The sound of a yawn echoed nearby, and the girl stretched lazily before standing up.
The food had already gone cold.
The footsteps grew fainter and fainter, until no sound could be heard anymore.
The young man looked up, and the bowls on the table were gone.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air, as if it quietly hinted that the girl had once stayed there.
He sat there dazed, suddenly feeling an emptiness in his heart.
At this moment, the wooden door behind him was knocked upon, followed by a cold yet gentle voice.
"I’m heading out now. Do you need me to bring back anything?"
Shen You’an waited for a response but received none. Just as she was about to leave, a slip of paper floated out from the crack in the door.
Shen You’an picked it up and glanced at it.
Please don’t call the police. I’ll pay you back in the future.
The handwriting was neat and pressed deeply into the paper with every stroke.
Just like the young man himself, pale yet defiant.
So, was he planning to leech off of her?
Everyone has experiences they find hard to talk about. Shen You’an couldn’t save him, but she didn’t want to make things worse either.
She first went to the mobile phone store, leaving her old phone there for repairs. She only intended to buy one new phone, but the store was running a promotion today: the second phone was half-price. Combined with the overly enthusiastic sales pitch from the staff...
Shen You’an couldn’t resist falling into the trap.
When she left the phone store, she was holding two brand-new phones.
The businesses these days, their marketing strategies really pin customers down tight.
Shen You’an then continued to the mall, browsing a men’s fashion store where she picked out two suits for her uncle.
While waiting to check out, she noticed some discounted casual clothing on a nearby rack. After giving it some thought, she pointed to a few items.
"Pack these up for me too."
The clothes were set for home delivery, and Shen You’an continued shopping with ease.
Tomorrow was the start of the school year, and Shen You’an needed to get everything for her daily life ready.
She passed by a lingerie store, hesitated, and then walked inside.
The racks were filled with an array of bras, and Shen You’an inspected them one by one, taking a deep breath.
"Hello, may I assist you with anything? I can give you some recommendations."
The sweet-toned saleswoman smiled as she approached, her keen eyes discreetly sizing up the girl’s figure at first glance.
Shen You’an cleared her throat lightly and pointed to the bras designed for young girls hanging on the rack.
"I’ll take this one. Get me the smallest size."
"Why not take a look at our brand’s latest design? It’s much more ergonomic—featuring shoulder straps with built-in quantum chip technology to better adjust posture and achieve seamless beauty for your back. The cups use temperature-reactive printed fabric to more effectively protect those of us who are still developing..."
The saleswoman began rattling off an enthusiastic introduction.
This particular brand was considered affordable luxury, and the newest designs were absurdly expensive.
Shen You’an nodded, "Alright, I’ll take it. I want four sets."
The saleswoman didn’t expect her to be so decisive, and her face lit up with delight.
"Pfft..." An exaggerated laugh sounded from nearby.
Shen You’an frowned and looked over. Two girls stood not far away, dressed provocatively with heavy makeup and hair styled into mature curls.
One of them was crossing her arms over her chest, and the laughter had come from her.
"Tell me, isn’t it hilarious? A flat chest insisting on wearing a big cup—it’s like sticking green onions up a pig’s nose! Hahaha..."
The girl spoke as she puffed out her chest, her face brimming with confidence.
She was undeniably attractive, yet entirely lacking any trace of class.
The two girls burst into laughter as if they were sharing the funniest joke in the world.
Shen You’an showed no hint of embarrassment from their mockery. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly, "When a certain part of the body takes up too much proportion and hogs all the nutrients, it leads to underdevelopment in the brain. I forgive you for your ignorance."
Her eyes were filled with pity.
The girl immediately caught the sarcasm in her tone, her face darkening into a scowl as she cursed, "You’re asking to get hurt."
"I’m just stating facts, so why are you suddenly furious? Did I strike a nerve by saying something incorrect?"
Having finished her purchase, Shen You’an took the bags handed to her by the saleswoman and walked straight out.
The girl stomped and fumed, ready to chase after her, but her companion quickly tugged her back.
"Forget it, forget it. Why bother with someone like her? She’s just taking cheap shots to look tough."
"She insulted me by saying I have a big chest and no brains!" The girl stomped her foot furiously.
"She’s just jealous. As long as Young Master Leng likes you, that’s what matters."
At the mention of this, the girl smirked, her eyes flickering with a touch of malice.
"I better not see her again; otherwise, I’ll make sure she regrets it."
That was the phrase she hated most—it almost felt like dancing on her nerves.
"Shasha, someone like her doesn’t have the body or the looks; she’s not even fit to hold your shoes."