Chapter 43: Little Country Bumpkin
Mu Mu’s simple compliment pleased Yan Gui Xing. He affectionately pinched Mu Mu’s uninjured cheek and languidly began to introduce him to the aircraft.
There wasn’t much to say; Yan Gui Xing’s aircraft was a repurposed military aircraft with a new paint job. The interior wasn’t very spacious, the comfort level was average, and it lacked the entertainment facilities of custom-made private aircraft. Only its appearance was impressive.
The only thing it could boast about was its extensive military weaponry and exceptionally high safety standards, far superior to ordinary private aircraft.
But these were Yan Gui Xing’s life-saving secrets, which he couldn’t tell Mu Mu. Even if he did, Mu Mu wouldn’t understand, only expressing surprise with an “Ah” before moving on.
Fortunately, Mu Mu was a naive country bumpkin. Yan Gui Xing’s aircraft already seemed extremely luxurious to him. He continuously praised Yan Gui Xing for his skill and the aircraft’s beauty.
Even Yan Gui Xing, with his thick skin, felt a little embarrassed and considered getting a state-of-the-art aircraft.
Luckily, the distance from District Gold One to District Silver Two wasn’t far. Thanks to their early departure and smooth traffic, they arrived in fifteen minutes.
Achi had contacted the managers of Yan Gui Xing’s frequently visited stores beforehand. The stores were already cleared out, with “Closed for Business” signs hung up, waiting for Yan Gui Xing’s arrival.
When Yan Gui Xing walked into the store, the manager and the sales staff in navy-blue uniforms were already waiting at the entrance. As soon as Yan Gui Xing appeared, they bowed and greeted him with smiles. Their overly enthusiastic attitude made even Achi, who frequently accompanied Yan Gui Xing on shopping trips, feel embarrassed and avert his gaze.
As for Mu Mu, the smile on his face faded considerably, and he leaned into Yan Gui Xing’s embrace in surprise, unsure of what to do.
Before the older manager, with her hair neatly tied up, could speak, a young saleswoman with heavy makeup and a sweet scent stepped forward from the group, her red lips curving into a seductive and ingratiating smile.
“Mr. Yan, it’s been a while since your last visit. We have several new items that would suit you perfectly. May I show them to you?”
Yan Gui Xing, having heard his name, glanced at the girl, his indifferent gaze sweeping over her flawless face before he looked away.
He didn’t recognize her; he hadn’t seen her before.
Yan Gui Xing wasn’t surprised that this stranger recognized him. Compared to other generals, his behavior in his own territory wasn’t exactly low-key.
Someone like the little fool in his arms, who didn’t recognize him, was truly rare on Liuli Star.
Ignoring the saleswoman, Yan Gui Xing walked straight to the store’s lounge, sat on the black leather sofa, and settled Mu Mu on his lap.
His lake-green eyes fixed on the person in his arms, he said to the manager who had followed, without looking up, “Find him a pair of suitable shoes first.”
The manager immediately responded, stepping closer. Based on years of experience, she quickly estimated the shoe size of the half-face-bandaged boy in Yan Gui Xing’s arms and turned to find some shoes.
Compared to the subtle curiosity and appraising gazes of the younger sales staff, the manager acted very professionally. Even when she was less than ten steps from Mu Mu, she didn’t make any expressions or show any interest that might make him uncomfortable.
Was the manager not curious? Of course, like the younger girls, she was curious about Mu Mu’s identity.
Was this beautiful young man Yan Shangjiang’s new lover? Where did he get those injuries, did Yan Shangjiang do it?
But she wouldn’t let this show. She had reached her current position by doing her job and not prying into her clients’ privacy.
However, that in itself was a difficult feat. After all, everyone has a desire to peek into the lives of others; especially when it comes to the privacy of a powerful figure like Yan Gui Xing, the allure is even greater.
The manager quickly selected two pairs of suitable shoes. On her way back, she subtly gave the saleswomen who hadn’t managed to hide their expressions a warning look, paying particular attention to the attractive saleswoman who had tried to win Yan Gui Xing’s attention.
Everyone wants to climb the ladder, and she did too. But some branches are easy to climb, others not so much; one could fall and break their head. She had worked hard to reach the middle class and didn’t want to be implicated.
But the beautiful girl, having just been snubbed by Yan Gui Xing and mocked by her colleagues, was still nursing her hurt pride and didn’t understand the manager’s good intentions, mistaking them for mockery.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She secretly compared herself to Mu Mu in Yan Gui Xing’s arms, concluding that he was not as attractive as herself, immediately feeling more confident.
She had previously studied Yan Gui Xing’s past lovers, all stunning beauties.
The current one was only moderately attractive and seemed a little silly; she presumed he was just someone Yan Gui Xing was amusing himself with. As long as she seized the opportunity, she could still win Yan Gui Xing over.
With that thought, the saleswoman adjusted her expression, pushing through the crowd, snatching the pair of white and khaki small leather shoes from the manager’s hands, and half-squatting before Yan Gui Xing.
