Jiang Ci never expected that the promise she had casually made a few days ago would be fulfilled so quickly.
She turned to glance at Qin Huainan, then said to Zeng Juemi, “We are all family here, so there’s no shame in saying this. Ever since I married into the Qin family, Huainan’s older brother hasn’t come home. I don’t mind, but Huainan hasn’t seen him in a long time and misses him dearly. I brought her out today, promising to help her meet her brother, so I’m afraid I have to decline your kind invitation, Second Young Master.”
“What’s the big deal!” Zeng Juemi asked Qin Huainan, “It’s only been ten days or half a month since you saw your brother, right? You grew up together as brother and sister, surely you don’t have that much to say to each other! Can’t you finish talking in an hour or two? Even if you can’t, you can say your private words first, and then join us at the dinner table for the rest!”
Just then, Qin Yange walked over to Jiang Ci, linked arms with her, and said, “I’ve already accepted a bangle from you. If you don’t even share a meal with us, you’re treating us too much like outsiders!”
It seemed there was no avoiding this dinner.
Jiang Ci could only nod and say, “Well then, I suppose I must accept your invitation.”
So Qin Yanlou turned to a subordinate standing behind him and said, “Tell the driver to pick up Madam and Eldest Sister—”
He stopped halfway through, then turned to tease Zeng Juemi, “You say you’re treating us to dinner, but you haven’t even mentioned which restaurant!”
Zeng Juemi grinned and said, “Today you guys are lucky to be here because of the ladies, so you don’t get to choose!”
He then looked at Jiang Ci, Qin Yange, and Qin Huainan standing together and asked, “What would you like to eat?”
Jiang Ci looked at Qin Huainan and said, “Huainan doesn’t go out often. How about we have Western food?”
At that time, “Western food” was simply referred to as “big dishes”.
Zeng Juemi nodded, “Then let’s go to De Da.”
Qin Yanlou’s subordinate didn’t need further instructions and immediately lowered his head and walked out.
Just then, Shopkeeper Wu came out holding a large red paper packet and asked Jiang Ci for instructions, “Boss, we made such a big sale today. According to old customs, we should scatter some lucky fruits and coins at the door. How much should we prepare?”
“How much do others usually give?”
“Usually one copper coin is enough, but sometimes they give ten cents in small silver coins.”
“Then give the larger amount. Also, go to Huiyuan Building and book a banquet to reward everyone in the shop.”
“Thank you, Boss!”
“Thank you, Boss!”
Amidst the thanks from the staff and craftsmen, Jiang Ci left with the Qin family group.
Outside, Qin Yanlou said, “I need to stop by the freight company first. You guys go ahead.”
Fortunately, Qin Yanchi’s car was a six-seater vintage vehicle, so the rest of them got in and headed first to the Central China Hotel.
Jiang Ci brought Qin Huainan into the lobby and asked the receptionist, “We are looking for Qin Huai’an. Could you tell us which room he is in?”
“Young Master Qin is in the billiards room. Allow me to lead the way.”
Jiang Ci followed the receptionist to the billiards hall and saw Qin Huai’an playing pool with several other well-dressed men his age.
Qin Huai’an wasn’t wearing a suit jacket, only a pearl-grey waistcoat over his shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms. He was leaning against the edge of an empty table with his legs crossed, his left hand—wearing a silver watch—resting on the table, watching someone else play.
When the other person finished a shot, he looked up and saw Jiang Ci and Qin Huainan. He said to Qin Huai’an, “Huai’an, aren’t these people looking for you?”
Qin Huai’an turned around. Seeing Jiang Ci, his brows immediately furrowed. “Why are you here?”
Jiang Ci didn’t care about his attitude. She pushed Qin Huainan forward slightly and said, “Huainan hasn’t seen you in days. She begged me to bring her here to see you.”
A hint of sarcasm appeared on Qin Huai’an’s face, but out of consideration for his friends nearby, he said nothing. He just waved at Qin Huainan and said, “Come here.”
Qin Huainan didn’t move immediately. Instead, she looked up at Jiang Ci.
Jiang Ci nodded at her, then looked at Qin Huai’an and said, “I’ve brought her here, so I won’t disturb you siblings from catching up. Huainan, I’ll come pick you up at twelve o’clock.”
With that, Jiang Ci turned around and walked out of the billiards room cleanly and decisively.
Qin Huai’an was stunned for a moment. He hadn’t expected her to leave so quickly. He stared at the doorway, unable to snap out of it.
His friends also looked at each other in confusion.
One of them, who was more impatient, asked, “Huai’an, everyone says your new wife is jealous. I heard she even chased you to the department store because of Miss Liang. But judging by what I saw just now, she doesn’t seem like that kind of person at all!”
Thinking about the incident at the department store, Qin Huai’an’s expression darkened. He said coldly, “It’s just gossip made up by reporters from the tabloids!”
The billiards room was filled with men, and smoking was allowed. Not wanting his sister to stay in such an environment, Qin Huai’an put down his cue and said, “You guys play first. I’ll take Huainan upstairs to my room to talk.”
Meanwhile, after leaving the hotel, Jiang Ci made plans with Qin Yange to go shopping together.
