However, when the middle-aged man in his forties or fifties with a somewhat honest face saw Chu Qinghe, his expression froze, and his eyes instinctively darted away.

Even the carving knife he was holding fell to the table in a moment of astonishment.

"Um?"

Taking in the other party's reaction, Chu Qinghe's eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly returned to normal, his smile unchanged.

Meanwhile, the middle-aged man inside the shop also clearly realized what was happening. He quickly put down the wooden hairpin in his hand, stood up, and hurried towards Chu Qinghe.

"Young Master Chu has arrived."

Facing the approaching middle-aged man, Chu Qinghe smiled and nodded, saying, "Manager Li."

The shop owner is named Li Dequan, a well-known jewelry craftsman in Yushui City.

His craftsmanship is excellent; jewelry shops in the city often order custom-made jewelry from Li Dequan.

It has a good reputation in Yushui City.

A few days ago, Chu Qinghe ordered something from Li Dequan. Today was the agreed-upon time to pick it up, which is why Chu Qinghe made a special trip here.

After politely responding to Li Dequan, Chu Qinghe glanced at Li Dequan's right cheek, which still bore some bruises, but did not ask any questions immediately.

After a few brief pleasantries, Li Dequan invited Chu Qinghe to sit down inside the shop, then quickly left and entered the courtyard behind the shop through the back door.

Watching Li Dequan's retreating figure, Chu Qinghe narrowed his eyes, a hint of thought flickering within them.

Then, Chu Qinghe, who had just sat down, slowly got up and began to stroll around the shop.