Uni was practically bouncing with excitement, her eyes wide as she sipped her coffee. "Today is the day. The day I'll get to roam free through a huge mall. Just imagine all the shops, the sales, the deals!"

Trixie laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "Can't wait to see how quickly we lose you in there.”

Uni puffed up her cheeks in a mock glare. "I am perfectly capable of finding my way around a mall, thank you very much. And besides, I have a finely honed shopping radar. I can sense a sale from a mile away. I'll be like a heat-seeking missile, straight to the bargain bins.”

Trixie couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, of course. I forgot you had that built-in GPS for shopping. Just remember, if we lose you, we'll just have to start a 'Find the Lost Uni' campaign. Might take a while, though, especially if you end up in the shoe department.”

Uni playfully stuck her tongue out. "Please, the shoe department is my territory. I can sniff out a stylish pair of shoes from miles away. And don't you worry about losing me. I can handle myself in a mall. It's you guys who might struggle to keep up with my shopping speed.”

Piper joined in with a chuckle. "Uni, as much as we love you, even your shopping speed has its limits. Don't forget we'll want some downtime at the beach later."

Esther watched the conversation silently, though a glint of humor danced in her eyes.

Uni rolled her eyes playfully, not wanting to admit they were right. "Oh, come on. I can manage both. I'm an expert multi-tasker, you know. I can speed-shop and still have plenty of energy left to stroll on the beach and enjoy some ice cream. No biggie.”

They all exchanged amused glances, knowing exactly how Uni operated. Her stubbornness and enthusiasm knew no bounds.

Trixie shook her head, still laughing. "Alright, Miss Multitasker. Just promise us one thing—no going overboard with the credit card. We don't need to bankrupt you here. We're on the opposite side of the globe, so act like it.”

Uni waved a dismissive hand, still filled with excitement. "Oh, please. My credit card knows no bounds. But fine, I'll limit myself. A little."

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Trixie laughed at her friend's inability to resist a good shopping spree.

Piper chipped in, her voice filled with mock concern, "As your tech support, I recommend setting a budget limit.”

Uni scoffed playfully. "A budget limit? Sounds like a shopping buzzkill if you ask me. I'm here for the thrill of the hunt, the rush of finding the perfect deal in a foreign country. A budget would just ruin the fun.”

They all chuckled. It was hard to deter Uni from her shopping enthusiasm, and they knew it.

Trixie put on a serious face, pretending to be a financial advisor. "Listen, Uni. We're not here to have you blow all your savings on cute clothes and shoes. Remember, we also need to eat and pay for our hotel. Speaking of, what about Stephanie? We can't bring her along because RISHA is looking for her.”

The mention of Stephanie brought a slight frown to Uni's face, but she quickly rallied. "Don't worry, I know I have to save some for her treats. I can't go on a shopping spree without getting her something. It just wouldn't be right.”

Trixie nodded, appreciating Uni's thoughtfulness. "That's the spirit. And remember, we don't want to attract too much attention. We're supposed to keep a low profile here."

Piper joined in, "Right. So let's stick together and make sure none of us disappear into a store for too long, especially you, Uni.”

Uni feigned offense once again, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "You guys are just jealous because you won't shop as efficiently as I will. But fine, I promise not to abandon you in the mall. We'll stick together like glue, until I have to tear myself away for some serious bargain hunting, of course.”

They all laughed at Uni's relentless enthusiasm.

Trixie gave her a mock warning look. "Alright, Miss Bargain Hunter. Just don't forget to save some energy for the beach later. We'll need you in top form for lounging on the sand and enjoying some ice cream.”

Uni nodded, feigning seriousness. "Oh, you can count on me. I'll be a model of self-control. Right up until I spot the sale sign and my shopping-radar goes berserk."

Uni then went over to Stephanie and squatted down to look her in the eyes. "You sure you can look after yourself, Steph?”

Stephanie nodded her head as she beamed, her eyes determined. "Don't worry, Uni. Don't let my age fool you, I know how to keep myself occupied. Go and enjoy your shopping spree. But don't forget to get me lots of sweets.”

Uni grinned, patting Stephanie on the head. "No worries, kiddo. I wouldn't dream of leaving you out. I'll make sure to get you the sweetest treats I can find."

Trixie and Piper watched the interaction, appreciating Uni's sweet nature towards Stephanie.

Trixie then turned to Uni with a smirk. "Alright, Miss Shopping Master. Looks like we're gonna be gone for a couple of hours. Don't get lost or carried away, okay?"

Uni rolled her eyes playfully. "Please, I'm a master at navigating malls. I'll find my way back faster than you can say 'buy one, get one free.' Trust me.”

They all chuckled, knowing fully well that Uni was going to be a force to be reckoned with at the mall.

Piper spoke up, "Alright, let's head out then. Uni, try not to tire the mall out too much. We need it in one piece when we return.”

Uni laughed, already imagining the possibilities. "I make no promises. But don't worry, I'll try to leave some things for the locals. Maybe. Actually, no, I can't guarantee anything.”

They all laughed again, their excitement growing. The mall was about to be overrun by a shopping mastermind, and they were about to witness the chaos firsthand. And with that, the ladies and Stephanie parted ways, each eager for their respective activities. Uni, with her shopping mindset, was focused on finding the best deals. Meanwhile, Piper and the others had a more relaxed agenda, planning to meet back up later.