Chapter 98 - 98: Sweetheart
“Oh my, that’s so sweet! You guys are practically throwing relationship hints around, and here I am, a single soul, feeling like a stray dog,” Tong Fei’s friend playfully remarked.
Tong Fei blushed and joked, “You’re asking for trouble.”
“You and Mr. Gu seem to be getting cozy. He’s the total package, handsome and loaded. He’s like the dream catch for countless women. You better seize this opportunity. Once it’s gone, there won’t be another chance like this,”
“I’d love to, you know? But, as you’re aware, I’m in the public eye. If I make a move that looks like I’m pushing for marriage and it hits the headlines, it’ll tarnish my image,” Tong Fei replied, her tone a mix of frustration and resignation.
She always felt that although Gu Shaoting seemed to accept their relationship, there was an underlying sense of detachment. Since she helped him out that one time, he had been different. He showered her with gifts and she briefly got carried away, thinking it was his way of showing affection.
After all, why would a man spend so lavishly on a woman if he didn’t care for her? Yet, Tong Fei seemed to miss the other possibility. He might be trying to compensate for something.
Nonetheless, Tong Fei was convinced that Gu Shaoting loved her, and that reassured her.
“Anyway, it’s just a matter of time. When the moment comes, Mr. Gu will propose with all the grandeur, like a scene from a movie,” her friend analyzed. “Alright, let’s not waste any more time. We’ve got more shopping to do.”
“What are we waiting for then? Let’s hit the stores.”
Receiving the call, Gu Shaoting rubbed his temple, feeling somewhat stuck in a difficult situation.
Earlier, because of Tong Fei saving him, his attitude toward her had changed somewhat. Sometimes, he felt quite lonely, and having a companion seemed like a good idea.
That was why he had accepted this sort of relationship, but after spending some time together, he noticed that Tong Fei was becoming somewhat clingy, always wanting to control his plans.
Suddenly, he found himself thinking about Shu Pan, a name that occasionally popped into his mind. She had a completely different personality. She wasn’t clingy at all and was quite independent. He found himself missing her.
Shu Pan got up early, preparing for the day. She caught the earliest bus back to Lotus Town.
As soon as she entered her home, a little bundle of joy rushed into her arms.
“Joy, be careful. Did you hurt yourself running into Mommy? Did I bump you?” Shu Pan asked, sounding worried.
“No, Mommy. I missed you so much. It feels like you’ve been away for ages. Don’t you miss me?” Joy, small in stature but big in spirit, said playfully.
“Mommy missed you terribly. That’s why I hurried back, and guess what?
Mommy brought you something special!” Shu Pan’s heart ached hearing her daughter’s words.
“What did Mommy buy for Joy?” the little sweetheart asked in her adorable voice.
“Look, Mommy got you two dresses and a pair of shoes. Try them on quickly!” Shu Pan said, taking the items out of her bag.
“Mommy, did you spend a lot of money? We don’t have much. Mommy, you just need to spend more time with me. I already have other dresses,” Joy’s words brought tears to Shu Pan’s eyes.
Joy might be young, but she was thoughtful, a true sweetheart.
“Mommy earned some money, that’s why I bought these for you. Hurry and try them on. Let Mommy see my beautiful and adorable little princess, okay?” Shu Pan said with a tearful smile.
“Okay,” Joy replied, a bit shy but eager to put on her new clothes..