Monster Manicure Shop Operation Guide 59

Chapter 59

The Bureau had been unusually quiet these past few days. Fatty Orange, clinging to Audrow, went to work with him, a blissful expression on its face.

As Audrow entered, carrying the damp air from outside, he glanced into the break room and saw a group of female administrators gathered together.

A human woman on the screen was gently stroking scales. Audrow raised an eyebrow, walked over, and asked casually, “What’s this?”

Startled by the sudden voice, everyone looked up and saw his gaze fixed on the screen.

Someone replied, “A fantasy romance drama, about a human princess and a dragon!”

A close-up of the dragon’s scales appeared on the screen, eliciting squeals from the women.

Audrow asked, puzzled, “Don’t humans like furry creatures?”

Their usually aloof boss was actually engaging in entertainment gossip. A subordinate quickly explained, “Humans have diverse preferences, not everyone likes fur, scales can also be quite pleasant to the touch, you see, the female protagonist in this drama is head over heels in love!”

Head over heels in love…

His light-colored eyes narrowed slightly as he watched with interest for a while.

“…You’re right.” Audrow muttered, then, seemingly remembering something, asked for the name of the drama and walked away, holding Fatty Orange, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Meanwhile—

A cheerful, off-key tune escaped Ning Zhixia’s lips as he carefully applied a top coat to a nail tip.

An auction was being held in the Sigrid Continent later, and Maureen had invited him to attend with his latest designs. With his reputation as a mysterious magician, the prices were sure to reach new heights.

The two profiteers had collaborated, discussing designs and magic patterns, meticulously working for days.

Maureen had other matters to attend to and had gone to the auction venue, leaving Ning Zhixia to finish the final touches.

This nail tip design was a luxurious style favored by nobles. The thumb featured a large, clear teardrop-shaped gem, surrounded by smaller crystals and butterfly decorations.

Of the other four nails, two were decorated with enamel and gold filigree, intricate butterfly and flower patterns intertwined.

The other two were coated with pale gold fairy dust and textured with thin, swirling lines of wire gel, like Buccellati jewelry, each line perfectly straight, then decorated with marquise-cut crystals arranged in a wheat pattern.

This cutting style, originating from the 17th century, created exceptionally brilliant facets, and since the Barrenlands sand naturally came in this shape, it saved him a lot of polishing work.

Since these were for auction, ordinary packaging wouldn’t do.

Qu Banqing bought some wood and made a delicate wooden box, the top a rose-patterned glass panel, the nails displayed on a bed of white fur, as exquisite as a jewelry box.

The nails were fully enchanted with two spells: a decorative one, suitable for dancing, and an attack spell.

Unfortunately, Maureen had spoken too quickly, and Ning Zhixia only remembered the shorter spell. As he was frantically trying to recall it, a pair of twitching ears appeared in the doorway.

“Ning Ning, I’m here to pick you up!”

Pipi, his large, gray tail wagging excitedly, bounced in.

He stood on tiptoe, looked at the nail tips through the glass panel on the box, his eyes shining, “They’re so beautiful…”

He suddenly understood why the nobles, who had no shortage of knights for protection, were so fond of enchanted press-on nails. Who could resist such beautiful trinkets?!

“Okay, let’s go.”

Ning Zhixia put on the magic robe Maureen had given him, covering himself completely, and pulled up the hood, only the lower half of his face visible, perfectly matching the image described by the bards in the Sigrid Continent.

A black horse, wreathed in flames, snorted, its hooves leaving melting trails in the snow.

The uptown area of the Sigrid Continent was as bustling as ever, the melodious music from the various palaces and mansions never ceasing, day or night.

“Alright, we’re here!”

The carriage stopped in front of the brightly lit auction house, its golden doors as extravagant as a palace, nobles and wealthy merchants fanning themselves with feather fans as they entered.

Pipi carefully adjusted Ning Zhixia’s hood and, like a proper familiar, got out of the carriage first, went around to the other side, and stood on tiptoe, preparing to open the door for him.

Ning Zhixia was fumbling with the door lock inside when Pipi yelled loudly, “Please disembark, honored guest!”

