The answer was coming in the form of detailed instruction to the guards on where to find things she needed.
"Let's go shopping, shall we?"
Wu Lei sighed when reading the clothing store's plaque 'REMBULAN'.
This is going to be a long one.
Ruan Di took Miu to one of the new clothing stores and was immediately approached by the shopkeeper.
"Welcome to our shop, Miss. What kind of clothing do you look for? We only sell women's clothing. The first and second floor is for ready made clothes while the third floor is for customization. A new fabric batch just came in, you can make any kind of kebaya or gown."
"Then please lead the way to the third floor."
The shopkeeper's smile got wider. As long as he could make her buy things from the third floor, his bonus this month will be secured.
The store was spacious, with fine Persian carpet and some Chinese ornaments on each floor. Ruan Di was confident that the shop owner was well connected to the overseas merchants. These decorations were more luxurious and lively as they got up.
Once they arrived at the third floor, the waiter stopped and smiled: "Miss, this is where the new batch sample is. We only have a limited bolt for each fabric."
Ruan Di touched each fabric, some were pure silk with no grease or mold, certainly showing the level of attentiveness on its transportation and handling. The brocades were colorful with various unique shapes. What interested her the most was a batik with one cohesive pattern, turning it into a captivating storyline.
Seeing Ruan Di staring without blinking, he took a book design to her. "It was the last bolt of a famous batik craftsman in our hometown. Her signature is to make this kind of storyline on the fabrics. Many people just collect the fabric rather than turn it into clothing."
"It's a work of art, who dares.."
While Ruan Di was trailing the batik pattern in astonishment, Miu handed the treasury token to the shopkeeper and immediately wrote the deed sale. He was more energetic to introduce more products, after all this Miss not only had sharp eyes, but was also a straight buyer.
"This is a cherry red satin dress, it's inspired by Chinese qipao but has a shoulder hood.
"This white lily shaped brocade skirt is also a best selling item in our store. It's summer now, but it's also suitable for spring later.
"If Miss is more into set clothes, this is the new design of our store. This is a high neck kebaya, the inside is from a comfortable material - cotton, and the outside is from moon brocade - the best brocade there is right now.
"This kebaya dress or kebaya shirt is also functional, we have all types of collar, length, and materials. Customization is also available and we have one free customization after 5 customization."
The shopkeeper was very eloquent and even Miu couldn't help but be moved by his words. She felt that every piece of ready-made clothing hanging on the wall was unique and exquisite.
Wu Lei on the other hand was noting the shopkeeper's diligence and he must have kept this attitude in mind and being more strict on employee training later. Look at the shopkeeper's smile! The enthusiasm, the knowledge, and the swift motion to write the selling deed everytime Ruan Di nodded at something.
This is all money!
This kind of shopping tyrant could only be done by someone making as much money as they spent it! Miu couldn't keep up!
"Miss, truthfully I have something as precious as the batik, if not more, please wait a minute." He was back with a wooden box, anyone could feel the difference. "This is a jade skirt. It is made from pure silk that is part of royal tribute, it's very light and the design is elegant. With Miss's disposition, this skirt will compliment you even more even in a big banquet."
Ruan Di walked up to the skirt, carefully trailing the materials with her index finger. The shopkeeper wasn't just boasting. It was lighter than any other fabrics here. She smiled and said, "Then I'll take-"
"I want this skirt."
A woman's voice followed by a stretched out hand from their side, completely snatching the wooden box.
Ruan Di looked back and saw a young woman in a yellow dress standing in front of her. She had an almond-shaped face and peach cheeks, if she wasn't looking at her with obvious contempt Ruan Di must've appreciated the beauty.
Behind her were two maids in green clothes. One of them said, "Why are you still standing there? Why don't you greet our lady when you see her?"
The shopkeeper was startled, and hurriedly bent down and saluted: "Miss Yan."
The so-called Miss Yan snorted coldly.
The shopkeeper turned his head again, wiped his sweat, and said to Ruan Di: "Miss, how about... you choose another one?"
Even a fool should have understood what happened. No matter where and at any time, there were always people like this who rely on their family background to act fearlessly. The shopkeeper was also innocent, and Ruan Di didn't want to embarrass him. Besides, it was just a piece of clothing, so she smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll just choose another one."
"I'm sorry," the Shopkeeper turned his back and whispered: "Miss Yan doesn't come to our clothing store on weekdays. Even if she does, she won't go to the third floor. I don't know what happened today..."
"No need to explain, I understand." Ruan Di gave him a reassuring look.
"Thank you, thank you."
