Gu Zhiyan shopped differently from others. Upon entering a mall, she wouldn't browse every counter. Instead, she'd sit in a grand and luxurious lounge while professional models showcased the latest collections of clothes and bags, parading them before her.
Anything she fancied was immediately recorded with a pointed finger and delivered directly to the Shen family.
Song Qinian had only seen such scenes on television before. Experiencing it firsthand, she was utterly astonished.
Even Shen Keqin, who never lacked money, couldn't help but exclaim, "Third Aunt, this is too amazing."
Gu Zhiyan curved her red lips, "Just say it if you see something you like. Today, Mr. Shen is paying, so don't save him money."
Shen Keqin rubbed his hands, "Then I won't be polite. Sister-in-law, you should pick a few things too."
Song Qinian came from an ordinary family. Most of the clothes she wore growing up were from street stalls. It wasn't until high school that Song Guanliang would occasionally buy her a few outfits from department stores, but they never cost more than two hundred yuan.
Here, a single camisole cost tens of thousands. Although Song Qinian had married into a wealthy family and had a considerable amount of money, she was still unaccustomed to spending lavishly.
Shen Keqin unceremoniously selected several outfits and bags. Seeing that Song Qinian hadn't picked anything, he mischievously smiled at her, "Sister-in-law, aren't you worried about my brother and trying to save him money?"
Song Qinian quickly waved her hand, "Of course not. He has plenty of money, you can spend as you please. It's just that I really don't lack anything..."
Seeing Song Qinian like this, Gu Zhiyan decided to give her a lesson.
"Darling, women don't buy what they lack, but what they want. As long as it makes us happy, what's a little money?"
Shen Keqin nodded in agreement, "Exactly, happiness is paramount."
Seeing Gu Zhiyan in a slightly better mood, Song Qinian nodded and joined them in shopping.
Afterward, the three of them went to an expensive buffet that cost tens of thousands.
Despite each of them being slim, their appetites were quite substantial.
Gu Zhiyan used to be concerned about her figure, but today she let go completely.
During the meal, Song Qinian received a WeChat message from Shen Chiyan, "Darling, are you having fun? How is Mom?"
Song Qinian sent a photo of Gu Zhiyan wearing a diamond necklace and a photo of herself and Keqin picking out watches, "Don't worry, Mom is fine, and I'm very happy."
"Buy whatever you want for yourself. Don't come back to see me until you've spent fifty million."
Song Qinian: "..."
He really mastered the domineering CEO persona perfectly.
However, Song Qinian never expected to run into Lin Qiutong while shopping.
After dinner, Song Qinian went to the restroom. As she emerged, she encountered Lin Qiutong, who was on the phone.
Rivals meeting, eyes blazing, especially when there was hatred between them.
Song Qinian had no intention of acknowledging Lin Qiutong and turned to leave. However, Lin Qiutong blocked her path, "Song Qinian, long time no see..."
Lin Qiutong wore a Chanel-style suit. Despite her exquisite makeup, the dark circles under her eyes were prominent, revealing her fatigue.
Song Qinian looked at her calmly, waiting for her to speak.
It couldn't be that she had stopped her just to say "long time no see," that would be too ridiculous.
Lin Qiutong appraised Song Qinian from head to toe. Seeing Song Qinian's rosy complexion and radiant face, and thinking it was all due to Shen Chiyan's pampering, she felt an intense surge of jealousy.
"I just saw Aunt Gu and Keqin. You came together, didn't you?"
Seeing Song Qinian's lack of response, Lin Qiutong chuckled, "I underestimated you. You managed to win over difficult people like Keqin and Aunt Gu, making them like you so much!"
Song Qinian remained silent, but inwardly she thought that Gu Zhiyan and Shen Keqin weren't difficult at all. They simply liked sincere and kind people. Lin Qiutong always tried to curry favor with them while doing despicable things behind their backs. It was no wonder they liked her.
Seeing Song Qinian's continued silence and her cool, aloof demeanor, Lin Qiutong was furious and wished she could kill her on the spot. But then, as if remembering something, she said, "The day after tomorrow is my birthday. I hope you can attend my birthday party."
Song Qinian's clear eyes flickered slightly. She had been contemplating how to attend Lin Qiutong's birthday banquet for days, and she hadn't expected Lin Qiutong to invite her so readily.
Ever since Song Qinian heard Gao Kunlun mention that Feng Wanhui went to Mu Yuxin's shop to cause trouble, demanding twenty thousand yuan from Mu Yuxin to buy Lin Qiutong a birthday gift, she had been formulating a plan.
And this plan required her to attend Lin Qiutong's birthday banquet.
She knew very well that Lin Qiutong's invitation wasn't just to hear her blessings, but likely for other reasons. However, whatever Lin Qiutong's intentions, it didn't matter as long as her plan could be realized.
But if she agreed immediately, Lin Qiutong might become suspicious. So, she gestured, "I don't think you want to see me on your birthday."
"Heh... you're quite clear about your own standing. That's right, I don't want to see you, but I want Ah Yan to attend my birthday party. And Ah Yan will definitely bring you along, so I'm telling you in advance, hoping you won't overthink things or make Ah Yan uncomfortable..."
Saying this, Lin Qiutong leaned in and whispered into Song Qinian's ear, "If you love him."
After uttering the provocative words, Lin Qiutong left. Song Qinian watched Lin Qiutong's retreating back and curved her lips slightly.
Lin Qiutong, you will pay a heavy price for this decision.
Shopping indeed made women happy. The three of them were laden with purchases, and they also bought a lot of things for the elderly lady.
Seeing Gu Zhiyan in a good mood and everyone chatting and laughing, the old lady finally smiled.
Song Qinian had to visit Liu Xiaohan the next day, so she returned to Qili Xiangdu early.
Song Qinian originally intended to wait for Shen Chiyan to return, but she fell asleep while waiting.
As soon as Shen Chiyan returned home, he saw his soft and cuddly wife. The gloom and annoyance of the entire day vanished instantly. He took a bath and went to sleep holding his wife.
The next day, Song Qinian and Shen Chiyan returned to her maiden home together. This was the first time Shen Chiyan had accompanied Song Qinian back to her parents' home in their four years of marriage.
When Liu Xiaohan saw Shen Chiyan, she was first stunned, then smiled and chided Song Qinian, "My child, why didn't you tell me in advance that Ah Yan was accompanying you? I could have prepared some of Ah Yan's favorite dishes."
She then warmly welcomed them inside.
As soon as Liu Xiaohan saw the clothes, jewelry, and various bird's nest health products Song Qinian had bought for her, she said, "It's enough that you came, why buy so many things?" but in reality, her heart bloomed with joy.
"Ah Yan, I've made hometown dishes. Try them. If you're not used to them, I'll make your favorites."
Song Qinian gestured, "He eats anything. Don't bother yourself, sit down and rest."
Shen Chiyan nodded in agreement, "Yes, I'll eat whatever Qiqi eats."
Liu Xiaohan keenly sensed the emotional connection between Shen Chiyan and Song Qinian and was very pleased.
She was exceptionally happy today and kept urging Song Qinian and Shen Chiyan to eat, her mouth never stopping. But as she spoke, she became melancholic, "Alas, if only your father and Jiashu were here. He would have been so happy."
The atmosphere instantly changed at the mention of Song Guanliang.
Liu Xiaohan sensed something was wrong and was about to speak when Song Qinian's phone suddenly rang. It was a WeChat message from Mu Yuxin.