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Chapter 404: Chapter 404: What can such a small piece of cloth cover?
Encouraged by Lin Man’s compliments, Si Xiaohui strutted around with pride and said, "Of course. Earning hardly anything working for others for a month, who would want that? I have always thought that good things will shine eventually. The only reason I used to work for others was because I had no one to support me in starting my own business. Now that my uncle-in-law is supporting me, I will one day turn my bubble tea shop into a chain of stores."
As long as she could get the first store launched, the money saved would be sufficient for setting up as many more stores in future. Like Tong Yao, she too could be a business owner.
The reason she was behind Tong Yao was only because she disn’t have the excellent upbringing and couldn’t afford to open up stores.
Anyone can do business if they have the money!
"When you become the top dog, don’t forget me, your friend," Lin Man said, laughing.
Si Xiaohui greatly enjoyed the feeling of being adored by others. Noticing two garment bags in Lin Man’s hand, she asked curiously, "What did you buy?"
"The New Year is coming up, right? I bought two outfits for the occasion." Lin Man, tired of hearing Si Xiaohui brag, changed the topic and said, "Where else are you guys going? Let’s get together."
"My mom wants to buy a couple of sets of underwear."
Without thinking, Si Xiaohui blabbed it out and Lin Fengying didn’t even get a chance to stop her. Worried that Lin Man would think she lacked taste, Lin Fengying explained awkwardly.
"Xiaohui said it’s easier to wear and healthier for the body. I didn’t bring any spare clothes since I came to Kyoto, so I thought I could buy and try them out."
Lin Man laughed and said, "Actually, I know a store that offers a wide variety of styles and has good quality products. I can take you there!"
Leading the two to a nearby lingerie store, Lin Fengying saw the innerwear hanging inside. Her face went bright red as if it was scorched by the blazing sun.
Feeling embarrassed and wanting to leave, she tried to pull Si Xiaohui away, "These are not for people of my age. Others would laugh at me if they see me wearing these. I’m not buying, let’s go!"
"Why would anyone laugh at you for buying underwear?" Si Xiaohui dragged Lin Fengying into the store, leaving her blushing more than before, too embarrassed to even look up.
"This...this is not what decent people wear. What would people in the village think if they knew I was wearing this? The nasty things they would say behind my back!"
In Lin Fengying’s mind, these were not the things that decent people wore. Donning these flashy clothes, she felt, would be too seductive. Most people in the village wore large underpants; who would wear these kind of things? How could such a small amount of fabric cover anything?
Spotting Lin Fengying sharing the same mindset as Si Xiaohui used to, Lin Man held back a sneer and said, "Aunty, you’re overthinking it. These are just things women usually wear. It’s convenient for us during our periods. People back in your town might not wear them because it’s a bit outdated, but give it some years, soon everyone nationwide will be wearing them."
"You can’t possibly go out and meet people wearing these!" Lin Fengying complained, but her gaze landed on the underwear. She had seen them in Yuan Caizhen’s room before. People in the city wear stuff like these underneath. No wonder men find them appealing.
"Mom, these are meant to be worn inside, not outside. Nobody will know what you’re wearing. Why are you overthinking? Just buy a couple that fit you." Si Xiaohui was somewhat impatient, her mom was as backward as a dirt dumpling. Can’t she see the look on the store assistant’s face?
Purchasing outside needed confidence, you shouldn’t always mention ’expensive’, it would make people look down on you.
Presently, they’re wealthy unlike earlier when they even struggled for food.
Lin Man, on the other hand, chimed in and said, "Auntie Lin, you have a great figure. If you shape it up with underwear, everything you wear would look much better. People might even mistake you for being in your twenties."
"I’m in my forties and fifties, how could I compare to you young people?"
Despite Lin Fengying saying this, she was overjoyed inside and picked two sets of underwear, her face a bright red. Too shy to try them on in the store, she casually asked the assistant to pick two suitable sizes for her and quickly walked out of the store with her purchase.
She felt as if she’d done something illegal, her heart still pounding even when she was quite far from the shop.
When the three of them happened to walk past a barber shop, Lin Man suggested, "Auntie Lin, perming your hair is quite a trend these days. Why don’t you give it a try? I’m sure you will look pretty and graceful."
"No, no, no, it’s not suitable for me." Lin Fengying waved her hands in refusal without even thinking.
Si Xiaohui was interested though and dragged her into the shop, "Mom, Lin Man is right. Why don’t you get your hair permed? It definitely gives a person more grace."
Just moments ago, she was wondering why her mother still looked rustic despite having bought new clothes and shoes. Thanks to Lin Man’s reminder, she realized the problem lied in the hair. Getting her hair permed would certainly add grace.
Without giving Lin Fengying much chance to refuse, Si Xiaohui directly went for the most popular trendy curls.
"I’m so old now, why should I bother about these things? People would laugh at me if rumors spread." Although Lin Fengying was verbally expressing her reluctance, her coordination and anticipation of the outcome gave her away.
When she was young, she was the most beautiful young wife of the village. All these years, life had taken a toll on her, making her look old and faded. At this age, if she doesn’t live for herself now, she won’t be able to catch any eyes even when she’s dead.
In order to win Si Weimin’s heart back, she had to change herself.
"What’s there to laugh about! A woman should take good care of herself. Seeing yourself dressed beautifully makes you happy. Aunty Lin, you’re so beautiful, it would be such a pity if you don’t dress up good."
Following this string of praise from Lin Man, Lin Fengying was beaming with pride, her face full of laughter that never faded.
Seeing this, Si Xiaohui grasp the opportunity and said, "Mom, see, sister Manman has such a way with words! If brother gets divorced and has a wife like this, wouldn’t our family be at peace?"
At this, Lin Fengying perked up immediately and recalled what Liu Qing had said. She glanced at Lin Man automatically.
To be honest, she quite liked Lin Man. If she became her daughter-in-law, wouldn’t that be terrific?
Seeing Lin Fengying fixing her gaze on her, Lin Man hurriedly laughed and said, "Xiaohui, stop joking around. It’ll be a misunderstanding if Tong Yao finds out."
Although she denied it, there was a tinge of regret in her voice, as if she had some feelings for Si Chen.
Lin Fengying took it for granted that Lin Man truly liked her elder son and couldn’t resist asking, "Manman, you and Xiaochen are indeed predestined. Auntie is being presumptuous to ask you, but if Xiaochen gets divorced, will you be repulsed by him?"
Lin Man turned red but lowered her head and said, "Auntie Lin, please stop joking around. Dr. Si is so accomplished, even if he divorces three times, there are still be people fighting to be with him. Nobody would be repulsed."
"Mom, did you hear that? Sister Manman is not repulsed, hurry and think of a way to let brother divorce Tong Yao!" Seeing the opportunity, Si Xiaohui added fuel to the fire, hoping that Tong Yao would get divorced from Si Chen right then. Her brother was so outstanding, even if he get divorced, there would be no shortage of potential wives.
Who does Tong Yao think she is anyway?