The shopkeeper walked up to Miss Yan and said with a smile: "Miss Yan, do you need me to pick out clothes for you?"
"Who are you, and why would I let you choose?" Miss Yan said disdainfully: "You can let others choose. I don't need your guidance."
The guy stepped aside calmly and returned to Ruan Di.
Compared ro waiting on with the sharp-tongued Miss Yan, this one was obviously much gentler and easier to talk to.
He smiled and said, "Miss, how about this one? This Su embroidered pipa skirt is pinched at the waist, and the sleeves are also very wide, making it easy to wear. It's like walking in the clouds and mist, and it's also very beautiful. The color is also pear blossom white, and Miss could wear it with gold or pearl accessories. You will look like a fairy, Miss."
Ruan Di laughed when she heard this. This guy was just selling clothes, but the dedication was too much. As soon as the words left his mouth, she couldn't help but be embarrassed.
Ruan Di looked at this dress and thought it was pretty good, so she said, "Then this one will be fine."
As soon as she finished speaking, the maid next to Miss Yan stretched out her hand and pulled off the dress that He Yan was pointing at.
He came over and said, "Our lady also wants this."
Again?
Ruan Di frowned slightly. If it was a coincidence once, it was a bit intentional twice. But she has never seen this woman, why did she target her?
Asking politely was an option, but Ruan Di was too lazy to engage in petty fights.
"Hey-"
Ruan Di shook her head at Wu Lei who had been visibly holding his anger.
Wu Lei was really annoyed: "Why do you let her walk all over you like that?"
As they walked out the shop, she saw someone walking out of the weapons shop next to them
Ruan Di looked over subconsciously, only to see that the man was none other than An Wangyi.
An Wangyi also happened to see Ruan Di. He was slightly startled and then stopped there.
Wu Lei, who was ignored, noticed the changes, and looked between the two with curiosity.
Again With their eyes facing each other, Ruan Di felt An Wangyi's appraising eyes.
Why was he looking at her like this? Ordinarily, he shouldn't know her, right?
Ruan Di scooted to Wu Lei, pretending not to see An Wangyi.
An Wangyi was also startled when he first saw Ruan Di.
After the last encounter, he finally remembered why she was familiar. Last summer she and her sisters used to play with his brother An Jing. They were children and he was busy, who had time to remember his brother's playmate?
But, the glimpse under the hooded hat, the shout full of trust in the temple, and her slender finger movements were recorded inside his brain.
Even though he still studied and practiced martial arts every day, he couldn't forget her presence at all.
He didn't know what was wrong with him, he felt like he was possessed.
There was no other way, so he inquired about it to someone. By someone it means Ning Zi.
Ruan Di was the eldest of 4 sisters, her 18th birthday was this August, and she's the only legitimate daughter from the late wife of the third rank official in the Ministry of Industry - Ruan Cheng. Ning Zi and Ruan Di were cousins because the current Madam Duan was Ning Zi's aunt.
"Why are you freezing here? Eh? Isn't it the Demoness?" Ning Zi skipped a few stairs and shouted, "Ruan Di!"
Ruand Di was cursing at how insensitive people were around her!
"Did you just buy clothes? Do you have enough money?"
"Yeah, I just finished. I'm going home now."
Ning Zi up and down Wu Lei, "Who are you?"
"Her cousin."
"I'm also her cousin."
"Ning family?"
"Wu family?"
Wu Lei saluted to Ning Zi, "It's an honor to finally meet you, Young Master Ning. My name is Wu Lei. Our family just dropped by the Ruan house."
"Don't be too formal with me, Brother Wu. Although not directly, we are family after all!"
"Then I'll follow Brother Ning's instruction."
While the boys were busy recognizing relatives, An Wangyi came over with three of his friends.
The man beside An Wangyi said, "Ning Zi, won't you introduce us?"
Ning Zi took a stepaside, "Brother Wu, this is Si Cheng, Dong Bae, Lu Han, and An wangyi. We are learning martial arts under my father."
Wu Lei cupped both his hands in front of his chest then a light bow, "Nice to meet you, Young Masters. My name is Wu Lei."
Dong Bae, with half bald half braided hair interjected, "Ey, what do you mean 'young masters'.. You call Ning Zi brother just now, just call us brother too. We are family, after all."
Lu Han, who had his hair all short, smiled at Ruan Di, "Sister in law, do you still want to go shopping? We can escort you."
The tip of Ruan Di's ears burning hot, "I'm not your sister in law!" and fled.
Si Cheng patted his best friend's shoulder, "You got a long way to go, Wangyi."