Li Ziqing, accompanied by Li Jianping and Li Jianfang, stood before the grand façade of the Central Shopping Plaza.
The golden, mirror-polished exterior shimmered beneath the late-morning sun, exuding an air of wealth and exclusivity that made both Li Jianfang and Li Jianping hesitate at the entrance.
"We really don't have to do this, A Qing," Li Jianfang murmured, her voice low, almost guilty. "My clothes are perfectly fine. If we must, we can just go to one of the boutiques on Jian Shan Road and find something decent. Why come to such an expensive place?"
Her gaze lingered on the gleaming glass doors and the elegantly dressed patrons strolling in and out. It was a world she had never felt she belonged to.
Li Ziqing's expression softened, though her tone was firm. "Mom, Uncle… have you forgotten? We have money now. And soon, after the demolition, we'll be moving into the school district apartment—the one President Feng gifted us. You'll need to maintain a certain image, Mom. You're about to become the president of our company and the public face of our new high-end restaurant, Qianyan Pavilion. Are you really going to appear on opening day dressed like… this?"
Her gaze slid deliberately to her mother's plain, slightly faded jacket.
Earlier that morning, when Li Jianfang had been about to head to a meeting with the interior decorators, the system's notification had appeared in Li Ziqing's mind—an unavoidable directive.
[Main Mission: Enter the Hospitality Industry – Build Your Own Hotel Chain]
Objective: Accumulate your first fortune—ten million yuan—from food and hospitality ventures.
[Daily Mission: Prepare Li Jianfang for Hospitality Business]
[Ding... Being in hospitality isn't only about skill, ambition, or determination—it's about carrying all those qualities with the right presence. In society's eyes, presence is prestige, and prestige is measured by visible wealth. True luxury isn't garish; it's understated, graceful, and impeccably refined. People judge by what you wear and what you drive. Today's task: curate a luxurious yet classic wardrobe for Li Jianfang, and shape her public image accordingly.]
Li Jianping, who had been silent until now, nodded gravely. "Jie, A Qing is right. If you don't start wearing branded clothing, people will look down on our restaurant. And if you only buy a few things now, will you keep running back here every other day?"
His bluntness made Li Jianfang pause. It struck her suddenly—she really was the face of their venture now. The restaurant's reputation would, in part, rest on her image.
She gave a small nod. "Alright."
The moment she agreed, Li Ziqing took her firmly by the hand and led her into the mall.
This time, unlike the casual browsing of the previous day, they bypassed the ground floors entirely and headed straight to the fifth floor—the realm of international luxury houses. The atmosphere here was markedly different. Polished marble floors reflected soft, golden lighting. Display windows resembled art installations, each exuding the quiet confidence of wealth and status.
Li Ziqing moved with purpose. She had done her research beforehand—shopping here wasn't a matter of walking in and pointing at what you liked. It was a subtle game of perception, relationship-building, and unspoken rules.
Her first target: Hermès.
The very name conjured the image of its legendary BKC (Birkin, Kelly, Constance) bags—coveted pieces whispered about in hushed tones among collectors. But unlike other brands, Hermès operated on a relationship-based model: the more you bought, the more you were offered the truly rare treasures.
Li Jianping excused himself at once, muttering something about the food section on the third floor—he had no interest in witnessing the ladies' spree.
The moment Li Ziqing and her mother stepped through the minimalist glass entrance, a discreet scent—clean, refined, and impossibly expensive—wrapped around them. Sales associates glanced over briefly, their expressions unreadable: no fawning smiles, but also no disdain.
A neatly dressed associate approached. "Welcome to Hermès. How may I assist you today?" Her tone was perfectly neutral—neither warm nor cold.
Li Ziqing, unbothered, returned a polite smile. "We're here to select a few things we like. Please don't feel the need to show us everything—only what we request."
The associate inclined her head and fell into step behind them.
Winter was approaching, and the store's displays reflected it—cashmere coats, supple leather outerwear, and elegant layering pieces.
Li Jianfang's eyes caught on a Twinset Coat in Beige, its tailoring so precise it seemed to float rather than hang. Remembering her daughter's earlier advice—don't look at the price tags—she turned to the associate without hesitation. "I'll take this one."
From there, the momentum was set. She moved with growing confidence:
Asymmetric Mixed Leather Coat in deep brown.
