"Yes, it's called hydraulic bolt cutters, hehe. Little brother, are you planning to explore an ancient cave?" the boss asked mysteriously.
I had to admit, "Something like that."
"Going alone?"
"Mmm."
The boss frowned, "That won't do. Outdoor adventures, especially exploring ancient caves, absolutely require someone to watch your back, otherwise accidents are extremely easy to happen. Do you have any prior experience?"
I shook my head. There was no faking this. I didn't even know the name of a simple rope, clearly marking me as a novice.
"Then it's even more out of the question," the boss shook his head and hung the hydraulic cutters back on the rack. "If you're going by yourself, I won't sell you any equipment. Ensuring customer safety is my bottom line!"
Despite his handsome looks, he was quite responsible, which was rare. Unlike some vendors who cared only about making money and nothing else.
Some hair salons, knowing a female customer is lactating, still dye her hair.
Some tattoo parlors, knowing they are underage, still give them tattoos.
Some dealerships, knowing they are female drivers, still sell them performance cars.
Some major game companies, knowing games affect studies, still develop so many games and promote them to elementary school students.
They are truly wicked!
However, it's best if no outsiders know about my plan to explore Jiuxian Cave.
Inconvenience is secondary. The main thing is, if I encounter any attacks and something truly unfortunate happens, it would be bad to implicate others.
Therefore, because this shop owner was too responsible, I decided to go elsewhere.
Just as I was about to tactfully express my intention to leave, the sound of slippers pattering came from the second floor. I looked up and saw Zheng Bingbing descending in a pink pajama set with a teddy bear pattern, her eyes still heavy with sleep. I happened to be by the staircase, and when she saw me, her eyes lit up, "Hey, hey! Aren't you that... that that guy!"
"Wu Chengfeng."
"Right, right, Brother Chengfeng, how did you find my place?" Zheng Bingbing hopped down, her face beaming with excitement. Perhaps because I had been so generous yesterday, she mistook me for a rich and handsome type.
She still lacks worldly experience, though. Have you ever seen a rich and handsome guy wearing Hong Xing Er Ke shoes?
"Pure coincidence," I said truthfully. "I wanted to buy some outdoor gear, saw this place was quite large, and didn't expect it to be your family's shop."
"Dad, Dad," Zheng Bingbing went over and tugged at the boss's arm, cooing sweetly, "He's the handsome guy I told you about yesterday who borrowed a book from me and gave me a bottle of perfume."
"Oh?" The boss's interest in me instantly piqued. "You're the one who borrowed 'Man Wen Lao Dang' (Archives of the Manchu Language)? Are you involved in historical research?"
"Uh... yes, yes," I suddenly had an idea. "Archaeology is my hobby, especially in the field of ancient military history. To be honest, my main reason for coming is to investigate an ancient battlefield from a few hundred years ago."
"So that's how it is," the boss seemed to have a lot of respect for learned people, showing a look of approval. "Since it's for research, I will definitely support you. And since you're Bingbing's friend, you can pick anything in the store. I'll give you the cost price, and I can even have her accompany you, just in case something happens."
"That won't be necessary, though," I said with a wry smile. Bingbing looked so frail. Bringing her along to explore a cave would be like bringing a little burden.
"Hey, are you looking down on me?" Zheng Bingbing pouted coquettishly, pointing to the wall behind me.
I turned to look. It was a pile of awards and certificates. In the most prominent position, two enlarged versions were hung.
The first one: National Mountaineering Athlete title.
The other: 2021 World Climbing Championships Finals, Women's Division, Fifth Place.
The certificate owner for both was Zheng Bingbing!
Truly, appearances can be deceiving. I never expected such immense energy to be contained within her petite frame!
"Well?" Zheng Bingbing raised her small eyebrows.
"Impressive, impressive. But..." I couldn't think of any excuse to refuse. It seemed I had to bring her along. "However, we need three rules. During the entire exploration, you must obey my command."
"No problem, you're the history expert, I'll listen to you!" Zheng Bingbing said dismissively. "When should we set off?"
"How about now?" I suggested. It would be best to reach Jiuxian Cave before noon, taking advantage of the weak demonic energy to conduct the exploration.
"Okay, okay! I'll go upstairs and change! Wait for me!"