The Number-One Male Lead Who Doesn’t Like to Eat (53)

It feels as though the personalities of both Xiu and Charles have shifted to varying degrees. To put it bluntly, it is as if they have turned dark.

"Or perhaps they aren't truly Charles and Xiu in the real sense at all!" the system clicked its tongue. "The extent of your male lead's capacity for drama has once again redefined my worldview."

Si Jiu offered no resistance as she allowed "Charles" to draw near, speaking softly, "Am I not looking at you right now?"

Because of these words, the emotions on the verge of spiraling out of control within "Charles" were easily reined back in. He seemed to snap awake, unable to believe what he had almost done. He straightened up, flustered and at a loss. "I..."

"I'm sorry, did I hurt you just now?" His eyes swept over Si Jiu’s wrist, where a red mark remained from where he had gripped her in his moment of instability. He looked filled with self-reproach and regret, his voice raspy. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."

Si Jiu stood upright, watching the genuine, unfeigned regret on his face. She guessed that perhaps mentioning the other two personalities had triggered him. She chose not to bring it up again, asking instead, "Are your hands uncomfortable?"

"Charles" blinked. "Yes... the gloves. They’re gone."

Si Jiu had previously noticed that Charles seemed to have a degree of mysophobia; no matter the occasion, he always wore white gloves. Yet, whenever he touched her, he would remove them.

"Then let me take you to buy some gloves. And some clothes while we're at it. I’ve noticed you don't seem to like the black clothes you’re wearing." According to her observations, Xie Yu almost never wore white.

She suddenly stopped asking questions and let go of his previous behavior, which left "Charles" feeling almost overwhelmed by the favor. "Thank you."

That afternoon, Si Jiu and "Charles" went out together. "Charles" was filled with curiosity about every corner of the world. When he was with Cheng Yiming, he had shown some restraint, but now, out with Si Jiu, he completely let his guard down. His eyes lit up at everything he saw, making no attempt to hide his wonder at the novelties surrounding him. He was ravenously absorbing knowledge about this world. This was his Highness's world.

Fearing he might get lost, Si Jiu held his hand the entire way. She took him to the mall, and he obediently followed her lead no matter what she asked him to try on. Whether it was casual wear or formal attire, jeans or slacks, he would tirelessly model them for her, spinning when asked, turning sideways when prompted, cooperating fully.

Si Jiu felt a bizarre sense of satisfaction, reminiscent of the joy she once found in dress-up games, spending money to style her "daughter." Especially whenever she asked him which one he liked, he would reply with a beaming smile, "I like whatever you like."

Even the sales assistants were standing to the side, eyes sparkling, hands pressed to their cheeks as they shrieked silently: *Oh my god... I can't take it. What kind of divine puppy is this!!!*

He looked ascetic and desirable in formal wear, yet rugged and handsome in casual clothes. His ability to switch seamlessly between being cool and sweet made the staff scream "I'm dead" in their minds countless times. They cast envious glances toward Si Jiu, accompanied by a barrage of compliments.

"Your boyfriend is truly too handsome."
"This outfit suits him so well; you are so lucky, miss."
"You two are such a perfect match. Your boyfriend loves you so much to be so willing to try on clothes for you."
"You have such a great eye, miss. Look at how incredibly ascetic and... in this three-piece suit..."

By the time Si Jiu came back to her senses, "Charles" was holding a pile of shopping bags, and her wallet was so thin it was practically starving. Because he insisted on wearing gloves, formal wear seemed more fitting, so most of what she had bought him were suits. And as everyone knows, high-quality formal wear comes with a price tag that is also quite "high."

Si Jiu thought: *Beauty truly is my downfall!*

"You seem very happy?"

"Charles" smiled, his eyes curving into crescents. "I am. Because you gave me these gifts."

Si Jiu: "Fair enough."

I wonder if Yu would be willing to foot the bill for "Charles"?