"Si, let's go out today," Shou suddenly said. He looked through the window of the shop and saw the dazzling spring-light illuminating the houses roads and trees. After the busy night yesterday, the next morning felt a lot sweeter.
"No."
"Quick to shoot down, just like I expected." Shou nodded. "But it was not a suggestion—as in—we will be going out today."
"Why, why, why?" Si grew agitated. "We've been doing perfectly fine in the store. In fact, I have a feeling we are just gaining traction."
He answered matter-of-factly: "It's because I am bored!"
"We've been here for only a week..." Si sighed and closed her eyes in resignation.
"Oh!" Shou clapped his hands, as he realized something. "How about you watch over the store while I leave to look at the city then?"
"How am I supposed to watch over anything without a body?" Si gritted her teeth.
Shou rubbed his temples. "Isn't there anything you can do about it? You systems have so many gadgets but you can't have a body?"
"Uh... [growl]. Actually, the way for me to obtain a body is by—" she suddenly stopped talking. "Ah, no, never mind!"
Shou's eyes began to flicker. "What so you can? What do you need? Tell me, tell me!"
"No, no, forget it," Si grumbled, "let's just go out for today then."
And so they did, as Shou lazily propped himself up and walked outside the store. Really, it would be a shame to not see the city their store was based on, was it not?
The sun promptly hit his eyes making him squint. The weather was perfect for a small walk, with a pleasant breeze breathing through his slightly disheveled hair.
"I have been thinking. Since I have some money, I should buy some clothes, don't you think? I can't always wear the same thing after all. I'd also like to try some local food. What was it again? The City of Extended Delight? With a name like that, they ought to have great stuff right?" Shou rambled on. He was feeling a bit excited to see the city.
"Alright, alright. Let's just do it swiftly so we can return before dusk, [sigh]."
Shou strolled around, happily swinging his arms while walking. "Let's get some clothes first." He walked and passed several streets, until arriving at a place busier than before. Around him were many shops, all of them bigger than his own. They weren't as run-down either—though obviously, they couldn't compare with Si's interior design. People were bustling about, all potential patrons for those businesses to earn money.
"Uwah, if all these people entered my store, how much money would I earn [drool]?"
Shou quickly reminded her, "it's 'our' store, 'our' store," lest she forgot. He then looked around. "Okay, let's go to there!" The place he pointed at was a four-storied building showcasing many different apparel. Most of the people here had been entering that shop too, a reminder of its good quality.
"[eyeroll] You wouldn't take no for an answer anyway, right?"
Instead of replying, Shou simply strutted into the shop. Soon enough, he was greeted by the sight of the warm light from outside mixing with the pale colors of the inside, shining on the plethora of colorful clothes giving them a gleam as if they were gems.
"Welcome customer," a female immediately greeted him smilingly. "May I show you around?"
Shou turned around to look at her and nodded, though internally, he was confounded by their quick speed. He hadn't even been given time to breathe in the air, let alone see the store by himself. It was just like a sneak-attack! Was that how business operated these days? How vile.
Si stared at Shou and she could somehow tell that the youth was thinking about something stupid again.
The female continued giving him a business-smile and led him upstairs. She had done her hair into a bun and looked around the age of 25. The clothing she wore was a short white dress, similar to her co-workers. The provocative outfit was a stark contrast to her otherwise innocent look.
"Dear customer. You may refer to me as Lin Zhuyue. I will be guiding you today. Please remember the name."
As she said that, she took a swift peek, analyzing the customer from head to toe. The person was wearing a robe that seemed rather expensive, thus she knew there was some money to be made.
It was rough to make a living in this city. A little bit of shamelessness was needed to survive here.
Faster than aIl her competitors (co-workers), she had rushed to the entrance; all those back-stabbing bastards (co-workers) could do was gnash their teeth in hatred. But she didn't care—If she closed the deal, she may just be on her way to a promotion. Her smile grew a bit bigger.
"Now then, the third floor is where we hold the finest collection. Although it may be a little on the pricey side, I can guarantee its quality." Lin Zhuyue giggled slightly.
Though she had said that, this floor actually housed the most expensive clothes. She would begin with a shocking price first—it may work after all. The customer looked young and rich, the type she loved the most, since they were the easiest to trick.
Her eyes locked with Shou.
Shou felt a little creeped out, but he couldn't tell why.
