Chapter 79 — The Price of Schemes
The moment Bai Xia's sleek car rolled to a stop at the mall entrance, a battered taxi pulled up right in front of them, nearly brushing their bumper. The door flew open and Shang Shan hopped out with a bright, fake smile pasted on her face.
Li Guyan clicked her tongue.
Su Yin folded her arms.
They exchanged a silent look that said This girl again?
Bai Xia merely stepped out of her car with the calmness of someone who had already predicted this exact annoyance.
"Shang Shan! Why did you take so long? My shoulders are already in pain," Li Guyan complained dramatically, tossing her backpack toward her.
Before Shang Shan even steadied herself, Su Yin added, "Here, take mine too," flinging her bag straight at Shang Shan's chest.
Shang Shan staggered, nearly toppling over as both bags landed in her arms. Her fingers curled around the straps tightly, her eyes burning with humiliation.
These girls are treating me like a porter… because of that Bai Xia. She must have planned this. Wicked bitch.
She dared to glance toward Bai Xia—only to find Bai Xia calmly typing on her phone, completely uninterested in her suffering. That stung more than the insults.
"Sorry, everyone," Shang Shan forced out, swallowing her rage.
She had to endure. Just a little longer. Once Bai Xia spoiled her with gifts, she would let everything go.
At least… that was the plan.
---
The Mall's Fourth Floor — Luxury District
They stepped into the mall's cool, perfumed air. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, shops glowed with warm lights, and everything looked expensive enough to hurt the eyes.
"Su Yin, where do we even start?" Bai Xia asked honestly. "I need high-class stuff."
Su Yin lit up like a Christmas tree. "I know the perfect place! Fourth floor—trust me."
They went up, and the moment they entered the shop, the receptionist perked up.
"Good afternoon, ladies. What may I interest you in today? Bags? Shoes? Jewelry? Glass—"
"We'll decide," Bai Xia cut her off. She wasn't in the mood for chatter.
She turned to Li Guyan and Su Yin, her voice cool.
"Pick anything you like. Don't pity my pocket."
That was all the permission they needed. The two girls sparkled with excitement. Even Shang Shan forgot her anger for two whole seconds—until Bai Xia's next sentence snapped her back to reality.
"Shang Shan, watch carefully how we do things. Try not to touch anything you're not supposed to."
"Xia Xia… didn't you say you'd get me something too?"
"No," Bai Xia replied calmly. "I said I'd show you how I shop. So that when you have money in the future, you'll know what to do."
Shang Shan almost choked on her spit.
She had endured humiliation for nothing?
Her whole plan—to be nice first, then strike later—crumbled instantly.
Fine. Since she wants trouble, I'll give it to her.
---
Shopping Frenzy
For the next twenty minutes, Li Guyan and Su Yin happily turned Shang Shan into a full-time maid.
"Hold this."
"Don't drop that."
"Walk faster, the heels are heavy!"
Shang Shan's arms trembled from carrying clothes, shoes, and bags that cost more than her entire year's savings. Sweat trickled down her back, and she wanted to scream.
Meanwhile, Bai Xia slipped into the bathroom, her eyes turning sharp.
"System, activate the mission timer."
"Timer activated. Host has 4 hours and 59 minutes remaining."
A sleek card materialized in Bai Xia's palm. She twirled it between her fingers with a smirk.
When she stepped back out, she walked toward the counter. All the items were already arranged neatly.
"Madam, your total comes to 1.5 million yuan," the cashier said carefully.
Bai Xia clicked her tongue softly.
"That's it? I thought it would at least hit five million."
Li Guyan and Su Yin suddenly felt guilty… but also not really. Bai Xia could afford it.
Shang Shan, however, secretly smirked.
Good. Spend more. Bleed your wallet dry.
Bai Xia casually paid the bill. Staff packed everything into glossy branded bags, and they all stepped out of the store loaded with luxury.
Shang Shan's arms were nearly breaking. Her legs felt like jelly. She was certain her spine cracked at least twice.
---
The Jewelry Shop
Suddenly Shang Shan's eyes lit up with inspiration—a spark of deviousness shining in them.
"Bai Xia, I know a beautiful jewelry shop on the sixth floor! Honestly, gorgeous ladies like you deserve gorgeous jewelry."
Her voice dripped with honey, but Bai Xia immediately heard the scheming underneath.
Still, Bai Xia simply nodded.
"Lead the way."
Li Guyan and Su Yin bounced excitedly behind them like pampered puppies.
The jewelry shop glittered with chandeliers and glass display cases. The staff bowed deeply the moment they entered—especially after seeing Bai Xia's shopping bags.
Bai Xia bought a few expensive pieces for her family: earrings for her mother, bracelets for her sisters, and accessories for her brothers.
Then… her gaze caught on two watches.
One silver.
One sleek black.
The silver one whispered grace.
The black one screamed dangerous elegance.
Bai Xia bought both for five million yuan—the silver for her father, and the black one… for that irritating man, Fu Jian.
Li Guyan and Su Yin were so touched they nearly cried. Their motivation skyrocketed. Shang Shan's misery skyrocketed too, because now the girls were energized enough to bully her with renewed spirit.
When they left the shop, the staff helped them carry the mountain of bags—giving Shang Shan a tiny break.
Bai Xia finally exhaled in relief. She had spent more than expected.
Mm… maybe the system will give me a bonus for overachieving.
She stood by the railing, dreaming about rewards—
---
Instinct
Her instincts suddenly screamed.
In the reflection of a glass display window, she saw Shang Shan's silhouette rushing toward her—fast.
Behind her, just a few steps away, was the open balcony railing.
The realization snapped through her like lightning.
She's trying to push me over.
She finally made her move…