The store manager turned toward Lin Xuewei on the floor with a stern expression.
“Miss, your behavior just now has seriously offended our most esteemed guest,” the manager said, her voice icy and restrained, carrying an air of unquestionable decisiveness.
“Those who physically attack top-tier VIP clients and spread false rumors will be permanently blacklisted.”
The manager picked up the walkie-talkie and pressed the call button. “Security, send a few people over.”
In less than a minute, four burly security guards in black uniforms strode in briskly.
The moment Lin Xuewei saw the security guards, she finally realized the severity of the situation. She scrambled up from the floor in a panic, her demeanor shifting from arrogance to weakness. “Wh-what do you think you’re doing? I’m the eldest daughter of the Lin family! I’m also one of your VIPs! You can’t treat me like this—”
The manager coldly cut her off. “Your facial information has already been entered into the system. From today onward, you are permanently banned from entering all stores under our company.”
“Not only that,” the manager paused, her tone growing even sharper, “as a brand operating within Henglong Plaza, we will synchronize your blacklist information with the mall management office. From this moment on, all partnered brands in this mall will close their doors to you.”
Lin Xuewei was completely panicked now. She gripped the edge of the counter tightly, shrieking hoarsely, “On what grounds? I’m a customer! You have no right to kick me out!”
The security guards stepped forward expressionlessly, one on each side, firmly gripping Lin Xuewei’s arms as if restraining a hen awaiting slaughter.
“Let go of me! You snobbish bastards! I’ll file a complaint! I’ll expose you!”
Lin Xuewei struggled desperately, her high heels scraping against the marble floor with a piercing sound.
Her best friend, already frightened out of her wits, clutched her bag and backed away as if avoiding the plague, not even daring to glance at Lin Xuewei.
“Take her out,” the manager ordered coldly.
Lin Xuewei’s shrieks echoed through the spacious corridor. She was dragged all the way from the third floor down to the lobby on the first floor, drawing curious stares and whispers from customers and staff of other brand stores.
Her face, twisted with rage and humiliation, was seen clearly by everyone. Pointing fingers and mocking laughter washed over her like a tidal wave.
Finally, the security guards pushed her out through the mall’s revolving door.
With a thud, the glass door slowly closed behind her, completely cutting off the comfortable air conditioning and luxurious lighting inside the mall.
Lin Xuewei staggered onto the street under the scorching sun, her hair disheveled and her makeup smeared. The air of the “eldest daughter of the Lin family” she had flaunted earlier was completely gone, leaving her looking like a ridiculous clown.
Her best friend slipped out through another door and stood nearby, her gaze shifting from sympathy to undisguised disdain.
“Xuewei, since your family is going bankrupt, let’s keep in touch less from now on,” her friend said, curling her lip before walking away without a backward glance, her high heels clicking against the ground.
Only Lin Xuewei remained, trembling under the blazing sun.
“Bitches! All of you are bitches!”
Lin Xuewei cursed angrily.
…
The store manager personally escorted Lin Nianxi into the most private VIP lounge, serving her premium red tea and macarons.
“Ms. Lin, to express our apologies, this hair treatment will be complimentary for you. The amount you spent will be refunded to your card, and we will also gift you a membership card with a 20,000 yuan credit for your future visits,” the store manager said respectfully with a smile.
“Thank you,” Lin Nianxi replied in pleasant surprise, never expecting such good fortune.
The service at this salon was truly exceptional—she would definitely come back often!
She was guided by the attendant back to her seat.
The hair treatment took nearly an hour.
The stylist gave Lin Nianxi a Korean-style soft wave, with natural curls at the ends. Her jet-black hair flowed smoothly like silk, gleaming with a healthy shine under the lights and carrying a subtle, delightful fragrance.
Standing behind her, the stylist placed both hands on her shoulders, admiring the finished look in the mirror. “Your natural features are outstanding, and your hair quality is excellent. Even a simple styling turns out beautifully.”
Lin Nianxi looked at her reflection in the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself.
The new curls accentuated her delicate face, making her facial features appear more defined and three-dimensional. Paired with the off-white French daisy dress, she looked like an exquisite doll displayed in a shop window.
