After finishing their shopping, Si Mama wasn’t ready to head home. She asked Aunt Liu and the driver to load the purchases into the car while she wanted to stroll with Pei Xi a little longer.
“Xiao Xi, let’s walk around a bit more. I want to buy you a few more pairs of comfortable shoes—you like walking, right? You should have a few extras. Oh, and bags too. Let’s see if there are any new ones you like that match your clothes.”
Since going home meant returning to an empty house, Si Mama thought it was better to enjoy a little more time out. Maybe she should move in with her daughter-in-law for a while—her son was away, and she worried about Pei Xi being alone. But she would discuss that with her husband later at home.
Pei Xi had plenty of clothes, shoes, and bags in her wardrobe. She didn’t go out much, so she rarely had a chance to wear them all. Sometimes, seeing her wardrobe overflowing left her feeling a little troubled.
“Mom, we already have so many things at home. I really don’t need anything right now. Why don’t you pick something for yourself? Most of what we’re looking at today is mine anyway.”
Si Mama didn’t object. She liked shopping too, and if she saw something she liked, she’d naturally buy it.
“Then let’s take our time. You pick what you like, and I’ll pick what I like.”
So the two of them wandered slowly, entering any store that caught their interest.
Passing an underwear shop, Si Mama pulled Pei Xi inside.
“Xiao Xi, I forgot to get you some everyday undergarments earlier. These look nice, let’s take a look.”
She wasn’t talking about postpartum clothes yet, but the regular kind Pei Xi would wear now. With her belly growing, her current bras and underwear were starting to feel tight—she needed more comfortable ones.
The department store had trained staff who offered bra fittings. They measured Pei Xi and recommended the right cup and band size, considering her shape and habits. Even after helping many customers, the staff thought Pei Xi had one of the most perfect figures they’d seen. Internally, she mused, that boyfriend is really lucky.
Pei Xi picked several sets she liked. Seeing that Si Mama had finished selecting hers, the two sets of items were ready at the counter for checkout.
“Mom, let me pay this time. You’ve already spent so much today.”
Si Mama considered it, then agreed.
“Alright, but don’t use your own money—use Ah Han’s card. A husband earns for his wife to spend; you might as well use it.”
Pei Xi thought that made sense. If she didn’t spend it, who knows what else it might be used for?
When Pei Xi swiped the card, Si Ruohan got a notification. Seeing the store name, he immediately guessed it was for intimate wear. I wonder what color Xiao Xi’s new set is this time…
Si Mama had chosen sleepwear, but not for herself—she was buying for Pei Xi. The fabric was delicate, the styles pretty. At her son’s age, only now did he have a wife. She wanted Pei Xi to hold onto him tightly, and with Pei Xi so beautiful and her pregnancy stable, it was a good time for the couple to enjoy their relationship.
“Xiao Xi, these sleepwear sets are for you. The fabric is soft and comfortable to sleep in. Now that it’s two of you, your sleep is important—remember to wear them!”
Pei Xi was surprised.
“Mom, all these are for me? That’s so many! I couldn’t possibly wear them all. Maybe you can take two home instead?”
Si Mama refused.
“No, no. Our body shapes are different, and these are specially picked for you. You can’t refuse.”
Though she noticed the sizes seemed similar, Pei Xi accepted them—it was a gesture of kindness. Besides her own adoptive mother, this was the first time Pei Xi felt such care from an elder. She longed for familial warmth, and Si Mama’s thoughtfulness—gifting clothes, sending nourishing soups through the house staff—made her feel truly cared for.
The items weren’t heavy, but Si Mama insisted Pei Xi not carry them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Pei Xi hugged her arm.
“Mom, you’re so good—you’re the best mom in the world!”
Si Mama understood Pei Xi’s difficult past and felt deeply for her. She had even vented to Si Papa about how cruel Pei Xi’s biological parents were, abandoning such a wonderful child in an orphanage. But now that Pei Xi was part of their family, it was their turn to love and protect her.
“Of course we’re family. Isn’t it natural for me to care for you? It’s almost noon—shall we have lunch out?”
“Sure! Do you have any place in mind?”
Si Mama shook her head. There were too many options; she couldn’t decide.
“What do you suggest?”
Pei Xi thought of a place Si Ruohan had taken her to before.
“Ah Han once brought me to dine with his friends—it was at Ji Huaiyu’s hotel. The food was really good. Let’s go there?”
Si Mama recognized it immediately and agreed. They called the driver and headed straight to the restaurant.
Since the driver and Aunt Liu were with them, Si Mama arranged two tables so they wouldn’t crowd the others. Pei Xi and Si Mama didn’t reserve a private room; a window-side booth offered both privacy and a nice view.
After ordering, Pei Xi thought of her father-in-law.
“Mom, you’re not going home for lunch? Dad won’t mind, right?”
Si Mama wasn’t concerned.
“No worries. Your dad has things to do today; he might not even be back on time for lunch.”
Pei Xi felt relieved. At least she wasn’t separating the couple unnecessarily.
A secret foodie at heart, Pei Xi enjoyed all good food. When her steamed fish arrived, Si Mama said:
“The seafood here is fresh—straight from the docks. Fewer bones, more nutrients. Eat up!”
Pei Xi, past her morning sickness and now three months pregnant, had a healthy appetite and welcomed anything she could eat.
When Si Mama offered her some, Pei Xi quickly said:
“Mom, you eat too. I’ll serve myself.”
With just the two of them, they could enjoy a slow, relaxed meal together.