C8 Tang Yue

The trio spun around to find themselves face-to-face with three strikingly attractive young women.

"Tang Yue?"

Luo Xiaoman's face soured at the sight of them, and Qi Yun wasn't exactly pleased either.

Qi Xiao quickly took in the scene and got the picture.

These girls were decked out in high-end fashion, particularly the one named Tang Yue at the forefront. She was a walking advertisement for designer labels, exuding style.

Clearly, they were cut from a different cloth than Luo Xiaoman and Yun, hinting at yet another tale of the wealthy preying on the less fortunate.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Luo Xiaoman's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment as she glared at Tang Yue and her companions.

Tang Yue's smirk was practically dripping with condescension as she remarked:

"Just a friendly heads-up. This is one of West River City's priciest boutiques, with every piece crafted by renowned designers. Were you thinking of making a purchase?"

One girl, clinging to Tang Yue's arm, sneered at Qi Yun's patched attire and scoffed:

"Don't make us laugh. Can these two paupers actually afford anything here?"

The other girl chimed in with equal snobbery.

"See this ensemble on our Ms Yue? Bought right from this store! It's the work of an international designer! The whole look costs upwards of 60,000 yuan!"

Tang Yue feigned a reprimand, saying:

"Why bring that up? Honestly, we're all classmates here. They might not be shopping, but who says they can't browse?"

Luo Xiaoman, stung by their words, was indeed out of her depth with such a store and found herself speechless.

Qi Yun hung her head low, wishing she could disappear into the ground.

Qi Xiao chuckled, gestured towards Tang Yue's attire, and asked Luo Xiaoman:

"Is everything here of this sort?"

Baffled by Qi Yun's brother's intent, Luo Xiaoman murmured:

"This outfit's price is actually on the moderate side. There are pieces in here that go for well over a hundred thousand each!"

"No, I'm referring to the style and cut. If it's all like what Miss Tang is wearing... then perhaps we'll pass. It's really not to our taste."

Qi Xiao's comment was loud and clear, not whispered but boldly stated. To Tang Yue and her friends, it seemed like a face-saving exit, but they weren't about to let Qi Yun and her companions off the hook that easily.

"Yun, is that your goofy brother over there?"

Tang Yue giggled behind her hand and remarked:

"Obviously, I can't fault you for not recognizing quality. This boutique isn't for just anyone, and as for the clothing styles, they certainly aren't limited to what I'm wearing."

"Ms. Yue, why bother with them? Let's just enjoy our shopping!"

Tang Yue smiled in agreement, but not before shooting Qi Xiao a challenging look, her eyes brimming with defiance.

Qi Xiao had little interest in such childish taunts, yet he couldn't help but notice the disdain they showed towards his sister.

"Xiaoman, who are these people? Do you not get along?"

Luo Xiaoman, still irked, glanced at Tang Yue and her entourage entering the shop and said:

"That's Tang Yue, a typical rich kid. Her dad, Tang Junlong, runs the Tang Dynasty Entertainment Club. Rumor has it they've made a fortune."

"Why is she so hostile towards you?"

"It's all because of Yun!"

Caught up in her irritation, Luo Xiaoman realized her blunder and quickly clarified:

"It's not Yun's fault. Tang Yue may have a questionable character, but she's wealthy, attractive, and does well academically, always ranking second in our class, with a trail of admirers to boot!"

"Who's first?"

Luo Xiaoman chuckled, looping her arm through Qi Yun's.

"Who else but our very own Yun!"

Leaning in closer, Luo Xiaoman whispered with a hint of intrigue:

"But here's the scoop: despite Tang Yue's long list of admirers, she's actually got her eyes on Shi Yuchen, the heartthrob of our school. But guess what? Shi Yuchen prefers the natural beauty of our Yun, right?"

She playfully elbowed Qi Yun, who turned a shade redder at her friend's words.

"That's not true, brother. Don't mind Xiaoman's wild stories. Tang Yue's issue with us is simply because she's always the runner-up."

