?<strong>Chapter 1269:</strong>


    “Hey there!” the mascot said in a cheerful tone.


    “Interested in checking out our amusement center?”


    Cliff felt a mix of frustration and relief as the mascot blocked Laney’s view, sparing him from being spotted. He took the flyer from the oversized bear and nced at it without interest.


    Noticing Cliff’s demeanor, the mascot assumed he was well-off and began pitching enthusiastically.


    But Cliff wasn’t listening. His attention shifted to the mascot’s costume, an idea forming in his mind.


    The mascot paused mid-sentence and tilted its oversized head.


    “Hey, handsome, do you know me or something?”


    Cliff didn’t reply. Instead, he pulled out some cash and handed it over.


    “Lend me your outfit for the day.”


    Laney wandered into the personal care section, browsing the shelves for her usual brand of sanitary pads.


    She had almost reached for a pack when a giant bear mascot silently stepped forward, handing her two packs of exactly what she needed. Startled, she looked up at the towering figure.


    Despite its sheer size, the bear costume was undeniably cute, and she couldn’t help but smile.


    “Are you an employee here?” she asked, amused.


    Behind the bear mask, Cliff stared at her, momentarily speechless. It had been so long since he’d seen her up close. Laney didn’t seem to recognize him. Her warm, unguarded smile told him as much. Cliff steadied himself, held up a small sign he’d scribbled on earlier, and flipped it toward her.


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    “Avable for all services.”


    Laney blinked in surprise. It was the first time she had encountered something like this, but she was too tired from the day’s events to overthink it. Instead, she treated the mascot as her personal shopping assistant, casually directing it to fetch items for her.


    Cliffplied without a word, asionally anticipating her needs and grabbing items she hadn’t even asked for yet.


    It didn’t take long for Merrick to find Laney. He approached with two ice creams, handing one to Laney while giving the mascot a puzzled look.


    Cliff’s hands stiffened, and though his face was hidden, his re could have frozen fire.


    Merrick took a bite of his ice cream and shivered.


    “Man, that’s colder than I expected. What’s with the bear? Did you seriously hire a shopping assistant?”


    Laney took a bite of her ice cream and smiled.


    “Sort of. Having someone help out is pretty convenient.”


    Cliff frowned. Eating too much ice cream during her period would only make her feel worseter, but he couldn’t say anything.


    Merrick, ever the observant one, nced at the mascot.


    “So, with all the stores in this mall, which one are you promoting?”


    Without missing a beat, Cliff handed him a business card for the X Amusement Center.


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