30 30.

Putting aside the behavior of the couple, the sales agent diligently explained to them the amenities offered and showed them the appliances that contributed to the semi-furnished state they were renting.

Da Mei and Su Lian decided to be the main tenant of each apartment and Lin Fa and Ye Jun will co-sign the lease of which friend they decided to stay with.

Rules were said, little information about the neighborhood was given and contacts were shared. Chen Kai stayed in one of the apartments while the girls visited the manager's office to get the documents sorted.

He did his own little tour. The urge to hire a design team and have them style the place was there but he stopped just in time. The girls wouldn't like it. This will be their home and it's their duty to make it comfortable to their liking.

Walking around, it was clear to see how precise the architects were. The bedrooms, bathroom suite, and kitchen can accommodate two grown adults, no more than that number. The living area can hold up to four adults for little recreation. Built-in space for storage in hidden areas was large enough for two people and the window placements were planned meticulously to bring in light and good ventilation on heated days.

When calculated, including the additional services, and monthly living expenses, the girls will be deducting nearly 6000 Yuan from their monthly salary.

Chen Kai's calculation didn't add in transportation, meals during work hours, and other charges like insurance and so on. He knew with their brain for finance and management, they would figure it out easily.

Thinking things through once more, he decided to step back and help when they requested it. This shopping trip will be beneficial for them, there's one thing he will boldly gift them.

