Chapter 390: Chapter 390: Eyes Above the Head
After the call ended, Owen Sinclair still had a blissful smile on his face, until his assistant reminded him that he still had to meet a few people later. The smile instantly faded away.
"Didn’t I say no work arrangements today? I’m in a rush to go grocery shopping."
That’s right, he was planning to personally go to the market to buy groceries and then cook for his daughter.
The assistant said somewhat awkwardly, "I’ve canceled your other appointments, but did you forget? We still have three students we haven’t met from last night."
Owen remembered.
Yesterday, there were several groups scheduled, but because there were too many people and the school had curfews, they didn’t manage to meet three of the girls in the end.
"So I promised them to meet again this afternoon. If we change the time now, I’m afraid..."
Owen sighed and said, "Forget it, it’s just three people after all. You arrange the time."
"How about two hours later? You can go grocery shopping in these two hours. Once that’s done, we’ll meet with the people and then directly pick up the young lady."
The words "young lady" really touched a soft spot in Owen’s heart.
Though his heart was joyful, he maintained a serious demeanor on his face.
"Let’s arrange it that way then!"
"Got it, I’ll arrange a meeting place with them near their school? Makes it convenient for us to pick up the young lady on the way."
Upon hearing "young lady" again, Owen couldn’t hold back any longer and broke into a broad smile.
"Alright, let’s do it."
...
At The Medical University.
Ariana Grant knew Ashley Shaw was on the phone with Owen Sinclair. Only after she hung up did Ariana ask, "What are we eating tonight? Where are we eating? Did he say?"
Ashley Shaw shook her head, "He didn’t say, just mentioned picking us up later."
"Oh no, what are we going to wear? What if we go to a really fancy place and we’re dressed like this, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?"
Ashley instinctively looked down at herself.
She was wearing a thin outer jacket over a short-sleeved shirt, with light blue jeans on the bottom.
If they were going to a Western restaurant, this outfit indeed wouldn’t be very suitable.
"Should I ask?"
"No, let’s just go buy something nearby, something suitable for any occasion."
"Alright."
The two of them wasted no time, first going to a light food café Ariana mentioned for lunch, then heading to the largest mall in University City to buy clothes.
"Today I’ll pay," Ariana announced. "Don’t you dare fight me for it."
Ashley knew that although Ariana didn’t say it, she was very grateful for Ashley finding Lawyer Sterling for her.
So, she didn’t refuse and looped her arm through Ariana’s, "Fine, today I’ll just cling to your leg then."
Ariana lifted her foot, "Here’s the leg, though my arm is thicker than your leg, you can’t seem to tell them apart, huh."
Ashley was amused, and her grip on Ariana’s arm tightened a bit.
Having such a witty friend is a blessing.
To have a second chance, to save her, is truly wonderful.
Unknowingly, Ashley’s eyes began to slightly redden.
Luckily, Ariana was focused on finding the plus-sized women’s clothing store in the mall and didn’t notice Ashley’s change in mood.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to explain it.
...
The mall, named Veridia, is the largest of the three malls in University City.
But it still took quite a while to find a plus-size clothing store.
Luckily, Ariana wasn’t picky, and within three minutes of entering the store, she had chosen a straight-cut denim dress.
The dress, while relatively formal in style, had a casual feel thanks to the denim material.
It was suitable for practically any occasion.
Ashley gave a thumbs up, "You have an eye for this! Great choice of clothing, help me pick something too."
"Alright, leave it to me, I guarantee I’ll find something just to your liking."
Ashley was just about to say she was easy-going and that it wouldn’t be possible to find something perfect for her, but then Ariana pulled her to a spot in front of a store where Ashley was instantly captivated.
The reason was simple: the store was Chanel.
"This is it, let’s go. I think among all the major brands, Chanel suits your temperament the best. Their style is practically tailored for you."
Yet Ashley didn’t move.
They were arm-in-arm, but with Ariana taking a step forward and Ashley staying put, it seemed like Ashley was pulling Ariana back.
The store clerks instinctively glanced over at them.
Luxury brand counters in a mall rarely had customers, especially since this was University City and not the CBD, so everyone looked over out of curiosity.
The scrutiny made Ariana feel slightly awkward, so she turned to ask Ashley, "What’s wrong?"
Ashley’s thoughts were simple. Chanel clothes were just too expensive. While she was happy Ariana was willing to be generous, she also considered Ariana’s wallet.
No one’s money grows on trees, except perhaps hers.
Although Ariana had some savings now, it wasn’t enough to splurge here.
But she had to maintain Ariana’s dignity, so Ashley casually said, "I’m just worried that Uncle Owen will once again take us to some hidden gem that only connoisseurs know about. Going in Chanel would be a bit of a waste. Let’s choose something like what you’re wearing, versatile for any venue."
"This store has many options too, I’m sure there are pieces suitable for any occasion. Besides, even if you don’t wear it today, you can wear it next time. Especially on your first day of college, you have to wear clothes from here."
Although she felt she herself had no particular style, Ashley had all the poise.
She looked every bit like a young lady from a wealthy family. Standing next to Ashley would ensure no one underestimated her.
Ashley still wanted to come up with another excuse to avoid entering the Chanel boutique, but Ariana didn’t give her a chance, directly pulling her inside.
The staff at the luxury boutique were seasoned, recognizing at a glance how wealthy a customer might be.
Especially after overhearing their conversation, fearing they couldn’t afford to spend there, the attitude was naturally less than welcoming.
Several of them nudged each other until a middle-aged woman with a bob cut came over.
The woman was well-maintained, but the wrinkles on her neck betrayed her age.
Standing in front of them, she unceremoniously said, "If you’re not buying, you can look, but don’t touch anything. If you get it dirty, cleaning and care fees are very expensive."
Ariana’s brows furrowed instantly.
"Who said we’re not buying?"
She’d heard before that the clerks at the boutiques had their eyes up in the clouds, but thought it was just a rumor. Turns out it was true.
The boutique assistant chuckled, "Alright, go ahead and choose. You can even try it on once you’ve decided."
She had a look that said, "Let’s see if you can afford it after trying it on."
Ariana had initially thought about trying things on first before deciding whether to buy. But upon hearing this, she decided she’d purchase something from this store even if it meant emptying her pockets.
Pride is at stake; and she was determined to assert hers today.
"Ashley, go ahead and pick what you think looks best, we’ll buy it!"