“Originally, I came out today to buy a tennis outfit so I can play with my classmates. Perfect timing, while Huainan is with her brother, let’s go look around the shops.”
There were no large shopping malls like in the future, but the commercial street was already quite developed.
Besides department stores, there were many boutiques lining the street selling women’s clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and more.
Since the Central China Hotel was located in a busy area, it wasn’t far from the shopping district.
Qin Yanchi told the driver to wait at the entrance, while he and Zeng Juemi walked behind the two ladies. It only took a few minutes to reach the street.
“Let’s go in here!” Qin Yange pulled Jiang Ci into an exquisitely decorated boutique and said, “The tailor here used to be a wealthy lady who studied abroad. Later, her family fell on hard times, so she opened this shop. She had great taste in clothes even back then, and her designs are top quality. We jokingly call her the Chanel of Shanghai.”
“Third Miss is always so kind to patronize my shop. And now you’re even praising me in front of your friend. I really don’t know how to repay you.” Tao Yiru walked out from the back room and said to a young girl, “Go make some coffee.”
Once the girl left, Tao Yiru immediately extended her hand to Jiang Ci. “My surname is Tao, I am the owner here. May I ask for your name, Miss?”
“Just call me Jiang Ci, Boss Tao.”
Qin Yange stood behind Jiang Ci, gently pushing her shoulders forward, and said, “She wants to buy a tennis outfit. What style do you think would suit her?”
“There are really only two styles available nowadays. Shorts probably wouldn’t be appropriate for your friend, so that leaves the dress style.”
Qin Yange leaned closer to Jiang Ci’s ear and whispered, “These days, many stars wear those very short shorts when playing tennis, showing half their thighs. Photographers rush to take pictures of them and hang the photos in shop windows, selling them for more than ten silver dollars a piece. Some people buy them secretly. We are just too easily surprised here, not knowing that foreigners wear even less at the beach!”
Jiang Ci couldn’t help but smile. “I agree that pants are more practical on the actual court. But things are different here. Wearing too little would definitely attract too much attention.”
The other style of tennis wear was simply a white pleated dress, available with either sleeveless or dropped shoulder designs, leaving the arms mostly exposed, with a small lapel collar.
Influenced by the Western Flapper style, these dresses were mostly low-waisted, not designed to show off the figure, and fell to about mid-calf length, so they didn’t really require custom measurements.
Jiang Ci chose two sets. As she turned around to look around the shop, her eyes fell on a mannequin wearing a black turtleneck knit sweater paired with light beige wide-leg trousers.
At that time, aside from young maidservants, respectable women never wore pants outdoors.
Jiang Ci stared at the trousers for quite a while. Tao Yiru followed her gaze and asked, “Miss Jiang is interested in these? To be honest, ever since I made them and put them on display, no one has ever asked about them.”
“Really? I would actually like to order a few pairs. Please take my measurements.”
Tao Yiru had only been joking, so she was surprised to get a real order. She paused for a moment, then said, “Please follow me.”
Jiang Ci followed her into the studio, had her measurements taken, gave specific instructions regarding the fabric and matching tops, paid the deposit, and then left the shop with Qin Yange.
Afterwards, Jiang Ci accompanied Qin Yange to buy some new shades of nail polish before the group finally headed back.
As they approached the entrance of the Central China Hotel, Zeng Juemi suddenly pointed inside and said, “They are punctual enough! We just arrived, and they are already waiting at the door.”
But the next second, Qin Huainan rushed out and threw herself into Jiang Ci’s arms.
Jiang Ci felt the fabric against her collarbone instantly become wet, realizing that Qin Huainan was crying.
Zeng Juemi was startled. “What happened?”
As soon as he spoke, Qin Huai’an chased out after her.
Seeing Qin Yanchi, Qin Huai’an stopped in his tracks. He cleared his throat and straightened his waistcoat.
But when his eyes fell on Jiang Ci, his temper flared up again. He demanded, “Jiang Ci, did you put those words in her mouth?”
“You’ve confused me, Young Master.” Jiang Ci looked down at the person in her arms and asked, “What did she say?”
“Don’t play dumb! Huainan never mentioned going to school before. How come as soon as you married into the Qin family, she starts making a fuss about it? And she was so rude to Manyin, saying all kinds of cruel things! Who else but you would teach her such things?”
Just then, Liang Manyin ran out, her face flushed red. Looking at her expression, Jiang Ci thought she looked more embarrassed than shy.
Jiang Ci looked back and forth between the two of them and suddenly laughed.
Qin Huai’an was furious. He stepped closer to her. “How dare you laugh!”
At that moment, Qin Yanchi reached out and stepped in front of Jiang Ci. He frowned and said, “Making a scene and shouting at your wife in public? You are really making great progress!”
Qin Huai’an stood rooted to the spot, his chest heaving with rage. He glared fiercely at Jiang Ci before stepping back.
Jiang Ci’s expression remained completely unchanged. Holding Qin Huai’nan with one arm, she said calmly, “Of course I dare to laugh. I am laughing at some people who talk about new civilization and new ideas, but in reality, they are completely old-fashioned at heart.”
Hearing this, the look in Qin Huai’an’s eyes changed instantly.
“What did you say?”