West District.

In the waning light of the late afternoon, the shopping district was bathed in a gentle, amber glow, casting a warm aura over the less-populated streets.

Amidst the flow of people, Bubai strolled leisurely, his steps accompanied by Xiao Lan cloaked in a coarse, brown garment, her features concealed beneath the shadow of her hood, shielding her from the prying gazes of the lingering outer disciples.

Along their casual stroll together, the snippets of conversation from the passing disciples drifted to their ears.

“Hey, do you still remember that sky-changing promotion phenomenon?”

“That big shot that came out of nowhere? Yeah, what about him?”

“I heard many clans are offering a generous reward in spirit stone for any information on the evildoer…”

“Really?! Man, so lucky. If the elders were here, they would probably be squabbling over him by now, right?”

“You don’t say...”

Caught up in the murmurs of the crowd, Xiao Lan's attention wandered, her gaze flickering over to Bubai.

“Haha…” Meeting her gaze, Bubai leaked a sheepish laugh.

Seeking to divert her attention, Bubai gently nudged her arm, pointing towards a nearby clothing store, "Hey, let's go in and have a look.”

Xiao Lan looked towards the storefront, where a female mannequin teasingly twirled in a mesmerizing dance behind the window display to entice guests…

Yet her impassive expression didn’t even fluctuate, her stride matching his own.

Pushing open the door, Bubai politely gestured for her to enter.

After Xiao Lan stepped inside, Bubai followed in her footsteps, and was greeted by the opulent sight of glass wardrobe displays, showcasing an array of garments.

Bubai's eyes scanned around, immediately noting the rather expensive prices-

Merlin’s beard, he shouldn’t have walked in! Is it too late to say he walked into the wrong store?!

Alas, he knew it was too late to back out now. Hopefully, his tight wallet can still afford it after the hefty expenditure on the surprise he handpicked...

Pressing forward, Bubai escorted Xiao Lan through the store, maintaining a leisurely pace to accommodate her browsing of the merchandise on display.

They drifted past a collection of hanfu garments, the beautiful embroidery usually catching the eye of other women, but there was a lack of enthusiasm from Xiao Lan.

Moving into a section featuring a variety of desert attire, Xiao Lan still remained impassive, seemingly devoid of any hint of interest.

Well, it seems Xiao Lan wasn’t into clothes like other women?

Bubai could feel his wallet breathing a sigh of relief, and he quickened his pace, intent on guiding her through the remainder of the store for his favorite type of shopping excursion: window shopping.

Their economical tour soon led them to a new section featuring winter apparel, where Bubai abruptly felt the pace of their movement subtly slowed.

Uh oh. Glancing discreetly at Xiao Lan, Bubai observed her gaze drifting over the fur coats and mantles on display.

Though her expression remained unchanged, her attention lingered a moment longer than before, a subtle shift that didn't go unnoticed.

In front of a display showcasing winter cape mantles, a female shop assistant paused in her task of hanging up a new garments when she noticed the pair browsing nearby.

Lowering the pole in her hand, she addressed them with a polite bow and a warm smile, "Young master, you really picked a good time to visit. These are this year’s imported winter apparel. They just recently came in.”

The shop assistant threw a glance at the hooded Xiao Lan, “Young master, I can assure you they will complement your companion beautifully."

The shop assistant’s words nailed Bubai to his spot, feeling as if he was tied to a stake and roasted on a fire.

Merlin’s beard. They do say women understand women best, and this tricky shop assistant didn’t give up the chance to make a sale.

So, Bubai could only glance over at Xiao Lan, asking in a soft voice, "See any one you like?"

Hearing his offer, Xiao Lan’s glassy eyes drifted over the array of embroidered mantels, lingering imperceptibly longer on a light blue mantle before tearing her gaze away, retreating behind a veil of indifference with a subtle shake of her head.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Glancing at the price tag discreetly, Bubai... decisively feigned ignorance and turned back to give the shop assistant a nonchalant response, “We’re just browsing for now, thank you.”

“Oh…” The shop assistant gave him a knowing smile that only served to exacerbate his discomfort before turning back to her work, leaving the pair to continue their exploration on their own.

Keeping a straight face, Bubai walked onward with Xiao Lan, relieved to note her lack of interest in the remaining winter clothing displayed nearby.

Soon, they left the winter clothing section behind and passed through another area featuring silky nightwear with a rather provocative nature that certainly piqued Bubai’s interest.

Bubai has to say: This demonic sect really knew how to cater to customers!

Too bad he really couldn’t afford this type of gameplay yet...

So, the duo remained silent, walking through the section, both showing zero signs of shyness or discomfort.

Finally, they reached the conclusion of their exploration, arriving at the checkout counter.

Here, Bubai’s gaze was immediately drawn to a display pedestal sitting behind the shop counter. It was cloaked with a black fabric, emanating a sense of mystery.

Bubai’s eyes momentarily paused on the display case before he averted his gaze back to Xiao Lan.

Gauging that today’s time was drawing to a close, Bubai extended his hand in invitation. "Let's go. I'll take you to a nice place."

Xiao Lan’s expression remained inscrutable as she met his gaze, but she nodded in acquiescence.

