Chapter 16 – Daddy Came Because He Wanted to See Mommy

Thinking back on it now, Shuhui still found it frustrating. In her past life, she really had been unlucky—spineless, timid, cursed with misfortune.

It seemed everything went downhill from the moment she entered the Qin family. Were they fated to suppress her?

But in this life, it wasn’t nearly as bad. Even Lian Minfang—who had been rabid like a mad dog before—was much more restrained now.

A false eyelash poked into her eye, pulling her abruptly back from her thoughts.

The makeup artist panicked. “I’m so sorry, Madam! Did I hurt you?”

Shuhui waved it off. “It’s fine, just startled me.”

The makeup artist looked at her up close—at that breathtaking face—and sighed sincerely.
“Madam, you’re truly beautiful. You don’t even need false lashes—your natural ones are already long and curled.”

“See? Our makeup artist has officially become one of your fangirls.”

Amy’s bright smile never slipped into obsequiousness. She crouched gracefully before Shuhui to report:

“Madam, I’ve brought over most of the gowns you selected preliminarily online last night, so you can try them in person.”

Then her tone shifted, her apology heartfelt. “Only the white mermaid gown was pre-booked by another client. I’m so sorry I couldn’t bring it.”

“But the others—including two of our off-season haute couture exclusives—are all here. None of them have ever been loaned to celebrities. You’ll be the very first. With your fair skin and beauty, I assure you, you’ll look absolutely elegant.”

In high society, if a haute couture gown had been borrowed for a celebrity red-carpet appearance, socialites no longer favored it—especially if the celebrity had a poor reputation. Nobody wanted to spend a fortune only to be seen as “second-hand.”

Luxury brands knew this well. They rarely lent out couture and always clarified with clients in advance.

Shuhui gave a small nod—enough to acknowledge the explanation. Amy’s smile widened as she signaled for staff to push the gowns forward.

On wheeled mannequins, seven haute couture gowns were displayed in full view, each regal and distinct.

Luckily, Shuhui had only just moved in, and her dressing room was still mostly empty. Otherwise, the space would’ve been too crowded.

Amy was about to suggest that they help Shuhui try each gown one by one.

But Shuhui’s gaze swept across them casually, and she pointed to the one in the center. “That one.”

Just that one…?

Amy almost sighed. She had thought this first Qin Madam styling session would mean at least two or three orders. Perhaps she had miscalculated.

Still, her professionalism never faltered. Smiling, she personally helped Shuhui change and adjusted the hem.

As she knelt to slip on the heels, she glanced up at the mirror—then nearly forgot to breathe.

Shuhui was ethereal.

Her hair was swept into a flower-bun updo. Her face—petite, with features refined and striking. Most captivating were her apricot eyes, shining and soft, balancing the sharpness of her beauty.

The gown—black velvet, with a daring front neckline and an open back that dipped to her waist—perfectly outlined her slim figure.

Velvet lent sophistication, while the tasteful skin exposure kept it from being dull.

Amy pressed a hand to her chest. Even if Madam only bought this one dress, it was worth it. After tonight’s banquet, Amy was sure other wealthy ladies would be begging for her services.

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Shuhui stepped out from the dressing room.

Waiting outside, Qin Suining’s eyes sparkled. She squealed, rushing over: “Mama’s so pretty—like a princess in a fairy tale!”

This was the first time anyone outside gossip columns had seen the Qin family’s little miss. With her hair in a bun and her chubby cheeks glowing, she was adorably precious.

Amy couldn’t help but gush. “Madam, is this your daughter? She’s darling—and such a sweet talker.”

Shuhui chuckled. “Ningning, call her ‘sister.’”

Amy laughed, waving her hands. “Oh no, no—call me ‘Auntie’ instead. Next time, Auntie will bring you candy.”

“Okay!” Ningning agreed happily, grabbing her mother’s hand and tugging her toward the sofa. “Daddy’s here too. I know you’re going to eat.”

Yesterday, at the main house, Lian Minfang had told her she’d stay over again tonight because Mommy and Daddy had a banquet—a business dinner.

To Ningning, it all boiled down to one word: eat.

“Yes, we’ll be back after dinner,” Shuhui said.

Amy finally noticed the man sitting on the sofa, dressed in a sharp suit, watching quietly.

The Qin heir. The cold-faced “King of Hell” whose reputation for aloofness was legendary in Hong Kong.

“Good evening, Mr. Qin.” Amy forced steadiness into her voice.

He nodded, expression unchanged.

“You’re here already?” Shuhui asked as she approached with Ningning.

The banquet didn’t begin until 8:18. It was barely past 7:30. There was no need to arrive early—slipping in fashionably late was the norm.

“Ningning wanted to see you,” he said.

In other words: I brought our daughter over.

Shuhui accepted this easily, not pressing further.

Ningning clambered onto the sofa, glancing between them. Then she mumbled, half-garbled: “Daddy came… because Daddy wanted to see Mommy.”

Shuhui was busy talking to Amy and didn’t catch it. Qin Yushen, however, peeled a banana and popped it into her little hand. “Eat.”

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“Madam, what kind of jewelry would you like?” Amy asked gently.

Most society ladies had collections of fine jewelry. But Shuhui had none. The diamond set Qin Yushen once gave her wasn’t to her taste.

In her past life, he had given her many unique custom designs—one-of-a-kind pieces.

But his 35-year-old-straight-man aesthetics ruined treasure after treasure. She had no idea which designer he’d employed—but they should have been fired ages ago.

This time, she would choose for herself.

Amy’s assistants unveiled trays of jewels, dazzling in every hue.

Ningning’s eyes immediately lit up. She forgot her banana, toddling over to peer at the sparkles, her tiny hands reaching out.

One staff member clicked his tongue, clearly displeased, and opened his mouth to scold.

But Amy cut him off with a sharp look. He snapped his mouth shut, cowed.