Maybe, two things.

~~~~~

The girls returned after thirty minutes with happy smiles.

"We're officially homeowners!" Lin Fa yelled, holding up the key to the apartment.

Chen Kai clapped along merrily as the girls celebrated amongst themselves and began to plan on their shopping spree. Su Lian took that time to escape the group and approached Chen Kai. Like a dutiful wife, she placed a document folder in his hands and showed him all the documents she signed and the specific authority cards for her new home.

"I got a visitor card for you. I know you don't need one but this will make me feel normal. You can keep the agreement until I ask for them."

"Okay," he answered softly. He didn't want her to feel uneasy. Based on his experience, Su Lian may be thinking along the lines of cementing trust between them. Their dynamics changed drastically and when the wagging tongues of their classmates grab news of their relationship, they will first stain Su Lian's name. It's best for them to leave campus as soon as possible.

"When do you plan to move in?"

"In two to three days. We're already packed up to leave campus. This was the last thing to do in our first plan. We will get the things we need when we go shopping with you," she replied. Her bright almond-shaped eyes were pure as she watched him steadily. Loose dark curls framed her slender face, his fingers moved restlessly to run through them. His eyes rested briefly on her pink-stained lips, Su Lian was flawlessly beautiful from his perspective.

He dazedly gave her a nod of acknowledgment and inwardly boasted to the system how adorable his girlfriend was.

System: [....]

Ye Jun overheard their conversation and added to Su Lian's answer. "We plan to buy the necessary furniture online or at secondhand stores. During our time here we can update them when the time is right."

He flinched when he heard buying from a second-hand store. He wasn't looking down on them but the thought of these girls buying a used mattress didn't sit well on his mind.

"You're thinking too much." Su Lian's mirth-filled laughter coated her words. Chen Kai turned to her, only to find her gaze already on him. She lifted an eyebrow and silently teased him.

"I was just thinking," he murmured. He scratched his cheek in embarrassment and avoided their eyes.

"We will get new mattresses. Don't worry."

The girls heard what he was silently worried about and rushed over to comfort and tease him in between.

"Okay. Okay. Let's get going. I'm your driver and payment master today. Lead the way!"

The girls cheered and rushed him out the door, telling him their first stop. Since they would be starting their jobs in five days, it was time to buy a few work outfits and accessories. They chattered all the way to the car, including Chen Kai in the midst to get his nominal opinion. He didn't care much. His answers were flattering and his questions will lead to more discussions.

Da Mei told him of their first destination. A well-known mall in the district where they can get fashionable work attire. She made sure to mention that the prices there were reasonable, not wanting him to spend too much.

"Didn't I tell you it's fine? Look, it is best that you wear good quality clothes and show your best features. You are going to be the new girl in the company. Things are different in the workforce. Words are crueler and the fight for opportunities is fiercer. Don't ever let the older heads look down on you. Work hard, dress well, be respectful, and be aware of your environment. So don't think about my wallet, just focus on you. Alright?"

The girls slowly digested his words. It wasn't the first time they heard this advice. Their counselor said the same and even told them about her experiences in the workforce. As fresh college graduates, they are seen as new scapegoats and targets in companies. They have to gain a steady mentality if they wish to pass the entry-level of their job. Whether it's their clothes or attitude, they have to do their best.

"Yes, Brother Chen."

They arrived at the mall during the bustling hours of the afternoon. Workers were either coming off work, shoppers were idling around and passersby were trying their best to get a few moments of leisure time before going home.

Slowing down to enter the parking lot, the intimidating rumble of the Lamborghini startled a few nearby persons and drew the attention of the 'in the know' netizens. The orange was eye-catching as it cruised by. It was rare to see the million-dollar cars on the streets during the day. The young second-generation kids usually do their flaunting in the night when most people are out having fun.

Taking this time to add some flair to their social moments, photos were taken of the Urus S until the driver found a spot. Most of the netizens who were keen to get a quick photo were young and not above the age of 25. They waited to get a view of the Lamborghini owner. Who doesn't like a little heat on their Weibo page?

Ye Jun and Da Mei were the first to step down - a scholarly beauty and an athletic beauty.

"So blessed." "What a goddess!"

Lin Fa followed them with a cheeky smile on her face as she spoke to the two before her - a pure beauty.

"Just how much more are in that car?" "It's good to be rich. I can get any type of fairy to accompany me shopping."

Chen Kai stepped down and walked to the front passenger door to help Su Lian down. The two were engaged in their own bubble, teasing each other while strangers treated them like fish in an aquarium.

"Fudge. Now I know you have to be handsome and rich to be so lucky." "Four at once? Is this the legendary harem? How bold." "The rich lives above the rules. I wonder which family he's from. He's sort of good-looking." "Sort-of? My friend stop ignoring your doctor's appointment. Go."

The five didn't care nor knew of the little spectacle they caused. They were trying to come up with a plan to conquer the mall and have more free time before they ended the day. Chen Kai went along with what they decided on.

Shopping with friends was a new experience for him.

In his original world, online shopping was what he had to do and he couldn't fully enjoy the new trends in fashion nor fiddle with the latest technology. In the other worlds, he had no time for such leisurely things. He had to rule or lead the people, focus on living, and not be trapped by the enemy's schemes.

This was his time to have fun. Even if it's doing such a thing as shopping with four energetic females.

The mall boasted six floors. On the ground floor were the typical interactive information board and a few popular fast-food brands. Business for these restaurants has no real downtime due to their location. There was a movie theatre two buildings across, a business center was beside them and they were en route to a few schools. How can they be begging for customers? Plus, judging from the stores that settled in the mall, the customers of these brands will definitely buy a quick meal from them after shopping.

The floors above were stores dedicated to home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and a few novelty/miscellaneous things, respectively.

Lin Fa moved to a non-traffic area and began to set up her phone for one of her random live broadcasts. She's pretty active on social media and earned a good income for it over the years. Currently, she is a verified user on TikTok for her College Life videos and broadcasts. It was a great feat. Her videos can be said to be bland compared to others with lots of content that toeing the line but it's still interesting to the public.

Chen Kai stood beside her to avoid anyone bumping into her while waiting for the others who were checkpointing stores they wanted to visit.

"Okay. Going live in five minutes," Lin Fa muttered.

"All good?" Chen Kai asked but it was for reassurance. Her phone was secure on a flexible phone holder that was wrapped around her neck and positioned a good fifteen inches away from her face. It was within her personal space which won't annoy fellow shoppers. He stood quietly beside her and got lost in her conversations with her fans. The two took a selfie when she answered and mentioned that he was with them this time.

"Your fan club is on stage, dear Brother Chen. They are asking for some sugar and sending date proposals"

"That's cute. Wait until they find out my number one fan won the prize," he said with a voice full of pride.

Lin Fa was struck dumb for a few seconds; her face slackened to a disbelieving expression when she listened to his words."I must say..... your confidence level is freakishly high."

"Heh~ Can never be mistaken for arrogance," he replied and sauntered over to the others.

"This guy."

Five minutes passed. The broadcast was opened. The opening view the hundreds of followers saw was Su Lian being twirled around by Chen Kai as they spoke to Da Mei and Ye Jun. Anyone can see that it was a simple playtime between a couple. The comments began before Lin Fa could speak.

> Wu Lei Mall is our base today and we are doing a transition. College life to the workforce. Uh... I see your questions dear friends but I can't answer without permission. You can use your eyes to come to an answer. Hehehehe.<

-Wait. They're not together? I thought they always were a couple.

- The tension was strong between them. I guess they resolved that.

-Ahhhhhhh!!! My goddess Sister Su was stolen by my nemesis.

- Upstairs, your nemesis is required to know you first before the whole rivalry thing starts.

- Lol. Da Mei is so adorably nerdy. Look at her writing in her little notebook.

- It seems like yesterday that I entered college. It's kind of frightening to start a job that you may have for a few years.

- not only that. We have to be adults now. We have to focus on tax and insurance. :'( I'm not ready for this.

>It is nerve-racking to go out into the big world but I find myself at ease because I have my friends with me. We secured an apartment near our jobs and we like it a lot. Let's see which store we're going to first. The apartment needs a good bit of stuff since all we have in our possession are clothes and little stuff you can hold in the dorms.<

- I had to search for cheap appliances for my one-room apartment. It's shabby but comfortable.

- It's crazy tough for those who decide to stay away from home.

- I can't go through all of that crap. My home is the best. Mom still cooks for me and I still have my own room.

- She's probably thinking of ways to get you out. Have the blind date appointments begun already?

The comments filled the screen and the viewers kept coming in. Lin Fa walked over to her friends to listen in. She notified them of the filming and as usual they simply waved to her fans and continued naturally.

"Let's get these things out of the way first." What Da Mei showed them were simple household items to help them settle in.

The first floor was their target. The store was welcoming and the staff was helpful. Chen Kai wasn't much help, he basically drifted between the two groups.

Looking at the products, he realized he had everything in his house. The only decor he had so far were the things brought over by the system. They were more like memorabilia from his past lives.

Walking towards Lin Fa and Da Mei he decided to start his own little collection of knick-knacks from this world. Seems like traveling is on the agenda for the near future.

"....Let's wait until our first paycheck." The two were talking when he came up. They were looking at the mini-home robots. The disc-shaped little guys are a good buy for working people. Da Mei pushed Lin Fa away from the display and moved to the next product.

"Hmm?" Chen Kai caught the attention of an idle staff and placed two of the robots in her arms. "Double the replacement parts it may need and add it to their purchases."

The girl eyed him carefully, thinking that he was about to scam the young ladies.

"I'm their friend. Please do as I ask," he said quietly.

"...Okay." She couldn't refuse. She was there to help.

Chen Kai put her nametag to mind and followed the future housewives.

Their stay in the store was twenty minutes at most, thanks to the efficient Da Mei. Chen Kai added to their purchases the things that will make things easier for them. He said nothing and simply stood by the counter.

"Is this all ladies?" the cashier asked with a practiced smile. Her helper began to sort the items as she spoke.

"Yes... huh? Wait! This isn't ours...." Su Lian pointed to the mini Accordion bedside lamp.

Chen Kai saw these in the miscellaneous home gadget area and chose five in different colors. He had fun playing with it and thought it was cute. They can fold in different ways and still look nice. "I chose them. It's pretty cool."

The girls looked at the grinning fool beside them and then shook their heads.

"And the others?" Lin Fa asked.

She gestured to the little gadgets between the rugs and so forth. The viewers in her live broadcast were laughing at his clueless answer.

- No matter where we go, we will always find some cool toys.

- I'm not even mad at the guy. I would do the same. Have you seen that automatic cleaning brush? Makes my chores easier.

- Hahaha! What about the desktop wireless charger with the coffee warmer? Sir, I'm your friend also. I need one for work.

- Maybe this is why women prefer to shop alone. We don't get distracted.

"Please go ahead," Su Lian said, trying her best not to laugh. She can see that there were a few things Chen Kai chose for himself. It was adorable to see his eyes light up whenever the sales girl cashed them. He was like a big kid in an adult body, buying things one never had from childhood.

"Lian." Chen Kai called out to her and pulled her to his side. He picked up a box with a photo of a cute LED light animal on the side. He simply placed it in her palm. She laughed when she recognized the animal. It was a cartoon cat with a big head and small body, lying lazily on its tummy.

"You can have a pet now," he said with a silly smile on his face.

"It's cute." Her smile was still on her face. How can she not feel giddy about such a gift? Her boyfriend remembered how much she wanted a kitten as a pet since she was a kid.

The people around them wore ugly expressions after witnessing such a moment. The online audience didn't keep their mouths shut.

-Ugh! Couples. Please let me live.

-It's just a night light, what's so sweet about that?

- Probably an inside thing.

- Are you guys sure they just hooked up?

- When did this turn out to be a romance drama?

- Wait. Did y'all catch that? Did he call her by her given name? How close are they?