The door clicked open.

What the heck, it was voice-activated?

He stopped, quickly grabbed the inner handle to avoid falling out, and gracefully stepped out.

As soon as his feet touched the ground, his expression froze under the hood.

The cold wind made his robe flutter, and the nobles at the entrance couldn’t help but look over.

The mysterious magician, his face hidden, stood tall, ignoring the luxurious surroundings, and walked up the steps with an elegant and unhurried gait, like a well-bred nobleman.

Ah, help, help… it’s so slippery, oh my god…

His shoes were wet from the snow, and it was like wearing roller skates. Ning Zhixia lowered his head, panicking inwardly.

He practically walked on his toes, afraid of slipping and falling.

Pipi took his hand, his tail wagging as he looked up at him adoringly. Ning Ning was so amazing, just like those dignified great magicians!

The auction hall was bustling. Pipi gave Maureen’s name to the attendant and led Ning Zhixia inside. After a long while, they finally reached their private box.

The box was like a small tea room, with comfortable sofas and a table laden with hot tea and delicate pastries. Through the large window, they had a clear view of the auction stage.

No wonder everyone wanted to climb to the top of the pyramid, who wouldn’t want such privileges?

Ning Zhixia put down the wooden box, picked up his teacup, and took small sips.

Pipi stuffed two small cakes into his mouth and mumbled, “Ning Ning, wait here, I’ll go get Master!”

Maureen must be discussing the arrangements with the organizers. Ning Zhixia nodded: “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you here.”

“Okay!”

Pipi licked the cream from his lips and was about to skip out the door when, remembering his role as a familiar, he forced a serious expression on his face, only his tail betraying his excitement as it swished back and forth.

With no one to talk to, Ning Zhixia quietly finished half a cup of tea, his gaze scanning the table, looking for a suitable cake to devour.

Just as he had chosen a jam-filled one, footsteps approached the box door. Ning Zhixia thought it was Maureen, but he turned around and saw an elegantly dressed nobleman.

“Baron… Baron…” An attendant hurried forward, trying to stop him. “This is Miss Maureen’s box…”

“Just a witch, can’t I even enter her box?”

Every noble had the habit of hiring magicians and knights for protection, and the Baron, used to getting his way thanks to his wealth, waved the attendant away dismissively.

“You’re that great magician?” The man squinted at the young man, although his face was hidden, the exposed chin piqued his interest, and he reached out to lift it, only to be swatted away.

The man wasn’t offended. Great magicians, after all, were entitled to their moods, it made things more interesting.

Ning Zhixia sneered, knowing what the man was thinking, and as he was about to call for his guards, Ning Zhixia grabbed the box on the table, opened it, and quickly chanted a spell.

“Boom—”

The man’s expression changed, and before he could even call for his guards, he was thrown out of the box by a powerful force.

The loud noise made the corridor tremble, and guests in other boxes opened their doors, looking towards Ning Zhixia in shock.

The box in his hand was like Pandora’s Box, countless black and purple butterflies swarming out, flying into the screaming man’s mouth.

“Sir, s-spare me! Ah—”

The flapping wings caused a burning pain in his throat and stomach, and the man screamed, clutching his throat and rolling on the ground, ignoring his guards’ attempts to help him, and stumbled out of the swarm of butterflies, falling down the stairs.

As he crashed to the bottom, a chandelier in the corridor fell, and Ning Zhixia, looking through the broken box door, calmly closed the wooden box, the butterflies disappearing.

He sat back on the sofa, his eyes trembling.

Ah, what kind of spell did I just cast, it was so powerful.

No one dared to approach or question him, and none of the noble’s guards came to defend his honor.

The long silence was filled with respect for the great magician, even those passing by the damaged box bowed respectfully.

The attendants, terrified, seeing that the esteemed guest hadn’t used magic to restore the box, clearly still angry with the service, quickly called for other magicians to repair it and brought him more exquisite pastries and fruits.

Maureen, arriving with Pipi, saw the attendants cleaning up the mess and her heart skipped a beat, thinking that if anything happened to her precious jewel, she would be buried alive.

