Anran held up the corner of the dress, glaring at the boy who stood there with a smirk.
The dress was well-tailored, the fabric exquisite, but Anran's displeasure lay in its design! The gown had a long, perky tail attached to it, and the box it came in also contained a pair of cat ears! The outfit was undoubtedly designed to resemble an adorable cat girl.
"My dear, don't you think this dress suits you perfectly?" Richard said with a smile. "I specially asked Sheffield to rush this for you. Besides, a black cat fits the Halloween theme, doesn't it?"
"Suits me? Are you kidding me?" Anran snapped. "You said you'd design a role for me at the ball, and this is it?"
Ah… The little kitten was angry. Truly, she couldn't be teased.
Richard's expression turned slightly disappointed as he said regretfully, "Of course not! Only I get to see you in this dress."
Seeing Anran's teeth nearly grinding, Richard relented. "Alright, alright… Actually, there's another layer in the box. The dress in there is the one you'll wear at the ball."
He had wanted to keep it a surprise!
Anran immediately opened the lower compartment of the box, where, indeed, there was another dress—this one a fiery red, adorned with intricate floral patterns.
Curiously, she unfolded the dress. It was a knee-length chiffon gown, delicate yet elegant, with a hemline decorated with a cascade of blooming flowers. There was also an exquisite floral headpiece included.
Anran marveled at it and asked, "What kind of flower is this?"
"That's a red rose," Richard replied. "Sheffield said you'd prefer this one."
"Mr. Sheffield made this too?" Anran asked in surprise.
Her astonishment made Richard chuckle. "Yes, but the design inspiration came from me. Your role is that of a fairy maiden transformed from roses."
"Wow! Mr. Sheffield is truly amazing! I don't even know how to thank him enough!" Anran exclaimed excitedly.
Her words immediately stirred Richard's dissatisfaction. "Hey, my dear, is there only one person you need to thank?"
The boy's expression made Anran laugh. "Of course not. But Richard, are you sure you want me to thank you?"
Her response undoubtedly pleased Richard. It implied that their relationship had reached a level where "thank you" was no longer necessary.
Richard couldn't help but smile, feeling thoroughly satisfied.
"By the way, Richard, what about your role?" Anran asked curiously.
She imagined it must be something truly attention-grabbing.
"Me?" Richard said matter-of-factly. "I'm, of course, the dashing vampire prince."
That… was utterly uncreative!
Richard's answer took her completely by surprise. Anran couldn't help but say, "And how is that any different from who you usually are?"
Richard shrugged and answered honestly, "Well, I was so focused on designing a role for you that I forgot about myself."
His words left Anran stunned. She felt a warm surge of emotion welling up in her eyes. Though she had just said she didn't need to thank Richard so much, at this moment, she truly wanted to say to him:
Richard, thank you… Thank you for everything you've done for me…
Though Halloween was still a day away, the people of Roseville were already in full swing, decorating their homes for the occasion. The town's enthusiasm for Halloween far exceeded Anran's expectations. Nearly every house had its doors and fences adorned with Halloween props—pumpkin lanterns, bat decorations, and more.
In other parts of the country, Halloween festivities were usually limited to theme parks. So, the grand and festive atmosphere of Roseville felt especially novel to Anran. She found herself eagerly anticipating tomorrow's ball…