I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 28: Jade

Ring*

"May I help you?" The shopkeeper asked while blocking his way.

Kai didn't have to be a mind reader to know why the shopkeeper was stopping him. His clothes were clean but not made from the high quality cloth. It was obvious the man did not think Kai could afford anything in his shop. He wasn't wrong. With the three silver in his pocket it was doubtful he could afford even a simple trinket but Kai was determined to go inside.

"I'm looking for a jade pendant." Kai said.

"We have several. May I ask what your budget is?" The shopkeeper asked unmoving. Kai gave it some thought. He only had 3 silver on hand and was already in the hole for 1 small gold and 5 silver. Even so he wanted to get Minda something nice.

"I am here today to see what is available. The purchase itself will be at a later date. Could you show me what is available?" Kai honestly said.

"I'm sorry but if you are not here to buy anything I will need to ask you to leave." The shopkeeper said. Kai furrowed his brow. He understood he wasn't dressed in the best clothes but he was clean and a potential customer.

He thought about arguing with the shopkeeper but had no interest in buying anything from the condescending man.

"Minda is waiting for me. I don't have time to deal with idiots." Kai thought as he walked out of the store.

...

Still intent on finding a gift for Minda Kai walked up to a man on the street and asked if there was any other jewelry stores nearby.

"There is another store further that way." The man politely answered. Kai thanked him and kept walking. The second shop he stopped at was smaller in size but looked clean and reputable. He stepped inside and unlike the other shop the shopkeeper welcomed him with a smile.

"Good afternoon, how may I assist you?"

"I'm looking to buy a gift for my fiancé. He is a nobleman and I want a quality jade pendant suitable for his status." Kai said. This time changing his words compared to the first store.

"We have several quality pieces carved beautifully by our very own master craftsman." The man said. He then walked over to a counter on the left side of the store. Kai followed his lead and saw over a dozen beautifully carved jade pendants. Some were simple while others were more intricate.

"I remember the guys always bought some kind of gift like jewelry when proposing marriage to a woman. They said it was a must if they wanted a happy marriage." Kai recalled. He had thought about it and decided a jade pendant was a good choice because Minda wasn't a woman and it was something he could always have on his belt. He looked at the several options but couldn't choose.

The shopkeeper could see he was struggling. Wanting to help he stepped forward to offer a suggestion.

"For marriage the dragon and phoenix, double happiness, or lotus flower are popular motifs." The shopkeeper said pointing at a few examples.

Kai first looked at the dragon and phoenix. It looked beautiful but knowing the dragon was also the symbol for the emperor and a phoenix represented females he couldn't help but frown.

"It's not appropriate for us." Kai thought. He then looked at the lotus flower. Minda liked flowers so he was interested and asked more about it.

"What about the lotus?"

"The lotus flower represents purity, tranquillity, and a harmonious marriage." He explained. Kai liked the meaning of the lotus flower but he also found himself interested in the double happiness character.