Supple Cashmere Coat in classic black.
Coaching Déjà Vu Long-Sleeve Twillaine Cardigan in soft beige.
They drifted toward the jewelry cases next. Li Jianfang wasted no time, her eyes quick to settle on pieces with a timeless elegance:
Collier de Chien (CDC) Bracelet in Swift leather.
Small Model Collier de Chien Bracelet in rose gold with diamonds.
18K Rose Gold San Coloris Finesse Pendant Necklace, diamonds glinting softly.
Farandole Rope Necklace in sterling silver.
In the watch section, she added two effortlessly iconic timepieces:
Kelly Watch Mini (16 mm, steel case).
Heure H Watch Mini (21 mm, steel with the signature H-shaped case).
The sales associate's once-neutral smile had begun to warm noticeably.
"Madam Li, would you like to proceed to checkout?" she asked smoothly.
"Yes," Li Jianfang replied.
When the associate returned, she carried a discreet list. "Madam Li, your total comes to 6,012,000 yuan." She extended the payment terminal with practiced grace.
Li Jianfang's fingers hesitated only briefly before she handed over the China Construction Bank card Li Ziqing had given her. The associate's smile faltered for the briefest moment at the sight of a regular bank card, but professionalism quickly took over. The transaction went through without issue.
"Would you like these items delivered to your home?" the associate asked.
"Yes, that would be best," Li Jianfang agreed.
The address—Northern District—made the associate's throat tighten for half a second, but she didn't allow it to show. A woman who could casually spend over six million yuan was clearly no ordinary customer.
In fact, the associate's demeanor shifted entirely—now tinged with deference. "Madam Li, I believe we've just received some bags you might like. They arrived yesterday. Would you care to take a look?"
Li Ziqing's heart skipped a beat. This was the very outcome she'd hoped for.
"Mom," she said lightly, "let's have a look. Hermès bags are iconic—very understated and classy."
The associate smiled. "In that case, allow me to speak with my manager. Please, enjoy our special tea in the VIP lounge while you wait."
She guided them toward a plush seating area. But before they could settle in, a voice called out over the soft hum of the boutique.
"Ms. Li? Madam Li?"
Both women turned—and found themselves face-to-face with Song Yuerong, the elegant wife of Feng Zhaotian.
Today, Song Yuerong was dressed in an elegant, floor-length white maxi that draped over her figure like flowing silk. The minimalistic design exuded refinement, while her confident posture spoke of a life lived among privilege. She was accompanied by three other women, each radiating the poised air of high society.
Li Ziqing and Li Jianfang immediately rose to their feet, their movements graceful and precise, the kind of effortless courtesy found among the well-bred.
"Mrs. Feng," they greeted in unison, their voices soft yet clear.
"Are you here for shopping as well?" Song Yuerong's tone was curious, though her expression betrayed nothing but warmth. Her smile — bright, gentle, and artfully sincere — seemed to light the air around her, drawing the attention of her companions.
The other three ladies took a moment to appraise Li Jianfang and Li Ziqing. Though the two were dressed in simple, off-the-rack clothing that hinted at practicality rather than luxury, their beauty was undeniable — ethereal, even. But beyond beauty, there was something rarer still: a cultivated grace that suggested they could have stepped from the drawing rooms of the elite.
But Li Jianfang, Li Ziqing and Song Yuerong didn't know their thoughts were in a deep conversation.
"Your own restaurant? It's such a pleasant surprise," Song Yuerong continued, her eyes sparkling with genuine delight. "Madam Li, I have always admired your culinary skill — it's nothing short of magical, and I have been fortunate enough to taste it myself. I must be shameless today and ask for an invitation."
Li Ziqing's lips curved in a polite smile. "Mrs. Feng, you are one of our very first target customers. How could you not be invited? We will soon be hosting both a tasting event and a grand launch. You and Mr. Feng will, of course, receive a personal invitation."
"That's wonderful to hear." Song Yuerong nodded, clearly pleased. "By the way, allow me to introduce my friends. This is Madam Kan of Huatuo Real Estate, Madam Fu from Hubei Chemicals, and Madam Su of the HICA luxury retail group."
