Chapter 5: The Tea Master and the Bewitching World of Blossoms

Lu Mengyao was dressed in a simple skirt, her legs pressed demurely together, and she carried nothing extra like a handbag—her entire appearance radiated youthful innocence and the vibrant energy of a student. The snow-white dress highlighted her beautiful figure, her long legs accentuated by little white sneakers. Her lipstick was a vivid shade, her lashes and eyeshadow exquisitely done, striking a balance between delicacy and allure.

She truly understood the art of attraction—she was, in every sense, an expert in captivating men. Even Cheng Yao, who prided himself on his self-control, found himself swallowing discreetly. If his affection for her were just a little higher, he might have already taken her to a hotel to discuss the meaning of life and family matters—or even the names of their future children. Never overestimate his self-restraint!

Lu Mengyao glanced over Cheng Yao’s outfit and found it rather ordinary. She couldn’t see any sign that he was the type to give her fifty thousand yuan a month. Was this the legendary modesty of the truly wealthy?

Cheng Yao, of course, had no idea what she was thinking. In truth, ever since he’d activated the system, his wealth had already multiplied many times over. Lu Mengyao had become his golden goose.

“Where shall we go?” she asked.

“Deji Plaza, or Golden Eagle—it’s up to you. I’ll buy you a little something,” he replied.

“That’s not necessary...” she said, though her words, in spirit, meant “Really? That’s wonderful...”

Cheng Yao’s whole purpose in bringing her out today was to spend money on her. That was the drawback of this relationship development game: only by spending on the bound girlfriend could he receive rebates. Why couldn’t the system keep up with the times and let him earn rebates when he spent on himself?

If she’d been the thrifty, sensible type, it would have been a headache for him. Luckily, he’d met the “best” Lu Mengyao!

He smiled and asked, “Why be so polite? What’s the relationship between us now?”

“Well... no need to buy anything too expensive. I’m easy to please,” she replied, her eyes crinkling into a smile, her tone playful and suggestive—the tea master herself. To possess such skills at her age was truly remarkable.

Affection +1...

For a moment, she felt quite satisfied to have such a boyfriend. Whatever else might be said, at least he was handsome.

Cheng Yao sighed inwardly. People say games are exaggerated, but real life is even more outrageous.

“As long as you like it, that’s all that matters,” he said.

At that moment, he felt he had become the quintessential doting boyfriend. Yet, behind the scenes, he was sharpening his knives for the lamb.

Maybe you think you’re making a profit, he thought, but I’ll never lose!

Their relationship grew a little closer as they walked. Lu Mengyao, no longer so awkward, even took the initiative to wrap her arm around his, pressing her soft curves against him.

Cheng Yao took a whiff of her perfume. “What’s that scent? It’s lovely.”

“Lancôme,” she answered with a bright smile.

He nodded, trying to distract himself with small talk, but the softness against his arm was hard to ignore. Was this what men yearned for at their core?

Tsk, tsk!

He kept his composure as best he could, but no matter how natural he tried to appear, he was still a novice pretending to be nonchalant as they strolled along.

They passed an Apple flagship store. Lu Mengyao glanced inside. “It’s so crowded!”

“Let’s go in and have a look. I heard the newest model just came out.”

“Okay!”

Perhaps, he thought, this was a test.

They entered the store together. Cheng Yao didn’t care much for phones himself—domestic brands might lag behind in chips, but some models offered great value.

Lu Mengyao’s eyes landed on the latest white iPhone, and she instantly fell in love. The design and color were perfect for a girl.

A sales assistant approached. “Miss, this is our latest flagship model...”

Seeing the bright excitement in her eyes, Cheng Yao asked the price and paid for it without a word, not even giving her a chance to speak.

“This is far too expensive...” Lu Mengyao said softly.

“It’s just a little gift—take it.”

Cheng Yao could hardly contain his joy. Lu Mengyao’s skills might be at level five, but he was operating in the stratosphere.

Ever since the relationship system had bound Lu Mengyao, every yuan he spent on her was multiplied tenfold in rebates. Just this phone alone would net him a profit of a hundred thousand yuan.

Let the storm grow wilder!

Affection +3.

The results were immediate—her affection for him soared, and Cheng Yao felt immensely satisfied. Her affection level was now at 54. Once it reached 80, not only could he extract a skill from her, but also enjoy all the physical intimacy and unlock all sorts of “positions.” Life would be sweet indeed.

After turning on her new phone, Lu Mengyao said nothing more, clutching it lovingly. Her gaze softened, and she looked at Cheng Yao with newfound warmth and gratitude.

She smiled and asked, “I think the black one looks nice too. Don’t you want to get a matching pair?”

“I don’t need a new phone just yet—mine works fine.”

If I bought one for myself, I wouldn’t have enough cash left today, Cheng Yao thought. It was a pity the rebates didn’t come instantly, or he’d take Lu Mengyao shopping for a house today.

Perhaps this was the game’s way of keeping things balanced and making the experience last. After all, if you became a big shot all at once, you’d miss out on the fun along the way.

But I don’t care about that!

Cheng Yao sighed, but there was nothing he could do. He only had a little over thirty thousand left on him. He would have to take it easy today and save the rest for another time.

Leaving the store, Lu Mengyao became noticeably more talkative and enthusiastic. Cheng Yao could clearly sense the change—now that he’d revealed some of his financial strength, going out with a girl like her without spending money was simply impossible.

Of course, this was exactly the result he wanted.

If he wished to live a shamelessly indulgent life in the future, he would have to rely on Lu Mengyao, his personal money tree.

Money emboldens the timid—there’s real truth in that saying. To be honest, ninety-nine percent of a man’s courage comes from his wallet. When your wallet is full, your words and your stride are confident, your spirits high.

Of course, a bulging crotch counts too.

Cheng Yao gradually grew accustomed to Lu Mengyao’s conversation style, letting her cling to his arm as they entered Deji Plaza.

The first floor was resplendent with gold and marble, frequented mostly by sophisticated women—refined makeup, elegant bearing, and alluring figures. The click of high heels, sheer black stockings, and perfectly styled hair, all traces of girlishness gone. Their chic outfits were cool and confident; aside from the square outside, there were hardly any young girls inside.

Alluring, seductive—especially the saleswomen at Louis Vuitton and other such brands. Their beauty surpassed that of most; their office attire accentuated their tall, graceful figures and impressive curves.

Of course, Lu Mengyao’s figure was not to be underestimated either.

“What brands do you like? Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior...”

Lu Mengyao glanced around. “Chanel, I think. Louis Vuitton doesn’t quite suit me at the moment.”

“Then let’s take a look.”

“Alright.”

Affection +3.

The affection was rising as if it were a game, but Cheng Yao knew it would slow down as time went on.

“Welcome to Chanel. May I help you with anything, sir, miss?” The Chanel staff were unfailingly polite. Those melodramatic scenes from games—being mocked and ridiculed—rarely happened in real life, unless one suffered from severe brain damage.

Of course, it wasn’t unheard of, but in high-end boutiques like this, even if someone had such thoughts, they’d never express them.

Cheng Yao said, “Help her pick out a bag.”

“Is there a price range, sir?”

“Around twenty thousand.”

“Very good. Please come with me,” the saleswoman said politely, leading them inside.

The luxurious display counters were filled with dazzling choices, a dazzling world of temptation.

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