DECATHECT | HSR x F!Reader

01 ~ 548 Days Before

Yingxing hummed quietly as he navigated the busy roads of the Central Starskiff Haven. He made his way past the pedestrians walking back and forth alongside the street before stopping in front of a small shop with glass display cases lining the window. Each case was displayed some sort of jewelry or crystal decoration. There small intricate rings, pendants inlaid with glimmering gemstones, and even shining crystal cups. 

He pushed open the door, and made his way inside the shop. There were a couple other customers who were conversing with a young woman who stood behind a wooden desk. 

"Yes, I have your ring ready, sir." [Y/N] smiled as she opened one of the desk drawers before taking out a small red box. "I hope this is what you wanted." 

The man took the box in his hands before slowly opening it. Inside the box sat a glistening ring with a blood red ruby surrounded diamond accent stones, which were all enveloped by a golden leaf design carved by hand. "The band is made of 18k gold just as you requested." the woman stated proudly. 

Mr. Zhang vigorously nodded, "Yes! Yes! This is exactly what I want! Thank you so much Ms. [Y/N]!"

She laughed, waving off the compliments. Her laughter was alluring and soft. Almost ethereal, like a little butterfly drifting in the wind above a field of flowers. A gentle smile gracing her elegant features. "Do not worry about it sir. I hope all goes well for you." 

The man nodded before bowing repeatedly. "Yes! Thank you once again! 8,000 credits right?" 

Yingxing, who was quietly listening to their conversation, felt his eyes widen. High-end luxury stores would normally sell such products at double or even triple that price, not to mention not all of their materials were genuine. Glancing at the ring, he could tell that the gemstones were genuine and of high quality. Years of working as a swordsmith and having to deal with scammers who tried to sell him fake materials he supposed. 

[Y/N] nodded as Mr. Zhang handed her the credits. She quickly counted up the bills before bowing, "Thank you for your purchase!" Mr. Zhang nodded as he scurried out of the store. 

[Y/N] shoved the credits into a small pouch before tossing said pouch onto the shelf behind her. "Sir, you've been looking around for a while now, are you looking for something particular?" 

He shook his head as he made his way to her desk. "I've heard people all over the Xianzhou sing praise of your work like canaries." Yingxing smirked when he noticed the [h/c]-ette began to shift nervously. 

"You flatter me, sir. I am merely a craftsman." [Y/N] murmured. 

"You accept commissions right?" 

The woman nodded, pulling out a notebook from her desk drawer. "I accept commissions, yes. But depending on your specific requirements they might take about a week or two to complete. So, what would you like?" 

Yingxing pondered her question for a moment, pressing a hand against his chin. "Do you do earrings?" 

"Of course, what kind of earrings?" 

"Hmm, do you have any suggestions?" 

"Hmmmm. It really depends on who the person you're giving it to. I would say dangling earrings do tend to attract more attention, but they might get caught in hair as well sometimes. Studded earrings are also a good option if you want something less flashy and more subtle." She stopped, [e/c] eyes meeting his. "This is a gift for someone else, correct?" 

The swordsmith nodded, "How did you know?" 

"I could tell the moment when you asked me if I do commissions." [Y/N] chuckled lightly, "Most of my customers come here looking for a gift for someone they love dearly. I guess...they give off different vibes compared to those looking to buy something for their pleasure or satisfaction. You'll know once you worked with enough people sooner or later."