She turned to her companions with a gracious gesture. "And this is a dear friend of the Feng family — Madam Li and her daughter, Li Ziqing. They are culinary masters, soon to open their own restaurant. I assure you, one taste of their food and you will be addicted."
The moment the women heard this, their expressions softened with interest.
"It isn't easy to earn Madam Feng's praise," Madam Su remarked with a knowing smile. "If she speaks so highly of your cooking, Madam Li, then it must be exceptional. We must try it for ourselves."
"Indeed," Madam Kan added warmly. "Though we've just met, I hope we can remain in touch. One doesn't often encounter such talent."
Madam Fu leaned forward slightly, her tone half-playful, half-earnest. "I'll be blunt, Madam Li — we are expecting invitations as well."
Li Ziqing remained silent, letting her mother take the lead. She was quietly astonished at how her usually conservative mother navigated the conversation with poise, warmth, and a subtle authority that rivalled these women of status. Before long, they were all laughing together, exchanging views on art, travel, and fine dining, before parting with mutual smiles and the exchange of personal contacts.
When they left, all four women drifted toward the Hermès boutique.
The boutique manager and the sales associate who had earlier served Li Jianfang had been observing discreetly, careful not to interrupt the ladies' conversation. The associate had already informed the manager of Li Jianfang's purchase — a total exceeding six million yuan — and asked if they could arrange a private showing of an exclusive handbag. The manager agreed instantly and came to greet Li Jianfang in person.
"Madam Li," she said warmly, her posture as precise as her tailored suit. "I was informed of your request to view our handbags. I wanted to personally thank you for your patronage at Hermès."
The woman was in her late thirties, her figure lithe and poised, her elegance honed to a razor's edge.
"You have a truly exquisite collection here," Li Jianfang replied with a soft smile. "I simply couldn't resist."
"Of course, Madam Li. Please, your sales associate will escort you to our Black Room to view the pieces."
As the manager gestured, the sales associate stepped forward, and together they led Li Jianfang and Li Ziqing into the private space.
Nearby, Song Yuerong's group noticed. Surprise flickered briefly in their eyes; it wasn't every day one saw customers personally escorted into the legendary Hermès Black Room. Their curiosity about Li Jianfang deepened — and their silent determination to attend her tasting event solidified.
The Black Room was as the name suggested — a sanctuary of darkness, its walls a deep matte black that made the carefully placed lights seem almost theatrical. The only furnishing was a sleek black table, illuminated like a stage, where treasures would soon be unveiled.
"At present, we have three Birkins available — sizes 25cm, 30cm, and 35cm," the sales associate explained, pulling on white gloves before reaching for the iconic orange Hermès boxes.
"Let's skip the 25cm," Li Ziqing said without hesitation. "Too small to be practical."
The associate nodded, placing the remaining two boxes before them. The first revealed a Birkin 30 in Togo leather, finished in gold. Li Jianfang took one look and shook her head — the tone was too ostentatious for her taste.
Then the second box opened.
Li Jianfang's eyes lit up. Nestled within was a Birkin 35 in a bold Rose Jaipur, crafted from Nilo crocodile leather. The vibrant shade radiated sophistication without tipping into vulgarity — striking, yet perfectly balanced.
"Mom, this is beautiful," Li Ziqing murmured in appreciation. "In fact, it would look perfect with what you're wearing today."
Her mother's simple white ensemble would make the rich pink sing — a statement without a word spoken.
"Very well," Li Jianfang said, her smile serene. "I'll take it. And I'll use it immediately."
The sales associate's delight was obvious, though professionally restrained. Her sales commission for the month had already surpassed three hundred thousand yuan thanks to this mother-daughter pair — the highest she had ever achieved.
"Didn't you say you had something for me as well?" Li Ziqing asked suddenly, turning her gaze on the associate.
The woman's smile faltered almost imperceptibly. Earlier, she had made the offer casually, thinking she might suggest something suitable if the Birkins didn't appeal. "Madam," she replied carefully, "as you may know, each client is limited to three handbags per year at Hermès. Are you certain you wish to make a second purchase now?"
"What would it take to increase that limit?" Li Ziqing's tone was calm, but there was a glint in her eyes — sharp and unwavering.
"If your annual purchases reach the tens of millions, your membership would be upgraded to VVIP," the associate explained smoothly. "At that level, restrictions become… far more flexible."
