This question struck like a thunderclap exploding in Gu Yuanhang’s mind.
The air around seemed to freeze. Zhao Zhigang’s jaw dropped completely. He looked from Su Xingci to Gu Yuanhang whose face had turned deathly pale his thoughts grinding to a halt. The clerks and nearby shoppers pricked up their ears every instinct for gossip fully alert.
Bought for her? Gu Yuanhang’s heart felt pierced. That scarf costing over forty yuan something he had saved and planned so carefully to give Miaomiao How could he claim it was meant for Su Xingci? Yet if he denied it standing here publicly as an elder escorting his niece while selecting such an intimate gift for another woman what would people say? His reputation would be ruined. Worse Su Xingci watched him unblinking no trace of her old adoration only cold amusement as though enjoying a show. He had no doubt refuse and she would make a scene right here.
The choice took only an instant. Gu Yuanhang ground his teeth nearly to dust forcing a smile more wretched than a grimace.
“Yes.” He nodded painfully throat raw and dry. “You always dress so plainly I thought something brighter might suit you.”
Zhao Zhigang stared mouth agape enough to hold an egg. Meant for his beloved one moment passed off to the niece the next Old Gu changed faces faster than turning pages.
Su Xingci sneered inwardly while beaming with delight performing more convincingly than he ever had. “Really Uncle You are so kind to me” She accepted the wrapped scarf and untied the packaging with easy familiarity. Gu Yuanhang winced at every movement watching the pink meant for Miaomiao pass into her hands.
She held it barely glancing then curled her lip in distaste. Tossing it casually onto the counter it landed with a soft sharp sound. “But I do not like pink it is so common.” “And the fabric feels scratchy and unpleasant.” She wrinkled her nose as though discarding rags not something worth forty yuan.
Gu Yuanhang’s face turned dark green. Common Scratchy He had chosen it with such care for Miaomiao.
“Uncle may we choose something else?” Before he could object she pulled him toward the ready-made clothing section. Strong and quick he stumbled along caught off guard.
“Look Uncle” She pointed to a bright red silk dress displayed prominently her eyes sparkling. “I want this The color is perfect it will look wonderful on me.” It was the latest design smooth fabric glowing under the lights and the price tag glared one hundred and twenty yuan.
Gu Yuanhang’s eye twitched uncontrollably. One hundred and twenty yuan Nearly two months of his allowance. After buying the scarf he barely had anything left.
“Xingci is not that too expensive?” He tried to pull free but she held on tighter.
She turned blinking innocently. “Expensive Uncle did you not want to give me a gift?” “You care so much about me surely a little money does not matter does it?” She lingered over Uncle speaking sweetly yet each word struck him like a taunt.
Bystanders began murmuring. “What a generous uncle over a hundred yuan for a dress.” “She is truly fortunate.”
Emotional coercion Barefaced coercion. Gu Yuanhang clenched his fists about to plead insufficient funds when Su Xingci pointed toward a display mannequin raising her voice. “Oh look That one is beautiful too.”
All eyes followed. A vivid emerald tailored suit shone bright and fresh. She shook his arm innocently. “See how green and lively it looks So full of life.”
Green and lively Zhao Zhigang choked struggling not to burst out laughing shoulders shaking. Gu Yuanhang’s complexion went from green to sullen dark as storm clouds. He could almost feel a giant glowing green hat settling over his head.
Liu Hongyan caught on completely. Still uncertain about the uncle niece pretense she joined in enthusiastically to support her friend. Stepping forward she praised the outfit loudly enough for half the floor to hear. “Yes what a wonderful shade.” She glanced pointedly at Gu Yuanhang. “Comrade Officer this color matches you perfectly.” “Women’s wear yes but such a hopeful meaning Fresh flourishing life Excellent fortune.”
Suppressed giggles broke out. Flourishing life Everyone knew what that really meant. Gu Yuanhang’s temples throbbed blood rushing to his head. He met Su Xingci’s innocent provocative gaze dreading whatever she might say next. Humiliation was complete. Only money could silence her now or he would be the joke of the entire military district tomorrow.
“Buy” The word tore out between clenched teeth. He wrenched free strode to the counter pulled out his wallet and slapped a thick stack of banknotes down with desperate resolve. “Buy them both If Xingci wants them she shall have them.”
The clerk startled brightened at the sight of cash swiftly wrapping both garments. Su Xingci looked at Gu Yuanhang’s face black as soot her anger melting away. Revenge tasted sweeter than ice cream. She stepped forward taking the parcels cheerfully. “Thank you Uncle You are the best.” Waving to Liu Hongyan and Zhao Zhigang she turned and walked briskly away vanishing down the stairs. Gu Yuanhang remained alone wallet empty faces watching him from every side burning with rage and shame.