Wen Tingxue's heart trembled fiercely, and the last bit of awkwardness vanished.
"No..."
She shook her head gently, but hesitated as if she had something more to say.
Yu Xiuxiu stood up, softly stroking her daughter's smooth short hair, her voice soothing.
"Yi Yi, no matter what you're thinking, you can tell your mom and dad. Maybe we're not good at taking care of people, but we'll learn slowly.
"You don't have to hide all your thoughts. Just say what you need to say. Your parents won't be angry with you. Even if we are angry, it doesn't mean we don't love you. It's just a clash of ideas."
Yu Xiuxiu reached out to hug her daughter, kissed her forehead, and then pulled away.
"Alright, Mom will wait for you outside. If you need any help, Mom will be here right away."
With that, she smiled, ruffled her daughter's hair, and opened the door to leave.
The fitting room, now devoid of her mother's scent, made Wen Tingxue's eyes well up.
She was indeed unaccustomed to changing clothes with someone present, but she couldn't voice it, nor could she bear to refuse her mother's kindness.
Yet, her mother understood everything and comforted her instead.
Wen Tingxue looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly felt that the road ahead was bright.
From now on, she wouldn't have to live so cautiously. Perhaps, slowly, everything would get better.
...
The clothes Yu Wenli picked were indeed quite suitable for Wen Tingxue's reserved and gentle nature.
A light pink hoodie with a slightly exaggerated design perfectly masked her timidity, making her look both cute and lively.
The combination of a short skirt and long boots perfectly elongated her figure, revealing legs that were both slender and straight.
Everyone praised how good she looked, even Yu Wenli's eyes lit up.
Indeed, clothes really made the person. Dressed like this, she was practically a peach come to life.
Her fair, rosy skin and bright, spirited eyes made one want to take a bite.
"Little Wen is so beautiful," Mother Yu said, more satisfied the more she looked. "If you let your hair grow out, you'll be even more perfect."
Father Yu and Wen Zhongen nodded repeatedly.
Only Yu Xiuxiu's eyes were red. She had just gone to the fitting room to tidy up the clothes and found that almost all the clothes her daughter had tried on were ill-fitting.
Only her jacket was presentable!
Yu Xiuxiu was so angry her teeth were chattering.
After surveying the racks, Yu Wenli picked out a white, loose-fitting down jacket.
"Put it on."
Wen Tingxue obediently took it and tried it on.
It was beautiful, warm, and had a touch of coolness.
Wen Zhongen truly admired Yu Wenli's taste. If he and his wife had picked the clothes, they might not have achieved this effect.
Yu Wenli pondered for a moment, then took a white baseball cap from nearby and placed it on her head. Her entire aura instantly changed.
Gone was the initial soft and docile feeling.
Instead, she looked like a pampered little princess from a wealthy family.
Yu Wenli smiled with satisfaction, snapped his fingers at the stunned shop assistant, and said, "I'll take this set."
As he spoke, he took another set and handed it to Wen Tingxue.
"Go change."
"Okay."
Wen Tingxue took it with both hands, her cheeks slightly flushed as she nodded.
Honestly, she barely recognized herself.
Perhaps this was the benefit of being wealthy.
Yu Xiuxiu stood by the door, peeking in. She discovered that the underwear her daughter was wearing was bought when she was in junior high.
It was ill-fitting now, and besides, she was in high school. How could she still wear the kind meant for children?!
Yu Xiuxiu grew angrier the more she thought about it and couldn't help but argue with Wen Zhongen.
Although their voices were not loud, Wen Tingxue still sensed something was amiss when she pushed open the door.
Having lived under someone else's roof since she was young, she was naturally sensitive.
Yu Wenli couldn't stop the heated argument, so he decided to distract the young girl for the moment.
"She still needs a jacket and accessories. Let's browse over there."
The young man took the sleeve of the girl's shirt and led her in the opposite direction.
Wen Tingxue glanced back worriedly. Yu Wenli placed a bucket hat on her head and spoke in a casual tone.