As the lady was about to lead Shou into the collection, another female wearing similar clothes bumped into her.
"Kyah," Lin Zhuyue screamed and tumbled off-kelter. She tried regaining her balance, but by doing so stumbled over her own feet and fell towards Shou. "Watch out!"
Surprised, Shou caught the lady by her shoulders, stopping her from falling on him. Her grabbed her tightly and glanced at her face. "Uh, are you alright," he asked and tilted his head.
Lin Zhuyue similarly glanced at Shou, and she immediately turned red. She jumped backwards and apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry."
"As long as you are alright."
Embarrassed and angry, Lin Zhuyue searched for the perpetrator that pushed her over. Right behind her, she saw the foxy vixen Ran Wei (her co-worker) staring back at her with a face full of pity.
So it was her!
"Oh my, are you okay? Could it perhaps be you aren't feeling that well? Then maybe I can help you by guiding the customer here," Ran Wei said with a gentle voice. If Lin Zhuyue didn't know her well enough, she'd actually have fallen for her tricks.
"I could ask you the same thing. Has your vision started fading already? You are turning older after all." Lin Zhuyue suppressed the urge to punch her and smiled. This co-worker of hers had time and time made things hard for her. Wherever misfortune lay, Ran Wei wasn't far away.
Ran Wei cupped her mouth, "Don't be like that. I still have to thank you for driving away my last customer."
"What can I say," Lin Zhuyue laughed softly, "I simply guided her to better workers—which would be me." She maintained a business-smile.
Well, Lin Zhuyue wasn't that innocent either. Both of them entered at the same time after all. They were bound to clash.
"Uhm, I just want some clothes," Shou interjected.
"Of course, dearest customer, let me show you around." Lin Zhuyue dragged him away.
"Wait, how about you follow me instead? I'm sure I can find better prices for you." Ran Wei sneakily snuck behind them and curled her arm around Shou's. She followed up with a sweet but enchanting smile.
"Ah, what's this? Who's that handsome man wearing full-plated gold armor over there?" Lin Zhuyue shouted and pointed at the entrance.
Ran Wei gave a quick glance and sneered. "Huh, you think I am a fool? Who'd fall fo—" Her words fell short as she felt Lin Zhuyue grabbing her clothes.
Without hesitation, she pulled Ran Wei's dress down, revealing her bare breasts as they bursted out. They looked white and soft to the touch.
"Kyah!" Ran Wei knelt down and hid her chest. She blushed and shouted, "You damn bitch! I'm going to report you!"
Lin Zhuyue took the opportunity and led Shou away. Really, a little bit of shamelessness was indeed necessary.
"How about this one," Lin Zhuyue asked and handed Shou a red dress.
"Uhm, do you have something more masculine?"
She tilted her head in confusion. "Sure, then how about this black robe, it's a little longer."
"Hmm," Shou mumbled, "the color is nice, but I feel like the waist is a bit too slender."
"Dearest customer, isn't a slender waist good for a female?" Lin Zhuyue tilted her head some more.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Suddenly, a panting Ran Wei bursted through the clothing line. "Wait, I think as a female, you have to show your charms! It's also on sale!" In her hand, she held a short mini-dress with garterbelts.
"What? If so, I recommend you this long dress with an open slit for the legs. It's a lot less provocative but still feminine."
Ran Wei pushed Lin Zhuyue away with a smile. "Mini-dress!"
"Long-dress!" Lin Zhuyue rebutted and hit Ran Wei with her shoulder.
"You!"
The two of them stared at each other and began to grapple—of course, they never forgot to smile.
"Uhm, if I may," Shou silently said, "do you have clothes for a male?"
The two—with their faces pressed on each other—asked, "Why?"
"Because I'm male."
They both stopped. They stared at the customer. "What?"
Shou sighed. "Can't you tell from my voice? Also, I have an adam's apple. Look here it is."
Li Zhuyue stared at Shou's neck. "It's true..." She then glanced at Ran Wei and realized Ran Wei also glanced at her.
The two of them started to giggle. While their hands were still interlinked, they laughed loudly. Immediately after, their faces turned white and they fell to their knees, prostrating. "We apologize for this confusion."
"It's fine." Shou paused. "Actually, if you feel bad, how about visiting my store?"
His question dumbfounded the ladies. He was trying to advertise in this situation!
Lin Zhuyue suddenly realized: the real shameless person was the black-haired youth over here.