As Qian Ran, Bing Di, Xue Di, and Huo Yun'er stepped onto the bustling streets, they instantly became the center of attention.
Individually, any one of them would have drawn a crowd, but together, they were an absolute spectacle.
Qian Ran especially seemed to attract envious and hostile glares. His striking good looks couldn't shield him from the resentment radiating off the men around him, who clearly weren't thrilled to see him flanked by such stunning companions. Bing Di's playful energy, Xue Di's serene beauty, and Huo Yun'er's gentle elegance made for an irresistible combination.
"Good thing the security here is decent. Otherwise, we'd have to use disguises just to step out," Qian Ran muttered. The sheer volume of hostile stares was a bit much, even for him. In a less regulated city, he'd likely already have had to fend off a group of troublemakers.
"Serves you right for being such a flirt," Bing Di teased with a giggle.
To Qian Ran's amusement, Bing Di had grown increasingly lively and mischievous around him, like an excitable little girl. It was hard to believe this was the same 400,000-year-old fearsome soul beast.
"If I weren't so 'flirtatious,' you wouldn't be able to handle me either. You and Xue Di combined couldn't last a day," Qian Ran retorted smugly, casting her a sly glance.
Though soul beasts had impressive physiques, their limits weren't infinite.
Xue Di's face instantly turned bright red.
"Let's stop talking about that and enjoy the shopping. There's so much to see here," Xue Di said, quickly grabbing Qian Ran's hand and pulling him forward.
Bing Di, far more interested in shopping than Xue Di, darted ahead to check out the nearby stores, drawn to anything that caught her eye.
"Qian Ran, come here!"
Moments later, Bing Di's voice rang out from ahead. She had wandered into a high-end boutique and was already trying on a white-and-blue dress.
Qian Ran followed reluctantly. Shopping with women wasn't his idea of fun, especially when their interests didn't align with his.
"Hmm?"
His disinterest evaporated when he looked up to see Bing Di's unexpected gesture.
She slowly lifted the hem of her dress, revealing a pair of white silk triangle panties beneath. The sight immediately sent Qian Ran's blood surging.
Bing Di's petite, delicate frame looked absolutely stunning in soft pastel colors like blue and white. She had paired her outfit with pale blue crystal thigh-high stockings, completing the look.
Before Qian Ran could fully process what he'd seen, Bing Di quickly lowered the dress back down.
"Relax, no one else saw," Bing Di said, sticking her tongue out playfully.
"Are you trying to scare me to death?" Qian Ran muttered, stepping closer. His pulse was still racing from the shock. They were in a crowded city, after all. He scanned the surroundings several times before finally relaxing.
Bing Di was getting bolder by the day—just a few subtle moves from her were enough to leave Qian Ran thoroughly flustered.
"Don't you like it?" Bing Di asked slyly, glancing meaningfully at him. Her own cheeks were slightly flushed. If he didn't like it, why would his reaction be so strong?
Bing Di knew Qian Ran well—he had a taste for the provocative.
"Bing Bing, you shouldn't…" Xue Di, standing behind them, was frozen in place, utterly shocked by Bing Di's daring display. Her face was as red as a rose.
Huo Yun'er, meanwhile, remained unbothered, trailing quietly behind Qian Ran.
"Xue Di, come on! There are so many beautiful clothes here. They're way better than anything we've seen elsewhere," Bing Di called out excitedly, waving at her.
Mingdu's semi-industrialized society offered a unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. While soul tools weren't yet fully integrated into daily life, the spillover of soul tool technology had revolutionized many aspects of living.
"I'm coming," Xue Di replied, quickening her pace. No matter the era, women loved clothes and accessories.
Bing Di and Xue Di didn't lack funds, so they bought whatever caught their fancy. Sometimes, they even bought multiple sets of the same outfit in different colors.
They had a habit of only wearing each piece once or twice—especially stockings, which were discarded after a single use.
Qian Ran wasn't into that "used clothing" fetish some men had. He had heard of guys who insisted their girlfriends wear the same stockings for days to intensify the scent. Frankly, he found the idea baffling.
The women around Qian Ran always exuded a natural fragrance, regardless of what they wore or how long they wore it.
"Yun'er, why don't you join them? Pick out some things for the others too—it doesn't all have to be maid uniforms," Qian Ran said, gently pinching Huo Yun'er's cheek.
She was so obedient it was almost addictive.
"Yes, Master," Huo Yun'er replied, finally turning her attention to the store's selection.
While there were plenty of maid outfit variations, Qian Ran had grown a bit bored of them. He thought about trying something different—nurse uniforms, swimsuits, bikinis, or even…
Ahem.
After all, in his secluded estate at the Icefire Yin Yang Well, the only person allowed to enter was Qian Ran himself. No matter what his women wore, it was for his eyes alone.
Qian Ran trailed behind the women, watching them raid the store with gusto.
The shop attendants struggled to carry all the clothes they selected. Eventually, they resorted to simply noting down Bing Di and Xue Di's choices for later delivery. The store manager, initially stunned, was soon overjoyed. This single shopping spree would likely eclipse their annual revenue.
"Qian Ran, look at Xue Di—doesn't she look amazing?"
Bing Di dragged Xue Di out of the changing room.
Xue Di's long snow-white hair cascaded down her back, framing her elegant features. She wore an off-the-shoulder floral top, her creamy white shoulders exposed. The fitted top hugged her ample chest, emphasizing her curves. A slit fishtail skirt revealed glimpses of her stunning legs, clad in her signature black stockings embroidered with a delicate plum blossom near the ankle.
Shy and blushing, Xue Di twirled before Qian Ran, looking every bit the picture of mature, elegant sensuality.
Xue Di rarely wore such provocative clothing, typically opting for gowns or modest dresses. Only in private with Qian Ran did she occasionally don more daring outfits he chose for her.
"Xue Di, you're gorgeous! Look at Qian Ran—he's completely mesmerized," Bing Di teased, standing on tiptoe to whisper in Xue Di's ear. Playfully, she tugged the slit of Xue Di's skirt higher, revealing the most voluptuous part of her thigh.
Xue Di's black-stockinged legs were flawless, perfectly proportioned from her thighs to her calves, ending in a pair of elegant high heels.
"Stop that, Bing Bing!" Xue Di gasped, her face burning as she glared at Bing Di in embarrassment.
"What's the big deal? Your Qian Ran loves it," Bing Di said with a cheeky grin.
Xue Di noticed Qian Ran's intense gaze and felt a mix of shyness and joy. She often envied how carefree Bing Di could be around Qian Ran, laughing and joking without a care.
Secretly, she wished she could do the same.
(End of Chapter)