Chapter 36: Zǐ Yī Fāng (Purple Robe Lane)

  What is this Purple Robe Lane? It sounds like a marketplace, but the name is quite unusual.

  However, after a while, the car turned onto Huā Yuán Road, where two rows of tall trees with broad leaves and park-like greenery stretched out as far as the eye could see. In the distance, a lush expanse of greenery was bathed in the warm glow of sunset, which filtered through the leaves on either side to shine obliquely onto a specialty store across the street. A wooden sign hung neatly above the entrance, with the words "Zǐ Yī Fāng" (Purple Robe Lane) written in elegant script on its intricately carved edge, exuding an air of refinement and nostalgia reminiscent of the Republican era.

  The car doors opened on both sides, and Guǎn Xiān walked ahead, tossing off a remark, "Follow me."

  A shop assistant dressed in a cheongsam (a traditional Chinese dress) opened the door with a smile, while a middle-aged woman who appeared to be a manager emerged from within, wearing a light purple changshan (a type of traditional Chinese suit). She smiled and approached Guǎn Xiān, saying, "Manager Guǎn, you've arrived. Do you have any instructions?"

  Guǎn Xiān paused for a moment, turned his head to glance at someone who was following closely behind him, furrowed his brow, and said, "Manager Yè, this is my company's Níng Méi. She needs to find some clothes and accessories. Please take care of her. We have a meeting with a French client later."

  "I understand," replied a soft voice.

  Níng Méi felt a gaze sweep over her, and Manager Yè had already walked up to her side. With a pair of almond-shaped eyes that seemed to hold a hint of warmth, she said, "Miss Níng, please follow me."