Chapter Seventeen: The Mohist Arrives to Help Pay the Bill

Su Bai looked at the beautiful clothes, glanced at Qianyin, then at Mo Lan. She took the initiative to walk forward, gently pulling the arm of the woman who was still lost in sorrow, and smiled, “I’m willing to go home with you.”

Su Bai understood that following Mo Lan would make her life easier, but Mo Lan would bring trouble. Though her father’s death was her fault, Su Bai felt that today’s actions had already made amends.

Moreover, she saw that the woman was kind-hearted. Since she couldn’t have children, there would be no one to compete with her for affection. She would likely treat Su Bai as her own daughter.

This decision had not come easily; Su Bai had thought about it for a long time. On the way back from buying clothes, she had already begun considering leaving. Now that such a good home was in front of her, why not take it?

After Su Bai spoke, Mo Lan was still stunned. But the woman quickly smiled, left an address and phone number, and, carrying the little girl's belongings, led her away. The elegant lady walked so quickly, almost as if she feared Mo Lan might change her mind, that in moments she had vanished from sight.

It all happened so suddenly. Though Su Bai knew it would be troublesome, and that leaving was for the best, she still felt a trace of reluctance when she saw the girl depart.

Qianyin helplessly waved at the little girl, promising to visit her.

“You must live well, otherwise I won’t be at ease. I’ll come see you whenever I can,” Qianyin called out to the departing figures, and in that moment, she felt a warmth like family.

Mo Lan said nothing, unable to regain her composure for a long time. Sending her off should have made her happy! Mo Lan shook her head, clearing away emotions she shouldn’t have. The two wandered the shops for a while longer. Both loved dresses, but their work required them to wear more practical trousers.

They admired the clothes, but had no intention to try anything on. It had been so long since they’d worn dresses, they hardly knew what colors or styles would suit them.

“Both of you have such wonderful figures, why not try some skirt pants? They look beautiful and are quite modest,” the sales assistant, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. She seemed to sense something different about the two women, and thought it a pity for such good figures not to be shown off in dresses.

At her words, both women laughed happily. Was their figure really so enviable? It was a combination of innate qualities and acquired habits.

“Then help us pick out a few suitable sets. It’s been ages since we’ve shown off our legs,” Mo Lan felt she had enough money to be generous, and decided to buy something, just because the assistant had said something nice. It was rare for them to go out shopping.

She had her own earnings and didn’t need to spend the Mo family’s money; besides, she rarely spent anything. The private savings she had inherited from Mo Lan were substantial.

Qianyin was also somewhat of a small tycoon. Every case she handled brought in considerable income. She never let herself go without—whatever she wanted to eat or use, she got it.

Spending money was meant to bring happiness.

The sales assistant had a keen eye, selecting five or six sets at once. The styles were novel, the colors vivid. The beautiful dresses laid out before them were irresistible.

A few sets were a bit too youthful, but both liked them and tried several on. Seeing each other dressed sweetly, their spirits soared.

This was the age to be carefree and joyful.

“Actually, if we dress up properly, you and I are both rather stunning beauties,” Mo Lan stroked her chin, her eyes fixed on Qianyin like a flirtatious young man teasing his girlfriend.

The sales assistant smiled at the side, “The two ladies are beautiful, with wonderful figures. Wearing these clothes is like icing on the cake. Someone has already paid for your purchases, please choose freely.”

“What’s going on?” Mo Lan couldn’t figure out who would be so generous as to pay for such a large pile of clothes for them. If someone else paid, they wouldn’t mind taking a few more sets. After all, a woman’s wardrobe is always missing a few pieces, just the ones she happens to want.

Thinking of this, both women smiled slightly. Who could the benefactor be?

Buying clothes is a woman’s nature—who doesn’t love beauty?

“I’ve already paid. The Master of the Mo family hopes Miss Mo Lan can shop happily, relax, and also visit home tonight.” The restaurant manager appeared on the scene, his kind smile shining in the luxurious hall.

“Oh, alright.” Mo Lan suddenly felt a bit presumptuous—where would they find such a generous soul to pay tens of thousands for their clothes?

So it was Grandfather! But how did he know she was here? Had he sent someone to follow her? At this thought, Mo Lan’s expression grew strange.

“Hopefully this young lady can return home with Miss Mo Lan. The Master has long wished to meet her,” the manager continued to smile, as if their true purpose was Qianyin. He didn’t notice how his words made Mo Lan’s face darken.

Qianyin remained calm, but her eyes gleamed with amusement. She decided to play along for now, curious about what the Mo family had planned.

When she realized the focus was on Qianyin, Mo Lan’s expression turned gloomy, unable to maintain even a polite smile. Those people were now targeting Qianyin—likely her so-called father, not Grandfather, who wanted to see her.

“What do you think? If you don’t want to go, we don’t have to,” Mo Lan respected Qianyin, unwilling to force her friend. If she had to choose between her father and her dear friend, she might lean toward Qianyin.

“Absolutely fine, let’s go.” After selecting a few more favorite outfits, Qianyin strode out, indicating the manager should carry their things.

The manager took the items with a broad smile, quietly following behind.

Mo Lan didn’t mind, following directly and leaving the rest to the manager. Now she felt this manager was no ordinary person—a smiling fox, as the saying goes.

They got into the car and drove straight to the Mo family mansion. Mo Lan hadn’t returned there often, but it was still familiar. After all, it was a place called “home.”