The manager, surprised by this unexpected interruption, was momentarily stunned. In that second, the attractive saleswoman, in a breathy, sweet voice, spoke.
“Mr. Yan, these shoes are also new arrivals. They were designed and handcrafted by Mr. M, a famous designer from Xue Rong Star. Both the upper and sole are incredibly soft and comfortable, perfect for this gentleman.”
Although she claimed the shoes were suitable for Mu Mu, her brown eyes remained fixed on Yan Gui Xing’s face, her gaze alluring and seductive.
Unfortunately, Yan Gui Xing’s attention was entirely on Mu Mu, and he didn’t even glance at the shoes.
He merely embraced Mu Mu affectionately, his lips against Mu Mu’s ear, and softly asked, “Do you like them? If not, we can ask them to bring other pairs.”
Mu Mu looked at the small leather shoes held by the saleswoman and nodded vigorously.
He leaned against Yan Gui Xing’s side, his body half-buried in Yan Gui Xing’s arms. Tilting his head, he whispered into Yan Gui Xing’s ear.
“Gui Gui, these shoes are so pretty. Mu Mu has only seen shoes this pretty in TV dramas.”
Mu Mu wasn’t lying. Most of the clothes provided at the orphanage were donated by philanthropists or charitable organizations, and the styles lacked variety, mostly casual or sportswear.
Mu Mu’s sense of style was largely formed at the orphanage. After leaving, due to financial constraints, the types of clothes he could choose were limited, always prioritizing affordability, practicality, and durability.
He had only seen such exquisitely crafted small leather shoes in TV dramas. Now that he saw them in person, he absolutely loved them.
Perhaps because of his excitement, Mu Mu thought he had lowered his voice, but he hadn’t. In fact, it was even louder than usual, his tone and emphasis uncontrolled, making his words slurred and slightly shaky, revealing his speech impediment to anyone who listened.
Achi and the members of the bodyguard team were fine, as they understood Mu Mu’s condition. However, the sales staff didn’t, and upon hearing Mu Mu speak, they looked over in surprise.
Curious, probing, and even enlightened gazes fell upon Mu Mu. The saleswoman, particularly, looked down on him.
Yan Gui Xing’s senses were sharp, and he noticed the malicious glances before the excited Mu Mu did.
His brow furrowed slightly, and his sharp eyes swept towards the manager, the warning implicit.
The manager’s back went cold, and she quickly coughed loudly. The young saleswomen immediately became more subdued, bowing their heads.
But the attractive saleswoman was less controllable. Seeing Yan Gui Xing remain silent, she somehow found the courage to lean closer to his side, whining coquettishly, “Mr. Yan, shall I try them on for you?”
Yan Gui Xing was never short of attention, but none were as low-brow as this saleswoman’s blatant flirtation. If he didn’t understand, he’d be a fool.
His good mood from earlier had vanished considerably. Yan Gui Xing wanted to leave for the next store, but seeing Mu Mu’s bright eyes fixed on the small leather shoes, he couldn’t bear to.
“Mu Mu, do you really like these shoes?”
Mu Mu’s eyes were glued to the shoes. Hearing Yan Gui Xing’s question, he nodded vigorously, as if afraid that a slower nod would show insufficient affection.
Yan Gui Xing knew that Mu Mu would obediently follow him if he said they should leave. But he didn’t want to spoil Mu Mu’s mood. It was just flirtation; he’d pretend not to see it.
Ignoring the saleswoman, Yan Gui Xing wrapped his arm around Mu Mu’s waist, his chin resting on Mu Mu’s shoulder, and said languidly, “Manager, you help him try the shoes on.”
Hearing Yan Gui Xing’s direct order, the manager, not daring to be negligent, immediately stepped forward, half-squatting, setting her own shoes aside, taking the shoes from the saleswoman, and sending a meaningful “behave yourself” look.
The saleswoman, mistaking the manager’s actions for secret maneuvering, was furious.
But since Yan Gui Xing had spoken, she dared not fight over the shoes, fearing that offending him would ruin her chances entirely.
She looked up at Yan Gui Xing, a smile on her lips, but with a hint of tears in her eyes—a picture of pitiful charm.
Yan Gui Xing didn’t notice, but Achi and Sha Xia, standing beside him, did.
However, these two, whose minds were occupied by credits and mechas, had no sympathy for women. They exchanged glances and scoffed.
The manager had good taste; the size and style of the small leather shoes were perfect for Mu Mu.
Mu Mu eagerly hopped off Yan Gui Xing’s lap, walked two circles in front of him in the new shoes, and said with a smile, “Gui Gui, the soles of these shoes are so soft, so comfortable to walk in! Mu Mu thought they would be hard and difficult to walk in.”
The saleswoman, seeing Mu Mu’s naive reaction, rolled her eyes inwardly, muttering to herself about his country bumpkin ways.