"I've been so busy lately, I almost forgot about something this important!"
Er Zhu muttered to himself as he turned the car around, the luxury vehicle quickly heading towards the town's largest shopping mall.
By the time Er Zhu arrived at the mall, it was already three in the afternoon. While this might not be late in a big city, it was certainly not early in this tiny town.
After parking his car, Er Zhu walked towards the mall. Looking at the dazzling array of goods, he found himself at a loss.
Li Mei was usually someone who didn't desire much. What kind of gift would be suitable for her?
It shouldn't be too expensive, yet it should be something Li Mei would like…
Although Er Zhu possessed the heritage of the Heluo Divine Art, it couldn't help him with this particular predicament. At this moment, he was like a newly grown young man, anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
"Er Zhu, what are you doing here?"
Just as Er Zhu was fretting, a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind him. He turned his head and saw Wang Xiaomei standing there, looking shocked.
Today, Wang Xiaomei was wearing a vintage qipao that accentuated her voluptuous figure and exuded an air of elegance and grace!
"Sister Mei's birthday is today. I wanted to buy her a gift, but I don't know what to get," Er Zhu said, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. In that moment, he seemed to have reverted to his former foolish self.
Wang Xiaomei had never seen Er Zhu so flustered before. A hint of envy flickered in her shocked eyes.
Perhaps only Li Mei could make Er Zhu so uneasy. She truly envied her…
A fleeting shadow of dejection crossed her face. Wang Xiaomei suppressed the ache in her heart and walked to Er Zhu's side with a smile.
"It's fine. I happen to be free too. I'll help you pick something."
Feeling the warmth of Wang Xiaomei's arm, Er Zhu instinctively pulled away.
"Won't this delay you?"
Seeing a flicker of awkwardness in Wang Xiaomei's eyes, Er Zhu's gaze darted, and he quickly changed the subject.
"It's fine. I was just wandering around out of boredom. Besides, I still haven't properly thanked you for what happened last time."
Wang Xiaomei pressed her eyelids together, forcing down the bitterness in her heart, and then revealed that familiar faint smile.
Ever since that incident, Mr. Lin had voluntarily broken off the engagement, and Lin Yaowei had never appeared before her again.
She had actually wanted to visit and express her gratitude long ago, but she had never found a suitable reason.
She had even hoped that her grandmother's illness would relapse, giving her a reason to see Er Zhu again!
Although she knew such thoughts were inappropriate, she truly missed him!
"Alright, then thank you today. I'll treat you tonight."
Although Er Zhu knew Wang Xiaomei's feelings, he didn't expose them. He patted her shoulder like a brother before walking ahead.
Watching Er Zhu's retreating back, Wang Xiaomei gave a self-deprecating laugh, her heart feeling like a jumble of mixed emotions.
It's fine for now. Having a capable friend like Er Zhu is also good.
As for everything else, it could wait for later…
"By the way, Xiaomei, your qipao looks great. Where did you get it?"
After walking for a long time without finding a suitable gift, Er Zhu's eyes suddenly fell on Wang Xiaomei's attire.
While wearing a qipao might seem a bit odd in the countryside, Er Zhu felt it could showcase all of Li Mei's best qualities!
"This is custom-made, and that shop has limited daily slots," Wang Xiaomei replied, a little hesitant.
The craftsmanship at that shop was excellent, but the owner was peculiar. He only accepted five orders a day. Unless one had a VIP card, he wouldn't even take a sixth order, no matter the pressure.
"Oh, what's the shop called?"
Er Zhu nodded slightly. Just as he was about to move on, he suddenly remembered something and asked.
"Xiao Zhu Qipao Shop!"
Wang Xiaomei generously revealed the name of the shop.
"Is this it?"
Er Zhu's eyes lit up. He quickly took out his wallet and handed a gold card to Wang Xiaomei.
"This is it!"
"Er Zhu, how do you have a VIP card for this shop? I heard the owner only gives these to a few close friends, no more than ten in the entire town, and they're all wealthy and influential!"
Wang Xiaomei, holding the gold card, stood up excitedly, her heart pounding with joy.
She also admired the owner's craftsmanship and had shamelessly asked for a VIP card several times, but she was always refused. She never expected Er Zhu to have one!
"This card was given to me by Old Chen. I didn't think it would be useful."
Er Zhu glanced dismissively at the VIP card Wang Xiaomei treasured like a rare gem, saying calmly.
Just a few months ago, Old Chen had visited the village and, upon leaving, commented that Er Zhu's temperament was particularly suited for ancient-style clothing. He had then given him this gold card.
Er Zhu had never been interested in these so-called membership cards for famous shops. He had only accepted it reluctantly out of respect for Old Chen, never expecting it to be useful this time.
"Let's go, let's go! I'll take you there now!"
Wang Xiaomei, still immersed in her excitement, didn't seem to pay much attention to what Er Zhu was saying. She grabbed his arm and pulled him forward.
The Xiao Zhu Qipao Shop wasn't located within the shopping mall but in a luxurious villa with an ancient, elegant ambiance on the outskirts of town.
As Wang Xiaomei gazed at the four elegant characters on the plaque, her heart almost leaped out of her chest!
"Let's go, let's go. Today's slots are all full. Come back tomorrow."
Just as they were about to enter, a man dressed in a Tang suit blocked their way. The man, with an impatient expression, shooed Er Zhu and Wang Xiaomei away as if they were some ill omens.
"Feng Xiaobao, look closely. I'm Wang Xiaomei!"
Wang Xiaomei frowned slightly and leaned forward, looking at the man with displeasure.
What was so great about being a mere shop assistant? How dare he be so rude to her! Wang Xiaomei certainly wouldn't tolerate this!
Feng Xiaobao was taken aback. He looked at Wang Xiaomei carefully, and the impatience in his eyes instantly vanished, though his expression didn't become any more respectful.
"Miss Wang, my apologies. Today's slots are full. It doesn't matter who you are, no one will be served!"
Feng Xiaobao glanced past Wang Xiaomei and was about to close the door when Wang Xiaomei quickly grabbed it.
"What if one has a VIP card? I remember the rule of your shop is that if one has a VIP card, you will accept the order and complete it on the same day!"
Feng Xiaobao was about to retort, but he hadn't expected Wang Xiaomei to say that. A flicker of shock crossed his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
"Miss Wang, please don't joke. I know you've asked your master for a VIP card many times, but I recall your master never gave you one."
Feng Xiaobao covered his mouth, suppressing a chuckle, and directly exposed her little trick with a mocking tone.
VIP cards. His master had only given out a total of six. Let alone someone of Wang Xiaomei's standing, not every top-tier wealthy family even possessed one!