Pioneer

Wildflowers that can be seen everywhere, usually only noticed when the lawn is mowed each week.

"—Fresh and full of vibrant energy, and with just the right color—perfect for flower ceremonies. What more could I ask of them?" says the interviewee.

A weighty gilded cane perfectly suited to its owner's refusal to ever appear ordinary.

Besides supporting her gait, it also chases off anyone who offends her sense of style. Most of our team were deemed suitable—our disheveled editor wasn't so lucky.

Once a showpiece in the first-floor window of the upscale clothing store Gekko & Flusser in San Francisco's largest shopping mall, it was ruined by spray paint. Even the most lenient thrift stores were only willing to pay a few Sharpodonty for it. The interviewee, however, seems to appreciate this flashy "art" and has no plans of taking the coat off.

A brooch clinging to a floral eye, its lines flowing like molten gold.

A suit is a person's cover; the brooch is their signature. "Don't become the kind of book you see everywhere," she advised.

A symbol of taste and elegance, an important accessory in Gekko & Flusser's vintage-style window display. The lightweight rosewood is easy to carry and provides good support for those with limited mobility.

A tie inspired by measuring tape and tailor's shears—simple materials, unforgettable design.

He says it captures his philosophy: classic, traditional, yet sharp and fashionable. Out of respect for his confidence, we did not ask how long it will be before cheap copies flood the market.

For San Francisco in the 1980s, the once bustling ports that facilitated the exchange of countless goods had become obsolete, like an umbilical cord ready to be cut. Just as a newborn needs milk, the city has been reborn, nourished by capital, as the service and innovation economies replaced old industries, becoming its new sustenance. Emerging multimedia and tech companies, venture capital investments, and the rapidly rising real estate market—these fresh toys hang over the crib, capturing all of the baby's attention.

The shopping mall is one of these toys. It has long passed its exploration and development phase; now, the "big players" want to add more elaborate icing on the cake.

Hundreds of stores offering different products? All here.

Luxury hotels? Of course.

A water park? Why not?

A mini-golf club? Sure, why not?

Swimming pools, a scenic lake stretching hundreds of feet, and even a church—solemn, entertaining, and even provocative. Here, people won't need to worry about how to spend their money. As its name suggests, this is the center and gathering place for wealth and material desire.

It is here that the Pioneer was born. He is a product of the showcase, a product of the social elite, a product of money.

Yet he is more than just that.

Feb 11th

Sold: Three woven hats ($35.96, profit: $8.96)

Buyers: Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Chris

*Mrs. Brown's craftsmanship is quite popular. The ladies are willing to pay for exquisite and unique handmade items. The weather is good; next time, we might try selling picnic baskets.

May 26th

Sold: Amazonite necklace (1380 Sharpodonty, profit: 530 Sharpodonty)

Buyer: Ms. Jia

*Wish the young lady success in her exams. Ms. Jia hopes to have a face-to-face with Ms. Mercuria—she seems interested in the healing I mentioned.

Sept 3rd

Consignment: A villa in Pacific Heights ($670,000)

Buyer: Mr. James

*Mr. White is pleased with how smoothly the transaction went and hints that there's another "big deal" coming my way.

Pandora Wilson: Can you describe what happened that night in detail?

Pioneer: Hmm ... the boys were wearing ill-fitting clothes, holding cans of spray paint, and just pushed the door open. They seemed surprised and hesitant—I suppose they didn't expect they could just walk right in.

Pandora Wilson: The shopkeeper made a mistake by not locking the door properly.

Pandora Wilson: Then they did this to your suit. Have you ever thought about why they did it?

Pioneer: I believe it was a form of self-expression. I was standing in front of the display case, so perhaps they wanted more people to see their work.

Pandora Wilson: It was obvious that the shopkeeper was not going to let them have their way. As soon as he caught sight of you, he swiftly removed you from the store.

Pioneer: *Cough* I can understand his anger ... it was without a doubt a loss for my employer at the time.

Pioneer: You have to understand, customers have specific tastes, and those who shop at high-end suit stores are not typically interested in this type of art.

Pandora Wilson: But now you're selling the poor man's goods to the rich.

Pioneer: Oh, yes, you could say that's my main business.

Pioneer: You see, I've observed both worlds ... The rich pursue tasteful and new goods, while those struggling seek money and opportunity.

Pandora Wilson: And your transactions act as a bridge between them.

Pioneer: If it can benefit both parties involved, then I don't see any harm in it.