A failing antique shop

The pedestrian street was bustling with people in the evening. Among the crowd was a close couple, one following the other. “Lisa… isn’t it about time to stop? I really can’t keep going,” the man said, stopping and smiling wryly. “Come on, darling, this is Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. We’re here for the first time—aren’t we going to enjoy it properly?” Yes, they were in Hollywood, the world’s movie culture hub. Beneath their feet, the Walk of Fame, marked with the names of countless brilliant entertainment stars, was indeed an iconic sight. Seeing his wife’s delighted smile, Jamie had no desire to spoil her mood and continued accompanying her as they explored. Just then, something caught Lisa’s eye. “Look, Jamie! There’s an antique shop over there!” Jamie looked in the direction Lisa was pointing and saw a quaint shop. It seemed out of place alongside the luxurious shops with large display windows around it. “Let’s go in and have a look.” Jamie nodded. His wife loved ordering takeout, and there happened to be a Chinese restaurant with great food in their small town. Over time, she’d also grown interested in Chinese culture. And Jamie himself felt a bit curious; after all, there were no such shops where they lived. As they opened the door and entered, the warm lighting illuminated various ink paintings, porcelain, and jade pieces thoughtfully arranged inside. With just one look, they could feel a profound and refined cultural atmosphere. Behind the cash register sat a young man with black hair and dark eyes, looking elegant and scholarly. The young man was holding a book, his face calm and handsome. Seemingly startled by the sound of the door, he lifted his head. When their eyes met, Jamie thought he saw a faint glimmer flash in the young man’s dark eyes. When he looked again, though, those eyes were perfectly ordinary, as if the earlier impression had been a mere illusion. “Welcome…” The black-haired youth greeted them simply, though his gaze was a bit unusual. It wasn’t the usual enthusiasm you’d expect from a*****e clerk or owner welcoming customers. In his eyes were surprise, contemplation, and even a trace of pity. It was as though he was looking at someone lying gravely ill on their deathbed. This strange sensation made Jamie quite uncomfortable. But his excited, chattering wife beside him didn’t give him much time to dwell on it. “Look, Jamie!” “How exquisite these decorations are…they’re nothing like the ones outside!” “Is this blue-and-white porcelain? I read about it in a book!” Lisa couldn’t stop marveling at the antique items, so finely crafted and rich with a sense of history. Before long, she took a liking to a bracelet. “Excuse me, sir, how much is this?” she asked the young store owner. It was then that the store owner seemed to pay attention to her. Jamie kept an eye on him, noticing that he gave Lisa the same strange look. However, this time, the young man spoke. “I don’t recommend you buy that.” “Why not?” Lisa asked, surprised. Isn’t a shop here to do business? And she hadn’t seen any sign indicating this bracelet wasn’t for sale. “There’s no point in spending money on it for someone whose time is running out,” the young man said in a calm, steady voice, igniting an instant surge of anger in Jamie and Lisa. Both of their faces changed. Cursing someone to die the moment you meet them—what kind of store owner was this?!