The taxi slowed down and stopped at the side of the road in front of Shen Shopping Mall, a gold-plated building that rose a hundred floors into the sky.
It was the pride of Baswil City, one of the landmarks of Norpond, and the biggest and most famous mall in the entire country — to poor people, it was a place they could only dream of visiting.
The wide front space had dancing fountains and tall palm trees swaying in the wind.
Bright digital screens flashed luxury ads while people walked in and out of the mall.
Some carried shopping bags while others stopped to take photos of the shining gold-plated giant.
Rachel unbuckled her seatbelt, pulled out a thousand-Norpondian dollar bill from her small blue handbag, and handed it to the driver with a calm smile.
She pushed the door open and stepped out gracefully and the moment she stepped out, her tall frame and presence immediately drew eyes to her.
People on the street froze while some started whispering among themselves.
