Paula summoned all of the customer service razzle-dazzle she had and approached the Gourmet Club.
"Welcome, everyone! It’s so wonderful having the Gourmet Club in my humble shop. To express my gratitude, I’d like to give you all the first taste of an exclusive new recipe I’m testing. It’s a recently rediscovered ancient Altadorian beverage that I’m sure your refined tastebuds would appreciate!"
This got the club’s attention. The member holding the Container of Purple Liquid pulled down his sunglasses. “Oh? Can you prove its authenticity?”
Ariana stepped forward and presented the recipe.
“Hmm, well it certainly looks old.”
Paula turned her cheerfulness up to the max. “Yes, found among ruins! And if you let me use some of your Purple Liquid there to make it, I’ll let you try it for free!”
The members considered this, whispering among themselves. Then the same member from before stepped forward, holding out the Purple Liquid.
“Deal.”
“Oh, thank you very much, I’m sure you’ll be delighted with this experience!” Paula grabbed the container and rushed away before the club changed its mind.
A few blender revolutions later, Paula returned with enough of the drink for all the club members. The drink had used only a little of the Container of Purple Liquid, so there was plenty left over. She handed it back to the member who had it originally as he took his first sip of the drink, and waited anxiously for a reaction.
As he savored the taste, his eyes grew so wide Paula could see the whites of them around his sunglasses.
“Why, this is simply incredible! The best thing I’ve consumed in years!” Similar gasps and cries of joy echoed throughout the Gourmet Club gathering.
The member took Paula’s arms and pressed the Container of Purple Liquid into them. “It would be a tragedy if one simple ingredient kept this time-honored recipe from being made again. Please, take this as a token of our gratitude for your contribution to the culinary arts.”
Paula was flabbergasted. “Er, wow, I’m honored. Thank you very much, I’ll use this well.”
After the Gourmet Club left, Paula whipped up another smoothie to try it for herself. “What? This tastes just like a purple smoothie!”
Ariana smiled. “Exactly. But that one gourmet item lets you charge so much more. And now you’ve got the Gourmet Club’s endorsement. They’re gonna brag to all of Neopia!”
Paula grinned. For once, Ariana was on to something. “I guess I better get blending.”
The End,
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