Morning Longing for Warmth – Chapter 47
by Little PandaTransformation
Kissing while eating candied hawthorn
Shen Suqing was slapped!
Everyone stared in astonishment at the scene before them. Shen Suqing’s eyes were filled with disbelief as she slowly placed her hand on her cheek. Although it was just a light touch and didn’t hurt physically, it was more painful than a hard slap would have been! How dare Wei Hui! How dare she let that worthless Shiyi slap her!
Shen Suqing’s expression became somewhat manic. Never in her life had she suffered such humiliation. Even when she was going to marry Wang Yongshun, the Shen family hadn’t spoken a harsh word to her, only telling her to take care of herself. Let alone anyone touching her – this was the first time in her life anyone had dared to slap her!
The Shen family held a respectable position in Jiangcheng. If this incident got out, where would she, Shen Suqing, and the Shen family’s face be placed!
“Wei Hui!” Shen Suqing gritted her teeth: “Don’t go too far!”
In her heart, although Wei Hui wasn’t someone to be trifled with, she still had a former marriage arrangement with the Shen family. Now she was humiliating her in front of so many people, just because of a servant. It was too much! Really too much!
Wei Hui looked at her calmly with cold eyes and said: “Mrs. Wang, isn’t bullying others your specialty? Should I remind you why Shiyi supposedly stole your ring? Ah, we can’t even call it theft – you deliberately planted it on her to drive her out. Why? I wonder if it has something to do with your husband?”
Speaking of her husband, that would be Wang Yongshun, whom everyone knew a bit about. After marriage, he wasn’t very honest, frequently visiting brothels. He was caught in the act by Shen Suqing several times, which is why she couldn’t face this group of sisters.
So that was it – fearing Wang Yongshun would take a liking to Shiyi, she falsely accused Shiyi of theft to drive her away.
Everyone’s gazes shifted as they watched her. They weren’t strangers to Shen Suqing’s character – everyone knew exactly what kind of person she was. This sort of thing was absolutely something she would do!
Having just been slapped and now being falsely accused, coupled with everyone’s mocking looks, Shen Suqing – who already couldn’t face these sisters because of Wang Yongshun – completely lost her composure and hysterically shouted: “Wei Hui, you’re talking nonsense!”
As she spoke, she raised her hand, creating a gust of wind. Everyone watched as if in slow motion as her palm moved to strike Wei Hui’s face!
Some of the more timid ones had already closed their eyes.
But the expected sound never came. Shen Suqing’s hand was firmly gripped by Shiyi. Her demeanor was unlike her usual submissive self – her face stern, eyes bright and clear. Perhaps from spending time with Wei Hui, she now somewhat resembled her. Shiyi’s unwavering gaze fixed on Shen Suqing as she gripped her hand with such force it seemed she might break Shen Suqing’s wrist, causing cold sweat to break out on Shen Suqing’s forehead as her body trembled.
Seeing this, Shiyi didn’t loosen her grip, but instead asked: “What were you trying to do?”
Her eyes were fierce, shocking everyone with this transformation. The little white rabbit who had been silent before them, whose smile was always gentle and weak, had now completely changed character, becoming sharp.
Wei Hui was Shiyi’s reverse scale [nΓ¬ lΓn – metaphor from dragon mythology meaning one’s most sensitive spot or weakness that cannot be touched]! No one could touch her!
How dare Shen Suqing try to strike – normally Shiyi was even gentle when embracing her, how could she possibly allow others to touch her!
Shiyi’s expression was determined as she insisted on getting an answer: “What were you trying to do?”
Shen Suqing’s right hand was gripped so tightly she couldn’t pull it free or move it. Shiyi seemed to have concentrated all her strength into her hand, appearing ready to maintain her grip until she got an answer. As piercing pain shot through Shen Suqing’s wrist, she stammered: “L-let go of me!”
The pain made her voice change pitch, but Shiyi still didn’t let go. It wasn’t until Wei Hui patted her shoulder and softly said: “Shiyi,” that she obediently released her grip.
