Just in time, the car ground to a halt in front of Tian Run Mall.

  “We’re here, Young Master Cheng.”


  “Yes, thank you.” Cheng Yanturned toYao Tangand raised an eyebrow. “Shall we?”


  “Hmm.”


  Cheng Yan hurried out of the car with his trusty umbrella, making sure it served its purpose as he opened the door on her side.

  Hand in hand, they strode across the mezzanine and through the main entrance.

  The cool, refreshing air in the mall greeted them as soon as they stepped inside.

  Several people stopped and stared at them in amazement before huddling and whispering among themselves.

  “Wow, are those two celebrities or something? They look stunning!”


  “Maybe they’re idol trainees? They certainly look the part.”


  “I’m digging the mysterious vibe that girl has around her. And I love her black dress.”


  “Oh my, but isn’t he gorgeous? My eyes have been blessed!”


  The pair in question walked across the lobby, paying no mind to their surroundings.

  Cheng Yan had just put away his umbrella and was about to followYao Tanginto one of the stores when his phone vibrated.

  He fished it out of his pocket, intending to dismiss the call, but then he saw the caller ID on the screen—his grandmother.

  Cheng Yan paused, his eyes flickering with hesitation.

  Yao Tang glanced at him and said, “Go ahead and take the call. I’ll wait for you over there.”


  She pointed toward a boutique in the corner of the first floor.

  It was still early, so only a few people were milling around. She could take her time looking through some items while he took care of his business.

  “Okay,” Cheng Yansighed. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”


  Without waiting for her response, he whirled around and swiped his phone to answer.

  Yao Tang plugged her earphones and flipped her hair.

  She played the music on her phone before sauntering over to the boutique.

  On her way, she passed by a couple of girls, who gawked at her in bewilderment.

  “Why does she look familiar to me?” one of them asked her companion. “Have we seen her somewhere before?”


  The other girl frowned and scratched her head. “No, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure we’ll remember her if we did.”


  Yao Tang ignored them and pushed through the door of the boutique.

  A shop assistant instantly rushed forward to greet her. “Hello, Miss. Are you looking to buy a gift for someone special? Allow me to assist you.”


  “Thank you, but there’s no need. I’ll look around for myself.”


  “Ah, of course. If you need anything, please feel free to call my attention.” The shop assistant politely stepped aside.

  Yao Tang’s gaze had already been roaming through the shelves as she spoke, and it eventually landed on an exquisitely crafted box.

  It was housed in a cabinet that held many others of its kind, with varied shapes, sizes, and designs.

  In the past, people often used these intricately embroidered boxes to package their presents.

  Yao Tang reached for the one that had caught her eye and realized that the elaborate pattern stitched on its sides was that of a dragon dancing among the clouds. Inside, the box was lined with velvet.

  It screamed luxury through and through.

  Naturally, it was priced to match its quality.

  Yao Tang glanced at its price tag and saw that it cost a whopping 30,000 yuan.

  The average person could probably buy a dozen gifts with that amount of money.

  Not that she was fazed.

  Yao Tang ran a finger along the lining, noting how everything was hand-stitched by an expert craftsman.

  She knew that the box was well worth its price.