After dinner, Shu Qingqing originally thought it was time to leave, but the old lady called over a few of her close friends and insisted that Qingqing stay to play mahjong with them.
It was ten o'clock by the time Shu Qingqing finally made it home.
To her surprise, the old lady summoned her back to the manor again the very next morning.
Shu Qingqing was a bit reluctant to go. However, remembering the pile of shopping bags from the day before—which added up to roughly a million yuan—she gritted her teeth and got out of bed.
Lu Yu was busy today, and Lu Xun was too exhausted from yesterday’s shopping spree to come along, so Shu Qingqing had to attend the appointment alone.
Oddly enough, when she arrived at the old family home and the old lady saw that neither of her grandsons was with her, she didn't even ask about them.
Shu Qingqing grew suspicious. Looking at the old lady’s behavior, it didn't seem like she was inviting Qingqing over just to see her grandsons. Moreover, she hadn't pressured her about having children at all yesterday; instead, she had bought her so many things.
Could this be a "sugar-coated bullet"—a trap hidden behind kindness?
With this thought in mind, Shu Qingqing became cautious, half-expecting the old lady to suddenly drop some heavy demand on her.
The old lady led her into the study, saying she wanted to teach her calligraphy.
"Mother-in-law, I don't think that's necessary," Shu Qingqing demurred.
The old lady pressed a brush into her hand. "Don't feel pressured. Practicing this is just to cultivate one's character. It doesn't matter if you write well or poorly."
Shu Qingqing found that reasonable and began to practice along. However, she lacked patience and grew bored in less than half an hour.
As the old lady watched her poking and prodding at the paper, she remarked casually, "That brush is the final work of Master Yuanxin. It cost four hundred and thirty thousand yuan."
Shu Qingqing immediately stopped fidgeting.
A faint smile tugged at the old lady's lips.
In the afternoon, the old lady took her to an art exhibition. In the evening, they checked out a famous vegetarian restaurant. Shu Qingqing found it all quite novel and interesting, realizing for the first time that vegetarian food could be so delicious.
But when she looked at the old lady, her expression remained indifferent, as if she wasn't particularly moved by the fine dining.
Before they parted, the old lady mentioned, "I'll take you flower arranging tomorrow."
Shu Qingqing gave a thoughtful "Oh" and left.
When she arrived at the manor the next morning, the old lady picked up her bag and stood up as soon as she saw her. "Let's go."
Shu Qingqing, however, sat down leisurely on the sofa. "Mother-in-law, the truth is, you're just bored, aren't you?"
After going home the previous night, Shu Qingqing had analyzed the situation. Whether it was shopping, beauty treatments, or mahjong over the past two days, the old lady had seemed indifferent. She wasn't passionate about the activities, yet she insisted on calling Qingqing over.
Her logical conclusion was that the old lady was lonely and simply wanted someone to keep her company.
The old lady hadn't expected Shu Qingqing to see right through her. She was indeed bored. Although the life of a wealthy matriarch was affluent and comfortable, the daily routine of shopping, spas, and art shows had long since become stale. She even felt that it was less interesting than the days when Shu Qingqing used to bicker with her.
That was why she had called for her.
Furthermore, she had discovered that her daughter-in-law was a bit of a money-grubber. Although Qingqing wasn't particularly thrilled about spending all her time with an old woman, as long as the money was right, her attitude would do a complete 180-degree turn.
Far from finding this a flaw, the old lady found it amusing.
Just like the other day, watching Shu Qingqing constantly try on clothes felt like playing a game of dress-up with her favorite doll from childhood. Seeing her dressed up so beautifully gave the old lady a strange sense of satisfaction.
Seeing the old lady’s slightly awkward expression, Qingqing knew she had guessed correctly.
"Mother-in-law, I understand you," Shu Qingqing said, patting the old lady's hand. "Do you want to find a companion? I support you! If Lu Bochuan disagrees, I'll talk him around."
The old lady was stunned. Once she realized what Qingqing meant, she gave her a sharp swat. "What nonsense are you talking about? That's not what I meant at all! I'm just plain bored and wanted you here to pass the time."
So she really was just bored?
"Mother-in-law, you have so many close friends. Why don't you play with them?"
"Being with them is just more shopping and cards. I'm sick of it." The old lady turned to look at her, her voice dropping slightly. "Do you... find me annoying?"
Shu Qingqing shook her head. She understood now. The old lady needed some spice in her life. Since the high-society life was boring, she needed to experience a different way of living.
Suddenly, she remembered a video she had scrolled past today.
"Mother-in-law, have you ever seen 'Romance in the Rain'?"
The old lady looked puzzled. "Why?"
"So you have seen it." Shu Qingqing pulled her up. "Come on, I'm taking you to do something different today."
Though confused, the old lady didn't object. "How different?"
Shu Qingqing answered her with dramatic flair: "Fu Wenpei, don't hide in there and keep quiet! I know you're home!"
"You mean...?"
"I'm taking you to be Aunt Xue for a day."
Shu Qingqing found a highly-rated cosplay photography studio online. The old lady's character was already decided. Based on the costumes available at the studio, she chose a little hopping vampire outfit for Lu Xun, while she herself dressed as a beautiful Snow White.
The cosplay event was being held near the studio. Once the three of them were in full costume and makeup, they walked straight to the venue.
The event was packed with people dressed as all sorts of characters. Shu Qingqing led them through various games, and they had a wonderful time. Because Lu Xun's little vampire costume was so adorable, many people crowded around to take photos with him.
"So, Mother-in-law, did you have fun today?"
The old lady nodded with a touch of her usual pride. "It wasn't bad. I just didn't like today's character much—it made me look a bit mean. Next time, dress me up as something prettier. I think the Queen of the Women's Kingdom would be nice."
"You looked great! How was it mean?"
The old lady pouted. "Regardless, I want that 'ethereal fairy' vibe."
"Fine, whatever you say. I'm parched. I'm going to buy some fruit teas." Just as Shu Qingqing was about to leave, a young man walked up and headed straight for the old lady.
"Hello, miss. Can I have your WeChat?"
Shu Qingqing was shocked!
She hurried over and waved him off. "Polite decline, thanks!"
The young man was a bit annoyed. "Miss, I wasn't asking for your WeChat."
Shu Qingqing replied, "Asking for hers is even worse. My husband wouldn't allow it."
The young man frowned. "What does your husband have to do with it?"
Shu Qingqing smiled. "Because this is my mother-in-law."
Lu Xun cooperated perfectly, hugging the old lady's leg. "This is my grandma."
The young man left with a look of utter disbelief.
The old lady, on the other hand, was delighted. "Do I really look that young?"
Shu Qingqing nodded in agreement. "So young that if you said you were my sister, people would believe it."
The old lady laughed. "You little minx, you're exaggerating."
After joking around for a bit, Shu Qingqing went to buy the tea. Because of the crowds, she had to wait in line for nearly half an hour before she managed to get three cups of Mango Sago.
When she stepped out, she saw various staff members in mascot costumes in front of the shops to attract customers. One boy in a bear costume caught her eye; he was likely so tall that his trousers looked a bit too short for him.
The shoes on his feet looked somewhat familiar; it seemed Lu Yu had a pair just like them.
Shu Qingqing didn't give it much thought, clutching her milk tea as she turned back to look for him.
