Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist - Chapter 12
When Bai Shuixi and Xia You arrived at the HV boutique, Zhou Wanwan hadn’t even shown up yet. But this made their encounter seem even more coincidental just as Bai Shuixi had intended.
The store manager had already been waiting at the entrance with two staff members. The moment they spotted Bai Shuixi, they hurried forward, their faces brimming with warm smiles:
“President Bai, it’s been so long since we last had the pleasure of your visit! Without you, HV’s designs feel like they’re missing their finest interpreter. Our designers have been absolutely heartbroken.”
“Mmm,” Bai Shuixi responded casually with a nod. “I happened to have some free time today. Isn’t the new handbag collection launching today?”
“That’s right,” the manager replied cheerfully. “We’ve already made all the arrangements knowing you were coming. Also, the new designs from the ‘Starry Night’ series your favorite have just arrived. They’re still the work of the designer you admire most. You can take a look at them later.”
Bai Shuixi nodded again.
This worked out perfectly. She now had an excuse to kill time, just take Xia You around to browse jewelry and shop a little. As long as they bumped into Zhou Wanwan and Li Wei when they arrived, her goal would be achieved.
But perhaps this time, she should make a demand?
Letting Xia You off with just verbal teasing every time didn’t quite fit the role of a villain, it wasn’t enough to provoke Xia You into breaking things off with her.
So, what should she ask for?
Like the spoiled brats in dramas, should she demand a kiss from Xia You or else refuse her request?
Lost in thought, Bai Shuixi absently glanced to the side but didn’t see Xia You.
Where had she gone?
Bai Shuixi immediately stopped and turned around. The manager, who had been walking ahead to lead the way, paused in confusion at her reaction and followed her gaze.
This time, the manager finally noticed the strikingly beautiful Omega trailing behind Bai Shuixi.
She looked gentle, the kind of person who could tolerate even the worst temper but at the moment, she was staring down, lost in thought.
In truth, Xia You was just quietly mulling over something she’d noticed earlier.
When they got out of the car, Bai Shuixi had walked ahead, blocking her view. Xia You had only caught a glimpse of the manager’s warm, attentive but not fawning smile.
As expected of a manager at a luxury boutique in the heart of a first-tier city. They really knew how to speak with just the right balance of charm and professionalism.
“What are you spacing out for?” A pair of elegantly crafted women’s ankle boots suddenly appeared in Xia You’s line of sight, followed by a slender, well-proportioned hand waving in front of her face. A cool voice continued, “Still not back to earth?”
Xia You blinked and looked up.
Bai Shuixi didn’t meet her gaze, instead glancing back at the manager and staff behind them. Seeing their bewildered expressions, she sighed inwardly and placed a hand on Xia You’s shoulder.
Xia You: “Huh?”
“Am I that boring to be around?” Bai Shuixi asked, looking down at her.
“Ah, no! I was just.”
“Good. If you space out again, I’ll kiss you,” Bai Shuixi’s gaze lingered on Xia You’s lips. “I doubt you’d stay indifferent even if I did.”
“I—” Xia You’s face flushed instantly. She took a step back, dodging Bai Shuixi’s hand, and hissed in a flustered whisper, “I already said it’s not because you’re boring! I’ll pay attention!”
“So?” Bai Shuixi chuckled lightly, turning to ascend the stone steps. “Good, then follow me.”
Xia You gritted her teeth and endured the strange looks from the shop assistants as she followed Bai Shuixi inside. Bai Shuixi glanced back at Xia You’s expression, receiving an irritated glare before smiling faintly and continuing forward.
The store manager, who had witnessed the entire exchange, suddenly gained a new understanding of Xia You, this seemingly unprofessional assistant was clearly not in the same category as He Jiu, the special assistant.
This was unmistakably a lover!
Probably just another rich person’s game of romantic roleplay.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. The wealthy.
Bai Shuixi and Xia You entered HV’s VIP lounge, where a shop assistant with a sweet smile brought them two cups of black tea, saying gently, “Prepared just as you like it, Ms. Bai. Please enjoy. This season’s new arrivals will be brought to you shortly.”
Bai Shuixi nodded and glanced at Xia You. “How is it? To your taste?”
Xia You took a small sip. “It’s alright.”
Bai Shuixi smiled but said nothing more. Soon, the shop assistant wheeled over a display stand with the latest collection of handbags. The store’s soft, gleaming lights reflected off the leather and the metal logos, casting a luxurious sheen that made the items look both high-end and exorbitantly expensive.
Xia You glanced at the bags and immediately recalled He Jiu mentioning that HV’s autumn collection was themed around retro handbags. Indeed, the displayed pieces resembled the metal-woven purses favored by 19th-century European noblewomen small, exquisite, expensive and utterly impractical.
Bai Shuixi looked at the handbags with little interest, equally unenthused. Growing weary of the manager’s recommendations, she turned to Xia You instead. “What do you think?”
“Me?” Xia You hesitated. It wouldn’t be polite to say they all looked the same in front of the staff, so she replied cautiously, “They’re quite nice.”
She didn’t specify which one she liked or why. Hopefully, that would suffice?
Bai Shuixi studied the display, tapping her fingers lightly on her knee before casually remarking, “Then we’ll take them all.”
“Mhm…” Xia You responded automatically, only realizing what had happened when the manager beamed and wheeled the display away. “Wait! what?!”