~~~~~

"250,862 Yuan is your total."

"Do you do delivery?"

"Yes, sir." The entire staff became friendlier with such a sale for the day.

"Deliver these to this address and I will take these with me." He made quick work of the payment and delivery procedures then left with the girls. "Where to next?"

No answer!

He turned to see them looking over the receipt to check what was the highest spending.

"You guys are acting like a couple of frugal aunts. Didn't I say to relax?" he complained. It made him feel like he was overstepping some sort of boundaries when he simply said that he would pay for everything.

Seeing that he was getting upset, the girls swallowed their innate skill to save and allowed their friend to spend on them.

- I want a friend like Brother Chen. Is there a limit to that friend group?

- Wasn't he poor a few days ago? How did he get so much money?

- It's his money why are you asking silly questions? If he wants to spend it on beauties all day, I fully support it.

- Upstairs, are you living vicariously through Brother Chen?

- @User5487 YES! He spends, I save.

"Alright. Alright. No need to fuss. Come and help me choose some outfits for work." Su Lian was the first to appease him.

Chen Kai milked his grievance and gave her a pout.

"When did you become so skilled at being coquettish?" She asked poking at his cheek.

"I have to learn some skills to counterattack your cuteness. This is survival, my dear."

Pink bubbles were everywhere. No one was spared. The couple didn't hide their flirting as they led the way to the third floor.

"Ughh!" "Is this going to happen for the rest of the day?" "Too much!"

Though they were complaining, they were secretly gushing over the two. They were a perfect match - tall, beautiful, smart, handsome, independent. They complimented each other well. Anyone with eyes can see this. It's best if they can limit their flirting.

To have a good shopping experience, they can make such a sacrifice.