The clerk paused listening. She looked up studying the girl neat and plain yet clean. Earlier seeing her bold demand she had thought her sharp and calculating never guessing her heart was so kind.
“Books for children” The clerk’s tone softened. “The rule is a ten yuan handling fee.” Even as she spoke she handed ten yuan back. “I will waive it Count me in helping the school children too.” She pushed the money forward much warmer.
Su Xingci thanked her surprised. “Thank you.”
Huo Chenzhou stood silent watching her profile his expression unreadable. Liu Hongyan squeezed Su Xingci’s arm whispering full of admiration. “You are truly wonderful That money came from him fair and square and you give it all away”
Su Xingci smiled keeping it simple. It just felt wrong. Anything touched by Gu Yuanhang was tainted. Better spent on children than kept as a reminder.
Reaching for her money Huo Chenzhou spoke pointing to a dress on another rack. “Wrap that one.” His voice quiet left no room to refuse.
The clerk hurried over bringing it forward white silk patterned with roses collar and flared sleeves far finer than anything seen there. “Our newest arrival only one in stock” She beamed. The price tag read one hundred yuan.
Huo Chenzhou did not take it himself holding it out to Su Xingci. “For you.”
She stepped back shaking her head. “No Commander Huo I cannot.” After returning Gu Yuanhang’s gifts accepting from another felt impossible.
He stayed calm. “For helping choose Tangtang’s hairpin.”
The reason stopped her. She glanced at the price one hundred yuan For a hairpin It was far too generous.
“It is too much I cannot”
“Accept it” Liu Hongyan urged nudging her hard. He likes you Do not let him slip away
Huo Chenzhou held it forward. “Already bought cannot return.” He added simply “I have no use for it myself.”
She hesitated. “Those were returned just now This has not been paid yet.”
He looked at the clerk who grinned knowingly. “This one is special sale final no returns”
Su Xingci fell silent. Teamed up against her. She took the parcel heavy in her hands. “Thank you Commander Huo I will repay you.” She made it clear. Debts were burdens she would not carry. He offered no reply.
Outside Liu Hongyan bubbled over. “You have such luck Tell me what is between you two He looks at you differently”
“Nothing we just met.” She passed the dress over. “Stop it I have enough trouble already without romance.”
Liu Hongyan’s smile faded. “True What about Gu Yuanhang”
“I do not know One step at a time I must get Father to leave first.”
After school Su Xingci walked out to find her father waiting beneath the old pagoda tree chatting with students. “Father why are you here”
“To see you.” He took her lesson books naturally. “Living alone worries me Show me where you stay I will buy whatever you need.”
Students called out goodbyes and questions. She waved back heart warmed. Only with them could she forget everything else. Turning toward the dormitory she nearly bumped into a woman carrying a child.
“Xingci what a nice surprise” The woman beamed. It was Huo Mingyue Huo Chenzhou’s sister.
“Sister Mingyue What brings you here”
“Staying for a while Tangtang needs school so we came early.” She jiggled the child smiling. “Fate bringing us together like this And thank you for helping with her hairpin.” She pressed a net of big apples into her hands.
Su Xingci stood overwhelmed first the dress now apples How much was that moment of kindness worth
Su Yuanshan looked puzzled. “When did you two become so close”
“Not long ago” Huo Mingyue answered brightly. “Now Tangtang starts school we will see much more of each other.” She turned inviting. “Are you free this afternoon Come over for dinner Tangtang adores you don’t you darling”
Tangtang stretched out chubby hands eyes crinkling. “Sister Xingci hold me Uncle went to buy meat Make dumplings please”