Chapter 776: Shopping Trip
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
In the past, Gu Zi might have agreed immediately. For her, money was no longer an issue. Shopping was not just about acquiring goods, but also an opportunity to interact with different people, to experience the customs and human sentiments of this era. She found it quite enchanting, and thus, she was more than willing to immerse herself in the crowd and enjoy the experience of shopping.
Living in this era, she could distinctly feel the warmth of the people. Although there were unpleasant individuals everywhere, the majority were decent, and there was a sense of camaraderie among them. Sometimes, even a chance encounter with a stranger could bring her joy.
This era was simpler, with more genuine emotions, unlike the future where everything was rushed and people were indifferent.
However, today was different. Her family was at home, so Gu Zi needed to consult them. She turned to Li Hua, who had come with her, and asked, “Sister-in-law, I’ve been meaning to take you all out for a good time. Today, Grandma Gao has invited us to go out shopping. What do you think?”
Li Hua smiled and replied, “Gu Zi, you make the decision. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your work, I’m sure Mom and Dad won’t mind. Speaking of shopping, it’s perfect timing. I want to buy a new set of clothes for your brother, so he has something to change into. I also want to buy a pair of sneakers. I heard they’re more comfortable. Your brother is always hauling goods around, so he needs comfortable shoes.”
Lately, Lin Cheng had been bringing her small gifts every now and then. It was time for her to return the favor. After all, she was now the owner of a shop, a woman capable of holding her own.
She was more than happy to buy new clothes for Lin Cheng. She always remembered the days when they were poor, when her man couldn’t afford to buy new clothes for himself all year round. Yet, he would save money to buy her a new outfit from head to toe for the New Year. She was touched back then, but due to the lack of income, she could only wash old clothes from home and make clothes for him by hand.
Listening to this, Grandma Gao chuckled and teased, “It seems that Li Hua and Lin Cheng have a good relationship. Young people are so sweet, thinking of each other even when shopping. Let’s all go together then. But I need to change my clothes. Gu Zi, Li Hua, go call your parents. Wait for me at the intersection. I’ll have my driver take us.”
And so, the matter was happily settled. About fifteen minutes later, the Gao family’s car was filled with people, setting off from Fulin Road towards the city.
Although the car was crowded, it was lively. Even the Gao family’s driver couldn’t help but comment, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Madam Gao smile so happily.”
An Yun and Li Hua were visibly excited. It wasn’t their first time shopping in the city, but it was their first time leaving a luxurious residential area in a private car. As they watched the various scenes flashing by outside the window, their faces were constantly lit up with smiles.
In the car with them were four children. Su Bing and Su Le were relatively quiet, but Su Li and Gao Ming were incessantly chattering throughout the journey.
Upon reaching the city, the car parked beneath the largest department store, Xinghua Department Store. Everyone, except the driver, disembarked. There were the old and the young, men and women, all dressed meticulously. They headed towards the entrance of Xinghua Department Store with an air of grandeur that made passersby turn their heads.
After all, it was rare to see an entire family out shopping together, except during festivals or New Year celebrations.
Madam Gao was familiar with the place. Remembering that Li Hua wanted to buy clothes and shoes for her husband, she headed straight for the high-end clothing section.
Gu Zi watched but didn’t remind her. Even though her sister-in-law intended to buy everyday clothes for her husband, she might have wanted to buy something nicer. Gu Zi decided not to interfere. If the clothes were unsuitable, her sister-in-law would naturally speak up.
As expected, upon reaching the high-end clothing section, Li Hua checked the prices. Although she found them exorbitantly high, she couldn’t deny the superior quality of the fabric.
After a moment of hesitation, she decided to splurge on her husband, Lin Cheng. After all, she could afford it now. “Miss, could you give me a discount? This set costs three hundred and forty-five, which is really expensive. How about a flat rate of two hundred and eighty?”
The salesgirl was taken aback and replied in a soft voice, “Madam, in our high-end section, we’ve never had customers haggle over prices, especially not to such an extent.”
Madam Gao was also surprised by Li Hua’s reaction and chuckled, “Li Hua, you’ve scared the salesgirl.”
Li Hua felt a bit awkward. She had considered that haggling might be embarrassing, but the price was indeed steep. Even though she was not short of money now, she still wanted to try and save some. Her words slipped out before she could stop them. Fortunately, she was no longer the person she used to be, the one who would blush and feel too embarrassed to face others.