Chapter 8: Opposing Him Is Definitely the Right Move

The elevator doors slid open silently on the top floor, releasing a wave of luxurious air scented with a subtle perfume and the smell of fine leather. Bright overhead lights illuminated Dior, Chanel, and other women's clothing brands, both recognizable and unfamiliar. Large posters of models hung high on the walls, their gazes cold, aloof, and distant, wearing expressions that kept people at arm's length.

Gao Qinghe glanced at Xiang Bei. He still wore that same careless yet curiously interested look, one hand in his pocket, his steps lazy. It seemed her sharp-tongued attack hadn't affected him in the slightest.

What's wrong with this guy? 'I hate you' is practically written all over my face, how can he act like nothing's wrong? What on earth does Lin Xi see in him, this shameless attitude?

I practically insulted him to death just now, how is he not affected at all? Is he secretly enjoying it? Is he a masochist?

If that's the case, then this is no fun—

Wouldn't I, Gao Qinghe, just become a tour guide? Taking his clothes in exchange for providing him with emotional value... wouldn't that mean I'm being clearly priced?

No, I have to think of a good plan...

"If you don't have any specific requests, how about this one?" Xiang Bei pointed at Chanel, his voice low and casual.

"No." Gao Qinghe refused almost reflexively.

Regardless of the reason, refusing him first was the right move.

Xiang Bei didn't seem annoyed, just raised an eyebrow slightly and pointed to the Balenciaga next door:

"How about this one?"

Holy crap, Balenciaga! Gao Qinghe's eyes lit up involuntarily, the desire deep within her as Gao Jingdong instantly awakened.

He really wants that down jacket!

If he had been waiting outside Lin Xi's door in a snowstorm wearing Balenciaga, he'd have face even if buried as a snowman.

"...No." She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to look away.

"Then..." Xiang Bei's finger deliberately skipped over Hermès and pointed at the Tom Ford storefront, "This one?"

"I want to go to the one in front." Gao Qinghe's steps halted in front of the door with the orange Hermès sign, and she stood firm. "Yes, this one."

"This one..." Xiang Bei's expression finally changed. He frowned slightly, looking troubled.

Perfect, choose this one!

"What, you ruined my dress, and now you're picking and choosing the price for a replacement?"

Gao Qinghe provocatively pointed at the tiny coffee stain on her skirt, but her voice was soft, almost coquettish.

Whatever, a soft tone with tough words will do. He's going in today whether he wants to or not.

"...Fine." Xiang Bei squeezed the word out through gritted teeth, reluctantly leading her into the store.

The store manager was a middle-aged man in a crisp suit. He approached, his demeanor proper yet neither subservient nor arrogant:

"Mr. Xiang, welcome back. How may I assist you today..."

"Pick out an outfit for her. Whatever she likes is fine."

The manager's gaze then shifted to Gao Qinghe. He seemed momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself, offering her a polite smile:

"Madam, hello. Thank you for choosing Hermès."

He then turned back to Xiang Bei with a slight nod. "The VIP room is ready. Please follow me."

Black and gold furnishings, walls inlaid with gilded lines, polished display cabinets...

Wait, holy crap, this high-end luxury store has a VIP room?

Gao Qinghe was dumbfounded for a long moment, ultimately choosing this point to吐槽 in her heart.

Lin Xi never mentioned any VIP room before. She just tried on clothes in the regular fitting room, then either swiped her card or left.

It seems Xiang Bei's family background is indeed no joke.

"By the way, the Birkin ordered by Mrs. Xiang has arrived. Would you like to take a look first?" Facing Xiang Bei, who was leaning casually against the arm of the sofa, the manager inquired in a low voice.

His voice was already very low, but Gao Qinghe caught every word.

Xiang Bei glanced at her, his expression clearly awkward and displeased. "No need. I'll pick it up next time."

Great— Gao Qinghe snickered inwardly. So the reason Xiang Bei didn't want to come to this store is simply because it's where his mom often shops.

Who would've thought, this guy is quite a mama's boy.

