C17 She Was Born Without a Mother

Despite Huo Mengmeng's deep reluctance, she didn't have the courage to refuse Leng Huaiqing.

With a grimace, she conceded, "Alright."

And so, Huo Mengmeng hitched a ride with Leng Huaiqing to work and departed from the villa.

Half an hour later, the car pulled into the shopping mall's underground parking garage.

Huo Mengmeng stepped out first and instructed, "Chu Jie, if you're busy, feel free to take care of your matters. I'll give you a call after lunch."

"Miss, I'm at your service. My duty today is to carry bags for the Great Miss!" Chu Jie responded with utmost respect.

Huo Mengmeng nearly twisted her ankle in frustration.

Turning to him, she couldn't mask her irritation, "Chu Jie, can't you just find a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee and wait? Must you really tag along with two ladies shopping? Doesn't it wear you out?"

Chu Jie, stoic as ever, replied, "Master Leng instructed me to accompany the Great Miss. I am not tired."

"You..." Huo Mengmeng was on the verge of exasperation.

Fine, if he insisted on following orders, then she might as well benefit from his free bag-carrying services!

With that, Huo Mengmeng, shadowed by her persistent companion, met up with Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi wasn't taken aback; it was likely Master Leng's doing, so she didn't pay it much mind. Linking arms with her best friend, they entered a boutique.

The pair shopped and tried on clothes, visiting every women's clothing store except those catering to an older demographic.

Chu Jie, trailing behind, was close to despair, having not anticipated the exhaustion that comes with accompanying two ladies on a shopping spree.

It was proving more exhausting than a 48-hour shift with Master Leng!

Chu Jie vowed that he would refuse such tasks in the future, but having committed to Master Leng's assignment for the day, he was determined to fulfill it without fail.

Laden with bags big and small, Chu Jie resignedly kept pace with the two energetically striding women, feeling for the first time that his stamina as a man was no match for theirs, which was quite the blow to his pride.

Two hours later, Huo Mengmeng and Zhao Xi had practically canvassed the entire women's clothing section on the fifth floor and were finally ready for a break.

Descending to the third floor, they spotted a Korean restaurant. Huo Mengmeng turned to Chu Jie and suggested, "Why don't you head to the garage and drop off our bags? That way, we can enjoy our meal without all the clutter."

Chu Jie agreed with a nod, "Sure thing." He then headed downstairs with the parcels, missing Zhao Xi's playful jab.

"Sweetie, you know those items could have been delivered, right? Why make Chu Jie lug them around? He's just an employee, and you're clearly taking advantage of him!"

"Taking advantage? Not at all," Huo Mengmeng retorted with an eye roll. "He volunteered. Said his job today was to carry my bags, and I'm just helping him meet his goal!"

"You really think I'm clueless about your little scheme?" Zhao Xi chuckled, poking her friend's forehead. "You're just frustrated because you can't get the better of Master Leng, so poor Chu Jie ends up being your scapegoat!"

"Would it kill you to keep that to yourself?" Huo Mengmeng shot her friend a playful glare and mockingly raised her hand as if to strike her.

Dodging with a laugh, Zhao Xi played along, engaging in their lighthearted tussle.

Just then, a disdainful voice cut through the air, mocking them: "I was wondering who was being so uncouth, laughing and carrying on, disturbing others during their meal. Turns out it's Huo Mengmeng, the same girl who was pampered by a benefactor back in high school! Hardly surprising, given her upbringing—or lack thereof—how could she possess any manners?"

Who else could it be but Xiao Anan?