Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Kakayan stared at the neat rows of lace bras in every imaginable color and pattern, lost in thought.
"Jiang Li, what are these clothes for?" She poked the man beside her.
Jiang Li's brows drew together.
You're asking me? I don't wear them.
And any explanation would be a pain. He certainly couldn't say, These are enchanted garments—put them on and they'll seduce any man.
"May I help you?"
Just when Jiang Li was at a loss, a saleswoman glided over at the perfect moment.
"Could you pick out a couple for her?" Jiang Li seized the lifeline and nudged Kakayan toward the woman.
"Of course. What style would the gentleman prefer?"
The clerk's professional smile never wavered, eyes narrowing playfully at Jiang Li.
For some reason he looked away, dodging her gaze.
That question cut too close.
Typical, he groused inwardly. Shouldn't you ask the girl first?
"Style... the most conservative you've got. And don't bankrupt me."
"Understood."
The clerk gave a small, amused nod, thinking, Kids these days are so innocent... or is the problem on the girl's side?
Her gaze flicked to Kakayan's chest and stilled.
Oh—she's actually... stacked?
"Hem!" Jiang Li cleared his throat sharply, dragging the clerk's attention back.
He raised a finger beside his temple and twirled it twice, then murmured, "She's a little... slow. Just keep it safe."
The clerk's smile froze.
A moment later sympathy filled her eyes.
Ah, what a pity—such a pretty girl.
"Don't worry, sir."
She slipped an arm through Kakayan's and steered her toward the fitting room.
Kakayan let herself be led, glancing back in bewilderment; Jiang Li stared at the wall and scratched his cheek.
Guilt written all over him.
She hadn't caught every word, but whatever he'd said felt damning.
The curtain swished shut behind them, leaving Jiang Li alone.
He found a seat against the wall, phone half out, when noises erupted behind the curtain.
"This stuff is such a pain to wear!" Kakayan's voice rang out.
"Can't I just stick it on with tape?"
...
The clerk, consummate professional, soothed, "We're all girls here, we won't trick you. Try it on."
"With your figure, miss, it'll look amazing."
"Let go—this one's too tight!"
Jiang Li sat in perfect silence, the expression of a subway grandpa staring at his phone.
After a while the clerk emerged, rifled through the racks, and returned with another bra—one size larger.
Tch... never judge by appearances. The witch might be prickly, but she was clearly an E-cup angel at heart.
More rustling, then quiet. The curtain slid open; Kakayan shuffled out, shoulders drooping.
Jiang Li glanced up.
Her lower lip was caught between her teeth, a soft rose tint creeping down her neck. Even the tips of her ears blazed. She looked adorable.
Catching his stare, Kakayan lifted her head and skewered him with a glare, violet eyes smoldering with humiliation.
You know what she just did to me! her look screamed.
Jiang Li pretended not to notice and walked to the counter. The clerk handed over a crisp paper bag.
"All packed for you."
Ignoring Kakayan's sulking, Jiang Li stuffed the bag into her arms.
I paid and you're still grumpy—like I owe you.
"Sir, I've spoken with the manager about your situation," the clerk said softly.
"In light of everything, we can offer you a twenty-percent discount."
"Just scan here to pay."
Jiang Li hid a smile.
A twenty-percent discount wasn't huge, but it would cover a side dish at least.
...
Paid and done, they left the lingerie shop. Jiang Li glanced sideways.
Kakayan's lovely face was clouded, as though draped in faint shadow—still furious.
He couldn't blame her. From her perspective, he'd whispered something to the clerk, then she'd been dragged into a cubicle and stripped.
Even Kakayan, clueless as she was, had figured out what he'd bought her.
But why should he get a say in what she wore underneath?
Wear it or don't—he wouldn't see it anyway.
Certainly not letting him see.
This feud was official.
If her magic hadn't shrunk, she'd have taught him a vicious lesson right then.
The longer she stewed, the hotter her anger burned. With her temperament, if she didn't settle scores on the spot, she'd forget later.
Unforgivable.
Kakayan's eyes locked on Jiang Li's arm as he walked, sleeves rolled up, pale skin exposed, utterly defenseless.
Like a cat stalking prey, she watched that forearm.
Then she struck—both hands clamping down.
With her magic gone, she still had the oldest weapon of all: teeth.
Pain flared before Jiang Li could react. He turned to see Kakayan latched on like a wildcat.
He didn't cry out, only stopped walking.
Years adventuring on the continent of Aze had taught him composure.
When Kakayan finally unclamped, he withdrew his arm.
Nice—no wonder she eats so much; those teeth are lethal.
Two neat rows of bite marks marred his skin.
"Feel better?"
...
Kakayan turned away, ponytail flicking in silent dismissal.
"Want me to add salt?"
Jiang Li waved the injured arm near her head, angling the bite marks closer, as if she couldn't see.
"No need. You taste awful."
Kakayan sighed and pushed his arm aside.
Acting on impulse had been childish; now he was shoving the "evidence" in her face and the shame hit her all over again.
Awkward silence descended.
Once her temper cooled, Jiang Li ventured, "So—food?"
Kakayan looked back, eyes wary. "Really?"
He nodded, then rummaged in a plastic bag of daily necessities and produced a travel-size tube of toothpaste.
"Back home. I'll teach you how to eat this."