“Maybe. Cheng Wei was there as well.”

Yao Ran thought back to the scene, her heart beating wildly inside her chest. Her lips slowly curved into a sly smile.

Perhaps Cheng Zhoudid have feelings for her, after all.

He must have been embarrassed at the time because of Cheng Wei’s presence. He had willingly offered such a generous donation; if nothing else, he would have certainly not done it on a simple whim.

“Our Ranranhas really grown up,”Qin Mancrooned as she stroked the girl’s hair.

“She has even managed to charm the heir to the Cheng family. My excellent daughter makes me so proud!”

Yao Ran grinned sheepishly. “It’s all thanks to you, Mom. You and Dad raised me so well. I can only hope to live up to your teachings.”

Mother and daughter waited excitedly for Yao Yuanto come home so that they could share the good news.

When they finally did, he could only gush at his daughter. “Ranran, you’ve done our Yao familya great service! Yes, yes, I’m sure that the Young Master Cheng is interested in you. You have to be extra careful from now on.”

Yao Ran nodded emphatically, her eyes flashing with anticipation. “I know, Dad.”

She was determined to become the future Young Madam Cheng, one way or another. It wasn’t as though she needed to exert much of herself, anyway. Yao Ranconsidered herself a perfect catch as it was, what with her looks and her skills.

If she pushed through with her plans to go to the capital and study under Master Yu Jing’s tutelage, then she would become even more distinguished as a medical prodigy.

When that happened, she could finally say for sure that she was leagues above Yao Tang.

Yao Ran shook her head at the thought. To begin with, there were very few girls who couldn’t even dream to compare to her. She should stop fixating on that worthless bumpkin.

Yao Yuan gave his wife a pointed look.

“Why don’t the two of you go out this weekend and buy some new clothes? You can use my card however you want. Just make sure you get decent outfits that are appropriate for the prestige of the Cheng family.”

Qin Man took to the idea pretty well. “Of course, of course. I’ll getRanranonly the finest things the shops could offer! This might be our last chance to spoil her. Once she becomes the lady of theCheng family, she could shop to her heart’s content. She might even be able to afford to rent the entire shopping district for a day!”

Yao Ran turned to her mother and beamed.

…

Saturday morning, City A’s commercial street.

Yao Ran got out of the car, sporting large sunglasses and a svelte white suit. Qin Man followed suit, walking around the vehicle to join her daughter.

The two of them linked arms and strutted down the pavement together.

The family chauffeur lugged behind them. He was tasked to carry all of their purchases later.

Yao Ran nudgedQin Manand steered her in a particular direction.

“Mom, let’s check out Qinglan Housefirst. I heard that their suits are all the rage these days. I’d like to buy one for the Young Master Cheng.”

Qinglan House was the newest tailor store in the city, and it specialized in men’s bespoke suits. They charged very high prices, but the quality of their products was on par with the best in the country.

And even though their niche target was the male demographic, they also had their fair share of female customers. In the end, one only needed a good eye and an exquisite taste for luxury to pick out a nice suit.

Needless to say, they were much sought out in high society, especially among the young masters and misses.

Qin Man patted the back ofYao Ran’s hand and nodded indulgently.

“All right. Ranranis the star of today’s outing. Just say where you want to go, and Mom will follow!”

They rounded a corner, passing through various busy shops. It was the weekend, so the milk tea shop was teeming with people.

The boutique they frequented was bustling as well, with customers coming and leaving through its doors, shopping bags in their hands. Some of them were mother-daughter pairs, too.

One of the buildings had a large screen installed on its rooftop, where they streamed music videos nonstop. Loud, upbeat songs blasted into the streets, complimenting the lively atmosphere of the area.

Meanwhile, Yao Tangwas standing outsideQinglan House, staring at the suit displayed in its window. “Let’s get this one,” she said to the man standing next to her. “I heard this store is pretty good at its craft.”

Cheng Yan nodded. “Yes, I think this one will do. Let’s go inside and have a look around.”

Yao Tang had received a call from him as soon as classes had ended yesterday.

Cheng Yan had asked her help in picking out a new suit for his business meetings the following month, and offered to treat her to dinner when they were done.

Seeing nothing wrong with the invitation, she had readily agreed to accompany him.