Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
âOh my, thatâs so sweet! You guys are practically throwing relationship hints around, and here I am, a single soul, feeling like a stray dog,â Tong Feiâs friend playfully remarked.
Tong Fei blushed and joked, âYouâre asking for trouble.â
âYou and Mr. Gu seem to be getting cozy. Heâs the total package, handsome and loaded. Heâs like the dream catch for countless women. You better seize this opportunity. Once itâs gone, there wonât be another chance like this,â
âIâd love to, you know? But, as youâre aware, Iâm in the public eye. If I make a move that looks like Iâm pushing for marriage and it hits the headlines, itâll tarnish my image,â Tong Fei replied, her tone a mix of frustration and resignation. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
She always felt that although Gu Shaoting seemed to accept their relationship, there was an underlying sense of detachment. Since she helped him out that one time, he had been different. He showered her with gifts and she briefly got carried away, thinking it was his way of showing affection.
After all, why would a man spend so lavishly on a woman if he didnât care for her? Yet, Tong Fei seemed to miss the other possibility. He might be trying to compensate for something.
Nonetheless, Tong Fei was convinced that Gu Shaoting loved her, and that reassured her.
âAnyway, itâs just a matter of time. When the moment comes, Mr. Gu will propose with all the grandeur, like a scene from a movie,â her friend analyzed. âAlright, letâs not waste any more time. Weâve got more shopping to do.â
âWhat are we waiting for then? Letâs hit the stores.â
Receiving the call, Gu Shaoting rubbed his temple, feeling somewhat stuck in a difficult situation.
Earlier, because of Tong Fei saving him, his attitude toward her had changed somewhat. Sometimes, he felt quite lonely, and having a companion seemed like a good idea.
That was why he had accepted this sort of relationship, but after spending some time together, he noticed that Tong Fei was becoming somewhat clingy, always wanting to control his plans.
Suddenly, he found himself thinking about Shu Pan, a name that occasionally popped into his mind. She had a completely different personality. She wasnât clingy at all and was quite independent. He found himself missing her.
Shu Pan got up early, preparing for the day. She caught the earliest bus back to Lotus Town.
As soon as she entered her home, a little bundle of joy rushed into her arms.
âJoy, be careful. Did you hurt yourself running into Mommy? Did I bump you?â Shu Pan asked, sounding worried.
âNo, Mommy. I missed you so much. It feels like youâve been away for ages. Donât you miss me?â Joy, small in stature but big in spirit, said playfully.
âMommy missed you terribly. Thatâs why I hurried back, and guess what?
Mommy brought you something special!â Shu Panâs heart ached hearing her daughterâs words.
âWhat did Mommy buy for Joy?â the little sweetheart asked in her adorable voice.
âLook, Mommy got you two dresses and a pair of shoes. Try them on quickly!â Shu Pan said, taking the items out of her bag.
âMommy, did you spend a lot of money? We donât have much. Mommy, you just need to spend more time with me. I already have other dresses,â Joyâs words brought tears to Shu Panâs eyes.
Joy might be young, but she was thoughtful, a true sweetheart.
âMommy earned some money, thatâs why I bought these for you. Hurry and try them on. Let Mommy see my beautiful and adorable little princess, okay?â Shu Pan said with a tearful smile.
âOkay,â Joy replied, a bit shy but eager to put on her new clothes..