Dongying Mall, a place that gathered many luxurious brands in southern Beijing: Louis Vuitton, Armani, Chanel, Donna Karan, Hermes, and a slew of other brands, some of which Russell recognized and some he didn''t.


    In the past, Russell would never have set foot here, as the goods in this mall were beyond the reach of someone like him, a penniless commoner.


    "Ah, Armani, Versace. These are the first choice for many protagonists in novels to flaunt. Let''s go in here, Kaiser, and have a look."


    "Yes, Master."


    "Call me Boss. In front of others, just call me Boss."


    "Yes, Boss."


    Listening to Kaiser''s simple response, Russell felt a tinge of satisfaction. Being called "Master" almost made him feel like he had traveled back in time to those historic days of nobility and wealth.


    But in today''s society, having Kaiser call him "Boss" seemed more appropriate, as it would reduce much unnecessary suspicion and trouble.


    Without intending to spend too much effort selecting which brand was better, Russell led Kaiser to the nearest Armani store. His purpose for being here was not to truly indulge in luxurious brand clothing, but it was a necessity for his mission.


    "Good afternoon, gentlemen. May I help you with anything?" A tall girl in a short-sleeve black dress approached. This salesgirl had a pretty appearance, a slim and well-proportioned figure, wearing a black and white uniform with black frame glasses and slender legs encased in black stockings.


    You could say even a single salesgirl here surpassed ninety percent of the women on the street in terms of looks, Russell couldn''t help but think. The world of the wealthy really is colorful.


    "Well, just looking around for now." Despite his admiration, Russell didn''t forget why he was here. He quickly browsed the store and pointed to a black suit and entire outfit including a shirt, sunglasses, and shoes, indicating to Kaiser, who stayed close by his side, "Miss, find an appropriate size for him to try."


    "Al... alright." The salesgirls in the store shot each other a glance of surprise, but one quickly stepped forward to lead Kaiser to the fitting room. They all realized that Russell''s seemingly random selection of items exceeded a total value of fifty thousand. If someone was just browsing, they usually wouldn’t have the confidence to demand a fitting session.


    Both were dressed rather plainly, so the girls didn’t expect this unassuming young man to choose such an expensive outfit for his companion.


    Moreover, it seemed this robust Westerner listened to the young man without hesitation. Could this young man be the son of some wealthy family, a second-generation official?


    Ignoring the salesgirls'' speculation about his so-called identity, Russell soon set his eyes on another outfit after Kaiser entered the fitting room. This ensemble was also a black suit, but with a more casual and fitted style. It was a contradictory style but still very attractive to younger people, which pleased Russell, who seldom dressed in formal wear.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Yes, this will do. The price is 178,000... my god, if it weren’t for the mission, even with over a million in hand, he would never think of touching this outfit. It nearly cost as much as building a new three-story home back where he came from.


    "Sir, you have a good eye. This outfit is part of this year''s new autumn collection. Compared to previous men''s wear, it features..."


    "Buy it." Russell interrupted the salesgirl’s series of introductions with a single word and prepared to quickly select a full set of attire to end this packaging trip swiftly.


    Since he had a mission, the sooner it was completed, the better. Despite the attractive salesgirls, Russell could only lament the missed opportunity in comparison to the reward points at stake.


    "Hey, isn''t that Russell?" Just as he was about to quickly choose an outfit, a surprised voice sounded from behind him.


    "Why does that voice sound so familiar?" Frowning, his body responded with a hint of aversion to the voice, and Russell turned around to finally see its owner.


    A man wearing glasses, under 1.7 meters tall and quite thin, entered in surprise, addressing Russell, "Hey, I wasn’t mistaken, Russell actually shows up here. Just now, I thought I was seeing things since this store doesn’t have male clerks."


    The mere presence of this weaselly-looking man was annoying. His tone and demeanor radiated an air of smugness.


    It was obvious to Russell what the guy meant by his words. In the past, he would''ve probably turned red with anger, but despite having the beast pet system for only a few days, his mindset had long surpassed what it once was. Naturally, he didn’t want to waste energy engaging with this person. Yet as his gaze landed on the beautiful woman beside the glasses man, Russell was stunned.


    "Class leader? You... why are you with him?" As soon as he spoke, Russell felt his question was unnecessary. To think that the once beautiful and elegant class leader would walk with such a petty man—the world really was unpredictable.


    The man with glasses was named Huo Liang. He, Russell, and the stunning woman before him were classmates from the same university class. Unlike Russell, Huo Liang’s family was fairly well-off; his father owned a transport company locally, which surely made him better off compared to Russell’s virtually non-existent family fortune.


    Indeed, the three of them had a complicated history. Russell and Huo Liang held a grudge due to a conflict over another girl, a feud that Huo Liang still couldn’t let go. Occasionally, he would make Russell a laughingstock in their class group chat.


    Thus, Russell harbored deep resentment toward him. Russell recalled that their class leader, Su Qing, was pursued by many back in college, including Huo Liang, yet she accepted no one''s advances and remained single until graduation.


    Now, he couldn''t believe he was witnessing this scene, another déjà vu?


    While who someone chose to be with wasn’t his concern, seeing the former beauty of his class leader with someone like the skinny Huo Liang, especially his rival, naturally left a bitter taste. The small joy he had earlier felt vanished like swallowing a fly.


    Perhaps sensing Russell''s confused gaze, class leader Su Qing turned her head away, avoiding eye contact, treating him as a stranger. Her aloof behavior utterly disappointed Russell. He realized this was a fallen angel. He refused to believe that the once high-minded class leader could fancy Huo Liang. Now that she was with him, the reasons were obvious.


    "Heh, surprised, aren’t you? Russell, let me tell you, Su Qing is now a financial advisor at my dad’s company, so naturally, she’s with me." Seeing Russell’s dejected expression, Huo Liang was gleeful, finally feeling superior to the impoverished Russell.


    Noticing the outfit in Russell’s hands, Huo Liang didn’t hesitate, stepping forward to loudly declare, “Salesgirl, I''ll take this outfit. Wrap it up quickly.”


    "Sir... I’m sorry, but this new outfit has been picked out by this gentleman. May I suggest another style for you?" The salesgirl replied awkwardly, knowing full well that in such male showdowns for vanity, the man would often end up buying it.


    But adhering to strict company policy, she gently declined the glasses man’s request.


    "He picked it? Miss, are you kidding? He doesn’t look like he can even afford it. Do you think a frequently unemployed man could buy an outfit that costs thousands?" Huo Liang glanced at Su Qing, then at Russell, speaking loudly.