Chapter 277: Chapter 275: Making a Fool of Oneself
He felt somewhat disgruntled as he took out an exquisitely crafted sandalwood box. "Even if you hadn’t mentioned the birthday feast, I would still have attended. I’ve heard Auntie is fond of jade. This was brought back by a friend from abroad and it looks to be of excellent color and quality, flawless and translucent inside. It must look very good on your wrist."
"You’re mistaken!"
Jian’s Mother lifted her chin. "When it comes to jade, the ones from our country are the best, especially those in the hands of certain domestic collectors—the color, the luster, the quality are impeccable. In contrast, this foreign stuff is merely passable."
Fu Shengyuan appeared slightly embarrassed.
Jian’s Mother quickly added with a laugh, "Yours is quite nice, but I already have many, so I won’t be accepting it."
Fu Shengyuan took it back, tugging at the corner of his lips. "It seems I don’t understand jade and have made a fool of myself. Please don’t take offense, Auntie; I’ll send you a better one some other time as a token of my regard."
He had hoped to use the gift of a bracelet to get closer and win over Jian’s Mother, to express the words he wanted to say. However, he hadn’t expected it to backfire.
"No, no," Jian’s Mother said, trying to soothe him. "You’re so immersed in the business world; how could you know about these things?"
Her efforts to pacify him only made Fu Shengyuan look more embarrassed.
Jian Xi arrived.
From a distance, she called out angrily, "Mom!"
Rushing over, she began to drag Jian’s Mother away without waiting to speak. Jian’s Mother winked at her. "Then, I’ll await you at Old Jian’s birthday feast."
Huh? So Mom was here to discuss Dad’s birthday feast! False alarm.
"Xixi, do you want to sit for a while?" Fu Shengyuan stood up to invite her, his eyes full of affection as he looked at Jian Xi, the very picture of a lovestruck man.
Jian Xi pulled at her lip. "I’ve made plans to go shopping with Mom. You’re busy, President Fu."
"I’m not busy! Let’s go together!"
Jian Xi was speechless.
Jian’s Mother was quite pleased. Just because she didn’t say it now didn’t mean she wouldn’t be supportive later. Such a good man chasing after her daughter, what more was there to criticize! If word got out that her daughter had captivated two billionaires, how impressive that would be!
"Alright then," Jian’s Mother said, "let’s go shopping together. I’ll also get you a present; how about buying some clothes?"
Jian’s Mother, hooking arms with Jian Xi, held on to her tightly as if she were escorting a prisoner. The three of them walked side by side through the mall. Jian’s Mother occasionally bumped Jian Xi, whose momentum made her topple into Fu Shengyuan’s arms.
After being steadied, Jian Xi apologized, "Sorry, I slipped!"
Jian Xi glared at her mother, who covered her mouth to hide her laughter.
"No worries," Fu Shengyuan said. "Protecting you both is my responsibility."
Jian’s Mother was utterly charmed by the sweet talk. Her mental score for him kept soaring; now, just looking at Fu Shengyuan made her happy.
Fu Shengyuan, who had been worrying about the failed gift-giving that morning, now watched Jian’s Mother with a slight smile.
"Let’s try this store up ahead," Jian’s Mother suggested. "The men’s clothing is very nice, all handmade, and the fabrics are exquisite—very suitable for young people like you."
After entering, Jian’s Mother expertly began to pick out clothes, ties, and shoes, handing them to the salesperson. "Take all of these in for President Fu to try."
Looking at the dozen or so outfits, Jian Xi approached her mother. "Isn’t this a bit much? He’s a billionaire; isn’t trying on so many clothes tiring for him?"
"What do you know! This is called a pre-marital inspection!"
"Mom, what are you talking about!" Jian Xi frowned, on the verge of anger.
Fu Shengyuan pointed to the changing room. "In that case, Auntie, I will respectfully comply."
He walked towards the fitting room with a smile, one hand in his pocket.
