The boss of the watch shop stared at Lin Yan in surprise.
Had he heard her wrong? She wanted to get a clock as a gift?
Was she trying to pay her respects to someone? [1. Giving a clock as a gift when read in Chinese is like paying respects to a dead person.]
“Ahem… Miss… Hold on. Let me confirm this. Do you want to get a watch or clock as a gift?” The boss sounded uncertain.
He had never met a customer who wanted to buy a clock as a gift.
“A clock. Boss, you heard me right. I’m giving the clock as a gift.”
The boss surveyed Lin Yan with a quizzical look on his face.
This young lass was a fierce and feisty one.
“Pretty lady, what particular requirements do you have?” asked the boss.
“First, it must be cheap. Secondly, it must be huge,” recited Lin Yan dully.
“You should get a new clock then. The vintage ones are valuable and expensive. New clocks are cheap,” explained the boss patiently.
“Then I’ll get a new clock. I want the cheapest one,” said Lin Yan with a grin.
After she paid, the boss asked, “Pretty lady, do you need us to deliver it?”
Lin Yan deliberated for a moment before nodding. “Okay. Boss, I’ll tell you the details again.”
“Sure,” the boss replied, “I will arrange for a deliveryman to bring it to you.”
…
Pei Yutang, who was eagerly waiting at Cloud Manor, bolted over to Lin Yan the moment he spotted her.
“Sister-in-law! How was it? Have you bought the gift?”
Lin Yan nodded as she studied Pei Yutang’s excited expression. “Everything is done.”
“Is it big enough?” asked Pei Yutang.
“Rest assured. It definitely is.” Lin Yan nodded at him.
“Is it significant?” probed Pei Yutang.
“Extremely,” answered Lin Yan curtly.
“Is it unique and stylish?”
“It’s very unique and artistic. Everyone’s eyes will sparkle when they see your gift. It’s uncommon,” Lin Yan replied grimly.
Pei Yutang got suspicious. “Sister-in-law… Why do I have a feeling that you’re not being serious?”
“Don’t you trust me?” Lin Yan frowned at him.
“No, no, no! I have absolute trust in you, sister-in-law! Thank you!” Pei Yutang beamed at her.
“That sounds better. Do you have any idea how much I walked just to get the gift?” Lin Yan rolled her eyes at Pei Yutang.
“Sister-in-law, it’s been hard for you! Where is the gift? Show me!” Pei Yutang eyed Lin Yan eagerly.
“Why are you so anxious? How could I lug something so heavy with me?” replied Lin Yan.
“What did you buy? Sister-in-law, can you just tell me so that I’m mentally prepared?”
“Don’t be so anxious. You’ll know when the day comes. It’s meant to be a surprise.” Lin Yan grinned.
Pei Yutang nodded furiously and replied, “Alright then. How much was the gift? I’ll pay you.”
Lin Yan fell silent for a second before she chuckled. “You can pay me after the dinner.”