How different it felt now.
Yuyan emerged next, silver eyes already scanning the street with practiced wariness. Then Chen Xiao, who stopped on the sidewalk and stared up at the gleaming storefronts with wide, uncertain eyes.
"It's very fancy," he said quietly.
"It is," Shuyin agreed, crouching down to his level. "But fancy doesn't mean intimidating. These are just stores. They sell clothes. And today, we're going to find you an entire new wardrobe."
"An entire wardrobe?" Chen Xiao's eyes went even wider. "That sounds expensive."
"Let me worry about expensive," Shuyin said, standing and taking Chen Xiao's hand. "You just worry about picking things you actually like. Real preferences, remember? Not what you think adults want to hear."
The traffic had finally cleared enough for them to reach the Pearl District. The van pulled to a smooth stop in front of the elegant shopping area, and Ting Fei stepped out first, scanning the surroundings with professional efficiency.
