Chapter Eleven: Renewed and Transformed

“Yes, yes, over three thousand!” Yan Xuan, seeing the microphone handed to him, rolled his eyes and spoke up with enthusiasm, though his accent suddenly became awkward.

The moment people heard it was just over three thousand, they immediately lost interest and dispersed. But some remained skeptical: “Three thousand, and you’re still wearing a mask?”

“With that much money, of course I’m afraid someone—Achoo—hey, don’t go!”

Yan Xuan sneezed, and the crowd scattered in an instant.

He gave a soft snort. Trying to play games with me?

He managed to enter the prize redemption center and informed the staff of his intention to claim his prize. Yan Xuan was invited inside.

The grand prize was five million. After taxes, four million remained. There were also people urging him to donate.

Yan Xuan knew that refusing to donate would only make these people more persistent. Besides, he had always been broke, and now that he had some money, he figured he might as well contribute a bit. So, even though he didn’t trust the organization much, he still donated two hundred thousand.

Seeing how readily he donated, the staff agreed to keep his identity confidential.

The moment Yan Xuan stepped outside, he was surrounded by people.

These reporters had a nose for news. When they saw him communicating with the charity representatives, they realized they’d been duped earlier.

Three thousand? Who would bother to donate that?

“You should ask them about that,” Yan Xuan said, having already made arrangements, and pointed nonchalantly behind him.

“Yes, you can ask me,” said a charity staff member, and the reporters swarmed over.

Though a few people still tried to follow Yan Xuan, he had already called a car while inside. He got in and left immediately.

Watching the media chasing after him, Yan Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

“You’re not… the grand prize winner, are you?” the ride-share driver asked, a little bewildered—he’d never seen such a scene before, but a moment’s thought made it clear.

“Ah, I wish,” Yan Xuan waved his hand. “Just drop me off at the next corner.”

“Huh? But—”

“It’s fine, I’ll pay the full fare. Just mark the ride as complete.”

Yan Xuan got out at the next intersection, tore off his decorative hat and mask, and took off his jacket, carrying it in his hand.

Now, no one could connect him to the prize-winner from earlier.

It was still not yet noon, so Yan Xuan decided to enter the nearby commercial center.

Though he never had much money, he’d spent a fair amount of time in these places because of his ex-girlfriend Zhou Man’s interests.

There weren’t as many menswear brands as womenswear, but each was quite decent.

Especially in the downtown mall.

Yan Xuan looked around and chose a brand to enter.

Though he didn’t look like someone with money, his height and appearance were enough for a sales assistant to approach him. When they saw him pick out a set of casual wear worth over ten thousand without hesitation, the assistants exchanged glances and all came over.

“Sir, you might want to try this set.”

“Sir, you have such good, fair skin—I think brighter colors would suit you.”

Yan Xuan glanced at the original assistant. Seeing others poach her sale, she didn’t seem to mind, still smiling.

Curious, Yan Xuan asked, “If I buy what they recommend, do you miss out on commission?”

The assistant laughed, “You’re overthinking it, sir. The three of us are close friends, and we’re all owners of this shop. There’s no such thing as competing for commissions here.”

Yan Xuan coughed awkwardly.

Damn, web novels have misled me!

“But you really have the perfect figure for our clothes,” the assistant continued.

“Yes, and that face is perfect too,” another girl said dreamily.

“Oh, stop it,” the oldest-looking one smiled, pulling the dreamy girl away. “Sir, if you’re not worried about money, you could buy a few more sets. We’ll give you the biggest discount. We’re not just trying to sell more; you really do look great in them.”

“Really?” Yan Xuan touched his face, a little incredulous.

He knew he wasn’t bad looking, but he’d never been praised quite so much before.

“Here, try them on yourself!” Without waiting for his response, one of the girls pushed him and the clothes into the fitting room.

As he changed, Yan Xuan realized the trio had excellent taste—he truly did look good in their selections. He looked comfortable and appealing.

“Feels like something’s still missing.” The dreamy girl scrutinized him, then sat him down. “Let me help you tidy up, sir.”

Yan Xuan’s eyes widened, about to protest, but she had already produced an eyebrow razor from who knows where and started trimming.

In no time at all, Yan Xuan was completely made over. The three girls surveyed him as if presiding over a tribunal. “Not bad, even more refined. Don’t you think you look like a model?”

“Uh… huh?” Yan Xuan replied.

He ended up picking four sets of clothes and two pairs of leather shoes. The trio gave him discounts, threw in gifts, and even handed him a membership card. The final bill came to eighty thousand.

If he hadn’t just won the lottery and had 3.8 million sitting in his account, Yan Xuan would have turned and walked out.

Even having paid, being used to thrift, Yan Xuan still winced at the cost, giving the three girls a rueful smile. “Did I just walk into your trap?”

The trio was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.

“Don’t worry. You can check online if you like—our best discount is only five percent off. You really got a deal.”

Yan Xuan nodded. He knew the place rarely offered discounts, and the clothes were worth the price. Each set went for fifty to eighty thousand, and the shoes weren’t cheap either. So, four sets and two pairs for this price wasn’t bad at all.

He knew all this thanks to accompanying Zhou Man to this shop before. Back then, they were too poor to buy anything—just window shopping, never daring to try anything on.

Zhou Man had once said how wonderful it would be if Yan Xuan could wear a suit from this shop for their wedding.

Now he could afford it, but everything had changed.

He sighed and waved to the three girls. “I’m off. Thank you, ladies!”

Shopping for men is simple: see it, try it, pay, and leave.

From entering the mall to leaving the shop, Yan Xuan spent less than forty minutes; thirty of those were spent changing, and less than ten on deciding and paying.

Carrying several large bags and wearing a brand-new outfit, Yan Xuan’s rate of turning heads skyrocketed.

Remembering the girls’ suggestion to get his hair done, he went for a haircut next. No dyeing or perming, just a trim, but it still cost him twelve hundred.

Looking at his refreshed reflection in the mirror, Yan Xuan smiled in satisfaction.

He picked up some gifts for his parents and sisters. Now hungry enough his stomach was sticking to his back, he headed up to the fifth floor where there were restaurants.

No sooner had he sat down than his phone rang. He glanced at the screen. It was Bai Jing.