She quickened her pace and, seeing him calmly eating cake in the box, breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, no need for a burial.

After learning what had happened, Maureen snorted disdainfully, “Daring to compare him to a mere pet, he’s lucky to be alive.”

Judging by her tone, it didn’t seem like a big deal, and Ning Zhixia relaxed, patting Pipi’s head.

Pipi, his ears drooping, looked dejected: “I didn’t protect Ning Ning…”

“It’s not your fault, I can protect myself.” Ning Zhixia held the box, his fingers tapping the glass top, and said proudly, “I’m a great magician, after all.”

“Hee…”

Pipi’s soft ears perked up, and he smiled through his tears, hugging Ning Zhixia’s neck.

The auction hall was brightly lit, the previous conflict seemingly forgotten, but many people were more interested in the item from this box that was about to be auctioned.

In the Sigrid Continent, royal power and magic coexisted. The auctioned items included rare jewels and magical materials, the exchange rate between gold, silver, and copper coins being 1:100. The items that fetched thousands of gold coins were mostly magical materials obtained by mercenaries or magicians at great risk.

Another magic crystal was sold for two thousand gold coins, and Maureen, watching it being taken away, sighed enviously.

“Aren’t you buying it?” Ning Zhixia asked curiously.

“I can find them myself in the secret forest, and besides, if I spend so much money, wouldn’t this trip be for nothing?” Maureen looked reluctant. Two thousand gold coins were enough for a minor noble’s expenses for a year, she couldn’t afford to be so extravagant.

Ning Zhixia nodded as if he understood and continued watching the auction. After a series of items, it was finally time for their enchanted press-on nails.

“The starting price last time was five hundred gold coins…”

As Maureen spoke, the auctioneer opened the box and announced excitedly, “Enchanted press-on nails, the latest creation of that magician, starting price—eight hundred gold coins!”

Whoa!

Maureen’s eyes widened. The auction house had actually raised the price.

As the jewel-like nails were displayed under the light, gasps echoed throughout the hall.

Especially after the beautiful model chanted the decorative magic spell, light butterflies fluttered around her, and lotuses bloomed with every step.

Many female voices joined the bidding.

“One thousand gold coins!”

“One thousand five hundred gold coins!”

“Three thousand gold coins!”

A bid broke the previous record for the magic crystal. Compared to the decorative effect, many nobles who had witnessed the incident in the box were more interested in the nails’ destructive power.

The enchanted nail tips crafted by the great magician were always unique, and compared to relying on others for protection, the thrill of casting spells oneself was much more appealing.

This bid wasn’t the final one. Like a battle cry, the hall was filled with frantic bidding.

Ning Zhixia was still doing the mental conversion when Maureen stood up, clutching her chest, and chanted, “More, more, higher, higher!”

“Four thousand eight hundred gold coins, going once!”

“Four thousand eight hundred gold coins, going twice!”

“Excellent, five thousand eight hundred gold coins!”

Amidst the nobles’ fervent bidding, the auctioneer’s voice rose, and the gavel fell with a bang. The enchanted nail tips were sold for 7600 gold coins, becoming the spoils of a female duchess.

“Tsk, tsk… I should have bought that magic crystal…” Maureen sighed regretfully.

The auction house took a 20% commission, and the remaining amount was split between them. Ning Zhixia had earned the equivalent of three million yuan in one night.

Holy crap, I’m rich again!

Ning Zhixia planned to order everything on the KFC menu tomorrow.

“I’m planning to recruit a group of magic apprentices and open an enchanted nail art shop.” Maureen, having witnessed the nobles’ deep pockets, looked at the glittering gold and revealed her plan.

High-level magicians were usually employed by nobles, mid-level magicians had stable incomes, and novice magicians often struggled to establish themselves.

Maureen thought it would be better to gather them and make money together.

Ning Zhixia knew she hadn’t invited him here just to watch the auction and, picking up his teacup, asked, “What do you need me to do?”

“Simple, be an experienced technical advisor.” Maureen smiled and poured herself a cup of tea.

