Yvette looked at Isaac, who was fussing, her expression calm and unhurried. “What’s going on?” she asked.

Isaac carefully examined the photograph in his hand, then placed it before Yvette. He walked to the door, pulling the curtain to shield their view from the onlookers across the room. In a low voice, he said, “Yvette, that man is Sheldon Jacobs, the village head of Dungo Village’s son.”

Yvette paused before lifting her head. “Sheldon Jacobs?” she asked, expressionless. She picked up the photo, confirming it was indeed Sheldon across the street. His rat-like features were sleazy and creepy; his ugliness was undeniable, even in the photograph.

Isaac nodded. “I’ve learned quite a bit about Sheldon. He’s the village head’s only son, absent most of his life, making him quite worldly. Don't let Dungo Village’s remoteness fool you; his father indulges him greatly, sending him away for his education at a young age. He returned only a few years ago, changing girlfriends as frequently as his clothes. Oddly, three women have committed suicide under mysterious circumstances, all connected to him. I suspect Sheldon might control poisonous insects; otherwise, with his appearance… how could he attract so many women?”

Yvette pondered for a moment, then casually remarked, “I think I look rather well, don’t I?”

Isaac was unsure how to respond. Does Yvette have some misconception about herself? What does she mean by "look alright"? If she looks alright, then there’s no such thing as a beautiful woman! Had he not known Yvette for years, he might have considered it a humblebrag. But he knew her self-awareness of her beauty was genuinely lacking.

He looked at her seriously. “Yvette, you don’t just look alright; you look amazing.”

Yvette nodded. “Alright then.” She pulled out her phone, texted Jeremiah, and looked up. “I’m going to Past Perfect.”

Isaac’s coffee cup slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor. His precious cups were now both broken, but that was the least of his worries. “Yvette, are you serious about going to Past Perfect?” He suddenly realized, Is Yvette planning to confront Sheldon? He asked awkwardly, “Are you planning to use Sheldon to get into Dungo Village?”

Yvette smirked. “Don’t you find it interesting that the village chief’s son is personally escorting me?”

Isaac swallowed nervously. Only Yvette would devise such a plan. Isn’t using Sheldon to gain entry a little… exciting? “Yvette, isn’t this risky? Sheldon isn’t easily handled. Why would he bring someone to the village unless…” He trailed off, unwilling to voice his suspicions. Unless Yvette plans to use herself to entice Sheldon. Isn't that too much of a sacrifice?

Yvette understood his implication, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Keep your wild ideas to yourself.”

Isaac ceased his internal monologue. He opened a large box he’d retrieved, stroking the garment within. “Yvette, this is good. Do you know of celestial silk armor?”

Yvette looked surprised. Celestial silk armor, impenetrable to weapons and resistant to water and fire, was incredibly rare. Seeing it here was extraordinary. She examined it closely; its craftsmanship suggested great age. “Where did you find this?”

Isaac withdrew his hand. “Yvette, this is a Taylor family heirloom, passed down through generations, never shown to outsiders.”

Yvette replaced the armor in the box. “Take it back,” she said calmly.

Isaac was taken aback. He shook his head. “Yvette, please don’t refuse. I can’t go to Dungo Village with you, but take this. It will offer extra protection.”

Yvette pushed the box back. “Poisonous insects are useless to me.”

Isaac was stunned. Poisonous insects are useless to Yvette? That sounds… exaggerated. He quickly recovered, knowing Yvette wouldn't lie. “Yvette, back in Mysonna, was the great sorcerer’s final statement true?”

Yvette’s eyes narrowed, a chill in her gaze. “Yes.”

Isaac smiled. As expected. He couldn’t comprehend the source of Yvette’s abilities; her control over poisonous insects, linked to ancestral heritage, was incredible. He’d long known that he could be Yvette's friend or acquaintance, but never her enemy. Otherwise, he wouldn't know how he ended up dead.

“Yvette,” Isaac said, “I’ve wanted to give you this armor for a long time. Without your help, I wouldn’t be here. I’ll keep it safe until you need it.”

Yvette nodded. “Okay.”

Ten minutes later, Yvette emerged from Vintage Vista, dressed in black, radiating menace. She glanced at Past Perfect and walked toward it.

Sheldon, at Past Perfect, was ecstatic to see her approaching. He hadn't anticipated her walking right into his trap; he'd expected to have to exert more effort. He straightened up, appearing impeccably dressed with a charming smile, feigning casual browsing while never taking his eyes off Yvette. The manager of Past Perfect saw through his charade immediately.

Yvette entered Past Perfect, noting the antique displays. At a glance, she confirmed Isaac’s assessment: the items were a mixture of counterfeits and low-quality goods. She pointed at a bracelet, asking the manager its price.

Sheldon seized the opportunity, giving the manager a look before approaching. “Hello, Miss, is this your first time here? Do you like this bracelet? I can tell you more about it.”

Yvette sat with legs curled, appearing lazy and relaxed. She smiled slightly at Sheldon.

That smile was enough to make Sheldon ecstatic, strengthening his resolve to win her over as he continued his sales pitch.

The manager chimed in, "Miss, this must be your first time at Past Perfect. Rest assured, everything is genuine and of excellent quality. This gentleman, Sheldon Jacobs, is a regular with refined taste and generous spending; truly a rare man.”

Sheldon feigned modesty. “You’re too kind, manager. It’s because Past Perfect has such great products. I avoid the store across the street; their manager is stingy, the goods are poor, and they’re arrogant. Miss, I sincerely recommend buying here.”

Across the street, Isaac packed away the celestial silk armor, yawning twice. He glanced at Past Perfect, wondering, What will Yvette do to teach Sheldon a lesson this time? Seems Dungo Village is about to get lively.

In Past Perfect, watching Sheldon and the manager, annoyance flickered across Yvette’s face. She was impatient, annoyed, and disgusted.