Shen Suqing looked at the two with venomous eyes, meeting Shiyi’s unprecedented fierce gaze. This girl, who once couldn’t even raise her head to speak in Shen’s house and endured endless abuse, had been raised by Wei Hui into a little lion, ready to bite anyone!
The living room atmosphere grew cold. Du Yueming, as the host, looked at Wei Hui, then at Shen Suqing, and finally called out: “Ah Yuan, see the guest out!”
Ah Yuan hurriedly came over, looking left and right, unsure whom to escort. He finally stood beside Wei Hui, earning a hard knock on the head from Du Yueming: “Damn it [mΔ de – mild curse word], you’re escorting the wrong person!”
“Escort Mrs. Wang out.”
Shen Suqing’s face remained dark as she glared at Wei Hui and Shiyi before turning to leave. The living room remained silent as Du Yueming gave an awkward smile: “Everyone, please continue.”
But how could they continue? After Shen Suqing left, everyone’s eyes fell on Shiyi and Wei Hui. Today’s drama was truly a rare sight to behold, a spectacle indeed.
Du Yueming sighed. She had just wanted to host a gathering, who knew it would turn into such a mess, and become so awkward. Though she also felt Shen Suqing deserved to be slapped – that mouth of hers was really asking for it!
Shiyi stood before Du Yueming, saying apologetically: “I’m sorry, Yueming, I’ve ruined your gathering.”
“What are you talking about?” Du Yueming rolled her eyes: “It’s not your fault.”
“It’s my fault for being blind and inviting the wrong person.”
After listening to their conversation, Wei Hui lowered her head and asked: “Do you still want to stay?”
Shiyi shook her head. She hadn’t wanted to come in the first place and had been waiting for Wei Hui to come downstairs since arriving. She didn’t know these people well and didn’t like crowded places, so she replied: “Let’s go home.”
Du Yueming followed behind them: “Shiyi, I’m sorry! I’ll come tomorrow to apologize properly!”
Shiyi was amused by her exaggerated manner and shook her head: “No need.”
“Yes, yes there is! Third Miss doesn’t mind, right?” Du Yueming answered her own question: “Of course she won’t mind, after all, I contributed my private collection, have you finished using it?”
Wei Hui: ……
When it came to thick skin, no one could match Du Yueming.
After getting in the car, they didn’t head home immediately. Wei Hui asked Pei Tian to drive to a nearby shopping mall. Having just passed the New Year, red lanterns still hung at the mall entrance, creating a festive atmosphere. Wei Hui held Shiyi’s hand as they got out of the car, explaining to her puzzled look: “Since we’re out, let’s go shopping.”
Having just passed the New Year, the mall was quiet with few people. The vast space had only a few figures moving about, the floor gleaming, their reflections visible in the glass. Wei Hui led Shiyi inside, saying: “Let’s buy you some clothes.”
Shiyi was embarrassed: “There’s no need, I haven’t worn out the clothes at home yet.”
Wei Hui smiled, tilting her head: “It’s fine.”
The fourth and fifth floors were for clothing. As soon as they entered, sales staff came out smiling to greet them. Shiyi tried on several outfits – though she was still somewhat thin, she had good features, so everything looked beautiful on her. The staff kept praising her as a clothes hanger [yΔ« fu jiΓ zi – compliment meaning someone who wears clothes well], saying she was pretty and had good temperament. Shiyi blushed at the praise, avoiding eye contact shyly. Wei Hui watched her rabbit-like expression, suddenly realizing how different she was now compared to earlier at Du’s house when she had gripped Shen Suqing’s hand.
Feeling warmth in her heart, Wei Hui spoke: “We’ll take them all.”
The sales staff, who had been chattering away, was stunned for a moment before quickly nodding: “Alright!”
The two browsed from the casual section inward, while behind them, Pei Tian’s credit card hadn’t stopped swiping – from clothes to bags to shoes and jewelry. He wasn’t worried about maxing out the card; he was more concerned whether the Wei family mansion could store it all. Just how many years’ worth of clothes were they planning to buy?
Shiyi also felt they’d bought too much, tugging at Wei Hui: “Isn’t this enough? I can’t wear all of these.”
