Divine Artifact in a Scientific World-Chapter 139: Red Carpet

"Do you think your mom would object if she found out you’re dating a guy with four other girlfriends?" frёeωebɳovel.com

"No. She told me she doesn’t care who I’m with as long as I’m happy and free to continue pursuing my dreams. She had to give up her dreams when she had me, and she didn’t want me doing the same. It’s why she made sure I got the Freedom CBG."

"What was her dream?"

"She wanted to start her own restaurant. She’d a really good cook, but she makes more money cleaning rich people’s homes than she would as an entry level cook, and she can’t get a better chef job without a certificate from a recognized chef school. So she’s kind of stuck. I keep telling her to use the money she’s saved to go to a chef’s school, but she’s afraid something will happen and we’ll need the money."

Fran and Jacob had told him many times how important it was to maintain savings just in case, so he understood her mom’s reluctance to spend the money she’d saved. He decided he’d have to talk to Abagail and see if he couldn’t get Samantha’s mom hired to work for North Star as the cook/housekeeper for his mansion.

"What about Katie? How did you two meet?"

"There’s a summer program for girls interested in a STEM field and I met her there. By chance, she noticed which book I was reading on Webnovel and learned that we share similar interests."

"Um, is she also..." Was Katia also into guys with harems? What are the odds?

"Yep. Though maybe not as strongly as me. Still, she’ll be super stoked if we both wind up in your harem together."

Well, okay then. That’s three girls he knew now that were enthusiastic about his growing harem. That must be some kind of record.

She continued, "She, um, she tries to hide it, but she’s really excited to meet you this weekend. She’ll be super jealous when she learns I got to meet you first. Don’t, um, don’t be surprised if she tries to drag you into a private room at the party."

"They have private rooms there?"

"Oh yes. I’ve never been, but she’s told me about the place."

Well, that’s something to look forward to.

"What about school? Have you decided on a major?"

"Yes, I’m going to double major in math and physics. I hope to get into theoretical physics."

She’ll probably drench her panties when she learns about subatomic level snapshots.

——————————

What people typically called the Bellavista mall wasn’t actually a single mall. It was several connected buildings that contained an actual mall and a cluster of luxury brand shops. There was valet parking available in front of the building that held all the luxury brand stores, and Jack intended to enjoy the convenience.

When he pulled up to the valet kiosk, he noticed that there was an actual red carpet running from the building entrance to the curb. Shaking his head in amusement, he got out and claimed a ticket from the valet driver, then followed the girls into the building, mostly enjoying the view as they walked in front of him.

Passing through the entrance felt like passing through a portal to another world. The noise and bustle outside was replaced with a calm and tranquil setting.

Faint background music played and a rich, pleasant scent filled his nose. The arched ceiling overhead cast an even, soft light over a marble floor polished to a mirror shine. On either side were store fronts, each with a unique and commanding presence.

"Hmm, I just love sandalwood," said Miranda.

"Is that what that is?" he asked, assuming she was talking about the scent in the air.

"Yes, smart retailers use scents to improve the ambiance, and luxury retailers use luxury scents."

Clearly, they knew what they were doing because he already felt relaxed and ready to spend money.

"Come on," said Miranda as she grabbed his hand.

While he hadn’t called it as such, this was basically a first date with Samantha, so he didn’t budge when Miranda tried to drag him towards a storefront. He was here to shop, but he also wanted to spend time with Samantha.

He pulled his hand out of Miranda’s and turned and held it out to Samantha. Her face lit up, and she grabbed his hand, then hugged his arm. Miranda pouted at Jack but didn’t complain. Instead, she turned and sashayed towards a store with male manikins in the window.

Jack and Samantha followed behind.

"Do you shop here often?" asked Samantha.

"No. I’ve never been here before. Too poor, then too busy with school and taking care of my dying mother. I’ve only recently had the free time, and money, to shop someplace like this."

"Your mom died?! I’m so sorry. I had no idea."

"It’s okay. It took almost a year, so we had plenty of time to say our goodbyes. I’m not going to claim I’m completely fine, but I’m much better than if it had happened suddenly."

"I can’t even imagine."

They stepped into the store and stopped. Unlike most clothing stores he’d entered, this place was not crowded with racks of clothes.

They stepped into the store and stopped. Unlike most clothing stores he’d entered, this place was not crowded with racks of clothes.

Instead, there were staged displays, either with manikins or more minimalistic arrangements on the walls. In the center of the store were three manikins, two dressed in suits, one in slacks, shirt, and vest. One suite looked classic, while the other looked more modern.

"I think you’d look good in a suite," said Samantha.

"I think most guys would look good in a suit."

She huffed, and said, "That’s not... fine, you win. But I still think you’d look especially good in a suit."

"Hmmm, so do I," said Miranda as she walked up to them. "Especially tasty!" Then she licked her lips.

Samantha giggled. "Yes, I can’t wait to find out what he tastes like."