Outside the headquarters, sunlight poured across the plaza. The fountain sparkled, pigeons fluttered, and merchants shouted from every corner.
Henry looked around. "Alright, I've got my license, my product… and my inventory space. Guess it's time to open shop."
[Ahem, minor issue — you don't actually have a shop]
[But worry not! I, the benevolent and gorgeous Teyvat OmniQuest System, have prepared your humble beginning]
A light flashed before him, revealing… a simple wooden table draped with a folded satin-pink cloth, covered in kittens and the words Hello Kitty.
Henry stared. "You got to be kidding me."
[Ta-da! Behold — your first storefront! Perfect for charming customers and confusing competitors]
Henry shuddered. "Confusing competitors? Maybe more like making them laugh."
[Yes, because the empire of noodles starts with Hello Kitty chic]
"Not helping," he muttered.
[You're welcome]
He sighed but dragged the table to a clear spot near the city entrance. A few vendors nearby gave him strange looks, whispering about his odd clothes and lack of a cart. Ignoring them, he unfolded the satin cloth, smoothing it carefully, then arranged rows of noodle cups on top.
Henry straightened, puffing out his chest. "My seller's week begins now."
He clears his throat and raises his voice: "Hot instant noodles! Just add water! Ready in three minutes — perfect for adventurers, knights, and hungry people of all kinds! Limited-time offer!"
Henry waited for someone to approach… but no one came. Like in one of those internet memes — where a lonely breeze sweeps across a deserted stall — that was pretty much Henry's current situation.
The passing crowd barely spared him a glance. A few vendors nearby chuckled, whispering to each other about the odd merchant with strange clothes and stranger goods.
Wait, System, I need hot water if people want to try it here itself.
A large thermos suddenly appeared in Henry's hand.
[A gift from me — a self-heating and self-cooling bottomless flask. It can store any amount of liquid and heat or cool it instantly with just a tap of the Hot or Cold button]
"Thanks, System… eh, maybe you aren't useless after all."
[Hmph! Are you calling me useless?]
Not at all. You're… unusually generous, Henry thought with a grin.
He went to the river outside Mondstadt city, filled his bottle, and pressed the heating button. After readying the hot water, Henry returned to his stall, ready to attract customers.
[Cheer up, Even the greatest entrepreneurs start from zero. You just need better marketing]
"Oh, yeah? You got an MBA in Mondstadt Economics too?"
[No, but I did watch a million business reels. Step one — make people think they're missing out]
Henry's eyes widened slightly. That… wasn't actually bad advice.
Then he remembered something from his old life — the oldest trick in the modern sales book.
"Free samples available!" he suddenly shouted.
That did it. People turned. Freebies were a powerful weapon, and Mondstadters were no exception. Within minutes, a small crowd gathered — some skeptical, others curious, mostly kids tugging at their parents' sleeves.
Henry flashed his best salesman smile. "Each of you gets a cup — go on, try it! It's healthy and made with a unique method."
"They are actually healthy, right?" Henry asked inwardly, not wanting to lie to his customers.
[Relax, they're perfectly fine. Balanced ingredients, no harmful stuff]
"Good," Henry thought, satisfied.
The aroma spread through the air as people tasted them. Eyes widened. A woman whispered to her friend. A man returned for a second sample and ended up buying five full packs. Then another. And another.
By evening, Henry had sold over a hundred packets — excluding the ones Varka had bought earlier that day. His pouch of Mora, once empty, now jingled with weight.
[Not bad for a guy who started with a tablecloth and dreams]
"You're going to make me blush," Henry said, his tone warm. "But thank you."
He was about to pack up when he noticed someone — a girl walking unsteadily, her expression weary, her blue costume dusty. Long twin tails swayed with each step, and her witch hat nearly drooping off her head.
Mona, he recognized her instantly. She looked exhausted — eyes half-closed, stomach clearly growling.
"Hey! Miss in blue!" he called out. Mona froze, blinking tiredly before turning toward him.
"Yes? Do you require a reading?" she asked, trying to sound professional despite her empty stomach.
Henry smiled. "Not today. You look like you could use some food. Here — free sample. I'm promoting my new invention: instant noodles."
Her eyes flickered with confusion. "Free? There's no such thing as a free meal in this world…"
But her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.
Henry grinned. "Then think of it as… cosmic intervention."
"And didn't the stars say you'd find something irresistible today?" he said, eyes glinting.
Mona hesitated only a second before taking the cup. Her cheeks tinted faintly pink, unsure if it was embarrassment or mild annoyance. Henry acted completely innocent, whistling to himself as he poured hot water into her cup.
[Congratulations, Master! First meet and friendship achieved: Mona Megistus — No Mora Astrologer]
"Don't be rude, System," Henry chided in his mind.
[Why not? Are you intending to add Mona to the harem just like you did with Eula?]
"When did Eula become part of my harem? I mean… I don't mind."
[Detecting Host's horny meter increasing]
Shut up, System.
Mona bowed politely, promising to repay him once "the constellations aligned favorably" before wandering off with a small smile.
For a moment, Henry watched her go, feeling oddly content. Poor girl probably hadn't eaten for days.
Maybe I should employ her in the future when I open an official shop.