"I think this black backpack is nice. What kind of material is it made of?" Li Minyu walked closer and said.
"I've also taken a liking to one. That dark-patterned one is also good," Zhan Yifang said.
"Let Xiaoyu choose. Don't you two interfere," Wang Qi said. "You'll just confuse her."
"Yes, Xiaoyu, see which one you like?" Li Minyu asked.
"The one sister is pointing to is very nice," Xiaoyu said.
"This black one?"
"Mhm."
"It seems our tastes are quite similar. Miss, could you please get this backpack for us?" Li Minyu called out.
"This one? This is the last one we have," the salesclerk said as she reached for it.
"There are no others to choose from? Then it should be cheaper."
"This one was originally thirteen thousand, now it's sixty percent off."
"Over ten thousand? Why is it so expensive?" Xiaoyu stuck out her tongue.
"It's made of soft cowhide and crocodile skin. These clasps are made of genuine brass and silver."
"It's too expensive. I just need a schoolbag. Do you have any canvas bags? As long as they're sturdy and durable." Xiaoyu said.
"Canvas bags? We don't have any here. Most of the backpacks here are mid to high-end. We don't have those hundred-yuan ones," the salesclerk said, glancing at Xiaoyu.
"But I just need to carry some books. I can't bear to spend so much on a bag."
"Xiaoyu, do you like this bag?" Li Minyu asked.
"I do like it, but it's too expensive."
"Wrap it up for me," Li Minyu said to the salesclerk.
"Consider this bag a welcome gift. Last time we bought clothes, Fangfang paid. Today, I'll pay for this bag."
"Sis, it's not like that. I..."
"You can carry this bag when you go out. It doesn't have to be a schoolbag. We can go to other shops later and buy a separate one for books!"
"This is still too expensive!"
"What's the point of saving money? This money is meant to be spent. If we don't spend it, what's the use of earning so much?"
"Sister Yu is right. We are the masters of our money, not its slaves. You can only earn if you can spend. People who don't know how to spend also don't know how to earn," Wang Qi said.
"Since Sister Yu is buying you the bag, how about I get you a set of makeup when we get back?"
"Sis, it's not necessary. Teachers won't like us wearing heavy makeup."
"Look at you, why are you so rigid? You go to school with a bare face, but you can put on light makeup during your free time. In the future, when you go out with us and we're all wearing makeup, you'll stand out if you don't. Wouldn't that make us look bad?"
"Xiaoyu has good skin and plenty of collagen, unlike you, who's almost an old hag," Zhan Yifang joked.
"Xiaoyu doesn't need makeup at her age. If you're so inclined, why don't you help Xiaoyu renovate her house?"
"What? Are you trying to take advantage of a rich person? Where would I get the money to renovate Xiaoyu's house? That should be Guo Xuyang's responsibility. My two cents would be better spent treating you all to food and drinks." Wang Qi was displeased when Zhan Yifang said that.
"All you think about is eating and drinking. Starting tomorrow, I'll cook, and we won't eat out. That should save you some money!"
"How about this? I'll get each of you a set of Chanel. What do you say?"
"Plus a bottle of 'Mirage' perfume," Zhan Yifang added.
"Deal. So you won't call me stingy."
"Xiaoyu, aren't you going to thank your sister?" Zhan Yifang winked at Xiaoyu.
"Thank you, sister." Although Xiaoyu didn't understand Zhan Yifang's intention, she thanked Wang Qi as hinted.
"You're welcome. It's all Guo Xuyang's money anyway, so I don't mind," Wang Qi said, waving her hand.
"As long as you don't gnash your teeth behind my back," Li Minyu teased.
"How could I? I'm happy to spend money on my sisters."
"My heart is bleeding," Zhan Yifang said, deliberately covering her chest.
"Is it that dramatic?" Wang Qi playfully hit her.
"Alright, starting tomorrow, I'm sticking with you. Just don't burn the pot again."
"You can't hold my past mistakes against me. My cooking has improved."
After some banter, they bought a regular backpack and headed back.
"Xiaoyu, you can't take leave on your first day of class tomorrow, right?" Zhan Yifang said as she closed the door.
"Mhm, why?"
"Yangzi's main wife is having a full moon celebration for her baby tomorrow. Are you still going?"
"Maybe I shouldn't go? I didn't go to the villa today precisely because I didn't want to meet Xiao Xi's aunt and uncle. I'm afraid I might say something wrong."
"You've been to his house?"
"Yes. That aunt was very kind to me, she even wanted to adopt me as her goddaughter."
"Would Yangzi agree? He definitely wouldn't."
"Aunt was just joking. I wouldn't agree either."
"The aunt you're talking about, is she Yangzi's mother?"
"Mhm."
"It seems Yangzi really likes you."
"Sister, why do you say that?"
"He's not as good to me and Qiqi. Do you know who Li Minyu is?"
"Sister Yu? Who?"
"She's the sister of that Xiao Xi you mentioned."
"Sister? A biological sister?"
"What do you think?"
"That's impossible! Would Xiao Xi be okay with that?"
"What can be done? Sister Yu is already several months pregnant."
"Is Sister Yu going tomorrow?"
"No. Her parents are here, and she's trying to avoid them right now."
"Then you two go tomorrow. I'll stay with Sister Yu. It's better than her being alone and sad."
"I know why Yangzi likes you. You're considerate of others."
"Sister, look, tomorrow Xiao Xi is having a full moon celebration for her baby. How would Sister Yu feel, being the aunt and unable to attend?"
"I hadn't thought of it that way. You mean Sister Yu would be sad?"
"It's only natural. And how did she end up with Big Brother back then?"
"Sister Yu didn't tell us the details. I don't know much either. I only know that Xiao Xi is Yangzi's only legal wife in China. Sister Yu met Yangzi later."
"Perhaps Sister Yu was conquered by Big Brother's charm?"
"I really can't say. If that's the case, then we won't go join the fun tomorrow either. We'll just stay home and cook for you."
"Sister, please don't be angry if I say this. If, and I mean IF, you haven't cooked before, you can wait for me to come back and do it. I can cook some simple dishes."
"You can cook?" Zhan Yifang's eyes widened.
"Yes. At home, my sister and I take turns cooking. Sometimes, when she gets off work late, I cook and wait for her."
"That's wonderful! From now on, I'll be your apprentice. Tell me what you want to eat in advance, and I'll make sure to buy the ingredients. That way, I won't be teased by that girl Wang Qi." Zhan Yifang happily flopped onto the bed.
"I can cook ordinary dishes. I haven't tried anything fancy yet."
"There's nothing fancy. I'll bring some dishes from the restaurant tomorrow, and you can try cooking them. If it doesn't work out, we'll eat out. But I'm sure you'll do better than me." Zhan Yifang sat up and said.
"As long as you don't mind if my cooking is not good enough."
"You won't be. These sisters are quite emotionally intelligent, don't worry."