In truth, the saleswoman sized people up. The Madman had an extraordinary presence and spent lavishly—he was clearly no ordinary person, so she didn’t dare put on airs around him. She only acted high and mighty in front of powerless, common folk.

"We’ll take all of these. And bring out a few pairs of pretty shoes."

Will wanted to haggle, but the Madman cut in first, shooting him a disdainful look. ’So petty. What’s the point of haggling over a piddling hundred-yuan transaction? It’s just embarrassing.’

"Right away, sir! Please wait just a moment!"

The saleswoman was overjoyed and brought out several more pairs of beautiful leather shoes. Their styles were all quite similar. Tang Xiao Nan only liked one pair: white kidskin shoes with a strap. They were especially comfortable and would be easy to match with her clothes. She didn’t care for any of the others.

"You don’t want these?" the Madman asked, pointing to the other leather shoes.

Tang Xiao Nan shook her head. "They’re not pretty."

’The truth is, I’m only six. My feet will be bigger next year, so there’s no need to buy so many shoes. I already have a pair of red leather ones, so two pairs to rotate between is more than enough.’

The Madman let her have her way. If the chubby girl didn’t like them, he wasn’t going to buy them. He sent Will to pay, then had Tang Xiao Nan put on the princess dress and the new shoes. The more he looked at her, the more satisfied he felt. ’This is how a little girl ought to be dressed.’

"Dress like this from now on. What you wore before was ugly as sin!"

"Okay."

Tang Xiao Nan nodded obediently, though she was grumbling internally. ’Dressed like this in the countryside, I wouldn’t even be able to walk. The paths are lined with weeds, and this would get snagged and ruined in a heartbeat. Not to mention it’d get covered in seeds and burrs. A dress that costs this much wouldn’t last a single day. The floral dresses Phoebe Huxley makes are way more practical. At least you don’t feel bad when they get ruined.’

The Madman was extremely pleased. He gave her head a gentle pat, then took her by the hand. "Let’s go eat."

Tang Xiao Nan was exceptionally well-behaved the entire time, listening to whatever the big shot said. ’Besides, he just bought me so many pretty clothes and shoes. It’s only right that I be obedient.’

The Madman turned out to be quite the foodie. He took Tang Xiao Nan to a high-end restaurant that served local specialties. She ate until her stomach was stuffed, and she couldn’t stop hiccuping on the way back. It was the biggest meal she’d had since coming here.

"Still want that Coke?" the Madman asked deliberately.

Tang Xiao Nan was terribly conflicted, her chubby face scrunching up. ’I really want one, but my stupid stomach won’t cooperate. I think I’ll pop if I drink anything else!’

"Can I take it home to drink later?"

Having thought of a great solution, Tang Xiao Nan looked up at the Madman hopefully.

"No, you can’t."

A flicker of amusement passed through the Madman’s eyes as he shook his head, feigning sternness. He watched as the chubby girl’s face fell instantly. She looked utterly crestfallen, even patting her belly mournfully before letting out a soft sigh. The amusement in his eyes deepened.

’This chubby girl is surprisingly amusing,’ he thought. ’Way more fun than a kitten or a puppy.’

"If you become my daughter, you can drink it every day," the Madman blurted out. The words surprised even him, but he didn’t regret them.

’This chubby girl really is entertaining. If she’s willing, I might as well keep her and raise her as my own. It’s not like I can’t afford it. Maybe I’m just getting old; I’ve felt more and more lonely these past few years. Having a little girl like her around to raise could be quite interesting.’

Following behind them, Will’s expression changed drastically. He stared at Tang Xiao Nan in utter disbelief. ’How on earth did this chubby girl catch the boss’s eye? He’s known her for just one day and he already wants to adopt her? She’ll surely agree, right? This is the kind of good fortune one couldn’t pray for in eight lifetimes.’

’Besides, in Capria, countless people are dying to give their daughters to the boss, but he’s never shown the slightest interest in any of them.’