"This is the adult world. Children shouldn't get involved."
His slow speech, tinged with teasing, immediately eased her tension.
"But they're arguing..."
Wen Tingxue followed him, watching his long fingers glide over various accessories, looking more attractive than the intricately designed jewelry.
Yu Wenli chose a simple and clean pendant necklace, then lazily raised his eyebrows to look at her.
"It's about work. Do you want to listen?"
His completely relaxed demeanor helped Wen Tingxue's emotions to calm down.
She didn't speak and didn't look back. Yu Wenli picked up the hood of her hoodie, hung the necklace around her neck, and asked casually:
"Is 'Yi Yi' your nickname?"
"Yes," Wen Tingxue looked down at the rabbit pendant in his palm. "After my mother gave birth to me, my grandmother kept urging her to have a son, saying daughters couldn't carry on the family line.
"My mother disliked her patriarchal views, so she said she'd only have me in this life, that I was their only precious child, so she named me Yi Yi."
Yu Wenli looked up. "Do all your family members call you by your nickname?"
Wen Tingxue shook her head. "Except for my parents and aunt and cousin, everyone else calls me by my name."
Her full name, just like an outsider.
"Then, do you mind if I call you by your nickname, Big Brother?" Yu Wenli asked with a gentle smile.
He was extraordinarily handsome. Even without smiling, he made hearts race. Now, with a smile, he was profoundly gentle, unforgettable for a lifetime.
Wen Tingxue stared at his sparkling eyes, dazed for a few seconds, before fully understanding his meaning. Her lips slowly curved upwards.
Her voice sweet and soft, she replied, "Of course, I don't mind~"
She was happy to have the chance.
Yu Wenli smiled and patted the hat on her head, a hint of pampering in his eyes. "Come, Big Brother will take you to pick out a jacket."
He held her sleeve and walked past the dazzling array of goods.
-
They shopped until evening, and everyone was tired, so they casually chose a hot pot restaurant in the mall.
Wen Tingxue, wearing her new clothes, sat with Yu Wenli, attracting many glances.
She was shy and quickly lowered her head.
Mother Yu teased them a bit and then arranged, "Little Wen, you take your sister to get some drinks. Your mom and I will prepare the dipping sauces. You two just stay here and guard the table."
Father Yu and Father Wen had no right to refuse; they simply followed orders throughout.
After their wives and children left, the two men briefly discussed the current economic situation and stocks, then shifted the topic to school.
"By the way, have you decided where Little Wen will attend school? Should I ask someone to pull some strings?"
Father Yu owned a company and had extensive connections.
Although there were many schools in Jiangcheng, only a few were good, and it was difficult to get in.
Especially close to the start of the school year, spots were hard to come by.
Wen Zhongen nodded. "With Mr. Mu's help, she should be able to get into No. 1 High School."
Jiangcheng No. 1 High School was the best high school in Jiangcheng, so getting in meant having strong connections.
Father Yu picked up his phone. "With my connections as well, it should be a sure thing. How many grades is Little Wen going into this year?"
Wen Zhongen first expressed his gratitude, then said, "First year of high school."
Father Yu expressed some regret. "She's a year younger than Little Wen. Then have his friend, A Rui, take care of her more. He's also in his first year of high school."
Wen Zhongen thanked him profusely.
Jiangcheng No. 1 High School never lacked students. Getting a spot at this juncture was a tremendous favor.
Meanwhile, at the milk tea shop.
It was incredibly crowded. After Wen Tingxue and Yu Wenli ordered their milk tea, they sat in the waiting area to wait.
Many people nearby were taking photos, mostly of Yu Wenli, who was playing on his phone.
Wen Tingxue quietly made space for them. She inadvertently saw a couple selling flowers outside and suddenly remembered it was Valentine's Day.
After hesitating for a moment, she gently tugged on Yu Wenli's sleeve. Yu Wenli lazily raised his eyes, his gaze questioning.
"I..."
Wen Tingxue stammered, her voice very soft, barely audible in the noisy milk tea shop.