Chapter 218: Bound by Bags In the heart of the city, nestled among towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, stood the prestigious shopping haven, The Crystal Mall.
Its facade was a shimmering masterpiece of glass and steel, reflecting the city lights like a thousand diamonds in the night.
This was a place where opulence met fashion, and only the elite dared to tread.
On this particular day, the air inside the mall was thick with the scent of luxury perfumes and the soft murmur of well-heeled shoppers.
It was here that Seraphina had brought Xiaxia for a day of extravagant indulgence.
As they stepped out of the sleek, white limousine, a vehicle that seemed to blend seamlessly with the mall’s lavish ambiance, Xiaxia couldn’t help but gape at her surroundings.
The grandeur of the mall overwhelmed her, and she felt like a small fish in an ocean of wealth.
Her eyes widened as she surveyed the storefronts adorned with renowned designer labels — Shanel, Goochee, Louie Vooton — names that had always been out of reach for her.
She hesitated, then gathered the courage to voice her disbelief. "Seraphina, are we really shopping here? This place is so . . . expensive."
Seraphina, clad in the latest couture fashion that seemed to complement the mall’s luxurious atmosphere, simply smiled, a gesture that spoke volumes about her familiarity with extravagance.
"Don’t worry," she replied, her tone light. "Our family practically own this place."
"Of course, you do," Xiaxia muttered to the side. Was there a popular establishment that the Feys didn’t owned?
"Well, we can afford the best," she said, her confidence unwavering. "Come on, let’s explore. Consider it a day of relaxation."
With that, they embarked on a shopping spree that felt like a dream. Seraphina guided Xiaxia through the upscale boutiques, their bags accumulating treasures from the world’s most coveted fashion houses.
Xiaxia marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship, her fingers gently tracing the luxurious fabrics, all while her mind struggled to comprehend the surreal reality of her surroundings.
Throughout their shopping adventure, Seraphina continued to showcase her knowledge of fashion, effortlessly selecting outfits that accentuated Xiaxia’s features.
They tried on dresses that cost more than a month’s rent for some people, Xiaxia growing closer to Seraphina by the second.
When they moved to Her-mez that only member could enter, Xiaxia couldn’t hold her squeal of excitement.
This marked Xiaxia’s inaugural venture into the realm of exclusive shopping. She had always been an outsider, peeking at these high-end boutiques from afar, unable to cross the threshold due to her non-membership status.
The glossy windows and tantalizing displays were only things she could admire from a distance, the treasures within always out of reach.
However, on this extraordinary day, she stood at the epicenter of unparalleled luxury, surrounded by meticulously crafted bags and couture that epitomized the epitome of style.
Seraphina observed Xiaxia’s wide-eyed wonder with a knowing smile.
"It seems like you’re quite taken with this place," Seraphina remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Are you kidding?" Xiaxia’s smile stretched across her face like a beacon of joy. "This is beyond my wildest dreams! I always hoped to step foot in a place like this and maybe, just maybe, own a bag from one of these famous brands."
Seraphina suppressed a chuckle. "Is that so? Then go ahead, pick the ones you don’t like from all these bags."
"Huh?" Xiaxia tilted her head in confusion, not grasping Seraphina’s meaning.
"Just choose any bag you don’t like," Seraphina clarified, her tone as light as the breeze.
Although puzzled by the unusual request, Xiaxia found herself hypnotized into compliance.
To have a wealthy friend buying her such expensive items, she’d gladly perform any task, even scrubbing floors with her tongue if needed.
Pride?!
What was pride in the face of a Her-mez bag worth thousands of dollars?
In Xiaxia’s mind, the prospect of shattered pride seemed trivial compared to the overwhelming desire to possess one of those bags.
She felt a surge of determination; she wouldn’t just settle for any bag –– it had to be one of these luxurious items.
Her eyes roamed over the display, two impeccably dressed staff members standing at attention, ready to assist with their every whim.
. They offered expensive vintage wines and delectable snacks to Seraphina, their presence adding an air of extravagance to the moment.
"Do you enjoy wine?" Seraphina inquired, her lips touching the glass delicately.
"A bit," Xiaxia replied absentmindedly, her focus undeniably fixed on the bags. "Choosing is difficult, they’re all so beautiful. But if I had to select the ones I like the least . . ."
This was definitely the most problematic situation she had found herself in, after Xin’s comma of course.
Xiaxia carefully considered her options before pointing to a handful of bags among the dozens displayed. It was a mere fraction of the collection, perhaps around eight bags in total amidst the dozens.
Once Xiaxia had made her decision, Seraphina set her wine glass down and stepped beside her. "Are you certain?"
Xiaxia nodded. "Although they are gorgeous, I prefer more subtle colors, not the flashy ones."
"Very well then," Seraphina announced, her gaze sweeping over the staff. "I’ll take all the bags she didn’t point out."
A stunned silence enveloped the room, the most incredulous expression belonging to Xiaxia. She was too astonished to even utter a word.
"A-Are you sure, Lady Seraphina?" one of the staff members stammered, clearly taken aback by the unprecedented request.
Seraphina’s sharp eyes made the staff clamour to get her orders.
"R-right away!"
The staff members quickly snapped out of their shock, their movements efficient as they hastened to fulfill Seraphina’s command.
Xiaxia stood there, completely dumbfounded, watching as her dream unfolded before her eyes in a whirlwind of luxurious bags.
Xiaxia recovered from her initial shock, and managed to force a smile. "A-are you planning to give them out for Christmas?" she asked, trying to make sense of the situation, even though Christmas was still two months away.
It was the only explanation she could fathom.
Seraphina chuckled and met Xiaxia’s puzzled gaze with a bright smile. "Oh no, not for Christmas, silly. They’re for you."
". . ." Xiaxia’s eyes widened, her mouth fell. "F-for me?! Are you serious?!"
Seraphina beamed. "Absolutely. I don’t joke about things like this. Consider it a gift to mark the beginning of our . . . very long friendship."
"Uhm . . . but this is too much! I-I couldn’t possibly accept all of this!" Xiaxia protested, even though her eyes were fixated on the bags as the staff expertly packed them.
Seraphina giggled. "Please accept it. If you’re comfortable with the idea, we can be like sisters." Her expression then softened with sadness. "I’ve always wanted a little sister, you know . . . I’ve been an only child for so long."
Touched by the sincerity in Seraphina’s eyes, Xiaxia felt her own eyes welling up. She grabbed Seraphina’s hands earnestly, her voice full of conviction. "If you’re okay with me, then I’d love to be your sister!"
I’d be anybody for these bags! Xiaxia thought to herself, the temptation too strong to resist.
A sly smile curved Seraphina’s lips. "Thank you . . . sister," she said, her words laced with a playful tone, sealing the bond between them.