Chapter 353] Third Update, — Requesting Monthly Pass
Li Yan gazed at the variety of lingerie, then at the uniformed sales assistant, and the women customers passing by, while his mind drifted to Wen Qianyi inside the fitting room. His ears seemed to perk up, attentively listening for any slight sound, hoping to catch her voice inside.
But it was difficult to hear, and he knew that for such a scene involving Wen Qianyi, it was impossible—it was just something to daydream about; if it were Shinohara Mirai in another fitting room, there might be a much bigger possibility!
Just then, he heard a voice in his ear: "Are you imagining...what they look like?"
Suddenly hearing this, which revealed his inner thoughts, even Li Yan couldn't help but blush, though he quickly calmed himself. The one speaking beside him was undoubtedly Matsushima Kui, and given their relationship, even if she saw through him, it wasn't a big deal.
He turned his head to find Matsushima Kui sitting next to him, looking slightly embarrassed yet amused.
"Yeah, so what? Kui, are you upset that I'm not imagining you?" Li Yan grinned mischievously and responded quietly.
Matsushima Kui quickly shook her head; he had already seen her before, so why would he need to imagine?
Lowering her voice, she whispered, "I'll be staying at Future's place too, maybe after we go back, I could set up a chance for you?"
Wen Qianyi wasn't someone she could create opportunities for, and even if there were, they wouldn't succeed easily. But with Shinohara Mirai, chances would arise whether or not she helped. So, Li Yan wasn't tempted by her suggestion but instead said, "Why wait until we go back? You could set up an opportunity for me right now."
"Now?" Matsushima Kui seemed puzzled, thinking, am I supposed to go over and open the fitting room door?
Li Yan indicated an empty fitting room with his eyes, "You could also take a piece of lingerie in there to try on..."
Matsushima Kui finally understood his meaning, a bit embarrassed: "How could that work? We're in a public place..."
"I know, but isn't a public place more thrilling?" In this lingerie kingdom, most of the customers around are women, so joking like this with a girl might give a little thrill, better than nothing, really!
"No way...it won't work, if we're caught...we'll definitely be caught, and if Miss Wen finds out...it wouldn't be good." Matsushima Kui thought Li Yan was genuinely considering this, feeling torn. "How about...we look for a restroom?"
Sweating...Li Yan's heart jumped, really enticing. Doing it in a restroom would indeed be thrilling, but now's not the right time.
"Okay, just kidding with you."
Matsushima Kui breathed a sigh of relief, seemingly taken aback by Li Yan.
"By the way, why haven't you bought anything? Go pick what you like, I'll buy it for you."
Hearing Li Yan's words, Matsushima Kui shook her head vigorously: "No need, we often...buy a lot anyway. Tonight we're mainly here for your shopping, just...haha, in the end, you're accompanying us."
"No problem, I don't need anything."
...
While the two were chatting, Shinohara Mirai and Wen Qianyi came out one after another, seemingly very satisfied. Though Wen Qianyi was still a bit concerned about the price—her set cost sixty thousand Beihai Yuan, nearly four thousand Cloud Coins. She could afford it, but spending so much on just one lingerie set felt quite extravagant.
"Why? You both like it, why not wear it right away? Swap out what you have and I'll carry it back for you." Matsushima Kui was already with the two, and Li Yan had also come over.
Wen Qianyi rolled her eyes at him, treating lingerie as if it were a jacket, really?
Shinohara Mirai noticing her genuine fondness but her concern over the price, instructed the sales assistant in Beihai language to wrap up both sets. "Miss Wen, I'll gift them to you, a meeting gift, no need to be reserved."
Seeing her trying hard to speak but very earnest, Wen Qianyi replied cautiously, shaking her head: "How can I accept? You've already hosted us generously..."
"Everyone...friends...future...when I visit Yun Country, you also...gift me...then it's fine..." Shinohara Mirai offered a cute smile.
Matsushima Kui, seeing her struggle, helped by saying, "Miss Wen, we're all friends, it's Future's gesture of goodwill, so don't be shy. When we get a chance to visit Yun Country, if you offer gifts, we won't hold back either. Plus, you're here to work, not travel shopping, you probably didn't exchange or bring much Beihai Yuan. You've already spent quite a lot."
For Matsushima Kui's explanation, Shinohara Mirai nodded earnestly. While they spoke, the sales assistant quickly packed the items and led Shinohara Mirai to swipe her card.
Wen Qianyi and Shinohara Mirai have officially met today. They aren't very close, but being so enthusiastic makes it a bit difficult for her to accept; perhaps it's due to Li Yan's presence. She thinks Shinohara Mirai is genuinely a simple-hearted person, so if she can help, she should.
They didn't stay inside for long and started to leave. Li Yan carried many shopping bags behind them, and also noticed a sleazy guy in the lingerie store being looked down upon by everyone.
