Fu Weicheng rarely saw Song Yuntang react slowly. He asked quietly, “Is it good?”
In the depths of the man’s eyes, Song Yuntang actually saw a trace of expectation. She nodded instinctively. “Not bad.”
Immediately, she noticed the faintest curve flicker across Fu Weicheng’s lips, disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
At the same time, something was placed in her hand—a large, square piece of chocolate, missing one corner, now resting in her mouth.
Fu Weicheng said, “Since you like it, take it and eat.”
He didn’t know what the young lady liked, only that his sister demanded chocolate every month, and if he didn’t buy it, she would throw a tantrum. So he chose this one, not expecting Song Yuntang to actually enjoy it.
Song Yuntang accepted Fu Weicheng’s kindness without objection.
She didn’t dwell on it, thinking it was just a man with money and nowhere to spend it. She casually asked, “Aren’t you training this afternoon?”
Fu Weicheng replied, “I took a half-day leave.”
Song Yuntang pressed, “Did you submit your report?”
Fu Weicheng: …Suddenly, the mood wasn’t as cheerful.
Song Yuntang quickly switched the topic. “That looks like toys, let’s go take a look—”
The young couple was still slightly out of sync when a somewhat familiar voice suddenly came from the salesperson who was still packing clothes.
“This dress looks nice. Let me try it.” Fang Siyue had her eye on a dress at the counter and reached for it without waiting for anyone to respond.
The salesperson hurriedly blocked her. “Miss Fang, this dress has already been purchased. If you want a dress, you can look at the ones on the shelf.”
“Why should I settle for what’s left? I want this one!”
“Miss Fang, really, it’s not possible—”
Fang Siyue’s tone was commanding. Ignoring the embarrassed salesperson, she insisted on snatching the dress from the counter.
The commotion had already caught Song Yuntang and Fu Weicheng’s attention.
Fu Weicheng stepped forward and extended his hand.
Fang Siyue lifted her gaze along his arm and saw Fu Weicheng. Surprise lit her face. “Brother Weicheng!”
When she saw Song Yuntang standing next to him, her smile vanished instantly, her eyes narrowing in anger at Song Yuntang.
Fang Siyue demanded, “Song Yuntang, what are you doing here?”
Song Yuntang sneered. “Why shouldn’t I be here? That’s ridiculous. Friendship Department Store opens its doors for business—it naturally welcomes every customer. You’re a customer, so am I.”
“You country bumpkin, how could you afford anything here!” Fang Siyue sneered in disdain.
Fu Weicheng frowned deeply, his tone tinged with anger. “My wife can afford it. Even if she couldn’t, I would buy it for her.”
“Brother Weicheng… you… her…” Fang Siyue suddenly realized. “This dress, you bought it for her?! How does she deserve it!”
Fu Weicheng said, “It’s just a dress. No matter how fine the item, my wife deserves it.”
Song Yuntang’s chest tingled at Fu Weicheng’s low, steady voice. Whether his words were true or not, they sent a shiver through her heart.
So… these clothes were bought for her.
Fu Weicheng remained indifferent, no longer answering Fang Siyue. He took the packed clothes and items from the salesperson. The bags were heavy and numerous; he also took the grocery basket from Song Yuntang. His hands were full.
Fang Siyue watched, jealousy burning her eyes. She shouted angrily, “I know… I know… Song Yuntang, you must have coaxed Brother Weicheng to buy this, buy that, and come to the Friendship Department Store just for it. You’re so scheming!”
Song Yuntang suddenly smiled—not mocking, but with a hint of charm.
She said teasingly, “So what? Fu Weicheng wants to spend money on me. What does it have to do with you, an outsider? Mind your own business when it comes to us as a married couple.”
Fang Siyue was struck dumb, stomping her feet in frustration.
Fu Weicheng said, “Everything’s ready. Let’s go home. Niannian and An’an are still at home.”
Song Yuntang’s face lit up with a sweet smile. “Alright, husband, let’s go home.”
She linked her arm with Fu Weicheng’s, and the two of them left the Friendship Department Store closely entwined.
Fu Weicheng felt the warmth of her hand on his arm. At his elbow, there was a soft touch because Song Yuntang was holding his entire arm tightly.
His neck and ear flushed as he lingered on the sensation.
In an instant, Song Yuntang let go.
His wrist felt empty.
She tilted her head toward him, smiling brightly. “Fu Weicheng, how was it? My acting wasn’t bad, right? Next time I make her angry, she’ll avoid me, maybe even dislike you, and stop pestering you—”
Fang Siyue remained behind, still sulking. Her prickly demeanor made the surrounding salespeople wary of approaching.
The moment Song Yuntang and Fu Weicheng stepped out, another person entered the store.
It was a young woman of about twenty, delicate and pretty, with two braids. Her outfit was neat and stylish but had a student-like quality—clearly a college student.
Looking closely, one could see her facial features bore a resemblance to Fu Weicheng.
She was Fu Weicheng’s younger sister, Fu Qingyan.
Fu Qingyan entered and saw Fang Siyue, face red and fuming. She asked, “Siyue, what’s wrong? Who made you angry?”
Being from the same capital courtyard, Fu Qingyan and Fang Siyue were close, like sisters.
Fang Siyue mumbled, “Who else? Of course that sudden country bumpkin!”
Fu Qingyan frowned.
She had been living in the university dorms for some time, rarely returning home. From Fang Siyue, she learned that her brother’s wife, who was presumed dead for five years, was alive and had come with two children.
Fu Qingyan felt something was off; there had to be more to it.
Fang Siyue looked at Fu Qingyan, a sudden thought striking her. She no longer had the support of the Fu family elders. She couldn’t afford to lose Fu Qingyan too.
“Qingyan, come with me.” Fang Siyue grabbed her hand, leading her out of the Friendship Department Store. She pointed in the direction Song Yuntang had left. “See that woman? You came late, so you didn’t see how she spent your brother’s money! All of that was her buying, even the dress I wanted! I knew she had ill intentions! Now that Brother Weicheng has power and influence, she’s targeting him. You must be careful—wake Brother Weicheng up.”
From afar, Fu Qingyan saw Fu Weicheng carrying heavy bags, while Song Yuntang held only a candied hawthorn stick, walking briskly and eating as she went.
She furrowed her delicate eyebrows and said to Fang Siyue, “Siyue, don’t worry. The sister-in-law I recognize is only you.”
Hearing that, Fang Siyue finally smiled.
…
Family Quarters.
“Niannian, An’an, Mom’s home!”
At the sound of Song Yuntang’s clear voice, Niannian and An’an, playing in the yard, ran toward her.
“Mom!”
“Mom! You’re back!”
They rushed to her, but suddenly skidded to a stop—they saw Fu Weicheng beside Song Yuntang.
In the Family Quarters, Fu Weicheng came by once daily. Sometimes early, sometimes later, never staying long. He was busy, just checking to make sure the mother and children were fine.
Thus, over these days, their relationship with Fu Weicheng had not changed. An’an remained timid, Niannian cautious. The two little ones held hands, looking up at Song Yuntang.
Song Yuntang understood their thoughts. She was fairly satisfied with Fu Weicheng’s efforts and decided to help ease the father-child relationship.
She waved the shiny candied hawthorn stick in her hand and smiled brightly.
“Niannian, An’an, look~ what is this?”