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Xenon gave it a thought and let go of her chin. "Alright. It's up to you. You can decide what to wear and what car you want to drive, but on formal occasions, you have to wear what I bought you. I will give you another card for shopping. With the old card, you can save money for your studio."
Miya looked at Xenon gratefully and said sincerely, "Thanks so much, Xenon."
During the lunch break, Miya went to Xenon's office as requested to give him a massage as usual, but Xenon simply said, "Let's go."
"Huh? Where to?" Miya looked at him, confused.
"Didn't you say you want to choose your own clothing? I will go with you once just to make sure you aren't buying anything too ridiculous."
"Ah. I see." Miya was very surprised. It was very unusual that Xenon would have time to go shopping with Miya when he was always so busy with work. She felt somehow touched as well as shocked.
***
X Center was the biggest shopping center in town, a grand building of eighteen floors. From the first to the sixth floor, there were the world's most expensive and famous brands of jewels, clothing, bags, shoes, and cosmetics. Miya had been here before, but she never shopped on these six floors, knowing that there was no way she could afford anything there.
Xenon slightly lifted up his elbow. Miya was startled at first, then put her arm through it. They walked arm in arm. It was the very first time that they appeared in public so intimately.
Though it was a weekday and around lunchtime, it was still quite busy in X Center, and Xenon was too charmingly good-looking not to cause a scene. From stepping out of the car to walking into the shopping mall, Miya couldn't help noticing how people stopped to watch Xenon.
She felt a sense of pride as she walked along with him, thinking, he's my man.
However, such a proud feeling didn't last long as Miya noticed how Xenon suddenly sped up. Miya had to hurry to catch up, and she was wearing high heels. She wanted to release her arm from his. Then she saw the cheeky smile on his face and realized that he was doing it on purpose.
Is he angry because I don't want to wear the clothes he chose for me?! So childish! Miya thought and rolled her eyes.
She stopped, looked at Xenon, and said apologetically, "My charming Xenon, can you please slow down a bit? I hope you aren't angry with me because I want to have my own choice of outfits. I do want to please you the best I can."
"How do you please me then? In what way?" Xenon grinned cheekily, and Miya knew what he was implying.
She blushed and nodded. "Yes, on the bed and in the kitchen." Miya said bashfully, "To please you s.e.x.u.a.lly and with your favorite food."
Pleased with her answer, Xenon extended his hand out.
Does he want to hold my hand? Miya hesitated. Isn't it too intimate in public?
Miya put her soft hand in his palm, and he held it gently. This time, Xenon slowed down so Miya could walk at her own pace. Feeling the warmth of his hand, Miya felt her heart beating fast.
It was a rather strange feeling, especially as she recalled that she never had such feelings when Luke dated her and he held her hand. It was more like she was merely used to having the company of Luke.
However, with Xenon, she had felt fear and rejection in the beginning and later a strange mixed feeling. She had even felt touched and loved occasionally.
They went to the jewelry counters first. As soon as the manager spotted Xenon, he came greeting him with a courteous grin. "What a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to see you, Mr. Xenon Uba. Are you here to inspect? Is there anything I can help with?"
Xenon made no reply but took a look at Miya, and the manager understood. He bowed and retreated. The sales girls, as well as Miya, now understood that X Center actually belonged to The Uba Corporation.
They walked around for a while, and though Miya was amazed by the shining beautiful items on display, she had no interest in purchasing as soon as she saw the figures on the price tags.
Xenon grew impatient. "Is there not even one item that you like?"
"Oh, I like many of them, but they are too expensive," Miya explained.
"Are you actually concerned that I can't afford it? Come on. Be quick."
Well, it's his place. It probably means nothing even if he buys everything on the whole floor. Miya thought. Compared to those he got me at home, this doesn't really cost much anyway.
Therefore, to please Xenon, Miya started selecting while Xenon sat and watched. She chose a few items, and it cost about three hundred thousand dollars in total. Xenon paid straight away without any comments.
Knowing that Xenon was losing patience, Miya walked around the second floor and picked a few dresses quickly. She asked the salesgirl to wrap them up without trying them on, but Xenon said, "Try them on."
"Huh?"
"I want to see."
Miya obeyed, and one by one, she tried it on for Xenon to check. Seated on the sofa lazily, Xenon commented professionally, "Get a black one with the same style." The salesgirl changed it.
"This one is too short, too revealing." He went on. Miya nodded.
"I like it."
Miya smiled.
"Change it."
"Ok." She rolled her eyes.
It was an hour later when she finally got everything approved by Xenon, from clothes to shoes and bags.
Just as they were leaving, Luke and Tiffany walked in, followed by her bodyguards carrying bags of stuff. Tiffany was looking at her newly purchased necklace and said proudly, "Luke, what's this new contract you've signed? You have been so so so sweet to me lately, buying me all these presents. We must have spent a few hundred thousand dollars today!"