Chapter 4: Eating Cake

Su Xingwan: "Mm, I've been short on money lately, so I can only afford clothes at this price range."

Zhang Qiaoqiao: "..."

Why isn't she playing by the usual rules?

"What about your designer bags and high-end clothes before? I don't see you wearing them anymore."

Su Xingwan: "I sold them all, but the money still isn't enough."

Zhang Qiaoqiao sneered: "Su Xingwan, have you lost all shame now? I distinctly remember you used to love showing off in front of us sisters. Now you're broke and getting slapped in the face?"

Su Xingwan: "If you say so, then so be it."

She picked a pink down jacket from the rack and draped it over little Su Hua, asking, "Painting, how do you like this coat? Do you want it?"

Little Su Hua shyly said, "...I like it."

Su Xingwan smiled, "If you like it, then we'll buy it."

She glanced at the price tag—still reasonable, 299 yuan each.

"...Auntie, are you really going to buy me a coat?"

Su Xingwan gently ruffled their small heads, "Of course, isn't that why I brought you out to buy coats?"

Zhang Qiaoqiao, feeling ignored, stepped forward, "Su Xingwan, what’s your meaning? You’re bankrupt, and now you won’t even let me say a word?"

Su Xingwan lifted her head slightly, "Didn't I just say you could talk?"

Zhang Qiaoqiao was caught off guard, frustration bubbling inside her.

After choosing for little Su Hua, Su Xingwan picked a boy-style jacket for little Su Luo, who also liked it very much.

She thought to herself, it seems her eye for kids’ coats is pretty good.

The two coats came to six hundred yuan. After some thought, she asked the saleswoman, "Could these two down jackets be any cheaper?"

The saleswoman smiled politely, "Miss, these are already the cheapest discounted items in our store. The original price was seven or eight hundred."

Zhang Qiaoqiao, overhearing, couldn't help but comment, "Have you gone crazy from poverty? You’re still trying to bargain over such cheap clothes?"

She glanced over, "These down jackets are old styles from a few years ago, right? Letting two little kids wear these—isn't that abusing them?"

Su Xingwan: "..."

Why hasn’t Zhang Qiaoqiao left yet? Standing here is really messing up her bargaining.

Little Su Hua spoke up, "Auntie, I really like this down jacket. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received."

Little Su Luo nodded beside her, surprisingly saying thank you. Facing their "mean aunt," he still felt a bit awkward.

Seeing the two little ones siding with their aunt, Zhang Qiaoqiao withdrew, embarrassed.

But after a moment, she returned and said, "By the way, our class reunion is happening in the next few days. You should think about coming."

After saying that, she left.

---

"President Lu! We’re truly honored you took the time to come in person. It must be our poor hospitality."

Inside the mall, the general manager closely followed a tall, aloof young CEO. Facing him, the general manager bent slightly, smiling ingratiatingly.

Behind the young CEO was a large entourage, making quite an impressive scene.

Lu Yun said mildly, "I happened to have time today, so I came by."

"President Lu is so young and yet so accomplished. We truly admire you!" The general manager beamed, flattering him.

The group behind also fawned and complimented Lu Yun enthusiastically.

Lu Yun: "Alright, enough with the flattery. It's getting noisy."

The entourage: "..."

After Lu Yun toured the mall and the group reported their work, they all left.

Lu Yun then asked, "Xu Xiao, how’s the investigation going?"

Xu Xiao: "We’re still looking into the young master's matter. No leads so far."

Lu Yun: "What about his child?"

Xu Xiao: "We only found that the young master's woman lived in Lotus Town for a time. After that, no clues."

Lu Yun lowered his gaze, "Keep searching. We must find his child."

Xu Xiao: "Understood, President Lu."

Passing the children's clothing section on the first floor, Lu Yun glanced inside and saw a young woman bargaining with a saleswoman over a children's down jacket.

He then exited the mall.

Xu Xiao sighed suddenly, "Those two kids in the children’s section were really adorable. If the young master's child is found, they should be about that age."

Lu Yun thought: Child? What child?

---

Su Xingwan’s lips were worn raw from bargaining before the shop owner finally gave in, willing to sell the two down jackets for five hundred yuan.

The two little rascals were stunned watching their aunt fiercely bargain with the shop staff.

Auntie is amazing!!!

Though they didn’t fully understand, it was clear Auntie was very impressive.

Unbeknownst to them, their "mean aunt" was quietly changing in their hearts.

Wearing their new coats, the two children walked happily, even bouncing. With tufts of unruly hair atop their heads, they looked both adorable and silly, catching the eyes of passersby of all ages.

Seeing the kids so happy, Su Xingwan’s spirits lifted.

On the street, a delicious aroma caught their attention. They were drawn to a shop window filled with beautiful cakes.

They pressed against the glass, their big eyes fixed unblinkingly on the exquisite cakes inside.

---

Su Xingwan noticed and asked, "Do you want some?"

The two little ones quickly shook their heads.

Su Xingwan smiled, "If you want it, just say so."

Little Su Hua looked up at her, "Auntie, can we really eat it?"

Su Xingwan gently stroked her head, warmly replying, "Of course you can!"

Then she took their hands and walked into the cake shop.

Under Auntie’s watchful gaze, the two carefully chose a small strawberry cake.

Su Xingwan asked, "Just one?"

They both nodded.

Then Little Su Hua, eyes wide, asked, "Auntie, do you want some?"

Su Xingwan shook her head, "I won’t eat any. You two little babies can have it."

But Little Su Hua’s hand remained still.

Seeing this, Su Xingwan took a bite herself. Instantly, the soft, sweet flavor filled her mouth.

"Auntie, is it good?" Little Su Hua’s innocent eyes watched her.

"Delicious," Su Xingwan smiled.

[Though it’s a bit sweet.]

Little Su Hua looked surprised.

So Auntie doesn’t like sweets.

The two little ones ate their cake in small bites.

It was the first time they had tasted such a delicious treat. Their eyes sparkled with delight and satisfaction.

After finishing, they licked the cream residue from their lips contentedly.