Chapter 44 : Investing in Advance!!

They made their way to the stationery store to purchase book covers, indulged in sundaes and cakes at the snack shop, and then, accompanied by Kitty, the trio navigated through the bustling streets toward the downtown business district.

As a neighboring city, Westchester thrived with prosperity, its streets teeming with bustling crowds and congested vehicles.

Clad in a whitish T-shirt, jeans, and white flat shoes, Clarice carried a small backpack, her nerves evident as she stepped into the grandiose shopping mall building.

She glanced around at the exquisitely attired women and the suave men donning suits, feeling a sense of inadequacy.

In the stores, there were garments and shoes boasting intricate craftsmanship, each adorned with price tags in the hundreds of thousands, exerting a palpable pressure on the girl.

This pressure didn't stem from the fact that she only possessed a little over two hundred dollars in spare change but rather from her socioeconomic status.

In the capital-driven United States, social classes had solidified over the years, with the wealthy occupying the summit, the elites in the middle, the common folk at the base, and the destitute with nothing.

Clarice, who had once roamed the streets with her adoptive father, belonged to the destitute class, possessing nothing.

Despite now having awakened abilities, her mutant identity was shunned by mainstream society, compelling her to conceal it cautiously.

Thus, she remained much as she had been.

Consequently, when she learned they were heading here, Clarice couldn't help but feel a twinge of reluctance.

At that moment, a large hand descended upon her head, radiating warmth.

Carl tousled her hair affectionately. "You are always lost in your thoughts. Don't feel constrained here. Relax."

Then, Carl continued nonchalantly, "Take a look at these ordinary folks around you. Don't be swayed by their flashy attire. If they were to provoke me, I could level this building in half an hour."

"We are superhumans, wielding formidable power. You can either look down upon them or overlook them."

"...," Carl's words initially stirred some emotions within the black-haired girl.

Was this reassurance from the Tuguang Building?

Kitty, who led the way, stumbled and nearly fell, prompting her to turn back and say helplessly, "Clarice, don't listen to Carl."

"We are advocates of peace. How could we harm ordinary people?"

Clarice blinked and obediently nodded.

However, upon another glance at the surrounding individuals, the weight on her heart seemed to lift considerably.

Indeed, Carl was right. She was an individual possessing extraordinary abilities. While spatial teleportation might not be lethal, they were merely ordinary people.

"If anyone bullies me, just... let Carl beat you to death, hm."

...

"Carl, what do you think of this one?"

In a well-known clothing store on the third floor, Kitty, now wearing a silver short skirt, stepped out with a slender figure and twirled before Carl.

Carl complimented, "This one's good, quite beautiful."

Shadowcat wasn't the tall and sultry type. Standing just a few meters tall, she possessed a slender frame, albeit not petite.

Enhanced by delicate facial features, the moment she donned the silver dress adorned with numerous small crystals, she radiated a youthful and enchanting aura.

Paired with white high heels, her fair-skinned legs beneath the skirt appeared even more slender and elegant.

Having an oriental aesthetic sensibility, Carl always found the X-Men's female roster lacking in beauties, with Shadowcat and Blink being exceptions.

Among them, Blink was the most stunning, followed by the endearing Shadowcat.

As for Phoenix Force Jean Grey, well, she was passable, but even the shapeshifting women of World War I couldn't match their natural allure.

Furthermore, while characters like the White Queen could enhance their appearance, the X-Men had been established for decades now, so older women didn't factor into comparisons.

Pleased with Carl's appraisal, Kitty purchased the dress contentedly.

The trio continued their leisurely stroll. Kitty picked up a few more outfits and shoes from various stores, finally halting after spending over $30,000.

Clarice, trailing behind, couldn't help but be surprised by Kitty's substantial spending.

At that moment, Carl glanced back at her. "Clarice, is there anything you like?"

"Ah... I, uh, no, nothing." The black-haired girl stuttered, then hastily shook her head.

Nothing? That couldn't be true.

After all, there wasn't a girl who didn't appreciate beautiful clothes. Yet, considering the starting price of a thousand dollars for the attire here, she abandoned the idea.

Understanding her concerns, Carl gently touched her hair and said, "If Clarice doesn't like it, then I'll choose a few for you."

Without waiting for her response, Carl leaned in and whispered, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention to Clarice that the professor rewarded me with $100,000 after I completed the task two nights ago."

"What? One hundred thousand dollars!" Clarice's eyes widened in astonishment, her mouth agape.

A hundred thousand dollars was a significant amount even in the 2000s, especially considering Clarice had rarely seen more than a thousand dollars at a time.

Seeing Clarice's shocked expression, Carl was pleased. He patted her head affectionately and said with a smile, "So, don't worry about money. Just buy whatever clothes you like. Consider it my early investment."

"I'm eager to see how stunning Clarice will look in elegant attire."

At the mention of "investment," Clarice blushed, lowering her head shyly, unable to meet his gaze.

Beside them, Kitty looked puzzled. "Carl, what are you investing in?"

Carl smiled, casting a glance at Clarice before turning to Kitty.

"It's a secret."

Kitty: "..."

****

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