Their teacups clinked softly.

Ning Zhixia grinned: “Deal.”

Finding suitable apprentices would take time. Ning Zhixia said he wasn’t in a hurry, welcoming them to apply anytime, and smugly returned to his own plane.

It was almost time for the passage to close. A heavy box of Barrenlands sand was on the workstation, the centaurs must have come by.

Ning Zhixia went upstairs to take a shower, but the hairdryer was broken. He dried his hair with a towel and went downstairs, where the TV was playing a popular drama.

He casually glanced at the screen, then stopped and slowly backed up.

Unbelievably, it was Audrow sitting on the sofa, watching a fantasy romance drama, his expression incredibly focused, as if he was watching a scientific documentary.

Audrow, seeing him, patted the empty space beside him.

Ning Zhixia sat down and chuckled, “The dragon’s special effects are pretty good. Why are you suddenly watching dramas?”

Audrow didn’t reply, instead observing his expression with interest: “It’s not furry, do you like it too?”

“Dragons are cool, flying around, so handsome and impressive.” Ning Zhixia stroked his chin.

Audrow raised an eyebrow.

Ning Zhixia, understanding the hint, quickly added, “Of course, mermen are also very beautiful!”

Audrow gave a satisfied “hmm,” reached out to touch his hair, and noticed it was slightly damp.

“Oh, the hairdryer upstairs is broken, I came down to dry my hair.”

He stood up, lay down on the floor, and stuck his head into the pet dryer, his hands folded peacefully on his stomach.

“…”

Audrow’s expression froze, seemingly shocked by the young man’s casual actions.

After a moment, he picked up the hairdryer, slapped it a few times, and pulled Ning Zhixia up: “It’s fixed, I’ll dry your hair.”

“Ah, okay, don’t blow against the direction of the hair.” Ning Zhixia, happy to be served, sat down cross-legged on the sofa, turning slightly for easier access.

The warm air made him close his eyes contentedly, like a cat, and he murmured, “By the way… can’t you just dry your hair instantly with magic or something?”

The fingers running through his hair paused, and Audrow said without changing his expression, “No.”

“Oh… okay.” Ning Zhixia continued enjoying the warm air, seemingly forgetting that Audrow’s hair was always perfectly dry whenever he came out of the storage room.

Audrow naturally didn’t remind him, and as the hair in his fingers dried, he turned off the hairdryer.

The noise gone, the kittens gathered around again.

Ning Zhixia, feeling comfortable, leaned back and bumped his head against Audrow’s shoulder, muttering softly, then rubbed his head.

Audrow blinked and showed the kittens—

See, cute, right?

Ning Zhixia ruffled his soft, dry hair, nestled comfortably on the sofa, and checked the sales of his press-on nails.

The kitten nails were priced at 268 yuan per set, with balm and seaweed mud included in the gift box, limited to 100 sets each. Within a minute of the launch, Fatty Orange and the calico cat designs had sold out.

The calico cat’s charm was undeniable, but Fatty Orange’s popularity as a top seller surprised him, and he happily rubbed its chubby face.

Fatty Orange narrowed its eyes and meowed at Audrow, as if asking for help.

Look at him… my face isn’t a rice cake…

Audrow opened his eyes lazily, ignored it after a moment, and returned his attention to the bouncing yellow square on the screen.

“Bang!”

A sudden loud bang, and the whole house shook like an earthquake. The alert felines simply rolled over in their beds.

Ning Zhixia was about to get up and check when the door was kicked open, and a figure appeared in the doorway, backlit.

A teenager, about fifteen or sixteen, with a long, green scaled tail and golden eyes with vertical, diamond-shaped pupils, snorted and, hands on his hips, yelled—

“This is a robbery! Hand over all your shiny things!”

“…”

After the boisterous announcement, he was met with silence.

Audrow, his legs crossed, pulled the stunned young man closer and let out a soft chuckle.

Seriously, why were there still idiots throwing themselves at an iceberg?

Ning Zhixia, his face full of disbelief, looked at the horned teenager, wondering the same thing.