C9 Beggar

"So gorgeous!"

"Wow, look at that poise, that face – absolutely stunning!"

"Who is this young lady? How come I've never seen her before?"

The clothing store was filled with scions of noble families and magnates of wealth, all of whom were singing praises upon seeing Qi Yun.

The attendant assisting Qi Yun with her outfit had even styled her hair up, revealing her fair neck and further enhancing her already impeccable aura.

Luo Xiaoman was so astounded that her jaw dropped.

"Wow! Yun, you look amazing! If you show up at school in this, you'll have all the boys spellbound! You truly live up to being the department's belle now!"

Qi Yun, blushing deeply from the attention, shyly lowered her head and approached.

Qi Xiao watched with a pleased nod.

"It suits you perfectly, Yun."

Off to the side, Tang Yue's face twisted with envy as she watched Qi Yun.

In their department, she and Qi Yun were regarded as the top beauties, but Tang Yue had little respect for Qi Yun, seeing her as nothing more than a poor girl with good grades.

Shi Yuchen must be out of his mind to fancy someone like her!

Tang Yue whispered to the girl next to her, and soon after, three of them sidled up.

"Clothes do make the person. Qi Yun certainly looks much improved in this outfit. Just be careful not to stain such an expensive dress."

Tang Yue forced a smile, her words laced with insinuation.

"What are you implying?"

Luo Xiaoman placed her hands on her hips and glared at Tang Yue, brows knitted.

"Oh, it's nothing. I saw Qi Yun looked thirsty and thought I'd bring her a milk tea."

The girl beside Tang Yue got the hint and approached with a milk tea in hand.

"Here, Qi Yun, this milk tea's on me!"

Qi Yun instinctively reached out to accept it, but the girl "accidentally" fumbled, nearly spilling the drink.

Qi Yun and Luo Xiaoman were both visibly startled.

But Qi Xiao, who had been observing the whole scene, hadn't missed a beat of Tang Yue's whispered scheme.

Before the milk tea could make a mess, Qi Xiao swiftly extended his leg and tripped the girl.

The spiritual force gripped the girl's leg and spun her around so forcefully that, although the milk tea remained in her grasp, she twirled on the spot and ended up sprawled on the ground.

To make matters worse, her milk tea didn't miss its mark, dousing Tang Yue who was right behind her.

The girls were completely taken aback by the scene.

Tang Yue was dressed in expensive attire from the very shop they were in, and she didn't own many such pieces. Now, soaked in milk tea in front of an audience, she was overwhelmed with humiliation.

"I'm... I'm so sorry, Ms. Yue!"

The girl who had tumbled scrambled to her feet, ignoring her pain, and hastily offered her apologies to Tang Yue, who was shaking with rage.

"Ms. Yue! It's all his fault! He tripped me! That's why the milk tea spilled on you!"

"Yes! It's this jerk's doing!"

Frightened by Tang Yue's reaction, the two girls quickly pointed fingers at Qi Xiao.

"Qi Yun, who is this?"

Tang Yue asked Qi Yun, barely containing her fury.

"I'm Qi Yun's brother, Qi Xiao. Is there a problem?"

Qi Xiao stepped in front of Qi Yun, responding with a cool composure.

"Do you realize the cost of Ms. Yue's outfit? You've stained her clothes. Aren't you going to pay for that?"

The girl who had spilled the milk tea jabbed an accusing finger at Qi Xiao and berated him.

Luo Xiaoman stepped in and swatted the girl's hand away.

"Have you lost your mind? It was you who spilled the milk tea on Tang Yue, and now you're trying to blame someone else?"

"But he tripped me..."

"Who asked you to harbor ill intentions? Ugh!"

Luo Xiaoman didn't mince words as she pushed the girl back.

"It's sheer nonsense! He clearly tripped me, and that's why I spilled it by accident!"

"Enough, Xiaojia."

Tang Yue was seething, yet she realized she couldn't pin the blame on Qi Yun and could only express her frustration bitterly.

"Regardless, I can afford another dress. But if these siblings were to soil such an outfit, they'd be ruined trying to pay for it!"

With her clothes soaked, Tang Yue had no choice but to retreat to the restroom with her two flunkies to clean up. Luo Xiaoman watched Tang Yue's deflated figure with a gleeful smile.

"Haha! Yun, did you see that? Tang Yue's face turned as red as a beet!"

Luo Xiaoman couldn't stop laughing, vigorously shaking Qi Yun's hand in excitement.

"Careful now, watch out for the spilled milk tea on the floor. We wouldn't want to make a mess!"

Qi Yun carefully sidestepped the milk tea puddle.

"Come on, Xiaoman, why don't you pick something out too? Think of it as a token of appreciation for looking out for Yun at school," Qi Xiao offered.

