It seemed she had never encountered someone as sharp-tongued as Si Nian. Zhang Qian was left speechless, the word "you" spinning in her mouth with no retort in sight.
It made her so angry she rolled her eyes.
The surrounding stares only fueled her shame and fury.
What era was this? What was the big deal about going on a date?
These people were so old-fashioned.
City folks were much more open-minded; they wouldn't find this strange at all.
Thinking this, Zhang Qian became even more convinced of their backwardness.
Anyway, she would marry into the city eventually, so what these people said didn't matter.
Si Nian was only saying those things out of jealousy!
After all, she married Zhou Yueshen and had to take care of three children.
Having to go out with three kids watching her every move, what difference was there from being a nanny? How pathetic.
Considering this possibility, Zhang Qian's pent-up frustration instantly melted away, replaced by smug satisfaction.
The bus was rather slow, taking over two hours to reach the city.
Si Nian was awakened by two excited children, and the family got off the bus, heading straight for the department store.
Si Nian had a clear plan: first, buy winter coats and clothes for the children.
The city was cold too, so winter wear was already in stock.
Though expensive, Si Nian didn't consider the price, buying whatever caught her eye.
The way she spent money made the Eldest Child and the Second Child frown with worry.
Mom spends money so freely. Will Dad go bankrupt?
It seemed they needed to start earning money even sooner. What would they do if Mom had no money to spend later?
They wondered if Dad would go bankrupt. If he did, they would have to be the ones to provide.
When Si Nian led them into the women's clothing store, the Second Child hesitated for a long time, clutching his twenty yuan, before finally running over to her.
His small hand nervously held out the money as he looked up at Si Nian. "Mom, buy clothes for Mom."
After saying this, his little face was already bright red.
Si Nian liked lightweight down jackets, which were a luxury in this era, exorbitantly expensive.
His embarrassment wasn't from shyness, but from shame over having too little money.
He couldn't even afford to buy his mom a single piece of clothing. He was so useless!
Si Nian was taken aback. A salesclerk nearby smiled with envy. "Oh, your son is so thoughtful! How enviable!"
Zhou Zedong also walked over, his face even paler. "Mom, I only have fifteen..."
After speaking, his entire expression screamed 'I'm even more useless.'
Because his aunt had given his brother five yuan earlier, his brother had more than him. He couldn't even match his younger brother. As the big brother, he was inferior.
Zhou Zedong was filled with self-reproach.
Looking at the two little ones, Si Nian couldn't stop beaming. "How wonderful. So young and already know how to buy clothes for Mom. You're both my good boys."
The two children stole glances at her. Seeing she didn't look down on them for being poor, their tense little faces relaxed slightly.
"Mom, I'll buy you lots and lots of clothes in the future."
"Right, I'll earn lots of money like Dad, so Mom can spend however she wants."
The two little ones were so endearing, drawing envious looks from everyone around toward Si Nian.
No wonder this mother looked so young—she had such filial and good sons.
Their own children were disobedient, worrying them until their hair turned white. No wonder they looked over a decade older than her.
The more they thought about it, the angrier they got, turning around to give their own babbling, unfilial kid a slap on the head.
Kid: "?"
Si Nian bought a lot of things, all winter supplies. Just the clothes cost a considerable amount.
After running around all afternoon, she finally got everything she needed.
She checked the time; it was getting late.
She planned to find a place to eat nearby and wait for Zhou Yueshen to pick them up.
Yaoyao was already tired, leaning against her and asleep, softly snoring.
The Eldest Child and Second Child, however, were still as energetic as if they'd had a shot of adrenaline, clutching their gifts tightly.
Just as Si Nian was about to take them for a bite to eat, a smug, mocking voice sounded from behind. "Well, if it isn't Si Nian? Running into you again. What, you don't dare go into the department store? Afraid you can't afford anything?"
Love is often feeling you fall short.
