Goblin Dependency-Chapter 699 - 350: Emotional Intelligence and Generosity (Part 2)
It can only be said that interacting with someone so generous and emotionally intelligent makes even the most oblivious person feel extremely comfortable.
"No wonder they can run such a large business; indeed, they’ve got something in terms of interpersonal skills."
Xia Nan thought to himself.
Throughout the meal, Mr. Horak entertained us with tales of his travels and the sights from different places, engaging the adventurers in a way that allowed them to participate smoothly.
When Soldin shared his adventures, Mr. Horak expressed suitable surprise and asked pointed questions that hit the mark, heightening the dwarf’s enthusiasm and showcasing exceptional communication skills.
Such personality traits rarely make people dislike him unless there are obvious conflicts.
Of course, throughout the process, Xia Nan played the role more of a listener.
He was just enjoying the meal.
Though interested in other adventurers’ experiences and regional customs, at the moment, the allure of food was undeniably stronger.
The Black Feather Chicken soup that Mr. Horak spoke of, growing in the magic particle mist of Mist Forest, indeed tasted as described — savory and rich.
Long hours of simmering released the essence and marrow from the chicken bones, intertwining with the sweetness of vegetable ingredients, keeping the fibrous chicken tender while soaking in the rich broth, never dry or tough;
Take a bite, and the meat separates from the bone effortlessly, sliding down your throat enveloped in the complex layers of aromatic, rich soup given depth by various spices.
Savory and rich, plump and smooth, salty and fragrant...
Perhaps this world lacks the advanced cookware and variety of spices from a previous life.
But when combining supernatural powers of a fantasy realm with wealth, food can still become an "enjoyable" sensation worth savoring.
Besides, what surprised Xia Nan even more was the Anvil Honey they had just retrieved from the hive.
It didn’t emit an overpowering fragrance; a closer sniff only revealed a cool, subtle scent.
But once you put the honey in your mouth, as it touches your tongue in its amber-like viscous form, the mineral freshness combines with fruity richness to explosively spread throughout your mouth.
It’s hard to describe this taste in words.
But undoubtedly, it’s the most delicious honey Xia Nan had ever tasted in both lifetimes.
Paired with hard bread, the honey’s thick texture enveloped the bread’s roughness, its sweetness greatly compensating for taste lack, perfectly blending the grain’s mild acidity with honey’s aromatic sweetness;
Paired with jerky, the fiber’s dry hardness was masked by the amber viscous honey, with robust sweetness harmoniously melding with the jerky’s savory saltiness, creating a complex and delightful texture, while the honey’s mineral freshness elegantly neutralized the jerky’s greasiness, eliminating the need to frequently drink water to relieve mouth pressure.
If Xia Nan had a bowl of steaming, aromatic creamy mushroom soup before him at that moment.
Adding a few spoonfuls of Anvil Honey in there.
The taste... he dared not imagine how good it would be.
While Xia Nan was enjoying his meal, the atmosphere around the campfire became increasingly harmonious under Horak’s influence, emboldening the group to discuss topics that might typically be considered offensive to strangers.
Soldin, holding a piece of silk between his thick carrot-like fingers, carefully wiping his beard braid that had accidentally gotten some soup on it earlier.
Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught sight of the golden yellow ring set with deep red agate on Horak’s right pinky, instinctively saying:
"Hey, Mr. Horak, the stone on your pinky ring that looks like flame solidified, should be jadeite right? During my days in the mines, I would occasionally dig up some similar things."
Being from a very traditional Dwarf Clan, Soldin practically grew up in the mining areas and is quite knowledgeable about related matters.
Talking about his wealth, Horak showed no sign of resistance or disdain, instead laughing heartily, twisting the ring off his right pinky with his left hand.
"Great observation, my friend!"
"The ring was crafted by a jeweler I commissioned in Neum City, but the deep red agate on it was acquired at an auction, said to come from an ancient kingdom that has sunk into the sands."
Without hesitation, he handed the ring over to the nearby dwarf with a smooth, sincere motion to facilitate closer inspection.
Dwarves are naturally interested in such minerals.
Soldin, ignoring the intricate carvings on the ring’s surface, held it in his hand under the firelight, carefully examining the jadeite itself.
He couldn’t help but marvel at its pure high quality.
After scrutinizing it for about five or six minutes, when Soldin was about to return the ring to Horak, his hand suddenly paused.
This affluent businessman, a member of "Golden Wheat Commerce," unexpectedly blocked the dwarf’s hand returning the ring.
"The most precious gemstone naturally deserves the bravest warrior."
"If you like it... consider this ring a gift from me."
"No, no, no!" Not expecting the other’s generosity, even with rough lines, Soldin couldn’t accept such an expensive item without justification, especially having already received far above average generous payment as an escort.
He couldn’t help but wave his hands repeatedly, his beard swinging vigorously.
"Mr. Horak, I’m just looking, looking! This is too precious, I really can’t accept it!"
Xia Nan, sitting beside, observed intently.
With his Perception Ability, he could clearly sense that Horak genuinely wanted to gift the ring to the dwarf, not pretending.
If Soldin accepted, the merchant would show no hesitation, possibly even offering to find a craftsman to adjust the ring size for the dwarf’s thick fingers.
But Soldin, being a Senior Adventurer, had principles and knew he couldn’t accept such high-value items without cause.
After several rounds of awkward refusal, Horak finally retracted the gift.
"Alright, alright, I was too forward." The merchant spun the Red Jade Ring back onto his pinky, "But Soldin, my dwarf friend, your appraisal skills are far superior to many self-proclaimed experts I’ve met."
With a few words, not only did he dissolve the slightly awkward atmosphere caused by the push and pull but also elevated the dwarf, making Soldin feel proud and smoothing his previously shy expression.
Hugely emotionally intelligent, knowing never to favor one over others, Horak chatted with the dwarf while his gaze discreetly shifted, first sweeping past Margaret’s hands and ears, noticing she wore no accessories, knowing this Female Knight wasn’t interested in such things.
Temporarily putting it aside, he then set his eyes on Xia Nan.
His eyes suddenly lit up!
This seemingly young, usually quiet black-haired youth, inexplicably held relatively high status within their temporary trio.
Despite his ascetic-like focused training and task-oriented demeanor, he wore numerous accessories!
Not only did he have simple looking yet intricately textured silver rings on his right index and ring fingers;
A metal necklace hung around his neck.
Though its pendant was tucked deep into the armor lining, out of sight, the visible part clearly showed it wasn’t cheap.
"Could this person have similar tastes to mine?"
Horak speculated inwardly.
Carefully organizing his words, he transitioned the topic tactfully to Xia Nan in a gentle tone to avoid being intrusive.
