If it were any ordinary person, with resources at hand and only the final step remaining, they would undoubtedly go all out to overcome the last hurdle.
However, Zhou Yu was different. He could feel that with the ingress of the Primordial Violet Qi, his true qi had become unstable. If he were to force a breakthrough at this moment, descending into a qi deviation would be a minor consequence. The worst-case scenario was death!
Therefore, Zhou Yu decided to first refine the Primordial Violet Qi within his body before making any further plans.
He entered seclusion for three days. It was the first time Zhou Yu had stepped out of the gates of the Yunlan Heavenly Palace. The villa was situated at the mountaintop, so as Zhou Yu walked out and gazed down at the world below, he felt as though he could touch the clouds with a single outstretched hand. The sensation was indescribable!
“Zhou Yu, we’re going shopping,” Su Yuyan said, walking out hand-in-hand with Zhu Ling’er, a smile gracing her lips. “There’s still food on the table; just heat it up if you want to eat later.”
Zhou Yu blinked, then glanced down at his own attire and felt a pang of helplessness. “I’ll go with you both.” He realized then that he hadn’t bought any new clothes in a long time. Despite their quality, his old clothes were worn and tattered. If one didn’t look closely, they might mistake him for a beggar.
Su Yuyan and Zhu Ling’er both chuckled. They had suggested buying Zhou Yu some new clothes earlier, but he had refused, finding the prospect too troublesome and time-consuming with all the trying on. Now, it was rare for Zhou Yu to propose going shopping himself!
“Then let’s go. You’ll have to help us carry the shopping bags later,” Zhu Ling’er said, her smile as mischievous as a cat that had stolen some fish.
Zhou Yu nodded helplessly. The three of them arrived at Yunhai City’s most prosperous commercial street, a place that offered everything one could desire. Since Zhou Yu needed clothes, they headed directly to the apparel district. The entire street was lined with clothing stores, each selling branded merchandise, and some even offered high-end custom tailoring.
Zhou Yu browsed through the shops but found nothing to his satisfaction. Most of the styles were too youthful. He already felt that his young age and good looks led people to underestimate his medical skills; if he dressed more flamboyantly, who would dare trust him with their treatment? In his frustration, Zhou Yu stepped into a high-end custom tailor shop, with Zhu Ling’er and Su Yuyan following close behind.
A woman in a blue and yellow qipao greeted them with a smile. “May I ask who among you requires custom tailoring?” she inquired, her gaze falling on Zhou Yu as if seeking his preference.
“All three of us,” Zhou Yu replied, nodding. Although Zhu Ling’er and Su Yuyan lacked for nothing in terms of clothing, since they were here…
“Excellent! Our master has just unveiled several new designs today, for both men and women. Please, follow me,” the woman’s smile widened, her sincerity palpable. Looking at Zhou Yu and the two women, she saw not individuals, but walking fortunes. Having worked in such establishments for years, she possessed a keen eye for wealth. She could tell at a glance that Zhou Yu was wearing high-end custom attire, which, despite its worn appearance, clearly spoke of immense value. Su Yuyan and Zhu Ling’er, while wearing less refined clothing, were clad in luxury brands. These three were undoubtedly wealthy.
The woman led Zhou Yu and his companions to the reception area and served them tea. “Please wait a moment,” she said softly. “Our master is currently taking measurements for another client and will be with you shortly. In the meantime, I’ll bring out the catalogs for you to browse.” She presented two catalogs, one for men’s designs and one for women’s.
Zhu Ling’er and Su Yuyan eagerly flipped through them. Su Yuyan spotted a Chinese-style evening gown and immediately looked up. “Excuse me, how much is this gown?”
The woman pursed her lips into a smile. “Miss has excellent taste. This gown is the latest design from our master, priced at twenty million.”
“What?” Su Yuyan nearly dropped her teacup. A single piece of clothing costing twenty million? Were they robbing people?
Zhu Ling’er, more composed, inquired, “Your prices are rather steep. Could you explain why?”
The woman was unfazed and explained, “Our establishment specializes in high-end private customization, meaning each design is sold only once! After a client’s garment is made, the design blueprints and sample will be destroyed, ensuring that the client’s clothing is truly unique!” Therefore, the price of a garment included not only the retail cost but also the value of the design itself.
Hearing this, Zhu Ling’er finally understood. Su Yuyan, however, waved her hand dismissively. She had merely found the design appealing; she didn’t necessarily intend to buy it. The Su family was only a second-rate family, hardly able to afford a twenty-million-dollar dress.
Just as Su Yuyan was about to return the catalog, a large hand rested upon it. She looked up and met Zhou Yu’s gaze, her expression a mixture of surprise and confusion. “If you like it, buy it. What’s there to hesitate about?” Zhou Yu said calmly.
Su Yuyan’s cheeks flushed, and she appeared slightly embarrassed. “But the price…”
“Use my card,” Zhou Yu stated directly. He then pointed to several dresses in the catalog and instructed the woman to process the payment. Su Yuyan recognized them as dresses she had lingered over while browsing. She hadn’t expected Zhou Yu to notice and remember! Her heart felt complex, and she didn’t know what to say.
“Make these for her,” Zhou Yu said, indicating Su Yuyan. The woman, holding Zhou Yu’s black card, beamed and nodded repeatedly. “Certainly.”
As the woman prepared to swipe the card, Su Yuyan grew anxious. She tugged at Zhou Yu’s sleeve and whispered, “Oh, I don’t need such expensive clothes. Perhaps we shouldn’t buy them.”
Zhou Yu ruffled Su Yuyan’s hair and said with a hint of helplessness, “It’s not your money, so what are you worried about? Since you are my woman, you can wear whatever you wish.”
Su Yuyan became even more flustered. Beside them, Zhu Ling’er was utterly envious. A twenty-million-dollar dress was not a significant sum for Zhu Ling’er or the Zhu family; she didn’t need to hesitate like Su Yuyan. However, she had to admit, Zhou Yu had been incredibly dashing in that moment, making her heart pound like a deer’s.
“Zhou Yu, I want to buy clothes too…” Zhu Ling’er tugged at Zhou Yu’s sleeve.
Zhou Yu’s lips twitched, and he pulled his sleeve back. “Then buy them. Why are you pulling me?” he stated righteously. “Let me be clear: my money is only for my wife.”