C21 Motherinlaw
"Nothing much, I just thought you might be bored at home. I figured we could go for a stroll, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat together."
For women of their stature, shopping was a routine affair.
Mu Chuchen stood up, "Well then, let's head out."
Su Shu hesitated before reminding Mu Chuchen, "Chuchen, you haven't grabbed your purse."
"No need, I'll just buy a new one."
She took only her phone and car keys and led the way out.
Su Shu and her daughter exchanged glances. Although Mu Chuchen hadn't brought her purse, she had her phone. Nowadays, most purchases are made through WeChat or Alipay, so they could still take advantage of Mu Chuchen.
The trio, affectionately close as mother and daughters, headed to the bustling pedestrian street in the city center. The street was lined with high-end shops, where a single purchase could equal someone's monthly wage.
Locals in Jin City affectionately dubbed the pedestrian street "Luxury Lane," a hotspot for the affluent.
Since Mu Chuchen mentioned she wanted to buy a new bag, they first visited the Hermes boutique they frequented.
Su Shu and her daughter were accustomed to Mu Chuchen footing the bill during their shopping sprees, and they intended to continue that tradition.
Once inside, they each picked out bags they fancied.
Mu Chuchen quickly selected ten bags.
At checkout, Su Shu and her daughter both turned expectantly to Mu Chuchen.
Confused, Mu Chuchen inquired, "Ms. Su, aren't you going to pay? I didn't bring my purse, so I can't pay without my bank card. How about you gift me these bags?"
The bags she chose were priced around 100,000 yuan each; ten bags totaled a million yuan, an amount Su Shu could handle.
"Chuchen, you can use WeChat or Alipay."
"I haven't linked my bank card to my phone."
Determined not to pay, Mu Chuchen watched as the staff gave them peculiar looks. Su Shu, seething inside but maintaining her poise, briskly handed over her card to the cashier.
As they left the Hermes boutique, Su Shu felt a sting with every step she took.
Next, Mu Chuchen went on a shopping spree, picking up new clothes, cosmetics, skincare products, and more, all on Su Shu's dime. As Chuchen made her way toward a jewelry store, Su Shu caught her daughter's eye, signaling her to intervene quickly.
"Sister."
Mu Xiaohuan, too, was concerned about the strain on their mother's wallet. She grabbed hold of Chuchen, who was about to splurge in the jewelry store, and pleaded in a sweet, tired voice, "Sis, we've been at this for hours. I'm worn out. How about we grab a bite to eat first?"
Chuchen was feeling the exhaustion herself. The night before, Ye Junhao had kept her up, tossing and turning for most of the night. She was beat, a clear result of toying with a wild wolf for far too long.
"Sure, a little food will give us the energy we need to keep shopping," Chuchen agreed, seizing the chance to take a break.
Su Shu's mouth twitched in frustration. Chuchen was a spendthrift, burning through money like it was nothing. She always went for the most expensive, top-of-the-line items, causing Su Shu's bank account to dwindle with each purchase. Every bank notification felt like another slice was being carved out of her.
"I know of a new coffee shop around here," Xiaohuan suggested, eager to treat her sister. "I've been there before. The coffee is decent, and the pastries are delicious. You always love a good dessert."
Xiaohuan attempted to link arms with Chuchen affectionately, but her hands were full with bags, making it awkward.
"Okay."
Chuchen acknowledged and handed her shopping bags to Xiaohuan. "Hold these for me, Xiaohuan. I need a break."
Without waiting for a response, Chuchen offloaded her haul into Xiaohuan's arms.
Xiaohuan sighed... she had become Chuchen's personal porter!
"I'm familiar with the coffee shop you mentioned. Let's head there and enjoy some pastries," Chuchen said, feeling unburdened.
Free from the weight of her purchases, Chuchen stepped ahead with a spring in her step, leaving Su Shu and her daughter to follow.