Luo Xiaoman gave Qi Xiao a peculiar look, silently noting how Qi Yun had to put up with such a naive brother.

"I... I really shouldn't."

"Nonsense, go ahead and choose something," Qi Xiao insisted.

With reservations, Luo Xiaoman acquiesced, since Qi Xiao insisted. She joined Qi Yun in browsing the clothes, though with some trepidation.

As the girls shopped, Qi Xiao sat back, casually surveying the store's selection.

The clothing styles were quite appealing, though the prices were steep.

Luo Xiaoman's eyes gleamed with desire, clearly longing for the clothes she couldn't afford.

Qi Xiao, lost in his own world for years, hadn't made life easy for Qi Yun. Facing bullies like Tang Yue at school, Luo Xiaoman's friendship had been a saving grace, ensuring Qi Yun never felt completely alone.

Lost in thought, Qi Xiao was brought back to reality as Tang Yue and her entourage, now stain-free, returned from the restroom. Their disgruntled faces made it clear they weren't ready to let the matter drop.

Qi Xiao internally groaned at the thought of more drama. He loathed petty squabbles, but he couldn't stand by while his sister was harassed.

Tang Yue feigned shock upon seeing Luo Xiaoman and Qi Yun still perusing the racks.

"No way, am I seeing things? Xiaoman, you're shopping here too? What's gotten into you two today? Hit the jackpot or something?" Tang Yue's voice dripped with sarcasm, her cronies echoing her mockery.

"If you ask me, it's all about the thrill of trying on what you can't afford. After all, it's free to dream!"

"Exactly, exactly. Winning the lottery is just chump change to our Ms. Yue—she wouldn't even bat an eye at it!"

The trio's voices carried across the store, drawing the attention of both the staff and other customers.

As they caught sight of Qi Xiao's worn-out, bleach-white clothes, they couldn't help but sneer.

"Hey, check that out, what's he wearing? Looks like a cleaning rag."

"He has the nerve to shop here? Can they even afford it?"

Clearly, Tang Yue was convinced that Qi Xiao and his companions couldn't possibly buy anything in the store; they were just trying on clothes for the thrill of it. She took this opportunity to mock Qi Xiao mercilessly.

Luo Xiaoman's face soured, but she was at a loss for words. She knew that any retort would be futile because they truly didn't have the money, and the clothes they were trying on would have to be returned shortly.

Qi Xiao regarded Tang Yue with a look reserved for a fool. He couldn't be bothered to explain; after all, nothing silences fools better than the stark truth right before their eyes.

"Xiaoman, have you decided?"

Luo Xiaoman, startled by Qi Xiao's question, hesitated before responding. Instead, she leaned in closer and murmured:

"Qi, I appreciate what you're doing for us, but these clothes are just too pricey. Maybe we should just return them and go."

Qi Xiao chuckled softly, touched by her concern about the cost. He reassured her:

"Don't worry about it. Just pick out what you like and let me know."

Luo Xiaoman's cheeks tinged with red as she glanced sheepishly at Qi Yun. Qi Yun, unsure of her brother's plan, simply offered Luo Xiaoman an encouraging smile.

With no other option, Luo Xiaoman finally said:

"I've made up my mind... this one, please."

Qi Xiao appraised the off-white dress she selected and gave a nod of approval.

"Great, let's go pay for it."

With that, he rose and strode toward the checkout counter.

Tang Yue watched in disbelief as the three of them confidently headed to pay. Could they really afford the clothes? That seemed impossible!

Nevertheless, she and her companions followed closely behind, their curiosity piqued.

As Qi Xiao approached the front desk, he noticed someone standing next to the cashier, sharply dressed in a suit and leather shoes.

Upon seeing Tang Yue, the man feigned great surprise, exclaiming, "Oh my, Miss Tang! I've been so preoccupied, I didn't even realize you'd arrived! You are a VIP in our store!"

Tang Yue, basking in the attention, felt a sense of pride swell within her and lifted her head high.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm just here to browse with my sister today, no need to bother the manager," she replied casually.

The manager beamed, nodding in agreement. "Please, Miss Tang, if there's anything you need while you're here, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll make every effort to accommodate your wishes!"

Tang Yue's interest was piqued by his offer. "Manager, it seems anyone can stroll into your store these days. Just look at these people; they're dressed like paupers. Do you actually cater to such clientele? If so, I might have to rethink my future shopping here."

The manager's expression soured instantly upon hearing her words. His gaze turned sternly towards Qi Xiao, and indeed, the man's attire was no better than tattered cloth!

"What's going on here? Who's minding the store, letting beggars wander in? Get them out of here, now!"