Love at First Sight Chapter 28: Lavish and Extravagant

As the sky gradually darkened, Wen Yueqing had been wandering for quite some time, yet she felt no trace of fatigue; her spirits remained high. She pulled Zun You along, weaving through streets and alleys, buying all sorts of novel trinkets and an array of snacks.

Liu Yi, who followed behind, was busy settling payments and carrying their purchases. The collection of odd items had already filled two bundles.

Zun You mused inwardly, surprised by Wen Yueqing’s stamina. She always claimed exhaustion after standing for a moment in the residence, and she’d shirk any task if she could. It seemed all her complaints had been mere pretense.

He was unaware that, when it came to shopping, women never knew fatigue. As long as they could buy, they’d happily walk all day.

The shops on either side were lighting their lamps. Wen Yueqing’s attention was caught by the name of a silk shop.

“Chu Yun Silk House.”

She softly read it aloud and suddenly recalled her true name, thinking, “Gao Yun, Gao Yun, you’re becoming so accustomed to being Wen Yueqing, you’re nearly forgetting who you really are.”

Zun You saw her lingering at the shop’s entrance and assumed she wanted new clothes, so he patted her shoulder.

“Come, let’s go in and have a look. I’ll buy you a new outfit.” He smiled and led her inside.

“Wait, just a moment…” Wen Yueqing’s train of thought was interrupted as he pulled her along.

The shop assistant was quick-witted. Judging by their attire, he knew important customers had arrived and hurried forward with bows and nods. “Gentlemen, are you here for silk or to order clothing?”

Zun You glanced around and said, “Bring out your finest and most expensive garments and fabrics.”

“Certainly, please, sit and rest a moment.” The assistant beamed, guiding them to a seat.

“May I ask, are these for yourselves or for a gift?” he inquired, bending low.

Zun You looked at Wen Yueqing. “Bring something suitable for a fifteen-year-old girl.”

“Right away,” the assistant replied, hurrying to the back room where the shop’s most precious goods were kept.

“I actually didn’t mean to buy clothes,” Wen Yueqing explained to Zun You.

“But I want to buy them for you. Is that all right? In the residence, you can wear whatever you like.”

Zun You assumed she was too shy to ask, given her status as a maid, which meant wearing overly expensive clothes was forbidden.

Hearing this, Wen Yueqing didn’t argue. After all, there was no reason to refuse; only a fool would turn down beautiful clothes.

Soon, the assistant returned with five garments and five bolts of silk, followed by the shopkeeper—a woman in her thirties.

She picked up each garment and began to introduce them. Every piece was made of the most exquisite fabrics, the kind reserved for imperial tribute: Huanhua Brocade, Rain Thread Brocade, Gold Weave Brocade, Floating Light Brocade, Shu Brocade, Cloud Brocade.

Caressing the smooth, splendid fabrics, Wen Yueqing was overjoyed. “These are so beautiful!”

“Do you like them?” Zun You was pleased as well. He had seen plenty of good materials, and with a glance, he could tell the shop had brought out their best.

“I love them all, especially this pale yellow one.”

Wen Yueqing adored yellow; she thought it vibrant and pleasing to the eye.

“Good, I’ll take all of these. And find five more bolts of yellow fabric, wrap them together.” With that, Zun You stood and strode away.

The shopkeeper was nearly beside herself with joy, and the assistant had never seen such generosity—a customer who packed up such precious fabrics without even asking the price. His mouth hung open; this single transaction would sustain them for half a year.

Liu Yi paid and instructed, “Deliver all these garments and fabrics to the Third Prince’s residence tomorrow.”

At his words, the shopkeeper and assistant grew even more excited. So this was none other than His Highness the Prince—a distinguished guest indeed. They hastily bowed.

“Yes, yes, we’ll deliver them first thing in the morning.”

“Take care, sir, take care!” They followed him to the doorway in their eagerness.

Wen Yueqing was delighted. She bumped Zun You. “Hey, Young Master You, you looked so dashing paying just now.”

“Didn’t I? That’s how I always shop,” Zun You replied, utterly nonchalant.

“I’ll take all of these,” Wen Yueqing mimicked his earlier tone, bumping him again. “So, will you let me see it again?”

Zun You paused and looked down at her. Wen Yueqing was puzzled.

“Why have you stopped?” she asked.

“You wanted to see my handsome manner, so I’ll stand here for you to admire.”

He was deliberately teasing her.

Wen Yueqing burst out laughing. “Ha! You’re so vain. I meant, buy me some more things so I can see your lavish ways.”

Without another word, Zun You pulled her into a jewelry shop.

“Pick whatever you like,” he said, hands behind his back, standing at the entrance.

“Alright,” Wen Yueqing responded enthusiastically, wandering around and selecting a heap of jewelry.

Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hairpins, dangling ornaments—everything imaginable, all exquisitely crafted and expensive.

There were a few other customers in the shop, and both they and the shopkeeper paused, gazing at the green-robed young lord who was amassing an enormous pile.

The assistant hurried to block the doorway, worried she might be a thief; if she made off with all their stock, they’d be ruined.

Zun You watched her carefully picking through the items, smiling more benevolently than a father. Truly, spending money on his own woman was a delightful affair.

Standing nearby, Liu Yi felt a pang of distress; these two were a handful. One dared to ask, the other dared to give.

He thought to himself, “Good heavens, Miss Wen really shows no restraint—she’ll clear out the whole shop at this rate.”

“I’m done. Those are all my favorites.” Wen Yueqing approached Zun You, chin lifted.

Her meaning was clear: Go ahead, show me what you can do.

Zun You straightened and declared, “I’ll take all these. Wrap them up for me.”

He and Wen Yueqing exchanged a smile, overjoyed as if they had played a game known only to them.

The shop assistant still looked incredulous, blocking the doorway in fear they might bolt.

Liu Yi hurried forward with a banknote to settle the bill. Only then did the assistant relax and let them leave.

“Hey, hey, what’s going on?” Liu Yi grumbled impatiently.

The shopkeeper quickly stepped forward. “Is there anything else, sir?”

“Pack these pieces carefully in jewelry boxes and send them to the Third Prince’s residence first thing tomorrow,” Liu Yi instructed.

Upon hearing that the young lord was the Third Prince, everyone in the shop marveled at his generosity.

But who was that green-robed young lord? Why had he chosen so many ladies’ ornaments? The crowd began to speculate among themselves.