Chapter 2: Shamate

Watching his daughter finish two bowls of rice, Song Hai chuckled, "Seems like my cooking skills haven't declined over the years."

Yan Xi set down her chopsticks and was about to clear the dishes when Song Hai quickly stopped her, "A young lady like you shouldn't be washing dishes. Don't hurt your hands. Go upstairs and relax." He took the plates from her and walked toward the kitchen, muttering about how girls' hands need to be taken care of delicately.

Listening to his chatter, Yan Xi followed him into the kitchen and started chatting about family matters. Song Hai spoke about his company and his friends, then said, "Do you want to come into the company and get familiar with the business? One day, it'll be yours, and it's good to know the ropes."

"Dad, you're still young," Yan Xi laughed. "Think about making me your successor when you're seventy or eighty."

Song Hai, pleased with his daughter's response, put the cleaned and dried dishes into the cupboard. Looking at her delicate, refined face, he was filled with ambition. His daughter looked so gentle and fragile; as her father, he felt the need to build a substantial foundation to support her.

Though he was eager for his daughter to rely on him, he felt a bit disappointed when he realized Yan Xi wasn't interested in taking over the family business. He reassured her, saying she could do whatever she wanted, and he wouldn't interfere.

They hadn't spent much time together in recent years, but they had a pleasant time. The next morning, Yan Xi slept in until nine. They spent the day shopping at various malls, splurging extravagantly.

In the afternoon, Song Hai insisted on buying her jewelry, reasoning that his daughter should never compromise on style.

In the jewelry store, Song Hai looked every bit the wealthy father, dressed in designer clothes and wearing a diamond watch. The staff greeted him warmly, sensing a good opportunity.

"Yan Yan, pick whatever you like, don't worry about the cost," he said, sipping the coffee they offered and pointing at a sparkling diamond necklace in a catalog. "This one's beautiful; try it on."

Yan Xi looked at the necklace. The only thing notable about it was... how shiny it was.

This kind of necklace would be hard to wear anywhere outside of special occasions.

"Dad, I don't like this one," she gently put down his excited wallet and chose a simpler, more elegant ring. "I want this."

"If you like it, we'll get it."

Yan Xi knew her dad was eager to make up for lost time, so although she already had a lot of jewelry left by her mother, she went along with his wish to pick something new.

But these flashy designs were really testing her taste.

"Miss, you have a great eye. This ring was just released by our top designer this month, and there are only three available nationwide," the sales clerk praised Yan Xi's fingers, saying how well the ring suited her, while her assistant fetched the ring for Yan Xi to try on.

At first, the clerk had assumed they were an older man and a young woman in a sponsorship relationship, but she soon realized they were father and daughter. The difference in their builds was so pronounced that people wouldn't easily guess they were related, though, up close, there was indeed a resemblance.

Song Hai beamed at the compliments for Yan Xi, and before long, he added a pair of earrings to her collection. The clerk continued her compliments, calling Yan Xi a little fairy who practically sparkled.

Yan Xi blushed, glancing away, hoping the clerk would stop.

"Mr. Yuan, here's the necklace you ordered. Is everything satisfactory?" The manager took a jewelry box from the safe and handed it to Yuan Yi.

Yuan Yi opened it, took a brief look, and nodded, "It's fine."

Relieved, the manager handed the certification to Yuan Yi's assistant, saying, "We have some of this month's new designs if you'd like to browse further."

"No, thank you," Yuan Yi stood up. "My mother has always liked your store's jewelry. If you have any new designs, feel free to send a catalog to her to browse."

"We'd be honored if Mrs. Yuan continues to enjoy our pieces. I'll make sure to send a catalog right away," the manager said joyfully. As he walked Yuan Yi out, he noticed a middle-aged man carrying several jewelry bags and escorting a pretty young woman who seemed delicate and docile. It was obvious that the man doted on her, encouraging her to pick more items.

The manager had seen his share of odd pairings, and was used to such sights. He motioned respectfully, "This way, Mr. Yuan."

Yuan Yi paused briefly, glancing at the man and young woman, then strode outside.

"Please come again, Mr. Yuan." The manager bowed before noticing Song Hai and Yan Xi approaching the exit.

"Dad, you're so easily persuaded. How did you ever run a company?" Yan Xi looked at the bags he held—each one a small fortune.

While she had never experienced hardship, her parents had always pampered her. Later, she and her mother moved to Hai City, where her mother's art gallery business did well, and even gained some recognition in the art world. Yan Xi had never had to worry about money.

Not worrying about money didn't mean she liked to waste it.

"The clerk had a good eye, and everything she suggested was nice. It's no harm to buy a little more," Song Hai laughed, opening the car door for Yan Xi before getting in himself. "Tomorrow, I have a meeting at the company. Do you know anyone in Beijing, or should I arrange an assistant to accompany you?"

"No need. I have plans to meet some college friends," Yan Xi replied. "Two of my close friends from college moved to the capital after graduation. They've been excited to meet since I came back, so don't worry—I'll be fine."

"That's good," Song Hai relaxed. "You could also reconnect with any close friends from middle school."

"That was so many years ago. I don't have their contacts anymore." She had left Beijing at fifteen, so almost nine years had passed. Even with close friends, connections would have faded by now.

After breakfast the next day, Yan Xi went upstairs, changed clothes, applied makeup, and headed out.

In the garage sat a red sports car, a gift Song Hai had specially prepared for her. Yan Xi opened the door, got in, and found it perfectly adjusted for her comfort, showing the effort her father had put into choosing it.

Though her three friends hadn't seen each other in over a year, they quickly reconnected, as if they'd never been apart.

"Hey, look at this," Yang Min said, showing her phone.

Yan Xi leaned over to see an article about the most popular youth fashion trends over the past two decades.

One photo showed a strange style—a tall, brightly colored hairstyle that looked like a traffic light, an unforgettable sight.

"Ten years ago, some delinquents at our school were into this style," Yan Xi pointed to the screen. "There was a senior in high school, the school bully, with a head of neon green and red hair. I saw him climbing the school wall once."

"What happened?" Tao Ru asked, curious. Only the bravest students dared to wear such styles back then.

"Nothing really. I didn't say anything before two teachers came over and scolded him, telling him not to pick on me. By the time I walked away, he was still surrounded by the two teachers."

Yang Min and Tao Ru looked at Yan Xi's innocent and delicate face, at a loss for words.

"What were you doing by the wall anyway?"

"Skipping class, of course," Yan Xi replied, completely unashamed.