Chapter 16: Chapter 15: A Stroll in the Rain

“Bastard.” Chen Yuyue lifted her pale face and wiped the corner of her mouth fiercely with her arm. She didn't stop until her lips were red and swollen. Her eyes, which should have been bright and indifferent, were now brimming with tears that looked ready to fall at any moment.

How could he be like this? Although she had long since abandoned any thought of marriage from the moment her family was destroyed, and her mind had become somewhat more open after following Chen Ziwu for many years—unlike the conservative women of deep boudoirs—it didn't mean she could just let a man kiss her whenever he pleased.

Looking at her red, swollen cherry lips, Yu Luoxuan couldn't help but think of that kiss just now. Although it was only for an instant, it was enough for him to taste its flavor, a sweetness that was unforgettable. Meeting her tearful eyes and seeing the wild defiance on her pale little face, a trace of pity seemed to want to break through his heart, but it was immediately suppressed by his remaining shred of rationality. At the same time, an unfamiliar pleasure spread through his heart—the pleasure of seeing her tears.

Yu Luoxuan hid the smirk at the corner of his mouth and began to coax her with a logical argument: "You know that after our deal, we must be together at all times. To avoid suspicion, wouldn't it be better to act as a couple? Besides, if I'm always with a young and beautiful girl, other girls won't dare to approach me. If I haven't married by this age, my mother will get anxious. *Ahem*, that person just now was my enemy; he was being disrespectful." He truly could lie without a blush or a racing heart; it turned out one could lie in a way that sounded so aggrieved.

Chen Yuyue pouted and thought for a long time. It seemed to make sense, so she said in a cold, low voice, "There won't be a next time." She wasn't stupid, of course; once she calmed down, she naturally understood what that man's words meant. The one truly insulted was her, and in truth, Yu Luoxuan was venting her anger. However, the way he did it only made her annoyed.

"Mhm. Let's go." Yu Luoxuan lowered his head and sat in a standard "please" gesture. He was polite without losing his grace, possessing an excellent and charming handsomeness that caused even the professionally trained salesclerks passing by to glance his way repeatedly.

Listening to the elegantly dressed salesclerk's enthusiastic introductions of one dress after another—dresses that had barely more fabric than a rag—Chen Yuyue felt a massive headache coming on under Yu Luoxuan's languid gaze. Drenched in sweat, she selected a set from among them: a relatively conservative black professional suit, much like the leather jacket she was currently wearing.

"Mhm, this one will do." Chen Yuyue handed the clothes in her hand to Yu Luoxuan.

His sexy eyes swept over her, and "Pfft..." This time, he truly couldn't help but let out a knowing laugh. But with this laugh, his white teeth and starry eyes lost a bit of their composure and gained a touch of brightness and cheerfulness. Set against the dazzling lights, he looked like a fallen immortal stepping upon translucent pearls, exuding an unparalleled elegance unique to this world.

"This doesn't suit you." He only took the clothes from her hand and set them aside once he had finished, tucking away his smile to weave through the beautiful garments, selecting them seriously.

"This is the latest design from a famous Italian designer, called 'Walking in the Rain.' Its style is that of a fluffy princess, a wild beauty; it suits this lady's temperament very well." The salesclerk, who had followed Chen Yuyue the whole way without showing a hint of complaint, beamed with joy the moment she saw where Yu Luoxuan was pointing. She was so eager to take it down immediately; after all, a patron of this caliber was extraordinary—selling just one item would equal half a month's salary in commission.

Chen Yuyue raised an eyebrow. Having followed Chen Ziwu for so many years, what rare treasure had she not seen? Although she didn't know who this Italian designer was and wasn't particularly interested in this so-called "princess skirt," seeing the clerk's joyful expression, she figured the person must be somewhat famous.

"Go try it on." Yu Luoxuan took the dress off the rack and handed it to her.

"Here?" Chen Yuyue looked around warily. It was an open space; how was she supposed to change? Even if what the Madam meant by "open-minded" was broad, it shouldn't be to this extent, right?

"Miss, the fitting rooms are this way. Please." The salesclerk made a standard gesture and took the lead to guide Chen Yuyue.

*Whew, so there are fitting rooms. I overthought it.* Chen Yuyue relaxed, her mouth muttering as she was about to follow, but she suddenly thought of a more serious problem and came to a dead halt.

"What is it?" Yu Luoxuan asked, puzzled.

Chen Yuyue approached him in embarrassment, looking left and right to ensure no one was eavesdropping, before whispering, "I don't know how to wear clothes like this."

"Huh?" Yu Luoxuan hadn't reacted yet. He felt as if he had heard an incredibly ridiculous joke. His left hand, which was steadying the rack, suddenly went empty. Losing his balance, he was about to fall backward. His right hand instinctively reached out to grab the Chen Yuyue in front of him, intending for her to steady him, but she was also caught off guard. Both of them tumbled down together. Chen Yuyue crashed straight into his arms.

The surrounding clothes scattered down with them. Yu Luoxuan's vision went dark, and he felt two soft mounds pressing tightly against his chest. Through the thin fabric, he could almost feel their highly elastic texture and the warmth radiating an enticing fragrance.

"Oh, heavens! Quick, help them up!" At the same time, he heard disorganized footsteps and panicked cries coming from all directions. Immediately after, the fallen clothes and the rack were lifted away, revealing the two people pressed tightly together.

"Are you alright?" Upon standing up, Yu Luoxuan merely brushed off his clothes as he asked. It was as if that moment had never happened—or even if it had, he simply didn't care about things that seemed so embarrassing in the eyes of others.

Chen Yuyue nervously squeezed the dress in her hands, terrified that she might have accidentally snagged it, which would be a waste of such a fine thing. "I-I'm fine. It was my fault for dragging you down. I hope I didn't damage the dress."

Yu Luoxuan wanted to say something more, but his eyes accidentally swept over her chest. The tight leather jacket accentuated her fullness, making it clearly visible, and he couldn't help but recall the sensation through the clothing just now—a softness that stirred a sense of longing. However, after only a few seconds, he quickly looked away. He had played with many women and had never once lost control; the woman before him would be no exception.

A slight, beautiful curve appeared at the corner of his world-bewitching lips. Yu Luoxuan glanced at the flustered salesclerks around them and said to Chen Yuyue, "Wait for me a moment," before turning and walking away leisurely with his hands in his pockets.

"Oh." Chen Yuyue didn't care much; she was too busy inspecting the expensive dress in her hands. Fortunately, aside from some slight wrinkling where she had been gripping it, it was mostly intact. She felt the light gauze of the skirt; the lining was pale green silk, so soft it was heart-stirring. She had to admit, it felt wonderful to the touch.

After a long while, once the salesclerk had tidied up the clothes and the rack, Yu Luoxuan finally stepped off the elevator from the second floor with an easy gait. He held a beautifully packaged box, looking like a prince returning in victory, stepping toward you one step at a time amidst the starlight of honor.