Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1683 537: Chimes 5

Irelia eyed the outfit on Su Ming, unchanged from his usual handful of pieces, and halted her steps.

"What's wrong?"

Su Ming inquired with curiosity.

"Come with me."

Irelia led Su Ming inside a shop.

"Welcome, esteemed sir and madam. I'm sales assistant Lin Qin. How may I help you today?"

A lady in a striking red uniform, quite attractive, greeted them politely.

"No thanks, we'll look around on our own!"

Irelia told Lin Qin in a composed tone.

"Very well, I'll stay close by. Call if you need me."

Lin Qin bowed slightly and moved away respectfully.

Irelia proceeded to guide Su Ming through the clothing selection.

"Picking clothes for me?"

Su Ming grinned as he asked.

"That's right. Don't you like it?"

Irelia lifted her gaze to Su Ming and chuckled softly.

"Of course not."

Su Ming agreed readily.

Right then, Irelia grabbed a black shirt set from the rack, crafted from premium fabric with subtle intricate designs shimmering faintly.

"Try this on."

Irelia instructed Su Ming.

"Okay."

Su Ming accepted the garments and headed to the changing room.

Minutes passed.

Su Ming emerged from the fitting area, now dressed in the new outfit.

Irelia's gaze swept over Su Ming, a gentle smile curving her lips.

"Does it look off?"

Su Ming asked, confused.

"Take a look in the mirror yourself."

Irelia suggested with a smile.

"Looks fantastic!"

Su Ming spun toward the mirror and saw how the black shirt lent him a dash of cool elegance, fitting perfectly.

"Almost perfect."

Irelia commented with a smile.

"What's missing?"

Su Ming asked, intrigued.

Irelia stepped closer to Su Ming, a soft scent wafting around, and reached up to button his collar neatly.

With Irelia so near, Su Ming felt his heart stir gently.

Noticing Su Ming staring, Irelia whispered softly.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing at all."

Su Ming smiled back.

From afar, Lin Qin murmured to her coworker.

"Wow, that man's incredibly handsome!"

"Yeah, but he seems familiar somehow, like I've met him before."

"Don't overthink it; someone that striking, you'd never forget."

"You're right."

...

Over half an hour passed.

Bags in hand, Su Ming exited the store alongside Irelia.

They wandered along the lively street.

Buoyant and cheerful, Su Ming conversed with Irelia.

"Xiaoya, back when we first bumped into each other alone by chance, what were your thoughts on me?"

"Thoughts? Hmm, like no one else has skin quite that thick."

Irelia answered with a grin.

"Knew it."

"Truth is, I'm not the easiest to get on with, and things with me rarely end smoothly. So where'd you muster that boldness?"

"The encounter itself is the greatest luck, perfection in the end be damned!"

Su Ming declared to Irelia with a beaming smile.

"Indeed."

Irelia nodded affirmatively.

Just then, Su Ming spotted an ice cream stand by the curb and grinned as he said.

"Wait a sec."

With that, Su Ming strode over to the ice cream vendor.

Irelia paused in place, waiting patiently.

Meanwhile, Su Ming reached the stand and ordered from the seller.

"Two vanilla ice creams, please."

"Coming right up."

The vendor swiftly prepared two vanilla cones and passed them to Su Ming.

As Su Ming turned to go with the treats, he noticed a ponytail-sporting little girl with plump cheeks gazing at him longingly.

Su Ming smiled and queried.

"Hey kiddo, want one?"

The girl bobbed her head eagerly.

Su Ming gave her an ice cream, then told the vendor.

"One more for me."

"Right away!"

The vendor hurried to make another and handed it over.

Su Ming went back to Irelia, offered her the ice cream, and said.

"For you."

"I don't usually have those."

Irelia shook her head lightly.

"Give it a taste."

"Fine."

To keep the mood light, Irelia took it.

They continued walking while enjoying their ice creams.

Irelia darted her tongue out to lap at the ice cream, then tossed her hair casually and spun the cone to lick the rapidly melting side.

Catching sight of this, Su Ming froze for a beat, a grin creeping onto his face.

"What's wrong?"

Irelia glanced at Su Ming, bemused.

"Nothing."

Su Ming chuckled.

"You sure? That smile looks suspicious."

Irelia responded skeptically.

"Totally nothing."

Su Ming insisted earnestly.

Irelia let it drop, yet as they strolled, a sense of being tailed made Su Ming halt.

Bam~

Su Ming sensed a nudge at his heel and whirled around.

There stood the little girl munching her ice cream, blinking innocently up at him.

"Hey, little one, something you need?"

Su Ming asked puzzledly.

"Daddy!"

The girl chirped sweetly.

Su Ming's expression drained to a sickly green at her words.

Irelia, amused, turned to Su Ming.

"Your daughter?"

"No way! Kiddo, don't just call me that. Where's your mother?"

Su Ming demanded anxiously.

The little girl scanned about and shook her head.