Akihabara’s sunshine filters through the colorful billboards, casting patchy shadows on the ground.
This place is not only a paradise for anime fans but also a source of joy for men.
When Chen Cheng and his two companions stood in front of the green building, Tong Jialu and Xia Yubing looked up at the sign overhead and turned to Chen Cheng, who had one hand in his pocket, in astonishment.
"Brother Cheng, how did you know about this place?"
Xia Yubing also said, "I thought you were here to buy figurines."
Chen Cheng: "Just walking around, quite curious."
Lord He’s department store, true to its name, spans seven floors, all filled with emotion-related merchandise.
From B1 to 6F, each floor offers different categories of goods.
The elevator’s guide signs even label the products sold on each floor in Chinese, Japanese, and English.
The top two floors are TAX-FREE.
As soon as you enter the store, a surge of adrenaline and the ensuing palpitations hit you.
Unlike similar stores back home where people are accustomed to ordering online with private shipping,
here, everything is displayed openly for customers to choose from.
On the first floor’s corporate platform, there are even live models performing, attracting customers ranging from girls in JK uniforms to women in their thirties and even older folks.
Of course, not all of them come for curiosity or needs; the store’s health products are also available.
As Chen Cheng and the others leisurely strolled, Xia Tong and her companion felt somewhat embarrassed.
Despite their usual playful demeanor, they are inherently reserved.
"This little bell looks nice, doesn’t it?" Chen Cheng deliberately asked, "Does it ring when you shake it?"
Tong Jialu turned her head away, pretending not to hear, while Xia Yubing blushed and whispered, "If you really want to play with it, you can."
Chen Cheng raised his eyebrows and wrapped his arm around Xia Yubing’s waist, continuing to walk forward.
Tong Jialu quickly followed, worried that Chen Cheng might impulsively buy something that even she couldn’t accept.
The trio made their way to the sixth floor, where colorful and diverse styles of lingerie filled the racks.
Compared to the previous floors, this one seemed to relax them a bit.
Xia Yubing picked up a pink sheer long dress and held it in front of herself, turning to Chen Cheng behind her, "Husband, how do you think this looks?"
"I haven’t seen you wear this color before. Isn’t it a bit delicate?"
Meanwhile, Tong Jialu picked up a piece of clothing with a bow tied at the chest, looked in the mirror, and muttered to herself, "How do you even wear this?"
Chen Cheng glanced at it and noted the garment, made almost entirely of thin strings, seemed like it was all head openings.
Xia Yubing walked over and said, "This won’t work."
"Your belly fat is all showing."
Just as Xia Yubing finished speaking, Tong Jialu’s face instantly turned red to her ears, and she angrily stomped her foot, retorting, "No way! That’s just from eating too much! It’s not belly fat!"
Xia Yubing smiled lightly, seemingly having gotten her revenge for something that bothered her before leaving home.
Chen Cheng found the exchange between the two entertaining.
Spotting her chance, Tong Jialu ran to Chen Cheng’s side, "Husband, do I have belly fat?"
Chen Cheng chuckled and pinched the slightly protruding belly over her denim shorts, "Isn’t this proof of happiness?"
Tong Jialu’s eyes brightened instantly, and she buried her head in his chest, her voice slightly coquettish, "Brother Cheng, you always know how to make people happy."
Seeing this, Xia Yubing pouts her cool lips and grabs a French-style wire-free set from a nearby rack, "Husband, do you think I look good in this?"
Chen Cheng admired the intricate lace work, "This is quite nice, very fitting for your style."
"Then I’m getting this one."
Tong Jialu also hurriedly picked a set, "Brother Cheng, what about this one? And this one?"
Chen Cheng looked at the garment, made up of barely any fabric, and teased, "Why not just use a couple of band-aids?"
"You’re so bad, Brother Cheng!" Tong Jialu laughed, stomping her feet.
Chen Cheng’s phone rang amidst Tong Jialu’s laughter.
He took it out and saw the caller was Mei Xiang, whom he had just met over four hours ago.
"Made up your mind?" he asked.
Mei Xiang paused for a moment, "Mr. Chen, can we meet again? There’s something I need to discuss with you in person."
Chen Cheng agreed, "Of course. I’m currently near Akihabara."
"Alright, I’ll give you a location."
After hanging up, Chen Cheng told the others, "You two go ahead and shop freely. I’ll find a place, then you come over."
Xia Tong and her companion nodded, and Chen Cheng turned and left the department store.
Akihabara offers not only anime and adult department stores but also a plethora of maid cafes.
Shortly after leaving, Chen Cheng was approached by a young lady in uniform trying to attract customers.
Unable to understand Japanese, he simply smiled and declined.
Checking his phone for the nearest Starbucks, he found one on the third floor of Atre and hurried over.
He ordered an Americano and a cappuccino for Mei Xiang and sent her the location.
About twenty minutes later, Mei Xiang arrived.
Chen Cheng waved, and she quickly sat down.
"Not knowing your preference, I randomly got a cup," he said, pushing the cappuccino toward Mei Xiang with a smile, "So, is there any good news?"
With a somewhat solemn expression, Mei Xiang took out from her bag the documents Chen Cheng had previously requested during their time in Beijing.
"Mr. Chen, here are the documents you asked for last time; they’re all here."
Mei Xiang took a deep breath and continued, "Regarding the 8% you proposed, I’ve managed to persuade most of the shareholders."