These things aren't everyday items like carrots or lettuce that every household needs, so my first thought was that she was buying them as a gift for Herschel. Just the other day, Conrad swore up and down that he was cutting ties with Haley and the company for good, yet here he was, bringing her to Herschel's birthday. I knew better than to take his word for it. Wise decision on my part., Haley was scrutinizing the pen and ink the shopkeeper handed her, looking every bit the connoisseur, obviously not noticing me. I wasn't keen on mingling with her, so pretending not to see her, I turned back to continue my search.,

"Are you sure this is the best you've got? I'm gifting this to a very important elder. I can't afford to look bad,

" Haley quizzed the shopkeeper.,

"Ms. Perez, 'the best' is quite subjective, isn't it? But I assure you, this is top-notch and will save your face,

" the shopkeeper smoothly replied.,

"Well, I do hope what I pick ends up being the best,

" Haley said, her voice betraying how much the gesture meant to her.,

"In all of Seabreeze City, my pens and inks are unmatched, so this set for you is beyond compare,

" the shopkeeper said with a chuckle,

"The recipient will see how thoughtful you have been, Ms. Perez.

"

"That's reassuring,

" Haley paused,

"I'm gifting it to my future father-in-law.

", That sent shivers down my spine. Were she and Conrad officially an item now?, But if that was the case, why was Conrad still making my life difficult at the company? What a jerk!, I shook my head in disbelief and continued browsing, but nothing else caught my eye., Just as I was about to give up, a set of pen and ink in the corner of a cabinet caught my attention. Without a second thought, I said,

"Mr. Black, I'd like to see that set.

",

"Just help yourself to whatever catches your eye,

" the shopkeeper said nonchalantly., Eager to take a closer look, I didn't hesitate to open the cabinet and take the set out. Just then, a figure approached.,

"Are you picking something out for Mr. Wagner too?

" Haley's voice rang out., My question had apparently drawn her over, but I didn't look at her, focusing instead on the pen and ink in my hands., The set wasn't the latest model, but the quality and feel were exceptional., Having been with the Wagner family for ten years, especially in the early days when Herschel, fearing I'd get bored and restless, had me join him in writing, I had picked up a fair bit of knowledge about pens and inks.,

"Yeah,

", I was all I managed in response., But then she said,

"I've already picked out the best set for Mr. Wagner, so... maybe you should choose something else. It wouldn't look good if we both gave the same thing, and...

", She paused,

"And since mine is the best, yours might seem less thoughtful.

", I almost laughed. Was she trying to be considerate?, The set I'd chosen was excellent, even if it looked plain. It matched Herschel's mature charm - not flashy, but refined., That's the essence of true elegance, not needing to catch the eye with mere appearances., Her tone made up my mind.

"Please wrap this set for me.

", Only then did I turn to Haley, finding her visibly upset, even angry.,

"Ms. Perez, you give your gift, and I'll give mine. How it looks is none of your concern. Besides...

" I smiled,

"A bit of modesty on my part only serves to highlight your thoughtfulness, right?

" Haley's face turned crimson, and in that moment, I knew her words to the shopkeeper were just for show., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.