The Kiss Before the Twist

[On the Way to the Boutique]

As we walked toward the luxury boutiques, I glanced at Ruxue, who was clinging to my arm like we were some power couple.

"You can buy anything you want," I said casually. "Don't hold back."

She looked up at me with a bright smile, her eyes almost sparkling.

"Really? You're serious?" she asked, excitement already building in her voice.

I chuckled under my breath. She's really enjoying this, huh?

It was amusing… in a strange way.

[Inside the Boutique]

The boutique was as grand as I imagined—crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and clothes that cost more than what I used to make in a year.

I looked around silently. These are the things I used to dream about owning. And now… I'm buying them for someone I don't even care about.

I glanced at Ruxue, already flipping through racks like a kid in a candy store.

Whatever. Let her have her fun. She'll brag to Yuxin, and I want to see her face when she hears about this.

I stepped forward and called out to the manager.

"Bring out your most expensive outfits—men's and women's. Don't bother showing me the price. Just pack everything."

The manager froze. "Sir… you don't want to check anything first?"

"I said pack everything. Also, give this lady anything she wants. No limits."

Gasps filled the room. Other customers turned to stare. Some girls shot envious glances at Ruxue, tugging their boyfriends' sleeves.

"Why can't you be like him?" one whispered.

Ruxue turned to me, eyes wide, clearly trying to hide her shock.

"Chen Yu… isn't this a little too much?" she asked sweetly. "But… since you're buying it for me, I guess I'll take just a little bit~" she added with a giggle, already picking out more.

Greedy as always, I thought. But it's fine. Keep playing your role, Ruxue. You're helping mine too.

She tried on several dresses, twirling in front of the mirror, posing for selfies with designer bags and shoes. Her joy was written all over her face.

[After the Shopping]

Finally, the manager approached with the card machine.

I tapped my card without hesitation.

Ting!

A notification echoed:

"₩50,000,000 payment successful."

The entire boutique fell silent.

People stared like they'd just witnessed something unreal. Even the staff looked frozen.

Ruxue's eyes widened in disbelief. She blinked a few times, lips parted, trying to speak but failing.

And then—without warning—she pulled me close and kissed me.

Right on the lips.

It was soft… and sudden.

She smiled after, still holding onto my arm tightly.

"That's a little gift for you," she whispered. "I… I've never been this happy. I never thought I'd get to wear and own things like these."

"Thank you, Chen Yu. Really."

Her voice was sincere this time—different from her usual spoiled tone. There was a strange mix of gratitude and desire in her eyes now.

I smiled faintly, not saying anything.

But inside, I thought—

Let the game begin.

[Inside the Boutique – After the Purchase]

Just as I turned to leave, the store manager approached with a polite smile.

"Sir, where should we deliver all these clothes?"

I paused, suddenly realizing something.

Wait… I don't even have a proper place to send them to. Guess it's time to buy a house too.

"I'll give you the address in two hours," I replied calmly. "Deliver everything there."

"Of course, sir. Also…" the manager handed me a sleek black card with golden edges. "This is our store's exclusive membership card. It comes free for customers who spend over ten million won. It includes heavy discounts and access to private services."

I glanced at the card, then smiled.

"Give it to her," I said, nodding at Ruxue. "She might come here again."

Ruxue's eyes lit up as she accepted the card. She clutched it like it was a treasure.

[Outside the Boutique]

I turned to her and asked, "So, Ruxue… anything else you want to buy?"

She shook her head quickly, flashing a sweet smile.

"No, no… This is already more than enough. I don't want anything else. Let's just go," she said softly.

If I ask for more, he might think I'm a greedy gold-digger, she thought. I have to be careful… he's mine now.

I chuckled and gently brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"You don't want anything… but I still do," I said with a grin. "Shall we go?"

To my surprise, she blushed. Her cheeks turned a light pink, and she looked away shyly.

Is this the first time I've seen her act like this? Interesting…

[Outside the Mall]

"Ruxue," I said as we walked toward the street. "I'm thinking of buying a car. Want to come with me?"

Her eyes widened.

"You're buying a car now? After spending that much today?"

I laughed. "Yeah, I love cars. And there's one I've had my eye on for a while."

She smiled, clearly excited. "Then I want to come with you!"

I hailed a taxi, and we got in together.

[LMW Car Showroom]

As we arrived at the LMW showroom, Ruxue's eyes sparkled.

He's really going to buy an LMW? she thought. Those cars start at 300 million won… Chen Yu, you're even richer than I imagined. I've hit the jackpot.

We stepped inside, the doors opening with a soft chime. The interior was elegant—shiny floors, glossy models on display, and staff dressed like luxury brand ambassadors.

But then—

I stopped in my tracks, eyes narrowing.

Standing right there in front of one of the luxury cars was a figure I didn't expect to see today.