The Financial Street Shopping Center, located at the heart of the capital's Financial Street, was one of the best places to experience the elegant and fashionable atmosphere of the city.
Most of the people coming and going were high-income professionals—senior white-collar workers, business elites. With its refined design and a lineup of global brands, the center had truly become a world-class shopping destination.
On the way there, Lanxi gave Chen Mo a brief overview of the mall's background and reputation.
Soon, their car pulled into the underground parking lot. Chen Mo took out a mask and a pair of black-rimmed glasses to put on. Since there were no official activities today, he was dressed casually. With the mask and glasses on, he looked like any other young man—completely unremarkable.
Lanxi glanced at him and did a double take. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she never would have guessed this was their legendary boss.
"Do I look handsome?" Chen Mo grinned at her reaction.
"If I hadn't seen you put on the mask, I definitely wouldn't have recognized you." Lanxi smiled. Now that she was more familiar with his personality, she wasn't nearly as nervous around him as the first time they met.
"Exactly the point. When I go out with Xiaoyu, we get recognized all the time. A few little girls even tried to sneak photos." Chen Mo adjusted the mask and stepped out of the car.
Lanxi quickly followed, while Wang Hai and Black Hawk kept close behind, maintaining a safe but reactive distance, eyes scanning the area for anything unusual.
"No need to be so formal. This is just a shopping trip—treat me like a friend," Chen Mo said casually.
"Ah, okay…" Lanxi relaxed a little. The boss was more approachable than the rumors said. "Boss, do you go shopping with Xiaoyu often?"
"Whenever she wants to go out, I go with her. Otherwise, staying home for too long gets boring," Chen Mo said with a chuckle.
"How did you two meet? Was it during school?"
"Yeah. I met her just before I started the company, and we've been together ever since." Chen Mo's tone softened as he spoke about Xiaoyu.
"She's really lucky. The girls in our company all envy her," Lanxi said with a teasing smile. Now that the conversation was more relaxed, she chatted freely like they were just normal friends.
"I think I'm the lucky one," Chen Mo smiled. "Ever since I met her, everything changed. She's like the goddess of fortune sent to me by heaven."
Sometimes he wondered—was the technology library meant for her, and he just happened to stumble into her luck? But now, he felt it was Xiaoyu herself who brought him luck.
They stepped out of the elevator and entered the shopping center.
It wasn't the weekend, and people were still at work, so the place wasn't too crowded. Still, there were a number of women browsing and couples walking hand in hand.
Lanxi led the way toward the clothing section on the third floor.
As they passed by shops, Chen Mo spotted a women's clothing store with a black dress in the window that caught his eye. He and Lanxi walked in.
"Welcome!" a sales clerk greeted them warmly. "We've got a lot of new arrivals today. Please feel free to browse or try anything on."
"The black dress in the window—can you take it down for me?" Chen Mo pointed at the mannequin.
"Of course, just a moment." The clerk took a quick glance at Chen Mo. Even with the mask, she could sense his confidence and guessed he wasn't ordinary.
His casual outfit looked plain, but she recognized the brand—it was top-tier. She wasn't worried about whether he could afford anything.
"Would you like your girlfriend to try it on?" she asked, looking at Lanxi.
"You've misunderstood. He's my boss. I'm just accompanying him. He's buying for his fiancée," Lanxi said with a polite smile.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," the clerk quickly apologized.
"If you like something, feel free to pick a couple. Consider it a thank-you for keeping me company," Chen Mo said with a friendly smile.
"Oh, no, no—I couldn't." Lanxi waved her hands quickly. She knew the prices here were outrageous—just one item would cost her several months' salary.
"You don't want me to pick for you?"
"No, no," Lanxi quickly shook her head. She didn't dare imagine what Chen Mo might pick.
"Then you'll have to choose one yourself."
"Well... maybe just one," she finally relented and walked over to the racks.
"Wrap this dress," Chen Mo handed over the size. "And also a dark gray high-neck sleeveless T-shirt."
Ever since meeting Xiaoyu, she'd been in charge of choosing his clothes. When he had time, they shopped together. When he didn't, she had people buy things for him. He never had to worry about his wardrobe.
Now that he'd promised to buy her a gift, it had been a while since he picked something out himself.
"Would you like to look at anything else?" the sales clerk asked, her face glowing with excitement. He was clearly a big spender.
"Not for now," Chen Mo shook his head and called Wang Hai, who was waiting outside. "I'm going to grab something else. Lanxi will handle the rest—just pay for everything and wait for me here."
Wang Hai nodded and took Chen Mo's bank card. "Should Black Hawk follow you?"
"No need," Chen Mo waved it off casually.
Leaving the store, Chen Mo checked the signs and headed off in another direction.
—
"Welcome—uh…"
In a high-end lingerie store, three saleswomen looked up as Chen Mo entered alone. First startled, then confused. Men usually came in with their girlfriends or wives—not alone. And wearing a mask?
They instinctively took a step back, exchanging awkward glances, unsure whether to greet him.
"Sir, is there something you're looking for?" one young clerk finally asked, cheeks already red.
Chen Mo's heart was breaking from embarrassment, but he braced himself and stepped inside.
"Two sets of close-fitting clothes for my wife."
Wearing a mask helped, but this was still incredibly awkward. If anyone recognized him, the headlines tomorrow would be wild.
"Of course. Please come this way," the young clerk stammered, leading him in with visible discomfort.
Two female customers browsing corsets nearby immediately took notice. The atmosphere thickened.
Chen Mo wanted to bolt. But thinking of Xiaoyu, he stood his ground. A little embarrassment was worth it for her happiness.
"What material would you like? We have lace, silk, cotton, modal, and milk silk."
"Which one's the best?"
Surrounded by colors and textures, Chen Mo was overwhelmed.
"For comfort and appearance, silk and milk silk are best," the clerk explained, trying to stay composed. "Silk is called the 'Queen of Textiles'—light, smooth, and beautiful, with health benefits. Milk silk is made from milk protein. It's soft, breathable, and durable, with vibrant colors and a luxurious feel."
She pointed out the different fabrics. "This is milk silk, this is silk, and this is lace. If you'd like other materials, they're on the far side."
Blushing, she tried to remain professional while introducing the options.
"I'll take this one, this... and that one too."
Still flustered, Chen Mo just picked a few sets that fit Xiaoyu's style.
"What size is your wife, sir?" the young clerk asked cautiously, avoiding eye contact.
Chen Mo paused. "I think... 86, 71."
"Pfft."
"Hmph."
The two female customers gave him a look, then quietly glanced down at themselves. Their expressions soured.
No wonder they were single.
After paying, Chen Mo made a swift escape. That atmosphere was just too much.
When he returned to the original store, Wang Hai, Black Hawk, and Lanxi were already waiting.
Seeing the bag in his hand, Lanxi peeked at the brand. Her face immediately flushed, and she struggled to hold back a laugh.
"If you want to laugh, just laugh," Chen Mo said dryly, knowing she'd figured it out.
Lanxi giggled softly, imagining the scene. Her boss had a surprisingly cute side—and in that moment, she felt a hint of envy toward Xiaoyu.
"No one took pictures, right?"
"Nah." Chen Mo sighed. "Thankfully."
"What else are you planning to buy?" Lanxi asked after calming down.
"Skin care and cosmetics. I'll grab a couple sets while I'm at it," Chen Mo said. Since he rarely got the chance to shop for Xiaoyu, he might as well go all out.
"Cosmetics are on the first floor."
"Let's go."