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Novel Catalog
Chapter 42
Lin Yuzhen and Su Mei exchanged a glance, both feeling a little overwhelmed by Jiang Ning’s extravagant actions. The scene had escalated so quickly that it felt surreal, and neither of them knew how to react. As they walked into the new store, they couldn’t help but feel like they were in the middle of some grand spectacle.
Jiang Ning, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. He guided them towards the clothing racks, his confident demeanor almost as if he was in his own element. He picked out pieces effortlessly, as though he had done this many times before.
“Try these on, Mum,” he said to Su Mei, his voice still gentle but carrying an undeniable sense of authority. He glanced over at the salesgirl, who had already begun to prepare for the transaction. “Don’t worry about the cost. I want you both to feel comfortable, for once.”
Su Mei hesitated. “But… this is too much, Jiang Ning. We can’t… I can’t accept this.”
Jiang Ning simply smiled at her. “It’s not about accepting. It’s about you both getting what you deserve. Sometimes, it’s okay to indulge.”
Su Mei still felt a little uncomfortable, but Lin Yuzhen could see the appreciation in her mother’s eyes. She had always been the one to put others before herself, even at the cost of her own happiness. And now, for the first time, someone else was putting her first.
“Go ahead, Mum,” Lin Yuzhen said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her mother’s shoulder. “You deserve it.”
Su Mei gave a small, reluctant nod before heading to the changing rooms, leaving Lin Yuzhen and Jiang Ning alone. The air between them felt different now, less tense, but still charged with the unspoken understanding that lingered between them.
Lin Yuzhen glanced at Jiang Ning. “Thank you for everything today. I didn’t expect it… all of this. But it’s… it’s too much.”
Jiang Ning met her gaze and smiled. “It’s not too much if it makes you both happy. There’s no reason for you to feel uncomfortable. Let me take care of things for once.”
His words were simple, but they carried weight. Lin Yuzhen felt a surge of gratitude toward him—gratitude that she didn’t know how to express.
“You don’t have to do this, Jiang Ning,” she said quietly, still unsure. “You’ve already done so much for us.”
Jiang Ning’s expression softened. “I don’t mind. You both have been through a lot, and it’s time for you to enjoy a little luxury. Besides, I like seeing you happy.”
His words were straightforward, but Lin Yuzhen couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter a little at the sincerity behind them.
Just then, Su Mei came out of the changing room, now wearing one of the dresses Jiang Ning had picked. It was a deep red, elegant, and perfect for her. She looked in the mirror, a smile creeping onto her face as she twirled a little.
“How do I look?” she asked, her voice full of surprise.
“You look beautiful, Mum,” Lin Yuzhen replied, her voice warm.
Jiang Ning gave a nod of approval. “It suits you perfectly.”
Su Mei smiled softly, a tear threatening to form at the corner of her eye. “I never thought I’d be able to wear something like this again.”
Jiang Ning simply smiled, his gaze affectionate. “Everyone deserves to feel beautiful. And you, Su Mei, are no exception.”
The salesgirl, still visibly excited over the upcoming sale, quickly came over with the clothing and a receipt in hand. “Everything is ready, sir! Your total comes to $200,000, as requested.”
Jiang Ning handed over the black card without a second thought, his movements smooth and effortless. The salesgirl took the card with a bright smile, clearly thrilled by the sale.
Lin Yuzhen and Su Mei exchanged a glance, both still trying to process the events that had unfolded in front of them. They had never experienced anything like this before, and it was overwhelming in the best way possible.
As they left the store, bags in hand, Lin Yuzhen felt a mix of emotions. Gratitude, disbelief, and something else—something more complicated that she wasn’t quite ready to admit yet.
But as Jiang Ning led them out of the mall, a small smile appeared on her face. For the first time in a long while, it felt like everything was going to be okay.
