Chapter 132: A Day At The Mall
Zhang Mei walked with the group toward the cinema, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the mall. The excitement of a day out with friends brought a rare smile to her face. As they reached the entertainment area, Xu Zhonhao generously declared, "Don’t worry, guys, it’s on me."
Tang Ziyi, always the playful one, chimed in, "Brother Zhonhao, you are the best! You will get us some snacks as well, right?" Xu Zhonhao chuckled, "Hey, don’t push it." Laughter echoed as they shared a light moment, and Li Chen, ever the gentleman, offered, "I’ll buy the snacks."
Tang Ziyi cheered, "Great!" Zhang Mei couldn’t help but marvel at the warmth of companionship, a comforting contrast to the heavy burdens she carried. Today, she was grateful for these newfound friends who unknowingly eased the weight on her shoulders.
In the movie theatre, Xu Zhonhao and Tang Ziyi secured seats at the front, while Li Chen and Zhang Mei found their places in the center. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the rest of the seats filled up. As the lights dimmed, the fantasy romance film with a sprinkle of action began.
As the plot unfolded, the film took an unexpectedly intimate turn, depicting the consummation of the lead characters’ marriage. The vivid scene caused a ripple of whispers throughout the theatre. Zhang Mei and Li Chen, seated closely, couldn’t escape the embarrassment—their faces flushed, and ears turned crimson. Li Chen, trying to divert his attention, lowered his head, while Zhang Mei closed her eyes, waiting for the awkward moment to pass.
The explicit scene left an indelible mark on their minds, making it challenging for both Li Chen and Zhang Mei to focus on the movie any longer. With shared embarrassment, they silently yearned for the film to conclude, eager to escape the awkwardness of the unexpected scene.
After the movie, everyone left the cinema with lingering blushes from the unexpected scene. Some engaged in discussions about the beautiful romantic ending, while others focused on the action-packed sequences. Despite the varied reactions, the consensus was that the movie had been great.
Li Chen: "How about we get something to eat?"
Zhang Mei, feeling a bit parched, agreed: "Yes, please, I’m thirsty."
Xu Zhonhao and Tang Ziyi exchanged knowing glances and shared a laugh. Li Chen turned to Tang Ziyi, accusing him: "You knew the movie was like this!"
Tang Ziyi, denying it, claimed: "I didn’t notice, sorry."
Xu Zhonhao and Tang Ziyi walked ahead, leaving Li Chen and Zhang Mei trailing behind. The two were still feeling embarrassed, so they walked to the cafe in silence, unsure of what to talk about after the unexpected cinematic experience.
Gu Liang and Hu Yunxuan faced Li Chen and Zhang Mei as they exited the jewelry store. Gu Liang remarked, "Hey, Li Chen, seems like you’ve dropped the sugar mama." Zhang Mei, confused, turned to Li Chen, giving him a questioning look. Li Chen assured her, "I’ll explain later."
Hu Yunxuan joined in, stating, "You’re beautiful enough; you shouldn’t be with a gold digger like him." Zhang Mei retorted, "Where does it concern you?" Hu Yunxuan replied, "Just a few days ago, we saw him by the hospital with an older rich woman; she even called him baby." Gu Liang added, "If I were you, I would leave him now before I get my heart broken."
Li Chen, annoyed, asked, "What do you want, Gu Liang?" She replied, "From you, I would never need anything. Actually, I wish I could never see you." Li Chen questioned, "So why did you even open your mouth when you saw me?"
Hu Yunxuan snapped, "Shut up! A nobody like you is not allowed to say a word to my friend." Li Chen retorted, "Great, now move out of the way." Gu Liang warned, "Are you coming to my engagement later tonight?" Li Chen replied, "Since you invited me, I will surely come." Hu Yunxuan added, "You better come so you can see the man that Gu Liang is with right now. He’s from one of the top families in Beijing. You are nothing in his eyes."
Li Chen sarcastically replied, "Oh, is that so? Well, I can’t wait to meet the man who is marrying my ex-wife." Gu Liang warned, "Don’t you ever mention to people that you and I were married." Li Chen, aiming to annoy her, insisted, "But we were married." Hu Yunxuan chimed in, "Only because old Madame Gu thought you were special." Gu Liang dismissed him, stating, "There is nothing special about him."
Growing impatient, Zhang Mei interjected, "We have somewhere to be; get out of the way." Gu Liang issued a parting shot, saying, "Girl, you will remember this day. You should leave him." Hu Yunxuan speculated, "Who knows, maybe the money he’s taking you out with is from his sugar mama."
Zhang Mei, with a hint of annoyance in her voice, retorted, "Well, that means he found a good sugar mama." Li Chen teased, "Why haven’t I met your sugar mama?" Zhang Mei chuckled and replied, "I will introduce you soon."
Hu Yunxuan, pointing at Zhang Mei, commented, "You are stupid," then grabbed Gu Liang’s arm, saying, "Let’s go before their stupidity rubs off on us." Gu Liang added, "Hope to see you tonight. Will you come with this lady here or your sugar mama?" Li Chen dismissed them, stating, "That is none of your business. Now move out of the way." Gu Liang snorted, and the two women walked away as Li Chen and Zhang Mei continued on their way.
As they strolled along, Zhang Mei couldn’t help but jest. "Sugar mama."
Li Chen chuckled, playing along, "Yep, seems like that’s the title they chose to give my mother."
Amused, Zhang Mei replied, "So they think."
Li Chen continued the jest, "Yes, they thought she was my sugar mama, and Mom decided to play along for the fun of it."
Grinning, Zhang Mei remarked, "They’re really clueless. You and your mom have the same features."
Li Chen, with a smirk, added, "Guess they didn’t see that."
Their light-hearted banter carried on until they reached the cafe where Xu Zhonhao and Tang Ziyi had already placed orders.
Tang Ziyi asked, "Where have you guys been? We’ve already ordered something for you too."
Li Chen jokingly quipped, "We met some flies on the way."
Zhang Mei laughed, chiming in, "Yes, very annoying flies."
The group shared a laugh as they settled in to enjoy their meal together.
As the day unfolded, the group continued their adventure, this time embarking on a shopping spree. Li Chen, seemingly in high spirits, generously offered to foot the bill for everything. The vibrant atmosphere of the mall enveloped them as they explored various stores. Zhang Mei found herself picking out clothes for Li Chen, who, to her delight, appreciated her selections.
Throughout the shopping excursion, Xu Zhonhao and Tang Ziyi couldn’t help but notice the unspoken connection between Li Chen and Zhang Mei. Sharing glances and stifling giggles, they sensed a brewing romance.
Exiting the mall, laden with bags filled with their purchases, the group found themselves at the exit. Xu Zhonhao, standing close to Li Chen, leaned in and whispered, "We are being watched."
Li Chen, nonchalant, responded, "I noticed, but let them be. I think I know who it is."
Though confused, Xu Zhonhao decided not to press further, silently preparing for a potential confrontation if the mysterious observer decided to make a move. The journey back home was filled with laughter, the camaraderie among them prevailing despite the lurking sense of surveillance.
