Chapter Eighty-Five: Why Not?
The art style was decidedly bizarre!
Shangguan Renran and Huangpu Shenqing led the way into the shopping mall, while Ye Zuo kept a certain distance from them.
Xia Wanqing bounced along behind Ye Zuo.
Ouyang Muya was also at Xia Wanqing’s side.
Gong Yi and Shang Mingcheng walked together.
Ouyang Mufeng was pestering Zhen Mi once again. After his persistent efforts over several days, Zhen Mi no longer rejected him. They were friends now, though nothing romantic had blossomed yet.
Both Zhen Mi and Shang Mingcheng wore masks, knowing this was a subsidiary of the Lianran Group. They felt at ease.
Soon, they would surely head for the private boutique.
The crowd at the mall was abuzz—what wind had blown in today?
The eldest son of the Huangpu family? The young master of the Ouyang family? The eldest son of the Gong family? The Ouyang family’s heiress?
And two masked individuals whom no one recognized.
Yet the woman standing with Huangpu Shenqing—wasn’t she the Shangguan Renran who had recently become a sensation on social media?
Another stood aloof.
The last, surely, was Miss Xia—the one bold enough to confront the Ouyang family’s heiress directly.
The number of people in the mall multiplied in an instant.
The boutique manager had received notice long ago. He stood at attention with a line of salespeople from every department.
“I want a private space, understood?”
“Yes, President. Please follow me. We’ve had the latest gowns, suits, and more flown in, including two new creations from Designer Ye, as well as the newest jewelry from Fashion Week.”
The manager introduced everything as they walked, careful not to do so in front of Huangpu Shenqing, instead stopping in the middle to explain step by step.
They entered a boutique, where dozens of salespeople swiftly drew the curtains, blocking any prying eyes from outside.
A “Temporarily Closed” sign was hung at the door.
The salespeople switched on every cold LED spotlight, every NVC illumination lamp.
The space was instantly flooded with dazzling light. Those varied beams reflected off the gowns and jewels, making them appear all the more luxurious, beautiful, and elegant.
Shangguan Renran discovered that the two dresses designed by her mother weren’t suitable for her!
One was black, studded with tiny diamonds like stars that would shine at night—this was perfect for Muya.
The other was a pale pink strapless dress adorned with feathers, gentle and playful—just right for Zhen Mi.
But there was a pair of shoes she fancied—a blue pair she loved.
They had pointed toes, slightly transparent, encrusted with diamonds.
As expected, Ouyang Muya and Zhen Mi chose those two gowns.
Shangguan Renran wandered elsewhere; the space was vast, nearly as large as a hall.
Suddenly, she was drawn to a champagne-colored gown in the window—a mermaid dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, most striking for its white tassel halter around the neck.
Just as she was about to ask a salesperson to take it down, Huangpu Shenqing approached, blocking her view, his tone cold, “You dare to choose something so revealing?”
Shangguan Renran protested instantly, “Why not?”
“Because you can’t.”
“Hmph.” She’d finally found something she liked, but he forbade it. Fine, she’d look for something else.
Xia Wanqing secretly watched Ye Zuo’s choice of suit—it was charcoal gray. She picked a dress from the dark palette as well.
Gong Yi chose a midnight blue suit with a nostalgic, retro feel. Ouyang Mufeng selected off-white, suiting his image perfectly. Shang Mingcheng’s was medium gray.
Once they’d made their choices, they changed immediately.
Shangguan Renran circled the boutique nearly twice. Nothing caught her eye except that one gown.
She glanced back; everyone else was choosing clothing and accessories. Only Huangpu Shenqing sat alone.
She walked over and asked, “Mr. Huangpu, why aren’t you choosing?”
“Does Renran think what I’m wearing doesn’t look good?”
Shangguan Renran studied the man on the sofa. He was dressed, as always, in a black suit. Nothing about it stood out, yet the noble air he exuded was unmistakable.
His tie was black, with a matching black tie clip. The all-black ensemble lent him an unusual, icy charm.
His watch was a Blancpain—understated and elegant, with just enough space beneath his cuff.
His cufflinks were sapphire-blue crystal, French-style.
“You look especially handsome, Mr. Huangpu. Truly the most striking man I’ve ever seen.”
Huangpu Shenqing absorbed her praise with evident pleasure, a softness tinging his features. “But you haven’t found anything suitable?”
“And who’s to blame for that?”
She grew annoyed just thinking about it. Why wasn’t she allowed that gown?
“Be good. Because of me, I’ll make it up to you.”
Huangpu Shenqing led Shangguan Renran into a small private room.
“What’s this?”
“I had them pick out three dresses just for you. They were delivered moments ago.”
He’d noticed her searching without taking anything down to examine, guessing she wasn’t satisfied, so he’d arranged for three more to be sent.
Huangpu Shenqing opened a small case, revealing three large gift boxes inside.
Shangguan Renran stepped forward and opened each one.
The first was starry blue, glittering with fine diamonds, knee-length, paired with blue lace-up heels.
The second was a vintage court style, with several layers of tulle. The outermost skirt was decorated with silver leaf motifs, paired with silver heels—elegant and dignified.
The third was a French-style hibiscus purple evening gown, silk-lined, with a sheer overlay tinged pink and white. It had a fitted waist and a small trailing hem, with pale purple wrapped heels.
“Mr. Huangpu, I like this one.”
Shangguan Renran chose the last dress.
“Very well, go change into it.”
She cradled the box, searching for the fitting room, but Huangpu Shenqing blocked her way. “Be good, change here.”
“Here?”
Shangguan Renran glanced around. It was indeed a closed, private space, but…
“Then close your eyes and turn around.”
“All right.”
Huangpu Shenqing lifted his hands helplessly, then turned his back.
Shangguan Renran, holding the dress box, kept some distance from him. She slowly slipped out of her clothes, carefully changed into the dress, her gaze repeatedly flickering toward the man.