Going Power Shopping – Part 2
Wednesday, continued…
As the car made its way to M Mall, Anna listened to Du AnLing and Leng Xi debate whether to walk around the mall or use the VIP service to have clothes brought directly to them. While it seemed like an easy decision for them, Anna quickly realized she needed to be assertive. If she didn’t step in, Du AnLing and Leng Xi would likely take over the entire shopping experience, turning it into their own indulgent day.
“Unless the bodyguards deem it necessary, I would prefer to walk around and find what I need first,” Anna interjected firmly into the ongoing debate.
The female bodyguard in the front seat turned to her and spoke up, “Young Madam, we would prefer you to stay in the VIP area, but since it’s still early, we could wander around for an hour before returning to the VIP room, where clothes could be brought in for you to try on. The Young Master has instructed us that your safety is our priority.”
She paused for a moment, then added, “The Young Master also mentioned that you might enjoy visiting a tourist market. We could arrange additional bodyguards for that, and I know a good restaurant near one of those markets. I suggest we have lunch there and then explore the market. Is that acceptable?”
Anna thought for a moment, then immediately responded, “Fine with me.”
Du AnLing and Leng Xi, however, were not so keen on the idea, as they had envisioned a more leisurely, high-end shopping experience. Anna quickly turned to them with a reassuring smile. “Mother, Aunt, I have some cash, and Hou Yi gave the bodyguards cash as well for us to use. The tourist markets are a great option because we can shop without worrying about spending too much, and Hou Yi won’t be upset about it.”
She continued, “Besides, I need to pick up some gifts for friends and work colleagues, and I promised I’d bring back items from the local markets. I can do this before Yi and I travel to Australia, but I don’t want to stress him out about going to a market again.”
“Shopping? We’re in for that, even if it’s just cheap stuff!” Du AnLing and Leng Xi responded in perfect unison, their eyes lighting up at the prospect.
Anna nodded decisively. “Then that’s what we’re doing.”
Before they could continue discussing the day’s plans, the car pulled up at the VIP entrance of M Mall. The group got out, and the female bodyguard stood with them while the male driver parked the car. They walked toward the entrance, and the bodyguard rang the bell.
“M Mall VIP Service, how can I assist you?” came the voice from inside.
“We are First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou, and Young Madam Hou, and we request entry,” the bodyguard explained.
The reply was less than accommodating. “Sorry, I have no record of your visit.”
Anna stepped forward, her voice firm but polite. “This is Young Madam Hou. I was here last night with my husband, CEO Hou Yi, and we made a few purchases. Either let us in now, or we will take our business elsewhere. I will inform my husband, who I don’t think will be very impressed by this.”
There was a brief pause, followed by an apologetic response. “My apologies, Young Madam Hou. I didn’t recognize your voice from last night. Please come in.”
With that, the door was opened, and they were allowed inside. As they entered, Du AnLing leaned over to Anna, whispering, “You can see the power of my son’s name. They may try to limit what Xi and I can buy, but they won’t restrict you.”
As the three women walked further into the mall, they were greeted by three different women, including Sadie, who Anna had not forgotten from the previous night. Du AnLing began to speak, but Anna quickly placed a hand on her mother-in-law’s arm to stop her.
“Ladies, I believe you already know my mother-in-law, First Madam Hou, and my aunt-in-law, Second Madam Hou,” Anna began, her tone polite yet commanding. “I am Young Madam Hou, and I will be doing the shopping today, though they have kindly accompanied me.”
Turning toward Sadie, Anna continued, “I am not comfortable with her, so I’ll need to consider who would be the best fit to assist me today.”
She quickly assessed the other two women and then decisively pointed to one of them. “This one seems like the best fit for us.”
The woman smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Young Madam Hou. I’m Rebecca. Please follow me.”
With that, Rebecca led the group down a corridor into a spacious VIP room, where they were shown inside. The two bodyguards remained outside, standing watch.
“Young Madam Hou, as you were here last night, we already have your measurements on file. Please let me know which designers you’re interested in, and I’ll start arranging for clothes to be brought in,” Rebecca offered.
Before they could begin, Anna spoke up. “Rebecca, before we start choosing clothes, I’d like to wander around the mall and explore a bit more. I want to get a feel for the stores and narrow down our options before making a final decision. While we do that, could you please arrange for underwear, nightwear, and some items that are appropriate for a newly married couple to be brought here? I’m not too fussy about those items as long as they fit.”
Du AnLing chimed in, her voice warm but with a touch of authority. “Rebecca, with three Madam Hou’s here, I think it’s better if you call us by our given names. I’m AnLing, my sister-in-law is Xi, and my daughter-in-law is Anna.”
Rebecca smiled and nodded, understanding the preference. “Of course, AnLing, Xi, and Anna. I’ll make sure everything is prepared for you.”
With that settled, Anna and the others were left to explore the mall, but not without a clear plan in place. While the others were eager to indulge in the VIP shopping experience, Anna remained focused on balancing her desires with her responsibilities—handling family dynamics, managing the budget, and ensuring that everyone had a role to play in this power shopping adventure. It was shaping up to be quite the day—one where the stakes were higher than just the price tags of the items being purchased.