The salespeople nearby watched him, their hearts fluttering, their eyes nearly sparkling. Such a handsome man was rare to see, and more importantly, his demeanor was incredibly pleasant!
Jian’s Mother, like them, watched Fu Shengyuan until he disappeared into the dressing room. Still marveling, she said, "Silly girl, you’re so lucky. Such a wonderful man; you’d better hold on tight."
Before Jian Xi could say anything, her mother turned and headed to the women’s section. "I need to pick out a few pieces too, for your dad’s birthday in a few days. Xixi, why don’t you try some on too?"
"No need, you try them on yourself."
"Since Mom’s paying, you should come and try some on!"
Jian Xi couldn’t argue and was dragged along.
「Not far away.」
Dan Mingyao was holding onto Si Yuhuan, almost hanging off him. "Yuhan, what’s with that face? You look as if I’ve made you eat excrement, with such a disgusted expression. How are you going to attract a future sister-in-law?"
"Do I look like someone who’s out here looking for a girlfriend?"
Si Yuhuan irritably pushed her away. "If it weren’t for your father’s sake, I would have kicked you out of China by now."
He looked up and caught a glimpse of a graceful figure flashing past in the opposite shop.
A sense of familiarity clenched his heart.
Dan Mingyao, unfazed by his words, clung even tighter. "Ex-wife sis!"
She excitedly pulled Si Yuhuan towards the store.
Jian’s Mother had picked out many outfits for Jian Xi to try on.
"No need," Jian Xi said. "Just pack them all up."
She pulled out a black card.
Jian’s Mother’s mouth twitched.
"Fine! Money is impressive," Jian’s Mother said. "I’ll go try these on. You go see how President Fu is doing. If he’s changed, make sure you give him your opinion."
"Mhm."
Well, he was already here. She supposed she had to deal with it.
Jian Xi resignedly nodded and headed to the men’s section.
Fu Shengyuan had just come out from the changing room.
He was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit that highlighted his straight shoulders and a waistline with golden proportions. His height of over six feet made him look lean and imposing—indeed, very handsome.
However, Fu Shengyuan’s aura was completely different from Si Yuhuan’s. Si Yuhuan was taller, with a more balanced physique and better-defined lines.
The sales assistant sincerely exclaimed, "Miss, you are so lucky to have such a handsome gentleman."
Fu Shengyuan gave a gentlemanly smile. "Thank you."
"He’s not my partner," Jian Xi corrected. "We are just friends."
The sales assistant, realizing her flattery had missed the mark, looked quite embarrassed and quickly retreated with the clothes.
Jian Xi then said magnanimously to the sales assistant, "Pack them all up. He does indeed look quite handsome."
Fu Shengyuan’s expression lost its awkwardness. "Right," he said. "She’s not my girlfriend yet, but she soon will be."
What baffling confidence, Jian Xi thought.
She couldn’t be bothered to argue.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the entrance of the store.
More people exclaimed, "He’s so handsome!"
Jian Xi turned her head towards the noise and met Si Yuhuan’s cold eyes.
And next to him stood a girl.
Jian Xi raised an eyebrow and greeted them, "What a coincidence."
Meeting them one after another like this... anyone would think I have a tracker on me!
Si Yuhuan had a cold expression on his handsome face, his gaze landing on Fu Shengyuan.
At this moment, Jian’s Mother came out shouting, "Xixi, you’re so good to President Fu! I heard from the staff that you’re paying for all the clothes?"
She looked up, saw Si Yuhuan, and her expression turned sour. Deliberately ignoring him, she pulled Jian Xi and pushed her towards Fu Shengyuan. "Go on, you two, go and pay. It’s crowded here, and some people are a real eyesore."
"Ex-wife sis, what is your mother saying? Is she implying that Yuhan and I are an eyesore?" Dan Mingyao huffed.
Jian Xi, having been provoked by this woman several times already, was in a foul mood. "Yeah," she retorted, "I’m saying you’re an eyesore. Is there a problem?"
She was fiercely protective of her mother.