The year-end was approaching, and the streets were adorned with lanterns.
Shops had hung lanterns outside their doors, pasted festive mascot symbols, and with the Christmas decorations still up, the scene was exceptionally lively.
Zhan Jingchun rarely shopped, and when she did, her driver would take her directly to her destination. It was the first time she realized how strong the New Year's atmosphere in Nan Cheng was.
It was her first time, and Peng Fei's even more so.
Like country bumpkins entering the city, the two youngsters, to their great interest, walked and looked, taking over 20 minutes to arrive.
Entering the supermarket, the New Year's spirit was even more palpable.
Loud, festive music blared from the speakers, and people were rushing to buy New Year's goods.
Shopping carts weaved back and forth, creating a bustling crowd, much like scenes depicted on television.
This was Zhan Jingchun's first time experiencing such a scene; as soon as she entered, someone jostled her.
Startled, Peng Fei quickly reached out and steadied her.
"Are you okay? What's going on in this supermarket? Why are there so many people?"
Zhan Jingchun wanted to tease him for being inexperienced, but then she thought, even though she was born and raised in Nan Cheng, how much better was she than him?
"It's almost Chinese New Year, so everyone's in a hurry to buy New Year's goods. You're fine, it wasn't intentional. It's okay, let's go."
The end of the year was also a peak season for weddings. As they reached the second floor, they were greeted by various jewelry and accessory counters.
In front of the counters, young couples, both dating and married, were standing or sitting, examining styles, creating quite a spectacle.
Zhan Jingchun wasn't interested in jewelry. She glanced around and intended to walk further in.
However, she was repeatedly called out by enthusiastic sales assistants.
"Miss, would you like to take a look? These are the latest styles, and there's a year-end promotion. You can get a discount."
"Sir, bring your girlfriend to have a look. Miss is so beautiful, and you two are so well-matched. Couples can get 20% off!"
This was Peng Fei's first time in such a high-end place. Even through the glass, the dazzling array of accessories made his eyes water.
He thought to himself, if he, a man, was so interested in these things, Zhan Jingchun would surely like them too.
As they walked, he tugged at her.
"Let's have a look, let's see too."
Seeing them stop, a sales assistant quickly rushed out from behind the counter.
"Sir, take a look at our collection. These are all newly released styles, and you two are so compatible, you must be getting married soon. I can apply with the store manager for a bigger discount. I'll get you whichever one you like, have a look."
Peng Fei pulled Zhan Jingchun and turned to look.
Inside were various rings, necklaces, and earrings, each sparkling beautifully.
Zhan Jingchun knew Peng Fei didn't have much money. Even if he had the inclination, he couldn't afford them, so she casually glanced and said,
"I don't like these; I have plenty at home. I don't need them. Let's go, let's go."
Peng Fei obediently let her pull him along because he had also seen the price tags.
Several zeros, it was terrifying.
He was reminded of his poverty once again.
He really needed to work harder and harder.
There were too many capable men in Nan Cheng; they could buy things for their girlfriends, but he couldn't. Alas!
Seeing him pulled back, with a hint of embarrassment and disappointment on his face, Zhan Jingchun couldn't help but think of the past.
The first time he took her to town, Zhan Jingchun looked at everything, while Peng Fei, clutching the few tens of dollars he had, had the same expression.
Zhan Jingchun knew that people couldn't choose their origins, and his hardships weren't his own fault. She shouldn't look down on him for this, so she patted his arm.
"These are all fake. Haven't you heard a female celebrity say that small diamonds are worthless and are just used to deceive people? Don't worry about him not buying them for me; even if he did, I wouldn't bother wearing them. It's all a consumer trap. If you really want to give me something, buy me a 50-carat pink diamond, and I'll outshine everyone. Who would bother comparing themselves to these people?"
Peng Fei felt somewhat better, having been given ample face.
He secretly encouraged himself: he would, he would get rich someday, and he would definitely buy her a 50-carat pink diamond ring!
The two walked towards the cosmetics counters and were similarly greeted enthusiastically by sales assistants.
Zhan Jingchun kept her gaze straight ahead and went directly to a nail salon.
Seeing handsome men and beautiful women enter, the staff immediately welcomed them warmly, asking if they had appointments.
Zhan Jingchun said no.
"It's okay if you don't have an appointment; I can arrange a spot for you. Do you have a style in mind?"
Zhan Jingchun didn't have a specific style in mind, so she started searching online with her phone, finding a set of very cute and fresh designs.
The staff member looked and then took her finger to examine it.
"This color is the most flattering, it'll work. And the style you've chosen is a 'sister' design. If you do this style on your hand, someone else can do the matching style on their hand. Would you like to sign up for a membership card and invite a sister to come over? We have discounts at the end of the year, which is very cost-effective."
Zhan Jingchun had no sister to invite. Hearing the staff member say it, she realized that the picture was indeed a "sister" design.
On her hand, a small rabbit; on the other person's hand, a little pig.
On her hand, a flower; on the other person's hand, a seashell.
It was truly adorable.
"How much does it cost for the 'sister' design?"
"Here's the deal: we have a promotion now, deposit 1000 and get 300 free. This set is 888 yuan."
"888 for two sets is really a great deal. You might consider depositing more to get more freebies, making this practically free."
Zhan Jingchun nodded without hesitation.
"No membership card, 888 is fine. Let's do it for both of us."
Peng Fei was tall and well-built, with a refined and handsome appearance. For such a good-looking young man to get his nails done with her?
The staff member was surprised: could it be? Is this handsome guy a sister?
Peng Fei hadn't yet understood what Zhan Jingchun meant, nor did he understand what they did with paints on fingernails.
He only knew that 888 was quite expensive, and he would have to wince at the cost again.
Seeing Zhan Jingchun finish speaking, the staff member's gaze shifted to him, and he quickly took out his phone to pay.
As he was paying, the staff member examined Peng Fei's fingers.
They were large and thick, suggesting he wasn't someone who had never done manual labor.
Also, his skin tone was darker. Although his features were handsome, he looked like he had gone tanning.
Logically, no one in their circle liked to tan; could he really be a sister?
Unable to resist, she tried to probe: "Sir, there's a small gift later. If you're a couple, you can receive a matching pair. What is your surname, and are you a couple? I'll register you."
Peng Fei, upon hearing that couples received gifts, quickly took the initiative and nodded.
"She's my girlfriend, and my surname is Peng."
The staff member looked enlightened.
She then realized that he was a strictly straight man, and he was only doing this to indulge his girlfriend, which immediately evoked envy.
"Miss, you're so fortunate. Your boyfriend is so doting, and he's even willing to get his nails done with you. I'm so envious."