The store manager personally escorted her to the entrance, bowing slightly. “Take care, Ms. Lin. We look forward to your next visit.”
Stepping out of the salon, Lin Nianxi glanced at the bank notification on her phone.
Not only had she gotten her hair done for free, but she had also received a membership card with 20,000 yuan in credit.
What a fantastic deal!
She would definitely return!
Lin Nianxi was overjoyed.
However, she was still a bit short of completing the spending task Huo Jingmo had assigned her.
If she didn’t spend enough, she would face punishment.
Standing in the mall corridor, Lin Nianxi bit her lip, deep in thought. What should she buy today?
But she didn’t need anything at the moment and couldn’t think of anything she wanted.
In the past, she had been so poor that money was never enough. Never did she imagine she would one day face the dilemma of having too much money and nowhere to spend it.
After wandering around the mall for a while, she paused in front of a men’s clothing store window.
She could buy something for Huo Jingmo!
After all, she was spending his money, so it was only right to get him a gift.
The window displayed various men’s accessories.
Cufflinks, ties, tie clips.
Lin Nianxi walked into the store.
The counter showcased an array of tie clips—gold, silver, diamond-studded, and plain.
Her eyes scanned the selection before settling on a subtle dark gray titanium tie clip.
It had no flashy decorations, just clean, sharp lines with a finely engraved pattern at the tip.
Cold, restrained, and steady.
It perfectly matched his style.
Lin Nianxi felt this would suit him well.
Mr. Huo would surely look handsome wearing it.
“How much is this?”
“Miss, this piece is handcrafted in Italy and costs 48,000 yuan,” the sales associate replied with a smile.
Lin Nianxi bit her lip.
Forty-eight thousand.
With this purchase, she would complete today’s task.
“Please wrap it up for me.”
The sales associate placed the tie clip into an elegant gift box and tied it with a dark blue ribbon.
Lin Nianxi took the box, her fingertips lightly brushing over its surface.
She wondered if he would like it.
…
At four in the afternoon, the driver dropped Lin Nianxi off at the private hospital under the Huo Group.
The hospital lobby was spacious and bright, a world apart from ordinary public hospitals. There were no crowded crowds, no pungent smell of disinfectant, and the air even carried a faint floral fragrance.
The nurse at the station saw her and immediately stood up to greet her.
“Mrs. Huo, Old Mrs. Lin has been transferred from the ICU to a regular ward. The surgery was very successful, and all her post-operative indicators have been recovering well.”
Lin Nianxi’s anxious heart finally settled.
She quickly walked to the door of the ward and gently pushed it open.
The ward faced south, and sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and cozy. Fresh flowers adorned the room, along with a wall-mounted television.
Grandma leaned against the partially raised bedhead, her complexion much better than when Nianxi last saw her in the ICU. Though still thin, her eyes now held a spark of life.
Hearing the door open, the elderly woman turned her head, her cloudy gaze settling on Lin Nianxi. She paused for a moment.
“Xixi?”
“Grandma!” Lin Nianxi hurried over, sat down on the chair beside the bed, and took the old woman’s withered hand in hers.
Grandma squinted, looking her up and down, her thin lips slowly curling into a smile. “My Xixi has grown even more beautiful.”
“Your hair is curly now, so pretty, so lovely.” Grandma raised her trembling hand and gently touched the ends of Nianxi’s hair.
Lin Nianxi felt a lump in her throat but smiled as she picked up an orange from the bedside table. She began peeling it while saying, “Grandma, your complexion looks much better too, and you seem more energetic.”
She carefully removed every bit of white pith from the orange segments, broke them into small pieces, and fed them to her grandmother.
Grandma took a segment, chewed it slowly, swallowed, and then spoke. “Xixi, how did Grandma end up in such a nice hospital? This must cost a fortune…”
They say raising children ensures support in old age, but she had two sons—one had passed away, and the other was unfilial.
She had been hospitalized for so long, yet her eldest son and his family had only visited her once, showing no concern for her.
In their eyes, she had become a burden.
Only Xixi, this silly child, had stayed by her side, accompanying this useless old woman.
Lin Nianxi’s hands paused as she peeled the orange.
She looked up, meeting her grandmother’s worried gaze. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke.
“Grandma, I got married.”