Do You Mean There's Bad News?
In the meantime, on Tenth Street.
Li Shengxia shouted, "Hang on a second."
The woman in pink dress and the salesperson from the special counter turned to the source of the voice simultaneously, both looking equally confused.
"May I ask if there's another similar pair in the store?"
"I'm sorry, Miss. This is a limited edition and we don't have more in stock," the salesperson replied.
The pair of heels was in Gina's size. Knowing that she might not be able to find another pair like this again, Li Shengxia decided to plead with the female shopper.
She approached the lady in pink and spoke earnestly, "Miss, I really, really need these heels. Can you please let me have them?"
"You can't. I saw them first, sorry."
Determined, she tried again. "Miss, this pair of heels mean so much to me that I'll be miserable without them. You're beautiful, generous, pure and kind, as impeccable as an angel. I know you'll let me have them, right?"
The lady in pink twitched her lips. "Um… Miss, are you alright? Should I call
Right this second, the lady's phone began ringing. She was about to pick up the call when Li Shengxia grabbed her by the wrist.
"No – Pretty woman, you're the gentlest and sweetest person I've ever seen. You're like a work of God. What you need is not a pair of crystal shoes but something that only princesses wear. Now, take a look at this…"
She led the lady toward the next counter and picked out a pair of silver heels matching her aesthetic. Placing the heels on both her hands, she continued with the persuasion.
"These dazzling heels could bring out your elegance perfectly. Slipping into these will transform you into the most beautiful princess in the entire world."
"Really?" The other woman sounded interested. It appeared she had subconsciously fallen into the fairy tale.
Her phone was still ringing but she could not be bothered now.
"Of course!" Li Shengxia knelt down to help the lady in pink into the heels. Then, she directed her toward the mirror and twirled her around. "Look at how elegant they look on you. The startling effects agree with your grace!"
"It's true. How beautiful!"
"There we go. Wrap this up for the lady please!" she said.
The lady in pink was still hesitant. "But…"
"Miss, don't hesitate anymore. I'll pay for your shoes. Bill, please," Li Shengxia generously offered.
"You're buying this for me? Seriously?" They did not even know each other. Why was the woman paying…
"Of course I have to! This pair of heels were made specifically for you! They've been brought to this world just for you."
The lady in pink's cheeks were flushed red with embarrassment. "Thank you so much! You're right, this pair of heels does suit me better. Do you work here? Your service is amazing. I'll recommend my friends to check this place out."
The salesperson by the counter shook her head immediately. 'No, she doesn't work here and I've no idea where she comes from. But you're going to recommend more people to shop here? Would it be bad for business if I say no?' she thought to herself.
Li Shengxia attempted a smile. "I'm a magician working for the elves in search of dancing shoes. Congratulations on finding your magic shoes."
"Sounds magical." The woman delivered the other pair of heels toward her. "Right, this one's for you."
Li Shengxia hugged the heels close to her chest. "Thank you so much, Miss. You really are an angel…"
"Actually, the heels that you bought for me cost higher and suits me better. I should be the one thanking you."
The two of them kept on exchanging flattering remarks to compliment one another. Then, they left the store, each carrying with them a new pair of heels.
The salesperson by the counter froze. What had just happened?
*
On the other side.
"Has everything been taken care of?"
Chi Su trembled slightly at Mo Nianchen's question. "Crown Prince, um, something happened in the process. The good news is…"
"Do you mean there's bad news?" the other man interrupted.
"…" Chi Su felt a shiver down his spine immediately. "Um… Crown Prince, you really do…" He gestured a thumbs up. "Predict the future like a prophet."
Mo Nianchen tapped his fingers lightly on the desk as he threw a quick glance at the assistant. "Bad news?"
It was as if he was trying to ask Chi Su how he dared go to him with bad news.
Chi Su was now shaking visibly and tears were about to spring out from his eyes. He should have rephrased his words in a better way. Every time the crown prince remained calm like this, he would much rather he flew into a rage. At least he could tell if the person was delighted or upset. Right now, for instance, there was a dense, unusual tension lingering in the air…
Being left with no other alternative, he mustered his courage and forced a reply through chattering teeth. "Crown Prince, don't you want to hear the good news first?"
"I prefer a happy ending." Mo Nianchen's widened eyes were filled with dangerous intent. "Tell it to me now, the bad news."
An awkward expression washed over the assistant's face. "I found her phone number, the lady who's interested in purchasing the heels, and made the phone call without delay. But she didn't pick up her phone."
The other man raised his handsome eyebrows, evidently displeased by Chi Su's incompetency.
The latter realized his danger and continued immediately. "Crown Prince, you should listen to the good news."
Mo Nianchen twitched his lips, as if trying to say, 'Very well, I'll listen to the good news first and decide which torturous method I should punish you with.'
Chi Su continued, "The good news is, the crown princess successfully persuaded the woman to give up the heels on her own."
Perhaps this good news would make the crown prince forget about his failed mission…
He was frightened out of his wits. His life would be over if the crown prince was infuriated because of this.
Surprisingly, the corners of the man's lips curled upward into a faint smile, as if he was not furious at all.
Mo Nianchen forgot that she could accomplish many things in life even without his assistance. This made her quite adorable. Could it be possible that being overprotective over her might force her into a puppet?
"Good job, you're dismissed now. You should report to me everything that happens to the crown princess immediately in the future, just like how you did today."
This sentence was equivalent to a special pardon on Chi Su's mistake.
The latter instantly heaved a heavy sigh of relief. The crown prince used to be someone who hated to be annoyed but something had changed in him lately. He wanted to know everything about Li Shengxia, including the number of napkins she used during a meal. This was unbelievable.