"You're now the owner of two chain stores—quite the businesswoman. While frugality is a virtue, people often judge by appearances first. Presence matters too. Since we're out shopping, why not browse around for some new clothes and get your hair done?"
Boss Huo's words were actually a gentle reminder for Lianxiang.
This year, the capital had undergone significant changes. Interactions with the other side of the strait had increased, and televisions were becoming more common in ordinary households. Hong Kong and Taiwanese TV shows were having a major influence on the mainland.
Lianxiang nodded in agreement. The next morning, Jiabao was up bright and early.
Just as Jiabao finished getting ready, Qingqing arrived, carrying a small backpack and a bag of groceries.
"Aunt Lianxiang, Grandma asked me to bring these for you."
"Thank you, Qingqing. Have you had breakfast yet? Jiabao just finished getting ready."
Lianxiang glanced at the vegetables in the basket—all her favorites. Her aunt still remembered her preferences so well.
"We're going shopping today, so we'll eat out."
Jiabao immediately draped herself over Qingqing. The two were as close as sisters.
"Alright, let's go. I'll ride my bike and take you both."
"Grandpa and Grandma bought me a bicycle. I rode it here," Qingqing said.
"Since when? You got a bike and didn’t tell me? Are we still best friends? I want one too!"
"You can just ride with me. I’ve already tested it with Dad—it’s very stable."
"Really? Then the back seat is officially my throne from now on!"
Jiabao rushed outside to see. The bike was white, simple yet elegant, with a cushion tied to the back seat.
"Qingqing, won’t it be too tiring to ride with Jiabao?" Lianxiang asked, concerned.
"Not at all. Jiabao’s light. I even took Dad for a ride yesterday—I can handle it."
Jiabao wrapped her arms around Qingqing’s waist. This was much more comfortable than pedaling herself.
They skipped the department store and headed to a newly built shopping street instead. Behind the glass display windows, vibrant outfits dazzled the eye. Jiabao held Qingqing’s hand with one hand and Lianxiang’s with the other, pulling them into a shop.
"There are so many people here," Lianxiang noticed immediately.
"Qingqing, what do you think of this dress?"
Once inside, Jiabao tugged Qingqing toward a blue dress.
"It’s lovely, but I thought you preferred green?" Qingqing examined the design.
"Do you think it would suit Aunt Lianxiang? She’s actually quite pretty, but she never bothers dressing up. Let’s give her a makeover today. I think she has the face of a Hong Kong or Taiwanese movie star."
Jiabao was determined to bring her father and Lianxiang closer. Though they were married, their relationship seemed lukewarm. She wouldn’t mind having a little brother or sister.
She wasn’t a child anymore. Ever since her shuttlecock business took off, she’d grown more ambitious about making money. Even if her parents had another child, she was confident she could build her own fortune before her sibling grew up. She wasn’t worried about sharing the family wealth.
Step one: give Aunt Lianxiang a makeover. To please others, one must first please oneself. Her father needed to see how wonderful Lianxiang truly was—then he’d pay more attention.
Qingqing didn’t know Jiabao’s plan, but she still helped pick out outfits earnestly.
"This dress would go well with a white blouse with a bow collar, plus a trench coat. Aunt Lianxiang should get a perm too. Oh, and shoes—can’t forget those. On TV, they always wear stockings as well."
Qingqing hadn’t watched much TV before, but Jiabao loved it and often dragged her along, discussing the shows afterward. Over time, Qingqing had seen quite a few herself.
The two girls put together a complete outfit. At first, Lianxiang didn’t pay much attention, assuming they were picking things for themselves. She’d just pay later—the clothes here were quite nice.
"Aunt Lianxiang, go try these on!"
Jiabao walked over and shoved the clothes into Lianxiang’s hands.
"Me?"
Lianxiang was taken aback but found herself being nudged toward the fitting room.
"Go on, we’ll wait out here."
After pushing her in, Jiabao carefully drew the curtain, then pulled Qingqing along to keep browsing.
"Is it okay to try on so much at once?"
Qingqing wanted to pick more but worried about annoying the staff.
Just then, a shop assistant brought over two sodas and handed them to the girls.
"Jiabao, sorry I was so busy earlier. Here, have these."
"Thanks, Second Cousin-in-law! Your shop’s doing so well—you’re amazing, no wonder Second Cousin adores you. I’d be smitten too! This is Qingqing."
Qian Jiabao chirped sweetly, introducing Qingqing as well.
"I figured. Go ahead and try whatever you like. I’ll give you the wholesale price."
"Wow! Cousin-in-law, you’re the best!"
Qian Jiabao beamed. Even among family, clear accounts kept relationships smooth. She hadn’t come here to take advantage, but these small exchanges were what kept bonds strong.
When Lianxiang stepped out, she felt awkward, but Jiabao’s cousin-in-law stepped forward to tuck the blouse neatly into the skirt.
"You have a great figure. Most people couldn’t pull this off."
Qingqing studied her, then turned to fetch a belt. Spotting some earrings, she picked out a bold pair.
"How about adding the belt and earrings?"
Jiabao’s cousin-in-law took them and fastened the belt. The effect was even more striking—though the hair and shoes still needed work.
"Let me grab some shoes. I just got a few new pairs that aren’t even on display yet. Perfect timing."
"These heels are so high! I—"
Lianxiang was stunned by the shoes’ beauty, but the height of the heels made her doubt she could walk in them.
"Try them. Everyone struggles at first, but you’ll get used to it."
When she slipped them on, the fit was perfect.
In the mirror, she seemed to have grown several inches taller. The reflection looked unfamiliar—was that really her?
"How about some makeup? It’ll brighten your complexion."
Before Lianxiang could refuse, Jiabao’s cousin-in-law was already applying it.
A bold red lip, sharpened brows—the softness of Lianxiang’s face now carried an edge.
"Aunt Lianxiang, you should dress up like this every day. You look absolutely stunning."
Jiabao’s eyes sparkled.
"Is this… too much?"
The woman in the mirror was beautiful, but this radiant version of herself was entirely new—strange, yet thrilling.
"Not at all! You look incredible!" Jiabao insisted.
"This style is all the rage now, but few can wear it as well as you. If you got a perm, I’d hire you to model for the shop. Customers would be fighting to buy everything!"