Indeed, it's the guy who was following them. They're one man and three women at the women's lingerie store, and others would think he's one of their boyfriends. However, he's the only man who came along, and to avoid being seen, he constantly tried to hide while following them, pretending to admire lingerie and simultaneously dodging around like a sneak. Not only did customers and staff label him a creep, but they also worried he might be a thief trying to steal lingerie!
Leaving the store, Li Yan spotted Liu Xi, who appeared to be hanging out like someone waiting for others, eating street food. He cleverly figured there wouldn't be any problems happening inside the women's lingerie store, so he didn't go in to avoid awkwardness, but waited at the entrance.
After seeing him, Li Yan exchanged a quick glance, and Liu Xi nodded, indicating he would continue to follow the stalker.
They had a successful shopping trip, and the girls were thrilled, excited, and contacted the driver, all sitting together to return to Shinohara Mirai's home.
Getting back on the road, Li Yan still sat in the middle, but Wen Qianyi went to the front. She felt that sitting at the back was a bit awkward, and it would be better for the two of them to chat more with Li Yan. They were heading home now, so no need for Shinohara Mirai to give directions.
However, her good intentions didn't have the desired effect. They probably tired themselves out from the shopping spree, and as soon as they got in the car, they didn't talk much. Everyone closed their eyes to rest and gradually fell asleep. Wen Qianyi at the front also closed her eyes for a nap.
This left Li Yan somewhat helpless; if everyone was going to sleep, he might as well sit beside her! That way, when she fell asleep, they could be closer.
...
Li Yan wasn't concerned about whether that guy would keep following them, as Liu Xi was trailing him, ensuring he wouldn't stir any trouble.
Returning to Shinohara Mirai's home, it was already late. But since everyone had already napped in the car, their tiredness was completely gone, leaving them energetic. With the new clothes and accessories they just bought, they went upstairs to Wen Qianyi's guest room to change.
Li Yan could only wait for a call, as Liu Xi hadn't contacted him, and Qi Zhongtao, having a call during the act of following, might risk exposure. So, he waited for the call, feeling it would be safer. Feeling idle, he joined them outside Wen Qianyi's guest room, chuckling, "You girls, how can you critique? This arduous task should be left to me! Let me see if what you wear fits well!"
Shinohara Mirai and Matsushima Kui didn't particularly mind his words, but they both smiled at Wen Qianyi, since they were in her room.
Wen Qianyi smiled sweetly at Li Yan, "I think you'd better go back, look in the mirror, and evaluate yourself. I feel you could use a self-evaluation."
"Really? I'm not vain..."
Before he finished speaking, Wen Qianyi had already pulled them in and shut the door tightly. Just before it closed, Li Yan faintly heard, "Feel the style, not the chill," making him unexpectedly relieved. Apparently, Qianyi still cared about him! It truly was a bit cold at night, but other venues, whether restaurants, cars, or shops, were heated. It was only a bit chilly while walking on the street, yet due to continuous shopping, it went unnoticed.
Back in the guest room, Li Yan opened his luggage. Not only was he unprepared, but he didn't bring any thick clothing in his change of clothes either, and he hadn't specifically bought any earlier.
At this moment, his phone rang.
Surely it was Qi Zhongtao. Li Yan picked up almost asking, "What's the situation?"
But instead, a familiar voice came through: "How are you...?"
This voice changing the topic was from Zhang Yurong, and the call originated from home, not Qi Zhongtao. Li Yan quickly changed his tone and smiled, "Yurong, I didn't expect you'd call me. I'm a bit excited and don't know what to say."
Zhang Yurong, hearing him for a while, faced a slight international signal delay. She mustered courage to call Li Yan, but her surprise came when he answered right away, leaving her feeling inadequately prepared.
"It's, um, like this... When I heard Yue Yao mention the weather in D City, I looked it up, and I totally forgot at this time there's quite a big difference from home... Do you, do you have clothes to wear?" Zhang Yurong sounded somewhat guilty, softly asking, "Do you have clothes now?"
Truly a coincidental thought, looking at clothes earlier! But it seemed Wen Qianyi reminded him first; perhaps a shared intuition between these three?
Li Yan quickly collected his thoughts, trying not to make her feel bad, laughed, "Certainly, I'm dressed, could I be bare?"
"...It's all my fault... I helped you pack and ended up making things harder..."
Li Yan sighed lightly, "You know, your call, remembering my warmth, makes me feel warmer than any clothing!"
(Monthly Pass 90 extra! The fourth chapter for breaking 100 votes, the author is still trying hard; if it's not updated by midnight, I might not make it, so don't wait up. New day updates tomorrow. A breakthrough of 100 today; thanks to everyone, let's continue striving for 120!) (To be continued, for more details visit www.qidian.com, support the author, support legitimate reading!)