"Madam, is there any clothing you'd like to see?" The manager's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Just as Gao Qinghe was hesitating how to respond, Xiang Bei spoke for her. He pointed to a beige silk button-up cocktail dress in the display case:

"Choose that one. If it's possible, let's decide on this?"

His tone was urgent, clearly wanting to leave this place quickly, even making the decision for her.

"Hey, I don't want..." Gao Qinghe started to refuse, but the manager acted as if he hadn't heard, simply nodding to Xiang Bei, silently taking out the dress, and handing it to her.

Well, isn't this another case of judging people by their appearance and treating them accordingly?

Gao Qinghe was furious. So you still think I'm a country bumpkin and don't need to listen to my opinion?

The manager's face still wore that same cold yet eager smile. Gao Qinghe, momentarily unsure how to refuse, had no choice but to take the dress.

After fumbling in the fitting room for a long time, Gao Qinghe still felt the dress was awkward no matter how she wore it.

Hmm, the buttons are a bit too high, it's a bit tight across the chest. Let's undo two. Just for show, it's not revealing anything.

The skirt is a bit loose, the waistline is a bit wide. This Hermès dress doesn't show off the figure. Gao Qinghe saw a belt hanging on the clothes rack, thought for a moment, pulled it over, and tightened it around her waist.

That's better— The thin fabric finally conformed to her body, but the curves of her chest became even more pronounced.

It seems a bit revealing.

This fabric is a bit thin. What should and shouldn't be seen seems like it could all be visible.

Right, she's not wearing a bra.

Li Xiang's girlfriend's clothes had thicker fabric. No one noticed along the way, so she came like this.

Well, what can be done? She simply doesn't have a bra. It seems Li Xiang didn't think of this either and didn't lay out his girlfriend's bras.

How could two big men immediately think that women need to wear bras?

Forgivable, forgivable.

Gao Qinghe looked at herself in the mirror. Long hair cascaded messily over her shoulders. The beige cocktail dress hugged her body, the belt cinching her waist to a slender grasp. The fabric at her chest faintly revealed the delicate fairness of her skin.

Not bad, not bad.

She wanted to see just how firmly these proper people's masks were glued on.

Pushing the door open, Gao Qinghe walked out barefoot, looking challengingly at Xiang Bei. She placed her hands on her hips:

"So, how does it look? Pretty?"

She intended to appear strong, but in Xiang Bei's eyes, it was a different scene entirely: a busty beauty with a naturally flushed face free of makeup, gazing at him with eyes like silken threads. The action of propping her hands on her waist made her waist astonishingly slender. Under the loose skirt hem, the fair skin of her inner thighs was faintly visible. The bold display formed a strong visual contrast with the girl's pure face, hitting him like a heavy hammer to the chest.

His phone clattered to the floor. His eyes were fixed on the softness at her chest that seemed almost ready to escape the fabric. His breathing noticeably lost its rhythm.

"Ah, madam, that belt is meant to be tied around the neck... eek!" The manager walked over from her side, and upon seeing her barely-contained chest, was also shocked, his voice changing pitch.

Xiang Bei didn't even bother picking up his phone. He quickly took off his own jacket and threw it over her. The oversized jacket, carrying his cool, woody cologne scent, instantly enveloped her entire person.

"Ahem, I'm begging you, put your clothes on properly before coming out in a place like this." His voice was hoarse, even somewhat flustered.

Gao Qinghe's heartbeat had momentarily faltered because of the warmth from his jacket, but seeing Xiang Bei's deliberately restrained and somewhat embarrassed expression, her mischievousness grew even stronger.

She顺势 leaned closer to Xiang Bei, grabbing his wrist, her fingertips touching his warm skin.

She stood on tiptoe, her breath lightly brushing against his neck, so close she could faintly feel the pulse of his heartbeat:

"What's wrong, brother? Is it because this dress doesn't suit me?" Her lips were almost touching his skin. "Or is it... that I forgot to wear a bra? What to do, does brother want to help me pick one out?"

Xiang Bei's body stiffened slightly. Something flashed in his eyes but was quickly restrained. He took a deep breath, trying to create distance, but couldn't pull his hand back.

Watching the finally flustered and不知所措 Xiang Bei, Gao Qinghe was already laughing like a major villain in her heart.