Wei Hui looked past her shoulder at a store behind her that specialized in work suits, and smiled: “Come on, let’s take a look.”
Shiyi followed behind her, having gone from being compliant when they first arrived to now being reluctant to try on more clothes. Wei Hui placed clothes in her hands, coaxing: “Be good, go try these on.”
Shiyi looked up at her somewhat helplessly, finally biting her lip before walking into the changing room.
If she couldn’t figure out what Wei Hui was doing now, she’d be a fool!
This wasn’t just shopping for a couple of outfits – this was preparing several years’ worth of clothes for her. Her heart felt tight, and she clutched the clothes painfully, her eyes reddening, but still obediently changed. When she came out, the sales staff smiled: “It looks great, just a bit large. Let me get you a smaller size.”
“No need.” Wei Hui stood before Shiyi, reaching out to tuck her long hair behind her ear, head lowered as she carefully adjusted her collar. The suit fit Shiyi’s body nicely, making her figure look straight and tall, though it was a bit loose. Wei Hui tilted her head: “Let’s take this one.”
“A larger size is better.”
Shiyi gripped her hands tightly, blinking back tears she refused to let fall. Raising her head, she smiled and said: “Then let’s take this set.”
The sales assistant scratched their head, wanting to say something but not daring to, finally nodding: “Alright, I’ll wrap it up for you.”
Pei Tian followed to handle the payment.
After two or three hours of shopping, they were finally done. Before leaving, Shiyi said: “You chose everything, let me buy something for you too.”
Buy clothes for her? Wei Hui smiled: “Are you sure?”
Shiyi nodded: “Mm.”
A few minutes later, they stood in front of a store specializing in couples’ outfits, Shiyi linking arms with Wei Hui: “Let’s go.”
Wei Hui walked in while Pei Tian watched wide-eyed in astonishment behind them. She let Shiyi pick out a light yellow couples’ outfit – hooded sweatshirts with cotton padding inside, very thick and warm to wear. Wei Hui changed out of her red dress into the clothes Shiyi chose, looking several years younger. Shiyi paid with her own money, spending nearly half her savings. Wei Hui didn’t stop her, watching as she counted the money, carefully stacking each bill neatly, so focused it was somewhat adorable.
Suddenly her heart felt itchy [xΔ«n yΗng yΗng – idiom for feeling touched/moved], wanting to hug her.
Wei Hui put her hand near her lips, softly asking: “Are you done?”
Shiyi glanced at her: “Done.”
The two held hands as they left the store, Pei Tian following behind them. Wei Hui asked: “Do you want to shop more?”
Shiyi spotted someone selling candied hawthorns [tΓ‘ng hΓΊ lu] in the distance and nodded: “Wait for me a moment.”
Wei Hui stood in place, watching her trot over, and return a few seconds later. Pei Tian wanted to say something but remained silent behind them when Shiyi returned.
Shiyi held up the candied hawthorn and asked: “Third Miss, have you ever worn couples’ outfits before?”
Wei Hui thought carefully before shaking her head: “No.”
Shiyi’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she continued smiling: “Then have you ever tried eating candied hawthorn while wearing couples’ outfits?”
Wei Hui took the candied hawthorn she offered, biting off the topmost piece. The sweet taste spread from her tongue to her heart, both sour and sweet. She shook her head again: “Never.”
Shiyi stood before her, stepping closer, her eyes bright as she asked: “Then have you ever tried kissing while eating candied hawthorn and wearing couples’ outfits?”
Wei Hui froze slightly. Shiyi wrapped her right arm around her waist, and there on the bustling street, her soft lips pressed against Wei Hui’s. A sweet fragrance enveloped them as the surrounding noise faded away. Wei Hui could hear her own thundering heartbeat, and Shiyi’s words spilling from the corner of her lips: “Now you have.”
Behind them, Pei Tian was so startled he almost dropped the credit card. Fortunately, he quickly recovered, turning away just as his phone conveniently buzzed with a message. He opened it to see his mother asking: What time are you coming home for dinner?
Pei Tian stared at the screen for a few seconds before replying: Not eating, I’m already full.
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