The store was still bustling with activity, surrounded by customers. The clothes in front of her remained alluring, but Chu Yi suddenly lost interest in continuing to shop.

She opened her phone and started messaging Cheng Li.

Soon, Cheng Li replied swiftly.

“Hahaha, that’s really terrible. Don’t be sad, babe. I’ll rush over right now to soothe your wounded heart!”

Cheng Li indeed arrived quickly. Just as Chu Yi found a dessert shop to sit down, Cheng Li showed up. The two sisters successfully met up, and after a serving of dessert, all worries vanished.

Chu Yi vented her frustrations.

“Seriously, never again.”

“No wonder he said that after shopping with my mother once, it was never repeated.”

“Getting him to give advice was like asking for his life. I just started, and he was already eager to leave.”

“What else could we do? We had to spare each other.”

“Hahahahahaha…” Cheng Li bent over, laughing so hard her stomach hurt. After she finally calmed down, she affectionately patted Chu Yi’s head.

“My poor baby, it must have been tough for you. But don’t be sad. Mama is here.”

Chu Yi emotionlessly swatted her hand away.

“Go away.”

Cheng Li stretched lazily, preparing for the next round of battle.

“Let’s go, friends. Our shopping adventure begins now!”

The two were extremely in sync with their shopping habits, which was why they had been friends for so many years. They shopped from the first floor to the top, from day to night, thoroughly enjoying and feeling completely satisfied.

By the time they finished, the sky was already dark, and the city lights began to shine.

Chu Yi and Cheng Li each carried large and small bags, as if they had just robbed the mall. As they got into the car and looked at the back seat filled with items, they exchanged a knowing smile.

“Let’s go!” Cheng Li opened the convertible top, and with a press of the pedal, the car shot out like an arrow. The evening breeze brought a refreshing chill, and Chu Yi couldn’t help but cheer.

“Wow——”

The long hair flowed in the wind, the surroundings illuminated by the vibrant city lights, and music punctuated the pleasant night. Chu Yi couldn’t help but reflect.

“Who needs men when you have sisters?”

Cheng Li laughed heartily and was about to say something when Chu Yi’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID.

“Oh, speak of the devil, your husband is calling.”

Chu Yi lowered her gaze and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Still shopping?” Qiao Anchen asked on the other end.

“No, I’m on my way home now,” Chu Yi replied, her tone still neutral.

“Alone?”

“Cheng Li is driving me.”

“Oh.” Qiao Anchen responded casually, then seemed to remember something.

“Did you buy a lot? Do you need me to pick you up?”

Chu Yi paused for a moment, her tone unconsciously softening.

“Just wait for me at the neighborhood entrance. Cheng Li doesn’t need to drive in.”

They exchanged a few words before hanging up. Cheng Li, who had overheard, understood the situation.

“He’s urging you to come home?”

“No, he just asked when I’d be back.”

“Hmm?”

“He asked if I bought a lot and offered to pick me up.” Chu Yi cleared her throat, but the smile at the corner of her mouth was hard to hide.

“Tsk, tsk, women are so changeable,” Cheng Li rolled her eyes.

“One moment, you’re saying you want to be inseparable from me, and the next, you’re whisked away by some guy.”

“Cheng Li!” After so many years of friendship, Chu Yi still couldn’t tolerate her teasing sometimes.

She pretended to hit Cheng Li.

“Alright, alright, no more teasing. I’m driving,” Cheng Li quickly dodged, and Chu Yi huffed and turned to look out the window.

The scenery changed quickly as the car drove. They soon arrived at the neighborhood entrance, where a familiar figure stood under the streetlight.

Cheng Li parked the car and teased Chu Yi.

“Your man is waiting for you and is quite punctual.”

Chu Yi ignored her. Qiao Anchen had already seen them and walked over. As she opened the car door, her expression was slightly awkward due to Cheng Li’s comment about “your man.”

“Just bought these, everything’s here.” Chu Yi opened the back seat, separating her and Cheng Li’s haul. Qiao Anchen bent down and started to carry them.

He glanced at Cheng Li in the driver’s seat and gave a slight nod as a greeting.

The two had met a few times at the wedding since Cheng Li was Chu Yi’s bridesmaid, but due to Qiao Anchen’s reserved nature, they had hardly spoken.

Cheng Li returned the nod and then looked at Chu Yi.

“Take care now.”

“Be careful on the road,” Chu Yi said. Cheng Li waved her hand without looking back, and the car soon disappeared from view.

At the neighborhood entrance, only Chu Yi and Qiao Anchen were left. The night was quiet, with the warm yellow streetlights softly illuminating the ground.

Chu Yi turned to Qiao Anchen and said.

“Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Qiao Anchen carried both bags, full and heavy, while Chu Yi carried two small items.

Their long and short shadows fell at their feet. Chu Yi asked.

“Have you eaten?”

“Yes, have you?” Qiao Anchen looked at her.

“Me too.”

They exchanged their dinner menus and chatted about trivial matters. Despite the long day of shopping, the atmosphere between them was quite harmonious on the way home.

After a whole day of shopping, Chu Yi was a bit tired but still happily sorted through her purchases after a shower.

She took out each item from the bags and placed them in the wardrobe.

Qiao Anchen lay on the bed, glanced up from his book, and saw her actions, unable to help but ask.

“Is shopping really that enjoyable?”

“Of course!” Chu Yi replied immediately, her eyes sparkling.

Qiao Anchen nodded and said nothing more, returning his attention to his book. After a while, as if he had a sudden thought, he casually mentioned.

“Next time, you can ask Cheng Li to go with you. She can shop with you from morning till night.”

Chu Yi: “……….”

Her good mood immediately vanished. She realized Qiao Anchen had a knack for irritating her, which was quite impressive.

Chu Yi paused her movements, then continued, gritting her teeth.

“Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to go shopping with me again next time!”

Qiao Anchen was a bit confused. He didn’t understand why Chu Yi was upset again. He thought about it but decided not to pursue it, quietly reading his book, waiting for her mood to improve.

Though no one had told him directly, a few months of marriage and cohabitation had given Qiao Anchen some insights.

For example, Chu Yi sometimes got suddenly angry. During these times, if he remained silent, she would eventually calm down.

Qiao Anchen nodded to himself, pleased with his own wisdom.