Chapter 13: Fair to All Ages

Page 1/3

Seeing the little yellow pill, Chi Mu was speechless. It truly opened her eyes. Fu Ningli was silent for three seconds, then summed up, “You bought some unregulated health supplement for me to take?” “This isn’t just any supplement. No, it’s not an ordinary one. It comes from the Divine Doctor’s Clinic, made with ancient methods. Only ten are sold each day, one per person, and people are scrambling for them!” Fu Ningli gave him a look like he was an idiot. “You actually believe in this kind of scam that only old folks fall for?” Song Yuan retorted, “My Chinese medicine friend bought one too. He studied this little yellow pill with doctors from their clinic. The traditional herbs inside really do boost health, though the cost is too high. Otherwise, they’d have tried to replicate it and sell it in hospitals.” “How much did you pay for this one pill?” “Nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine,” Song Yuan said. Fu Ningli’s expression shifted from disbelief to admiration. Chi Mu couldn’t help but chime in, “From what I see, this pill is round and smooth, richly colored, fragrant with herbal scent—definitely crafted with care, honest and fair.” Fu Ningli looked at her, surprised, “You understand this?” “Of course, I’m well-versed in traditional Chinese medicine.” “Is this pill really worth ten thousand?” “Absolutely!” Fu Ningli fell silent. With Chi Mu’s backing, Song Yuan grew more confident. “Boss, since Miss Chi says it’s so amazing, you should take it. Maybe your leg will heal even faster!” Fu Ningli hesitated, holding the pill near his mouth. He glanced at Chi Mu, who nodded encouragingly. Closing his eyes, he swallowed it in one bite. No harm done—after all, it wouldn’t kill him. Seeing Fu Ningli take it, Song Yuan was delighted, feeling a comforting relief that his good intentions were finally accepted. Chi Mu sat beside Fu Ningli, still wearing a black mask, sipping Sprite slowly, quietly listening to Uncle Zhang’s song “Forget Love Water,” sighing, “It’d be perfect to have a plate of Chen’s Duck Neck right now.” … Fu Ningli’s birthday party ended at ten. Uncle Zhang accompanied Chi Mu to the community gate, sighing, “Sir hasn’t laughed like this in a long time. This year’s birthday was the liveliest.”

Page 2/3

While waiting for her ride, Chi Mu heard Uncle Zhang mention Ningli and asked, “How did he usually spend his birthdays?” “His mother passed away early. His father… was too busy to remember. Every year, I’d buy a cake and cook longevity noodles for him. It was very quiet.” “If he doesn’t mind, I’d like to join his birthday celebrations from now on. I want to prepare gifts for him.” “Of course he wouldn’t mind. He’d be delighted.” As they spoke, Chi Mu’s car arrived. Uncle Zhang watched her get in, noted the license plate, then left. This was Fu Ningli’s instruction—every night the same. … Knowing Ningli was motherless and feeling an unexpected surge of maternal affection, Chi Mu decided to make up for it with a birthday gift. The next morning, she arrived at Taigu Avenue, the city’s premier luxury brand hub. Chi Mu went to the men’s section of the D&V luxury brand store. The sales assistant asked about her purchase intent. Chi Mu thought for a moment, then said, “I want to buy a pair of men’s leather shoes.” “What style do you prefer? More business or casual?” “Youthful yet mature, cool and outstanding, unique.” The assistant was speechless. Was this how people described shoes? With professional poise, she quickly scanned the men’s shoes in the store, then her eyes lit up. “Ma’am, there’s a pair that fits your description perfectly. Let me show you.” The pair was displayed in the center of the shop window, sparkling like diamonds. The assistant pointed to the shoes and said, “These are called ‘The One.’ Designed personally by our founder, Mr. D, handcrafted in Italy, with detailed engraving by leather master Vala. There is only one pair in the world—truly unique.” Chi Mu examined the black leather shoes, imagining them on Fu Ningli’s feet… Yes. They suited his temperament perfectly. Just as she was about to ask the price, Chi Zhen’er and a friend strolled over arm in arm. Seeing Chi Mu, they were startled, then warmly greeted her, “Sis, buying men’s shoes?” Chi Mu replied with a cool “Mm.” Chi Zhen’er grinned, “You’re buying them for your brother-in-law to win his forgiveness, right? I know what he likes—let me help pick.” Chi Mu smiled and pointed at ‘The One.’ “What do you think of these?” “These…” Chi Zhen’er knew from its display that the shoes were expensive. After thinking, she said, “They’re nice, but can you afford them?” The sales assistant, Xiao Yang, Chi Mu’s guide, quickly added, “This pair is our store’s treasure, but—” “Treasure? That must be over a million. My sister can’t afford that,” Chi Zhen’er interrupted. “My sister was adopted from an orphanage by our parents. She doesn’t have money like me.” Xiao Yang resumed, “Actually, these shoes aren’t that expensive. They cost one hundred and eleven thousand one hundred and eleven yuan.” Chi Zhen’er froze. Chi Mu said, “I’ll take them.” At that moment, Chi Zhen’er’s friend also eyed the shoes. Seeing the price was relatively low, she said, “I like them too. I’ll add ten thousand. Sell them to me.” Chi Mu gave her a cold look. Chi Zhen’er broke in, “Yingzi, don’t compete with my sister. She’s still a grad student with a monthly subsidy of two thousand five hundred. Saving up over a hundred thousand isn’t easy.” Zhao Yingzi sneered, “If you can’t afford luxury items over a hundred thousand, the highest bidder wins. That’s only fair.” “Isn’t that unfair?” “I don’t care. If I want it, I’ll buy it!” Zhao Yingzi insisted. Chi Zhen’er looked at Chi Mu helplessly, “Sis, I warned you. Yingzi likes it. I can’t help it.” Chi Mu crossed her arms and leaned lazily against the sofa back. “Highest bidder wins. Fine, I’ll add one hundred thousand. You going to top that?” Zhao Yingzi was speechless. Chi Mu raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t bring over two hundred thousand just to buy luxury goods, did you?” Zhao Yingzi blushed, clenched her fists, hesitated, then decided, “I’ll add one hundred and ten thousand!” “Two hundred thousand.” “...Two hundred and ten thousand!” “Three hundred thousand.” “…” Zhao Yingzi’s face flushed from deep red to pale white. Finally unable to raise her bid, she elbowed Chi Zhen’er in frustration. “Didn’t you say your sister has no money?!” Chi Zhen’er was equally shocked. Seeing Chi Mu so calm and determined, she suspected she was bluffing. Chi Zhen’er was sure Chi Mu had plenty of funds. She said again, “Sis, don’t pretend. It’s okay not to have money. Don’t—” Chi Mu took out a gold card and handed it to the sales assistant. “Charge it.”

Page 3/3