Chapter 244: Date with Chloe II
Deeper inside the shop, past the main hall of gowns and formal clothes, a quiet archway led to a softer, more private section. The lights here were warmer and gentler, casting a calm glow over rows of hangers and mannequins. A light floral scent lingered in the air.
The lingerie was arranged into three distinct sections.
On the left were the cute pieces. Delicate lace-trimmed bras and matching panties adorned with small embroidered flowers, stars, or ribbons filled the racks. Light camisoles and shorts completed the sets. Everything looked sweet and gentle, yet refined enough for the shop’s high-class customers.
In the center stood the classic collection. Smooth satin and fine lace in deep reds, blacks, and ivory formed neat bras, high-waisted briefs, and simple corset-style pieces. The designs were clean and elegant, meant for more mature customers.
Furthest back, partly hidden behind heavy velvet curtains, were the bold designs. Sheer black fabric, open cut-outs, and thin straps created pieces that left the rest to the imagination. These were openly provocative, meant for someone who wanted to make a strong impression in private.
The attendant led them forward with quiet steps. Now, Vlad wasn’t the only one feeling awkward. The moment Chloe’s eyes fell on the pieces at the farthest back, her face turned red as a tomato. How could something so vulgar and shameless even exist?
Being bare might be less embarrassing than wearing such clothes.
Chloe quickly reached the attendant and ordered, "We will take a look by ourselves."
The attendant understood what Chloe meant. She gave a slight nod and took her leave.
---
"This is insane," Vlad gasped, his bewildered eyes scanning the racks. "Girls have so many designs even for their undergarments."
As someone who had only worn the same style of boxers since childhood, only in different colors, this was certainly eye-opening for Vlad.
"Vlad," Chloe’s soft voice came from his side.
"Yes?" Vlad answered, turning toward her.
Her hands were clasped behind her back, her head lowered, and her cheeks tinted with a shy blush. She had taken off the coat from her shoulders now that there was no one there except Vlad.
She took a deep breath and extended both hands forward.
Her eyes closed as she asked, "Which one will suit me?"
In her left hand, she held lingerie made of soft, white cotton. The bralette was large enough not to reveal any cleavage and would cover even a certain portion of her abdomen and back. The shorts below had pink flower embroidery similar to that on the bralette.
In her right hand was an even cuter set. The bra had thin satin straps and a gentle lace trim along the top edge. Small pink bows sat at the center of each cup, with a line of delicate white lace running down the middle.
The matching light pink panties had the same tiny bows on each side, along with the same lace details around the waist and legs.
’The Attempt Two is where the real deal starts,’ Seraphina’s words echoed in Chloe’s mind. ’Take Vlad for lingerie shopping and ask him which one would suit you better. He would subconsciously imagine you in those clothes even if he doesn’t want to.’
Vlad silently stared at the two sets. He pointed at the one in his left hand and said, "You can wear this one in winter since it covers more skin."
His eyes turned to the other one. "This one would be better to wear under loose clothes, or the ribbons will show through tighter fabrics and create weird bumps."
Chloe’s lips pressed into a thin line, her grip tightening on the hangers in her hands.
"Okay," she replied in a flat tone.
She had only turned around when Vlad continued, "I like the pink one more."
There was a slight awkwardness in his voice. She stopped for a brief moment before moving away.
Attempt Two — Failed.
’Lousy tricks by stupid girl!’ Chloe muttered, shoving the white set back where she had taken it from. ’Doesn’t work at all.’
She was about to put the pink one back as well but stopped midway, staring at it with her lavender eyes.
"I can wear them at night," she murmured, putting it in the carry bag.
---
’Asking a man’s opinion on something like that,’ Vlad gasped inwardly, facepalming. If Chloe had not closed her eyes when she asked his opinion, she would have definitely noticed his flustered face and blushing cheeks.
Chloe selected a couple more simple and cute pairs before moving out of the lingerie section.
The attendant was waiting for them in the main hall.
"I need everyday clothes," Chloe told the attendant.
Meanwhile, Vlad carefully took the carry bag from her hand. She seemed pissed for some reason, and he definitely didn’t want to agitate her further.
The attendant was about to speak when Chloe continued, "They should cover more skin."
The attendant nodded. "Please follow me."
She turned to Vlad. "Let me carry it."
"No, it’s fine," Vlad replied, shaking his head.
The attendant took them to the rarest section of the shop, the one that never ran out of stock. Because... rarely did any noble buy them.
It contained sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, and different styles of trousers for girls.
Chloe’s eyes lit up at the sight of these clothes. Although her face was as unreadable as ever to the attendant, Vlad could clearly see the excitement in her eyes. She hadn’t even batted an eye when she passed through the silken gowns, but this was what caught her attention.
She browsed through them quickly and selected a few sweaters and trousers, knowing her style.
As she reached the end of the section, where the next section, filled with aristocratic gowns, began, she stopped for a moment.
Her eyes fell on a mannequin adorned in an elegant off-shoulder black dress. A pale ribbon choker was tied neatly around the neck, forming a small bow beneath the throat, while matching lace gloves covered the hands. The dress cinched tightly at the waist before flowing into a layered, bell-shaped, white skirt that reached all the way to the ankles.
The price tag showed ten gold taels.
She turned her head away from it the very next instant.
"Where is the changing room?" she asked the attendant, who was standing beside Vlad behind her.
All the clothes she had selected were hanging on his arm.
The attendant led them to the changing room at the corner of the hall.
Chloe went inside, grabbing the clothes from Vlad’s arm.
A couple of minutes later, her head peeked out from behind the curtains.
"Vlad, come inside," she called in an innocent tone.
It was time for Attempt Three.