"Come on, Yun, no need to be bashful. Even the gatekeeper knows about Shi Yuchen's crush on you! You should've seen Tang Yue's face when he turned her down—green with envy, I tell you, ha!"

Luo Xiaoman laughed heartily, as if relishing the memory.

"Ever since that rejection, Tang Yue has had it out for Yun."

Qi Xiao nodded and inquired, "So, what's the verdict on the clothes at this store?"

Luo Xiaoman, with her passion for design, eloquently shared the store's design philosophy. To sum it up, the clothes were pricey, but justifiably so.

"Well then, let's go in and see for ourselves."

"What? Why should we go in if we can't afford anything?" Luo Xiaoman protested, shaking her head.

Without further discussion, Qi Xiao led Qi Yun and Luo Xiaoman inside the shop.

The store was spacious, with shelves upon shelves of clothing. As soon as they walked in, they spotted Tang Yue and her companions scrutinizing a garment.

Tang Yue and her friends were taken aback to see Qi Yun's group actually step into the store.

"Look who's brave enough to come in!"

"Must be like a dead pig not fearing scalding water, hahaha!" The girls beside Tang Yue didn't hold back their mocking.

"It's not like you own the place. We're free to come and go as we please!" Luo Xiaoman retorted, standing her ground.

"It's just that some might have the nerve to enter but not the grace to exit."

"Exactly. Imagine accidentally staining a garment; you'd be working off the cost for half a year!" They snickered among themselves.

Qi Xiao, unfazed by the snide remarks, browsed through the store nonchalantly.

Qi Yun remained silent, closely following Qi Xiao. Knowing she was no match in a verbal spar with the trio, Luo Xiaoman reluctantly trailed behind the siblings.

Despite the steep prices, the clothes in the store were undeniably more attractive than those of standard brands, with many pieces catching the eye.

"Wow, this was just showcased at the last Fashion Week!" Luo Xiaoman gasped, her breath catching as she eyed the garments and their tags, each price enough to make her head spin.

"Qi, maybe we should head out? Everything here is just so pricey."

"But I find them quite appealing," Qi Xiao remarked, casually feeling the material of a dress, which sent shivers down Luo Xiaoman's spine.

"Brother, are we seriously considering buying clothes here?"

Qi Yun shyly peeked out from behind Qi Xiao and timidly asked, "What else?"

Qi Xiao turned to Luo Xiaoman and inquired, "How about this one?"

Luo Xiaoman examined the dress he indicated and remarked, "This Gucci dress is impeccably designed to accentuate the figure. The sky blue is particularly flattering for young girls, and the puffed sleeves add a touch of cuteness. However..."

"However, what?" Qi Xiao pressed.

Luo Xiaoman hesitated, biting her lip, before admitting, "This dress is priced at 120,000 yuan, with no discounts available."

Qi Xiao chuckled at her response.

"Do you think it suits Yun well?"

Luo Xiaoman, taken aback by Qi Yun's brother's persistence, speculated that his recent recovery might be affecting his judgment. She cautiously replied, "It certainly does suit Yun. She may be young, but the way it follows her lines..."

She glanced at Qi Yun with a mischievous grin.

"Xiaoman!" Qi Yun scolded, pulling Luo Xiaoman aside.

In a hushed tone, Luo Xiaoman teased Qi Yun, "Is your brother having another episode, or did your family hit the jackpot?"

Qi Yun grasped Luo Xiaoman's implication. Her concern for her brother's incomplete recovery had made her reluctant to contradict Qi Xiao.

Yet, if things kept going this way, the trio would struggle to leave the shop gracefully, especially with Tang Yue eagerly anticipating their embarrassment.

"Yun, try this one on," Qi Xiao suggested, summoning a sales associate to assist Qi Yun into the dressing room.

Tang Yue and her companions approached, watching from a distance as Qi Yun proceeded to try on the dress, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Moments later, Qi Yun emerged in the new outfit, leaving everyone in the boutique momentarily speechless.