Choa led Lucifer directly to the top floor, the epitome of opulence. When they stepped out of the elevator, all eyes turned to them, magnetically drawn to Lucifer. His aura commanded attention, radiating an otherworldly elegance that held the room captive.
The top floor itself was a testament to luxury, with marble floors polished to a mirror finish, massive crystal chandeliers casting soft, golden light, and gilded accents decorating every corner.
Expensive artwork adorned the walls, each piece hand-selected to showcase the prestige of the establishment. This wasn't just a shopping floor; it was a private sanctuary for the elite.
As Lucifer entered one of the shops, he noticed the emptiness. The place was deserted, though he'd expected this level of exclusivity.
The clothing here wasn't merely for sale; each item was a bespoke masterpiece crafted by the world's most elite designers, available only to those with the wealth and influence to belong to this rarefied circle.
Yet, there was something strange. The usual attendant, who greeted every guest with warm professionalism, was nowhere in sight. Lucifer dismissed the oddity without a second thought.
He stepped further into the store, his eyes drifting over rows of elegantly displayed garments. He had traversed many worlds, each more extravagant than the last, and he had never denied himself luxury.
With an indifferent glance, he started selecting pieces. Nearly everything he picked out was a shade of white, highlighting his ethereal presence. He placed each item aside, methodically building a small collection.
Behind him, Choa followed with a silent displeasure. He masked his feelings with a stoic expression, unwilling to break the tranquil aura surrounding Lucifer. He held back his words, moving patiently in Lucifer's shadow.
After a few minutes, Lucifer's attention was drawn to a commotion toward the back of the store. A small crowd had gathered, their voices bubbling with excitement.
Store employees were caught in the middle, attempting to control the situation but seemingly overwhelmed. In the centre of it all stood a man. Tall, composed, and visibly uncomfortable, despite the charm in his easy posture. His presence drew attention naturally, but the crowd's fervour suggested that he was no ordinary guest.
This man was Rong Qing, a powerful figure and widely admired. Known for his rare appearances and reserved demeanour, he was generally inaccessible.
Today, he went out to relax, Rong Qing always valued his personal time so he left the assistant downstairs and went up the floor.
He didn't think much because the top floor was only accessible by people with special privileges so he didn't think he needed to guard against a place like this.
Unfortunately, the reality was cruel. He was recognised the moment he stepped inside the shop although the staff was very polite, the same thing can't be applied to other people.
It turned out that the top floor wasn't so deserted today. By sheer coincidence, Anne, the daughter of an influential family, had chosen to celebrate her birthday here, bringing a group of friends along.
Unfortunately for Rong Qing, Anne and her friends were all avid fans of his, and they recognized him the moment he walked through the boutique's doors. What was meant to be a quiet shopping trip transformed instantly into an impromptu fan meeting.
As Rong Qing glanced around, visibly displeased by the disturbance, Lucifer's eyes narrowed. There was something oddly amusing in watching this influential man surrounded by excited fans, all vying for his attention as if he were some kind of rare, exotic creature.
Anne and her friends squealed and clamoured to capture Rong Qing's attention, their excitement causing a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
The staff continued to intervene, but their efforts did little to quell the girls' enthusiasm.
System 4858 also saw this and clicked his tongue. 'Tsk tsk, this is nothing compared to the tyrant host's most fanatical followers.'
Lucifer's lips curved into a faint smirk as he turned away from the scene, clearly uninterested.
Whatever was going on here held no importance to him. But as he walked off, a haughty voice cut through the crowd, halting his steps.
"Hey, you there! Come and help me carry my bags!" The girl's voice was filled with arrogance, a sharp command meant to compel instant obedience.
Her high-pitched tone sliced through the noise of the bustling crowd, catching the attention of bystanders who turned to watch the confrontation unfold.
Lucifer and Choa continued walking, ignoring her entirely. They didn't even glance back.
The girl's eyes widened, and for a moment, disbelief clouded her face. She was the type who had never been ignored in her life, her status alone assured her attention and instant servitude from most. But now, her shock turned to fury. Her cheeks flushed an angry red as she called after them.
"If you dare walk away from me, I'll make sure you disappear from this world!"
Lucifer, still minding his own business, stopped abruptly.
His calm gaze hardened slightly, and he slowly turned, locking eyes with the girl. Standing beside him, Choa's anger was unmistakable; his jaw clenched as he glared at her, a sharp, dangerous glint in his eyes.
System 4858 was so taken aback that it almost tripped over itself, mentally raising an imaginary candle for the girl. 'To think she would dare to order the tyrant host himself… what a brave soul. You may rest in peace.'
It was only now, as the crowd observed the red-haired stranger fully, that they could see him clearly and it left them stunned. Lucifer's face held a beauty so striking that it seemed to defy human limits.
His sharp, finely chiselled features cast both light and shadow upon the faces of those who dared to look directly at him, drawing them in like moths to a flame.
It was as if his presence alone could illuminate the world, while simultaneously plunging it into an alluring darkness.
Even Rong Qing, who prides himself as one of the most handsome people in the world, was pale in comparison.
Rong Qing was also stunned as he stared at the red-haired person in a daze. He regretted coming here to relax but now he was glad he had come here to meet such a person.
Perhaps it was fate that led him here today, to witness someone of such otherworldly presence.
Beside him, Anne had a similar reaction. Her gaze was locked onto Lucifer in an open daze.
Until now, she had believed her idol was the epitome of handsomeness, only to feel her illusions shatter in Lucifer's shadow. She could hardly look away, her sense of reality slipping.
At this point, Choa's anger reached a boiling point. His eyes darkened as he stepped forward, his voice cold and biting. "Is this how you treat your customers? Or do you think you're the only one around who can sell these things?" His words were sharp, dripping with disdain.
He hadn't brought Lucifer here just to be insulted by a stranger. No, he had come hoping to finally spend some time with him, to bask in his presence undisturbed. And now this encounter was ruining everything.
The girl faltered, realising too late the weight of her miscalculation. It was obvious she offended someone she shouldn't.