“Let’s go look at the jewelry next,” Bai Shuixi said, straightening her clothes as she stood, completely unfazed.
“No, hold on!” Xia You grabbed the hem of Bai Shuixi’s coat, staring at her in disbelief. “Did you just buy, all of them?”
Bai Shuixi considered Xia You’s shocked expression for a moment, then glanced toward where the manager had gone. “Was there one you particularly disliked?”
“No, it’s not about me,” Xia You sighed, feeling helpless. “Never mind. If you want them, buy them all.”
She thought it was a multiple-choice question, but Bai Shuixi was playing elimination.
Observing Xia You’s reaction, Bai Shuixi silently concluded: This Omega truly had no interest in handbags. What about gemstones, then? Or was she only drawn to flashy Alphas?
What a troublesome problem.
Bai Shuixi pondered while leading Xia You to the gemstone jewelry section.
If there was one hobby Bai Shuixi shared with the original owner of this body, it was probably buying gemstones. The moment she stepped into the jewelry area, the manager enthusiastically guided her toward a meticulously decorated display case. “President Bai, these are the new pieces from the ‘Radiant Night’ collection. This latest release features a large number of high-end colored gemstones paired with exquisite metalwork absolutely dazzling when worn.”
Bai Shuixi glanced briefly at the gemstones used in the pieces. The craftsmanship of the designs far outweighed the actual value of the stones. But then again, if she wanted high-end gemstones, she would have gone straight to a renowned designer’s private exhibition or an auction to buy a full set.
If these gemstones had any advantage, it was that they were subtly flashy.
Bai Shuixi shot Xia You a discreet glance before turning her attention back to the manager. “They all look good. Let me try that set over there.”
She pointed to a matching set of gemstone earrings, a necklace, and a ring. The rare colored stones were cut into slender shapes, complemented by carefully designed curved metal accents that reflected each other, shimmering brilliantly under the lights.
Bai Shuixi: “That makeup artist you have here, what’s her name, Li?”
The store manager immediately supplied, “Lilith.”
“Right, her. Is she here?” Bai Shuixi said casually. “Call her over.”
The manager glanced at Bai Shuixi’s bare face, then at the jewelry in front of her, and suddenly understood.
No wonder President Bai had come in today without her usual makeup, she must have wanted a matching look!
Having drawn a completely unrelated conclusion, the manager flashed a professional smile and guided Bai Shuixi toward her private lounge. “Don’t worry, President Bai. Lilith is always here whenever you visit.”
Bai Shuixi gave a noncommittal nod and turned to Xia You. “Wait here for me.”
Before Xia You could respond, the manager interjected with a smile, “Rest assured, President Bai, we’ll take good care of your assistant.”
Bai Shuixi nodded and looked away.
She really did want to experiment with a new style. Being subtly provocative wasn’t her thing, she needed an outsider’s perspective.
At first glance, the new ‘Radiant Night’ collection exuded the boldness the designer intended to convey, which aligned perfectly with her needs. It might just give her the inspiration she was looking for.
The makeup artist arrived quickly, and Bai Shuixi picked up her phone to browse through documents, planning to pass the time.
What she didn’t expect was that this makeup artist seemed quite familiar with the original owner. Even though Bai Shuixi hadn’t said much, the artist spoke up while applying her eyeliner. “You’ve been quieter lately, President Bai. Are you changing your style? You seem much calmer than before.”
“Hmm?” Hearing this, Bai Shuixi opened her eyes and looked at the makeup artist.
Lilith had just finished the line and froze for a second when their eyes met, then smiled. “President Bai, this style actually suits you better. Even I was almost stunned, and I’m the one who did your makeup.”
Really?
Bai Shuixi turned to the mirror, and the reflection met her gaze.
The makeup wasn’t overly heavy, just enhancing the natural colors of her face. Her naturally thick lashes were slightly curled, with delicate eyeliner extending at the outer corners, sharpening Bai Shuixi’s usually indifferent gaze. A touch of shimmer in the eye makeup complemented the dazzling earrings swaying by her ears and the cool-toned light lipstick. For the first time, Bai Shuixi felt she could be described as…
Hmm, what word should she use?
“Oh my, this is so seductive,” Lilith murmured dreamily, cupping her slightly flushed cheeks. “It’s like being dragged back to a cave by a centuries-old enchanting ghost to be devoured completely.”
“.Enchanting ghost?” Bai Shuixi paused before responding.
“Yes!” Lilith eagerly agreed. “Exactly like you’re an ancient enchanting ghost disguised in human form, prowling the city for prey. When you spot a naive Omega, you scheme to win her heart before dragging her back to your lair to have your way with her. Ah, so provocative! Your face is truly divine just a little makeup creates this effect.”
Lilith once again clasped her cheeks in rapture.
Bai Shuixi: “…”
Standing up, Bai Shuixi patted her shoulder. “Keep dreaming. If you’re interested, you could be my personal makeup artist, compensation is negotiable.”
With that, she left the lounge, leaving Lilith stunned.
Lilith: Did she just receive an olive branch???
Ignoring the others’ reactions, Bai Shuixi headed straight for the ‘Glorious Night’ exhibition area, spotting Xia You in the distance, her back turned as she spoke with a staff member.
If she really were an enchanting ghost, would that Omega who always preferred subtly alluring Alphas take the bait?