Hu Moli brought a beautiful shawl to visit the Cheng mansion.

When Hu Moli was led to the backyard by the servant, she found out that there was no one else in the Cheng mansion except for Xu Zhuohua. Madam Cheng had gone out, and Li Qirui was naturally following Madam Cheng.

Xu Zhuohua was reclining in a deck chair in the backyard of Cheng's mansion. Large vines climbed all over the trellis overhead, their lush green leaves layered upon layer, completely blocking out the scorching sun.

She closed her eyes slightly, but her eyelids kept trembling. Her mind was a mess, and she was wide awake. She felt that even the shadows cast by the wisteria vines were somewhat suffocating.

Only when a pair of feet came into view did Xu Zhuohua slowly open her eyes. When she saw who it was, her brows furrowed slightly: "Miss Hu?"

Hu Moli smiled, lifted the hem of her cheongsam, and sat down on the bamboo chair opposite her, the bamboo making a slight creaking sound.

She looked up at the wisteria above her head. The leaves were still damp with the morning mist and swayed gently in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, bringing a rare coolness.

“The environment here is so nice,” she sighed softly, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the texture of the bamboo chair. “It’s all green and cool, no wonder Miss Xu always loves to stay at the Cheng Mansion and is too lazy to even leave the house.”

Xu Zhuohua stared into Hu Moli's eyes, her expression a mix of teasing and genuine envy.

A faint smile appeared on Xu Zhuohua's lips as she gestured to the servant standing beside her to bring her another bowl of tea.

"It's so hot that I'm too lazy to move. Going out feels like being steamed."

Hu Moli smiled and picked up the teacup that had just been filled in front of her, taking a small sip.

Unexpectedly, the bitterness exploded instantly, like swallowing a mouthful of bitter herbs, so stinging that she almost vomited on the spot. The horrifying bitterness stuck firmly to her tongue, and even made her feel nauseous.

"This tea," Hu Moli hurriedly slammed the teacup down on the table, her brows furrowed, "is far too bitter! How did you manage to swallow it?"

Xu Zhuohua blinked, picked up her teacup with a calm expression, took a small sip, and then put it down, saying in a flat tone, "It's not bitter at all; I think it's just right."

Hu Moli didn't say anything more. She poured herself a glass of water, tilted her head back, and gulped down several mouthfuls before she could barely suppress the horrifying bitterness.

She looked at Xu Zhuohua's calm profile and gently shook her head.

Where is the lack of bitterness? It's clearly because my heart is filled with too many things, and I've long since become numb to the taste.

Especially this kind of bitterness, it's like it's seeped into your bones and blood. The more you taste it, the less you can feel the bitterness anymore.

Hu Moli cut to the chase, saying, "Grandpa said you were in a bad mood, so I came to check on you. It's true, what happened?"

Xu Zhuohua sighed and looked at the lush flowers. Madam Cheng was taking good care of them, and her words were very encouraging. The flowers were blooming brightly in the sunshine.

Thinking of Madam Cheng, a bitter feeling welled up in her heart.

He said with a wry smile, "It's nothing, I'm just feeling down. I'll probably feel better in a few days."

Hu Moli asked, "Why isn't Young Marshal Cheng with you?"

Xu Zhuohua said, "He's very busy, let him take care of his own business first."

Hu Moli felt that Xu Zhuohua probably didn't know about Cheng Muyun's situation, otherwise she wouldn't have reacted this way.

"If you're unhappy, you can come to the Paramount Ballroom to find me, and Xinghua and the others will keep you company. Or you can go to the opera house to listen to the newly arranged songs, or go to the foreign firm to pick out some trendy fabrics—there are so many ways to relieve boredom, why do you prefer to stay at home by yourself and stare blankly at this courtyard?"

As Hu Moli spoke, she gently tapped her fingertips on the armrest of the bamboo chair.

Xu Zhuohua's fingers were unconsciously stroking the small purple clay beast on the tea tray. The small patch of porcelain surface, wet with tea, felt cool and refreshing, which made her feel a little damp as well.

She lowered her eyes, her voice as soft as a sigh: "I don't like all that noise. I'm already tired of all the new and exciting things in Xinhai City."

Upon hearing this, Hu Moli shrugged helplessly, then changed the subject, a hint of mystery in her eyes: "So, I brought you something really new and interesting today."

Xu Zhuohua then raised her eyes, a genuine interest finally appearing in them, like jade that had been brushed clean of dust, shining slightly: "What is it?"

“A shawl, made of Suzhou embroidery, looks beautiful with a cheongsam.”

Hu Moli took out the prepared shawl and handed it to Xu Zhuohua.

Xu Zhuohua held the shawl in her hand; it was simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Made with the lightest, finest silk, it feels soft and smooth to the touch, like flowing water gliding over your fingertips or gentle clouds lightly touching your skin, providing an unparalleled skin-friendly experience.

Each delicate and vibrant kapok flower, with its layered petals, seems to sway gently in the breeze. Each petal is skillfully embroidered with silk threads of various colors, transitioning naturally and smoothly from light pink to deep rose, just like the magnificent sunset on the horizon.

At the flower's stamen, delicate patterns are embroidered with golden silk threads, shimmering with light under the illumination.

At the neckline, a few delicate handmade Chinese knot buttons adorn the shawl like round pearls, complementing it perfectly.

These Chinese knot buttons are uniquely designed, each one meticulously woven from silk thread. The lines of the buckle are smooth and natural, and the knots are tight and neat, showcasing a refined aesthetic.

The edge is also adorned with a delicate tassel that sways gently with the movement of the body, making it both graceful and beautiful.

Seeing the smile spreading across Xu Zhuohua's face, Hu Moli's eyes lit up as well, and she asked, "How is it? Isn't she beautiful?"

Xu Zhuohua was holding the shawl and examining it closely. She exclaimed from the bottom of her heart, "The embroiderer's skills are truly amazing. This Suzhou embroidery is clearly the work of a master."

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