks gliding peacefully across the serene pond.
They conversed about their favourite novels, laughed at each other's jokes, and shared intricate details about their lives. Elias often avoided answering by redirecting the conversation.
They soon come across a local vendor selling handmade crafts and trinkets along the path.
Looking at the vendors' shop nearby, Elias's eyes shone. He immediately saw this as an opportunity to earn some cashback rewards. "Do you mind if we check that out?" he asked, directing Emily toward the shop.
Emily's steps faltered, her eyes brightening with curiosity as she looked at the shop selling beautiful handmade trinkets and craftworks. Since they were only strolling around the park, she decided to browse through it. "Let's go," she responded.
"Hello, what can I get you, lovely youngsters? Simply tell me what you want, and I'll help you find it," said the vendor, a man in his late sixties.
"Can you show me the most expensive item in your store?" Elias asked sternly, his eyes fixed on the vendor.
Hearing Elias's words, the vendor's eyes widened in surprise before a look of excitement flashed within his eyes. Even though he hadn't expected the young man before him to make such a direct statement, he nodded vigorously, "Of course, I'll show you immediately; let me get them first," he responded, smiling from ear to ear as he immediately began to rummage through the back of his store.
If the young man needed the most expensive item in his shop, he would display and sell it at a fair price.
Emily, however, halted her actions and snapped her gaze towards Elias, looking at him with an astonished expression. Various thoughts raced through her mind about why Elias would suddenly ask for the most expensive item within the vendor's shop so directly.
"What is it?" Elias asked, noticing Emily's scrutinizing gaze.
Emily immediately shook her head, "I don't think that we should suddenly demand the most expensive item in the shop when there are so many beautiful items before us," she responded.
"I understand, but I'm doing this so he can bring out his best item and show it to us before settling on a much fairer price. Besides, if the items outside are beautiful, doesn't that mean that those hidden should be even more beautiful and exquisite," Elias responded, thinking about the most logical response he could come up with.
[ Update! Emily's affection for you has increased by 1% ]
"I appreciate the effort, but I don't think–" Just as she was about to complete her sentence, the vendor's throat-clearing voice instantly interrupted their sentence.
"Ahem! Here it is; The Crimson Dragonfire Talisman, the most expensive and best item in my shop," the vendor said, showcasing the trinket, which was laid on a soft foam with a small case.
The item was a small, intricately crafted pendant made from a strange single silver and gold scale, shimmering with iridescent colours that shift and dance like flames.
Elias and Emily gazed at the trinket with astonishment.
"It's beautiful," Emily's words slipped from her lips.
Elias nodded, agreeing with her words.
Witnessing their astonished expressions, the vendor smiled brightly. "The Crimson Dragonfire Tailsman is a mythical trinket made from the scale of a legendary dragon; it serves as protection against malevolent forces and dark magic directed towards the wearer. As long as you wear this, you're protected from curses, hexes, and negative energies," he explained.
Emily instantly burst into laughter upon hearing the man's words. "Hahahaha!" she gradually tried to maintain her composure, even stretching her hand to grab Elias for support as she cleared the tears from the corner of her eyes. "That was magnificent! I never thought I would hear such an absurd statement in my life," Emily said, her laughter a mix of amusement and disbelief at the vendor's claims.
"Excuse me, miss, but I don't believe that I said anything funny," said the vendor, narrowing his eyes at Emily.
Sensing the tension in the air, Elias swiftly redirected their attention. "How much for the trinket, sir?" he asked. Although he understood the reason behind Emily's sudden burst of laughter, he hadn't forgotten his goal: to spend as much money as possible on her and earn more from the system's cashback rewards.
"The Crimson Dragonfire Talisman will not be sold for less than 97 dollars," the vendor responded, his voice sour as though he wasn't amused by Elias's description of the trinket in his hand.
"97 dollars!" Emily exclaimed, hearing the cost of the trinkets.
"As I've mentioned before, sir, this is a one-of-a-kind item, painstakingly crafted from the scales of a legendary dragon. I assure you, you won't find this item elsewhere for such a price," the vendor declared, his voice filled with pride for the unique creation.
Upon hearing the vendor's claims, Emily frowned deeply. Initially, she found it amusing when the vendor mentioned the description of the trinket, thinking it was just a joke.
However, she became increasingly irritated when he repeated it and tried to sell it to them at such a high price.