I Sell Bottled Water for Gold in Another World!-Chapter 242: Lucy’s Modern Debut

Alex walked down the hallway away from the bedroom, giving Lucy the privacy she’d requested.

He reached out and retrieved his phone, looking at the time. It was 8:47 AM, still a relatively early time of day, so some of the shopping malls would still not be opened to the public yet.

Scrolling through his contacts, he found the name he had been looking for. Mr. Oberoi, the owner of Phoenix Mall, a premier shopping mall in Mumbai.

Alex had worked with him on previous business dealings, had even assisted him in sorting out some tricky situations in buying some properties through Khapar Law Firm contacts.

Mr. Oberoi owed Alex a favour, and this was as good time as any to cash it in.

The phone rang two times and was answered by a cheerful voice.

"Mr. Carter! To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this morning?"

"Mr. Oberoi, I need to use that favour of mine," Alex said directly, without bothering to make small talk. "How would you like to close Phoenix Mall to the public for a private shopping experience this morning?"

"Close the entire mall? Mr. Carter, are you even thinking about lost revenues of mine here? A matter of a few hours would be..."

"I’ll make it up to you financially for the loss of business," Alex cut in smoothly. "Double payment for the day. Double for what you would make on an average day of the week during morning hours. And a personal bonus of an additional ten thousand dollars because you had to take the short notice."

Another pause. Alex could practically hear the mental calculations going through the other end of the line.

"’Are you serious?" Mr. Oberoi finally asked to confirm again.

"Completely serious. I need the mall cleared of regular customers for about two to three hours. Your employees may stay. Of course, I’d need the shops open and operational. Otherwise, aside from the two of us, the area will be empty."

"May I ask why there is such a need?"

Because I will be accompanied by a woman from another era who has not seen electric lights or escalators or modern clothing styles, and I would prefer not to risk confusion or anxiety for her while I attempt to adjust her to modern-day Mumbai.

But clearly, he could not say that.

"’I’m taking some one very special shopping,’" Alex said, altering the reason he had given. "’Someone who would be uncomfortable with large crowds and a lot of attention in a public place. Think of it as giving a VIP treatment to one of my very important family members.’"

"I see," said Mr. Oberoi, the understanding showing in his voice.

"Alright, Mr. Carter. After double that lost revenue as repayment, plus Ten thousand, I can arrange this. Give me thirty minutes to inform the employees of what has happened. Yes, then how about we meet at nine-thirty?"

"Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Oberoi. We are even now."

"You certainly do," said Mr. Oberoi with a laugh. "Consider it done. Phoenix Mall, all to yourself, starting at nine-thirty."

"Excellent. See you then."

"That’s fine. Goodbye." Alex ended the phone call and leaned back on the wall in the hallway. For a moment, there was a small satisfaction in having cleared up what could be a possible problem.

Taking Lucy to a crowded mall would have been a disaster, She’s already going to be overwhelmed enough by escalators and store displays and fluorescent lighting without adding thousands of strangers staring at her reactions.

By doing it this way, though, she’s able to look around as much as she wants without an audience watching her reaction to everything she experiences.

Besides, if she starts asking loud questions about the various things I’d rather not have a crowd of people overhearing and posting videos on social media.

"Time traveller spotted at Phoenix Mall" is not exactly the sort of publicity I’m looking for at present.

"Brother Alex?"

Lucy’s voice came from behind the bedroom door, tentative and uncertain.

"Yes?"

"I... I think I got the clothes on correctly? But I’m not entirely sure. I mean, these pants are really tight! Is that normal?"

Alex suppressed a laugh. "That is exactly how they are supposed to be. Come out. Let me see."

"Promise you won’t laugh?"

"I promise."

There was a pause.

And then, finally, the bedroom door creaked open, and she came out into the hall.

Alex’s breath caught looking at her.

The jeans fitted her perfectly, hugging her curves in a manner that traditional robes never could. The white top was simple, yet complimenting her without being inappropriate.

She already looks like a film star, and she has this sort of confidence about her which can be seen in any independent girl nowadays.

Except how she stood... with her arms wrapped sheepishly around herself, in a look combining nervous shame and insecurity as she balanced from foot to foot.

"I feel so... exposed," Lucy whispered, not meeting his eyes. "Everyone can see the shape of my legs. My arms are completely bare. Brother Alex, are you absolutely certain this is normal here?"

Alex inched closer, his hands gently taking hold of hers, directing her hands away from where she attempted to cover her body.

"You look perfect," he said sincerely. "Absolutely perfect. And yes, I promise you that this is completely normal. If anything, you’re dressed more modestly than many women I’ll see on the street today."

As Lucy finally looked up at him, he sought her face for evidence of deception. Finding nothing of the kind, she took a deep breath.

"If you say so, Brother Alex. I trust you."

"Good," Alex replied, squeezing her hands reassuringly. "Well, are you ready to go shopping in my world?"

Despite her nervousness, there was excitement in Lucy’s eyes.

"Yes," she said, her voice gaining strength. "Yes, I think I am."

Alex smiled

Ah, here we go. Let’s see what a woman from ancient days makes of retail therapy in the twenty-first century.

This should be interesting!