Slipping her hand into his, Bubai led her out of the store and into the fading light of the late afternoon.

East District.

Atop a rooftop high above the rest, Bubai’s gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun dipped below, painting the sky with hues of twilight that bathed the sprawling white jade and sandstone residences below in a soft, ethereal glow.

After spending a moment to savor the caress of daylight, feeling its gentle embrace breathing a sense of rejuvenation into his spirit, Bubai tore his gaze away from the mesmerizing vista, setting his gaze upon another.

Beside him stood Xiao Lan, the hood of her cloak now pushed back, allowing the sunset's brilliance to illuminate her striking iceberg features framed by strands of her glossy violet hair.

With a smile carrying a warmth that matched the hues of the evening sky, Bubai asked, "Beautiful?"

Xiao Lan’s eyes lingered on the enchanting scene, nodding ever so slightly to acknowledge its magnificence.

Bubai’s smile widened, as he confessed, "I, too, find her beautiful."

Xiao Lan's expression remained serene, unperturbed by his compliment.

But Bubai wasn’t deterred by his failure.

With a calm demeanor, he changed his tactic, "Xiao Lan, I have something for you."

At his words, Xiao Lan’s attention finally shifted towards him. "It's not time yet," she remarked coolly, her tone betraying no hint of eagerness.

Ah, the transactional nature of their relationship was sometimes a heart-stopper, but this time, Bubai chuckled softly. "It's not that."

Reaching into the folds of his robe, he retrieved a small, slender mahogany case.

Gently, Bubai grasped her hand, feeling the warmth of his touch contrasting with her cool skin as he placed the case in her palm. "For you," he murmured softly.

Xiao Lan’s gaze fell upon the case cradled in her hand, her slender fingers slowly tracing over the delicate lines of the lid before she slowly lifted it.

Inside lay a slender silver hairpin adorned with a light blue jade flower, its beauty rivaling even that of the sunset.

Seeing the iceberg beauty fall silent like a statue, her gaze never wavering from his exquisite gift, Bubai couldn’t help but ask, “Like it?”

Xiao Lan slowly looked up at him, her eyes searching his, "Expensive?"

Indeed, it was an expenditure that struck his heart with a pang of pain, but...

Outwardly, Bubai’s face showed zero signs of regret. Staring into her eyes, his eyes reflected a depth of sincerity as he uttered, "Xiao Lan, it’s never too expensive if it's for you."

Xiao Lan seemed to be unable to bear the weight of his gaze, bowing her head and falling silent.

Giving her a moment to let it sink in, Bubai broke the silence with a gentle voice. "I'll help you put it on?"

After a moment, her reply came as a soft, "En."

Taking the hairpin delicately from its resting place in the case, Bubai turned his attention back to the beauty.

Finding the perfect spot atop her violet crown bun, he delicately positioned the hairpin and inserted it.

Withdrawing his hand, Bubai couldn't help but admire the sight before him - the beauty with her head slightly inclined, her features bathed in the soft glow of twilight, graced now by the elegant flower hairpin.

"Beautiful," Bubai murmured softly, his words a heartfelt tribute to her grace.

At his declaration, Xiao Lan's hand slowly rose, her fingertips lightly tracing the contours of the hairpin before she lifted her head, her cool gaze locking with his.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the unspoken sentiments hanging heavy in the air.

Slowly, Bubai couldn’t help but lean in, pressing a light, tender kiss against her soft lips.

Her eyes gradually closed, and he felt her reciprocate. Her response was soft, her lips yielding against his own.

This time, it was different from their usual blazes of passion but a quiet reassurance – a soft taste that wasn’t enough to light a fire, yet it was rather fulfilling.

When they parted, the beauty’s eyes fluttered open to meet his warm gaze and gentle smile. His arms lingered around her waist, drawing her closer as he felt a sense of tranquility wash over him. "Stay a bit longer?"

With a subtle nod, Xiao Lan acquiesced, still expressionless, yet her attention was now fully on him.

Gently retrieving the case from her hand, Bubai kept it away.

Taking her hand in his own, he guided her to his side. With a reassuring squeeze of her hand, he invited her to share in the moment.

In response, she glanced at him serenely before resting her head on his shoulder, staring out into the fading light of the setting sun.

Together, they stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun dipped lower, painting a canvas of warmth across the scene.

It wasn’t until night began its gradual descent, enveloping the world in its peaceful quietude, that Bubai turned his head toward Xiao Lan, finally taking the chance to throw out another invite, "Is there anywhere you want to go? Just say the word, we can go tomorrow."

Xiao Lan slowly lifted her head from his shoulder, her gaze searching his face in silence.

Her lips parted as if to speak, but in the end, she turned away, her expression unreadable as she gazed into the distance.

Almost there, but not quite. It seemed she was still holding something back, a layer of herself shielded from him.

However, Bubai’s heart didn't falter.

He knew relationships like these couldn't be rushed, that each layer of her being was a puzzle to be slowly pieced together.

Patience was his ally. He was willing to wait, to continue chipping away at the walls she had built around herself, just as he had been doing all along.

There were still many days ahead. He didn’t believe he couldn’t crack this tough nut.

He will persist, until he becomes a steady anchor in her turbulent sea.