That night, William Carter and Lillian Reed were destined to be sleepless, and even Alice Green, the little girl not yet three years old, kept tossing and turning, thinking: “Will Uncle Carter become friends with Auntie, just like in the TV dramas? If only that would happen, then Alice Green could eat the cold noodles made by Uncle Carter every day…”

In the second half of the night, the wind stopped and the rain ceased, as if even the heavens were quietly moved by this budding romance, putting away the terrifying thunder and lightning.

……

It wasn’t until after five in the morning that William Carter finally drifted off to sleep, and it was a light and urgent knocking at the door that woke him from his sweet dreams.

When he opened the door, it was Lillian Reed standing outside. The two of them looked at each other, both feeling there was so much to say, yet unable to get the words out. In the end, they spoke in unison: “Have you eaten?”

William Carter chuckled, and Lillian Reed also let out a giggle, covering her mouth as she glanced at him. “I’m really sorry, I was afraid you’d leave for work, so I came to bother you this early.”

“Work? Heh, I haven’t found a job yet…”

“Really! That’s great, I haven’t found a job either… ah, sorry…”

Lillian Reed cheered in delight. She never expected that William Carter also didn’t have a job. Their similar situations made her feel even closer to him, so she couldn’t help but express her happiness; but she quickly realized this was rather impolite, so she hurried to apologize, her pretty face blushing again.

“You haven’t found a job either? That’s great, we’re both in the same boat.”

Actually, William Carter wasn’t upset at all; he simply didn’t want to work, which was different from Lillian Reed’s situation. “Lillian Reed, did you… come to see me for something?”

As soon as he said it, William Carter realized it was inappropriate. At a time like this, he should have invited her in, sat down for a heartfelt talk, gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, gradually getting closer and finally confirming their relationship. What was with the “Did you come to see me for something?” Wasn’t that just shutting her out?

Sure enough, Lillian Reed’s expression dimmed a little, and she lowered her head slightly. “Today… is Alice Green’s birthday. I’ve already ordered a cake, but… but I’m the only one celebrating with her. Alice Green… really hopes you can come, Big Brother Carter, do you have time tonight?”

“I have time not just tonight, but plenty of time during the day too…”

William Carter smiled. “What, you’re not planning to invite me to your daytime activities?”

“Of course not!”

Lillian Reed hurriedly explained, her face turning even redder. “It’s just that I wanted to take Alice Green to the clothing market during the day to buy her a new outfit, and I was afraid you guys wouldn’t like shopping, so I was embarrassed to trouble you.”

“Says who?” William Carter said with a serious face. “You don’t know this, but my greatest hobby in life is shopping.”

Lillian Reed was amused by him and laughed again. “Alright then, Big Brother Carter, I now formally invite you to join us on our shopping trip, okay?”

“Ok!”

William Carter blinked, feeling especially content inside.

……

At William Carter’s insistence, Lillian Reed finally gave up on her plan to ride the electric scooter and decided to take a taxi instead. Of course, the fare was covered by William Carter.

After getting in the car, William Carter directly told the driver to go to “Elite International Mall.” Lillian Reed was immediately surprised. “Big Brother Carter, we’re supposed to go to the Chaohua Clothing Market…”

“Relax. Today is Alice Green’s birthday. If you buy her cheap street stall clothes, I’d feel bad.” William Carter laughed. “I’ll pay for the clothes, as a birthday present for Alice Green.”

“How can I accept that, Big Brother Carter…” Lillian Reed became anxious as soon as she heard this. “The clothes at the International Mall are too expensive.”

“Heh, Lillian Reed, if you say that again, I’ll think you’re looking down on me. I’m a very petty person, you know…”

William Carter patted Alice Green’s little head. “Alice Green, you tell us, do you want clothes from the International Mall or from a street stall?”

“I want to go to the International Mall!”

Alice Green rolled her big, bright eyes and made her decision without hesitation.

“Alice Green, you’re getting more and more disobedient.”

“Alright, Lillian Reed, just let your Big Brother Carter treat you this time, okay?”

Amid their sweet bickering, the taxi headed toward Elite International Mall…

Chapter 13: [System Shop Activation] (Part 2)

In Huaxia, shopping malls are divided into three tiers: the third tier is where the mall itself shows off, constantly boasting about its long history, city center location, and elite clientele; the second tier is where the customers show off—even if they buy a radish from this kind of mall, they’ll find every opportunity to show it off to their friends, saying, “This is a radish from such-and-such brand, pure green, healthy, non-GMO, with effects rivaling thousand-year-old wild ginseng…”