"It's settled, then," Li Ziqing said casually, as if she were discussing something as mundane as afternoon tea. "We'll just spend a few tens of millions next time, and then we can directly upgrade to VVIP status. That way, it won't affect our purchase quota. Now—show me another bag."
The sales associate froze for a brief moment, stunned by the nonchalance in Li Ziqing's tone. Then, as if jolted back to reality, she recalled her manager's urgent instructions earlier: Xiao Guzi, you've struck gold this time. Even our most elite socialites don't spend such an enormous amount in one go. This client is priceless—do not let her slip away, and under no circumstances let her leave dissatisfied.
Xiao Guzi swallowed hard, forcing her composure, and carefully retrieved another large orange Hermès box from the display. This one was even bigger than the last. She opened it with the reverence of unveiling a crown jewel.
"We happen to have an entry-level Kelly available at the moment," she began, her tone respectful yet laced with excitement. "This is the Hermès Herbag Zip 39—often called the 'casual Kelly' for the jet-setting student. It features a relaxed trapezoid silhouette inspired by the classic Kelly shape, with a detachable canvas body paired with a sturdy Vache Hunter leather flap. This makes it lightweight yet structured. It has a discreet zippered back pocket for quick access to essentials like a phone or ID, and offers versatility with both a top handle and a long strap for shoulder or crossbody wear. The hardware is the signature Clou de Selle saddle-nail clasp in a gold-plated finish. We only have this single Noir piece available right now."
The moment Li Ziqing laid eyes on it, her pupils seemed to sparkle like rare diamonds. Her heart-shaped gaze lingered over every curve and gleam of the bag's surface, as if she had fallen under its spell.
"We'll take it," she said without a moment's hesitation.
Xiao Guzi's lips curved into a discreet smile. The payment of ¥2,007,000 was processed swiftly. Li Jianfang's Birkin 35 in Rose Jaipur was handed over for immediate use, while Li Ziqing's new Herbag was arranged for same-day delivery to their residence.
From there, the shopping spree continued—an elegant storm of indulgence.
At Cartier, they selected exquisite jewellery and timepieces, the gleam of diamonds and rose gold dancing under the boutique's soft lighting. At Chanel, they swept through ready-to-wear, workwear, fragrances, footwear, and even the legendary Haute Couture collection. Li Ziqing secured three evening gowns for Li Jianfang and one for herself, and for the first time, even shopped for her own age group—Chanel's children's line proving far too enchanting to resist. When they emerged, both mother and daughter were dressed head-to-toe in Chanel's finest.
Their next stop was Van Cleef & Arpels, where they acquired timepieces, two intricately designed necklaces, and additional jewellery pieces that shimmered with quiet opulence. At Christian Louboutin, they selected an array of work-appropriate heels and playful statement footwear, before moving on to Dior for more ready-to-wear elegance.
Li Jianfang's transformation by this point was nothing short of astonishing. The woman who had walked into the mall that morning was unrecognizable. She now wore a classic pink-and-coral Chanel tweed midi dress, sleeveless with an A-line cut, cinched at the waist by a matching fabric belt adorned with a gold-tone CC buckle. On her wrist gleamed a Cartier Love Bracelet in rose gold, encrusted with diamonds. In her hand rested her Birkin 35 in Rose Jaipur. Around her neck lay the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Necklace in rose gold and carnelian. Completing the ensemble were Christian Louboutin Hot Chick 100 mm Pumps, their pointed silhouette sculpting an air of confident grace.
She looked ethereal—so radiant and refined that one could easily mistake her for Li Ziqing's elder sister. Her beauty, already striking, was now accentuated by the interplay of rose and coral tones against her flawless complexion. It was a beauty that could no longer be concealed—poised, elegant, unforgettable.
Finally, they turned their attention to Li Jianping. For his formal attire, they chose Brioni and Tom Ford suits tailored to perfection, Berluti leather shoes, a Bvlgari belt of supple leather, and an exquisite Patek Philippe watch that whispered of timeless power.
By the time the day ended, the Li family had turned the mall into their private runway—each step they took a statement of wealth, taste, and unshakable status.
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Thank you so much garima_bhardwaj, Jisha_Bhardwaj and IRENE_MBELA for power stone ☺️