Chapter 54: Enemies Incoming!
Following Lin Qingyun, Zhao Dong walked into the mall and headed straight for the luxury brand counters on the fifth floor.
Along the way, every man who saw Lin Qingyun had to turn his head for a second look. The head-turn rate was one hundred percent. Even many women couldn't help but cast envious glances at her.
Lin Qingyun really is the center of attention wherever she goes! Zhao Dong marveled silently. Compared to the celebrities on the posters in the neighboring stores, she wasn't the least bit inferior—in fact, she was even superior. With her looks, Lin Qingyun could take out half the entertainment industry in an instant!
Lin Qingyun, however, seemed long accustomed to this, her expression remaining calm. She led Zhao Dong to a luxury men's clothing store on the fifth floor and stopped.
Zhao Dong glanced at the shop and smacked his lips. "The clothes in here can't be cheap, huh? I'm not one for fancy stuff. Anything will do."
"Just get in here." Lin Qingyun frowned, turning and walking into the store. Left with no choice, Zhao Dong followed her.
As soon as they entered, a sharp-eyed sales associate approached. Her face filled with surprise when she saw Lin Qingyun. She was astonished by such a gorgeous woman! Then her eyes landed on Zhao Dong. After giving him a quick once-over, a strange look appeared in her eyes. She hesitated before asking, "And you two are...?"
Lin Qingyun glanced at Zhao Dong and said flatly to the associate, "Pick out the best and most suitable outfit for him."
The sales associate gave Zhao Dong another look and forced a wry smile. "Miss, our clientele consists of high-quality, elite gentlemen. This man... might not be a good fit. And in terms of bearing, it's also a bit... unsuitable."
Lin Qingyun's brow furrowed slightly, and Zhao Dong's lips twitched. Is this woman looking down on me?
"As a sales associate, your only job is to serve the customer. Just go pick out the clothes. I will be the one to judge if they're suitable or not," Lin Qingyun said coolly. Zhao Dong had come in with her, so seeing him looked down upon naturally made her uncomfortable.
The associate glanced at Lin Qingyun. Perhaps sensing that her attire and bearing were anything but ordinary, she hesitated for a moment before going to select some clothes.
Lin Qingyun turned to Zhao Dong, her expression softening slightly. "As a man, you should still take some care with your appearance."
Zhao Dong chuckled. "In what capacity are you telling me that?"
Lin Qingyun's pretty face blushed faintly. "I'm right, regardless of the capacity."
"You may be right, but whether I listen is another matter. However, since you're my wife, I'm more than happy to accept your advice," Zhao Dong said with a wicked grin.
In the past, he would never have said such cheesy things to Lin Qingyun. He knew his terminal illness meant he didn't have much time left, and he didn't want to hold her back. But now, he was a Cultivator. His body was nourished by Spiritual Energy, and his leukemia might even be curable.
In that case, I have to hold on tight to this goddess. After all, she's a woman I've slept with. I have to keep a close eye on her!
Lin Qingyun rolled her eyes at him. "Since when am I your wife? Stop calling me that."
"Didn't you say you wanted to marry me?"
Lin Qingyun's smile was teasing. "Do you dare to go get the marriage license with me right now?"
Zhao Dong's mouth twitched. "I don't."
"Coward!" Lin Qingyun glared at him. "If you're not getting a license, don't call me wife!"
"Alright, my dear Yunyun."
Goosebumps immediately broke out all over Lin Qingyun's skin. She shot Zhao Dong a glare, having no desire to get drawn into his ridiculous antics.
Just then, the sales associate returned with a suit. She had deliberately chosen the most expensive one, a suit that required a perfect physique to pull off. She approached with a smile. "I've selected an outfit. Would you like to try it on?"
Zhao Dong glanced at the price tag and exclaimed, "What kind of suit is this expensive? A single jacket costs over eighty thousand?"
The sales associate secretly rolled her eyes and said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Sir, everything in our store is in this price range. If you're looking for something cheaper, you could try other stores."
Lin Qingyun shot Zhao Dong a look, took the suit, and handed it to him. "Go try it on."
Zhao Dong looked at her. "Wife, there's really no need to buy something this expensive."
"I told you to try it on. Cut the nonsense."
Resigned, Zhao Dong took the clothes and went into the fitting room. The sales associate rolled her eyes at his back. She refused to believe a man with the air of a loser like Zhao Dong could possibly do justice to the suit. After all, the store's clients were all young, successful entrepreneurs. How could he possibly compare?
A moment later, the fitting room door opened, and Zhao Dong stepped out. The instant he appeared, the sales associate's jaw dropped, her face a mask of shock and utter disbelief. Lin Qingyun also raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
Zhao Dong's posture was ramrod straight. Thanks to his robust build and broad shoulders, the suit fit him to perfection! He no longer looked like the down-and-out loser from a moment ago. He was the very picture of a distinguished young master! Even Lin Qingyun couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
Zhao Dong walked over, tugging at the fabric. "How is it? Does it fit?"
Lin Qingyun gave him a long, deep look. "It fits. We'll take this one." She turned to the sales associate and held out a bank card. "Ring it up."
The associate was now gawking at Zhao Dong like a star-struck fan. Her attitude had done a complete one-eighty as she hastily took the card to process the payment.
Soon, the card was returned, and the two left the store. Zhao Dong still felt a bit awkward. "Are you sure about this? I've never worn anything like it. It feels a little strange."
Lin Qingyun smiled. "There's no problem at all. Be more confident. You are my man."
Zhao Dong looked at her. Their eyes met, and Lin Qingyun's cheeks grew hot, forcing her to look away. Zhao Dong simply smiled and took the initiative to take her hand.
Lin Qingyun's body jolted as if from an electric shock. "What are you doing?" she cried out softly.
Zhao Dong said shamelessly, "Aren't you my woman? When we're in public, we need to act like a couple. Otherwise, what if someone sees us and runs back to tattle to Xiao Hongtian? Right?"
With Zhao Dong holding her small hand, Lin Qingyun's heart was in turmoil. Although she'd had a couple of intimate encounters with him, she hadn't been fully conscious or willing either time. In essence, she was still an extremely shy woman who felt a certain distance from Zhao Dong. Having him hold her hand made her uncomfortable, but she couldn't shake him off. With so many people around, she couldn't bring herself to struggle forcefully, so she had no choice but to endure the embarrassment and let him hold her hand.
"Wife, where are we going next?"
Lin Qingyun thought for a moment. "We still have some time. You can keep me company while I shop a little more."
"I would be delighted."
And so, the two of them continued to stroll around the mall.
「East Sea Airport」
On the other side of the city, a man in all black walked out of the airport's main exit. He had stern features, and his hawk-like eyes glinted with a cold light. A terrifying aura faintly emanated from his body.
After exiting the airport, he made a phone call. "Young Master Xiao, I've arrived in East Sea."
"Good that you've arrived. This operation needs to be swift. I'll send you the mission details shortly. You must complete it, understand?"
"Understood, Young Master Xiao! I will definitely complete it!"
"Good. Do a good job, and you'll be well-rewarded!"
"Yes!"
The call ended. A moment later, the man's phone chimed with a text message alert. The message was from Xiao Hongtian. A cold smile crossed the man's face as he read it. He then left the airport and headed for a hotel.
Meanwhile, Zhao Dong and Lin Qingyun finished their shopping at the mall and started heading to their hotel.