10. The Second Date

Ruan Li almost blurted out, “I haven’t been here either,” but swallowed the words and mumbled, “Then let’s just browse around.”

The tall man stood beside her like a sturdy, towering tree guarding a delicate little flower.

His long legs felt somewhat cramped as he adjusted to the small female’s pace, though Zhe Ye did not seem to mind at all.

After finishing on the first floor with the clothes, Ruan Li picked out several dresses in shades of orange-yellow and purple. Money was never a concern; the government provided financial subsidies for females, and as long as expenses weren’t exorbitant, daily necessities were easily covered.

The numerous packages were tucked away into Zhe Ye’s spatial pocket. Although it greatly reduced the weight of the items, very few females wore one. First, they had their beast husbands—an available workforce not to be wasted—and secondly, their bodies were delicate.

The second floor was dedicated to accessories.

To be honest, although this was a completely different world, the changes in female aesthetics were minimal. Ruan Li’s initial nervousness upon arriving in this new realm was greatly eased by this shopping outing.

Sparkling, extravagant accessories were the favorite of nearly every woman, and it was obvious that this floor attracted the most females and their accompanying males.

Ruan Li immediately fixed her eyes on a butterfly hairband edged with golden threads, the shimmering tassels adding a touch of beauty. She quickly loosened the bun she had carefully styled that morning and fastened the butterfly hairband in place.

The trial mirror did not fully capture the hair’s appearance, so Ruan Li turned around in front of Zhe Ye. The loosely folded skirt flared like a blooming flower full of vitality. Her small face brimmed with joy; her eyes curved like a crescent moon. She leaned close to Zhe Ye and asked expectantly, “How is it? Does it look good?”

For a married beast husband, the temptation was undeniable.

Zhe Ye’s eyes darkened slightly, his voice hoarse: “It looks good.”

He seemed to understand why some beast husbands didn’t mind accompanying their females on shopping trips after marriage, and even enjoyed it.

Receiving the answer she hoped for, the little female flitted like a dancing butterfly, running a few steps to another jewelry display, the tassels at her hair ends swaying with her every move.

Zhe Ye hurried to catch up, wary of falling behind and exposing her to the covetous gazes of other male beasts.

Ruan Li returned heavily laden with purchases. Noticing the time, it was nearly one o’clock—more than three hours had passed.

“Gurgle gurgle,” her stomach suddenly protested, her cheeks flushing red as she clutched it.

Zhe Ye chuckled. “Ready to eat now? Even if you refuse, your little stomach won’t agree.”

Ruan Li dared not argue and followed Zhe Ye upstairs to the dining area.

He had kindly reminded her at noon to eat, but she had declined, caught up in her shopping frenzy.

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Hungry and eager, Ruan Li scanned the dining area, intending to quickly find a place to grab a bite.

Yet, after a proper glance, she instinctively pulled Zhe Ye towards “Xiang Lan Lan.”

She whispered close to his ear, “That place has the most people, so it must be the best.”

The humid warmth brushed against the man’s ear, sending a tingling sensation like electricity coursing through his body, straight down to his fingertips.

Zhe Ye’s gaze, laced with a fierce wildness, landed on the little female who had taken the initiative to hold his arm, then discreetly withdrew. His handsome, cold face softened like an iceberg melting, his features blossoming like spring.

Fortunately, it was past peak mealtime, so they faced no waiting.

The waiter led them to a spacious table.

Opening the menu, Ruan Li recognized the dishes and suddenly realized the signature items were identical to the takeout she had eaten at home the night before.

When the spicy stir-fried pork arrived, she took the first bite. The familiar fragrant and spicy flavor confirmed it was the same restaurant.

“Try this spicy stir-fried pork; it’s incredibly delicious!” Ruan Li enthusiastically recommended to Zhe Ye.

Male beast warriors usually subsisted on nutrient liquids. Battling fierce beasts outside left no time for rest, and handmade meals were costly. One day’s hunt barely covered a single meal.

Moreover, male beasts weren’t just fighters; they had to complete various courses. Only by perfectly earning credits in cooking, bedside care, massage, housekeeping, and husbandly virtue classes would the Star Network assign them a female.

Some slacked off, but they quickly lost favor in their households due to lack of competitiveness.

Zhe Ye sampled the spicy pork. “It is indeed delicious.”

Seeing him nod in agreement gave Ruan Li great satisfaction in sharing what she loved.

The little female’s eyes soon reddened from the spice. Her lips swelled a tender shade of red, as if harshly tormented, her pert nose flushed, her rosy cheeks still refusing to let go of the delicious dish.

Zhe Ye ate without tasting much, lifting a cup of tea to quench his thirst.

Ruan Li’s glass was already empty, so she quickly refilled it.

“Do you want a cold drink?” Zhe Ye originally intended to advise against the spicy pork, but seeing how she stubbornly refused to give it up despite the heat, he quietly changed his mind.

Ruan Li eagerly nodded.

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Zhe Ye asked a waiter for a glass of iced beverage and placed it by Ruan Li. “There’s ice in this. You just ate spicy food, so drink slowly or your stomach might get hurt.”

Ruan Li looked up at him with watery eyes, seeming to plead, “Look how pitiful I am—won’t you let me drink it?”

Zhe Ye softened for a moment but kept his stern expression. His voice was cold and authoritative: “No, this concerns your health; we can’t be careless.”

Ruan Li was surprised that this cold man so decisively refused her. She glared at him, her moist eyes shimmering like a sparkling lake under sunlight. Zhe Ye could almost see his own reflection in her clear gaze.

Her eyes held no threat; he thought she was coaxing him.

His heart softened further, his face even more serious.

“You can only take small sips.”

Ruan Li thought he had surrendered to her fierce look and happily picked up the cold bayberry juice, sipping it carefully.

When dessert arrived, the cold drink had eased the spiciness. Though her lips were as red and plump as soaked cherries, just looking at them made one imagine how sweet and juicy a bite would be.

She ate dessert with cheeks puffed out like a charming hamster, her misty eyes slightly unfocused, appearing quite dazed.

Only Ruan Li knew she was lost in thought.

Full and exhausted, indulging in dessert was like opening a second stomach.

The bayberry juice, once meant for small sips, had somehow been drained.

Outside the glass window, the sight of the little female daydreaming while chewing had become a picturesque scene.

“Your Highness, what are you looking at?”

She followed the gaze toward the glass, eyes wide with shock: “She… she’s still alive?!”