Shopping

After visiting her father's company, Lin Qing decided to upgrade her wardrobe, she didn't have many business attires.

As she perused the racks of designer suits and blouses, a mix of excitement and apprehension washed over Lin Qing. The clothes she selected were way different from her usual style. Normally, she would opt for pretty and girly dresses or skirts that are targeted for young women but in light of her decision to project professionalism while working alongside her father, she felt compelled to undergo a makeover in her appearance.

Choosing a few pieces that caught her eye, she tried them on in the changing room. The tailored jackets and pencil skirts made her feel confident and powerful.

While browsing the gift section, she selected a tie for her father, a stylish and sophisticated one that would complement his suits perfectly. She also found a beautiful handbag for her fashion-loving mother and a sleek, modern watch for her brother, so that he wouldn't feel left out.

Wrapping the gifts carefully and placing them in her bag, Lin Qing felt a sense of satisfaction. She knew these gifts were small gestures, but they would still convey her feelings. As she left the store, carrying her bags filled with new clothes and gifts, Lin Qing couldn't help but feel proud of herself for taking this step towards adulthood and responsibility.

Upon entering the house, she faced her mother, who fixed her with a probing gaze. Wen Li glanced at her daughter's hands and then her outfit.

Lin Qing sought to divert her mother's attention from her clothes, so she coyly smiled, dropped her bags on the ground, and went to her mother's side, taking her arm. "Mom! I went shopping today. I found some great things; let's check them out together. Oh, and I also bought presents for you guys."

Her mother wasn't convinced by her act. "You usually wouldn't buy anything for anyone without having an ulterior motive."

After assessing her mother's expression, Lin Qing realized her father had likely snitched on her. Her mother bluntly cornered her. "I heard that you wanted to apply for a job in the company. Is it because you want to date that boy?"

Lin Qing attempted to feign embarrassment. "Moooooom!!"

But Wen Li wasn't placated. "Don't 'Mom' me. You've never mentioned him before. Isn't it a parent's right to know what type of person you're getting involved with?"

Lin Qing didn't know what to say, so she chose to remain silent.

Wen Li didn't stop talking, of course. "You're like a butterfly trying to sip nectar from every flower. Lin Qing, this arrangement isn't like your previous relationships. It involves the elders and probably the media, so if you decide to cancel it, it might damage your reputation. We are worried about you. You can't be always so willful. You have to think this thoroughly!" she advised her in a stern voice.

Lin Qing grasped her mother's concerns. "Mom, I am not a child anymore! I also understand the consequences. I've had relationships before, but none of them ended well.

I even decided not to date anymore.

I thought to myself "Maybe because I didn't know about the person I am dating with?" A blind date with a person I am acquainted with and with elder's at his back, isn't it the best choice," she tried to reason with her mother.

Mother Lin responded "It's good that you thought it through but don't you know that boy's father? Even Old Su couldn't stop him bringing different women into house, don't put your hopes into elders in matters like this.

We only want what's best for you"

"I know Mom."

Lin Qing hugged her mom , she was feeling a bit emotional , she hold herself back from crying and Wen Li patted Lin Qing's shoulders.