The Rong family's tradition—the day before the Dragon Boat Festival, the entire family gathers to make zongzi and prepare for the holiday.
Therefore, Rong Jingyang is not working today or tomorrow, nor is he handling any business. His time is dedicated to his family.
However, this year is rather special. His younger sister, Long Xijin, is hospitalized on bed rest due to placenta previa with her second pregnancy and cannot return home.
His younger brother, Rong Jingyu, is competing abroad and also cannot make it back.
After breakfast, Du Ruoxin and Rong Jingyang drive to the Rong family's old mansion after dropping their daughter off at kindergarten.
Along the way, Du Ruoxin calls Feng Linwan, "Mom, we're at the mall downstairs. Do you need anything?"
Feng Linwan replies, "I've prepared most things. Oh, right, buy some goji berries and fermented glutinous rice. I'll use them for soup tomorrow."
Du Ruoxin says, "Okay."
After hanging up, their car pulls into the mall.
Du Ruoxin pushes Rong Jingyang as they walk, sighing, "Mr. Rong, is this our first time shopping together?"
She loves holidays!
She loves spending time alone with him!
Rong Jingyang's tone is low, "No, it isn't?"
They've known each other for almost eight years; it's impossible they haven't shopped together before.
Du Ruoxin playfully asks, "Then do you remember the last time you went shopping with me?"
Rong Jingyang searches his mind, but he seems to have no recollection.
"You can't remember, can you?" Du Ruoxin grins slyly.
The gentleman is speechless.
Du Ruoxin smiles gently, "Then let's start making memories from today, creating some romance just for the two of us, okay?"
Rong Jingyang is surprised that Du Ruoxin is being so understanding and not causing trouble for him.
"Okay," he replies softly.
This Du Ruoxin is worthy of entering his heart.
As they pass the Moda clothing store, Du Ruoxin notices the clothes she endorses and can't help but say, "Honey, can we buy another set? Please?"
Although Caroline gifted her a few sets, purchasing them herself is true support for the products she endorses.
Rong Jingyang nods, "Mm."
They've already worn them once; what's the big deal about a second time?
Rong Jingyang doesn't want his wife to use her signature move in public, "Either you make me happy today, or I'll make you happy."
It's quite overwhelming.
Besides, for such a small matter, it's best to just go along with it.
However, Rong Jingyang doesn't realize at this moment that the path of indulging Du Ruoxin is a one-way street with no return.
"Honey, what do you think of this set?" Du Ruoxin holds up a white parent-child t-shirt with a panda eating bamboo printed on the chest. "We can wear them tomorrow."
Rong Jingyang says expressionlessly, "Okay."
He doesn't have many requirements for clothing, as long as it's simple and dignified. His wardrobe consists only of shirts and casual sportswear.
"Ah, the size is wrong." Du Ruoxin takes the clothes to find a sales associate.
Just as she leaves Rong Jingyang's sight, a woman enters the store—Ai Wei.
Carrying a gift bag, she approaches the man. "Hi, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
This road, this mall, every year on this day, he almost always comes here.
So she waits for him here every year.
Rong Jingyang raises an eyebrow. "Mm?"
Ai Wei hands him the gift bag. "I know Auntie doesn't like me, so I won't upset her by seeing her this year."
"This is a peace charm I sewed overnight."
"One for Auntie, Uncle, you, Ruoxin, and Doudou."
Rong Jingyang looks at the heavy gift and the woman's pricked fingers, his gaze deepening.
But he doesn't reach out.
Seeing that Rong Jingyang is moved but not taking it, Ai Wei shoves it into his arms. "Don't be a stranger to me."