She immediately and keenly looked at Shen Huaichuan.
Although he quickly concealed it and returned to his expressionless state, she still keenly noticed the deep disappointment and hurt that welled up in his eyes at that moment.
His expression was almost identical to when he said last night, "I'm probably the son my parents dislike the most."
Zhou Qiqi felt a tug at her heartstrings, a dull, persistent pain.
She didn't know why Shen Huaichuan would say that last night, but now she has a general idea.
The two older brothers are a bloody, insurmountable obstacle for the Shen family.
Every time the family gathers together in warmth, seeing Shen Huaichuan inevitably brings up the two of them, stirring up painful memories for the whole family.
This pain, invisibly, seemed to become a wall between Shen Huaichuan and his parents, hurting both sides.
She roughly understood the situation, quickly squeezed Zhouzhou's little hand beside her, and softly changed the subject:
"Oh, look! We're almost at the department store! Zhouzhou, Grandpa and Grandma haven't been here before. Can you point out to Grandma which building is the prettiest?"
Zhou, despite his young age, is so sensible that it breaks your heart.
Although she didn't quite understand what had just happened, she could sense that something was off.
Upon hearing Shen Shen's words, she immediately looked up and grabbed her grandmother's hand, pointing to a conspicuous building not far ahead.
Qin Peilan was filled with sorrow and had been trying hard not to let her tears fall, but when her little granddaughter grasped her soft little hand, all that sorrow was forced back.
She took a deep breath, forced a smile, and looked in the direction Zhouzhou was pointing. Her voice was still a little hoarse, but full of affection, and she quickly replied:
"Wow, that's the department store! It's so tall and beautiful!"
When Zhouzhou saw his grandma smile, he got even more excited. He twisted his little body and snuggled into his grandma's arms, rubbing against her affectionately.
Qin Peilan felt her granddaughter's complete dependence and closeness, which eased her heart considerably. A more genuine smile appeared on her face as she hugged Zhouzhou tightly.
The atmosphere inside the car became much more relaxed.
We arrived at the department store quickly.
The group headed straight to the stationery counter and picked out several boxes of brightly colored paintbrushes and thick sketchbooks for Zhouzhou.
Immediately afterwards, Zhou Qiqi led the elderly couple to start buying daily necessities.
Slippers, toothbrush cups, new towels, and even pajamas, underwear, and several sets of clothes were picked out for each person to change into.
The elderly couple were used to being frugal, and upon seeing this, they quickly waved their hands and said no.
"We're only staying for a few days, why do we need so much stuff? It's too extravagant! This will do!"
Zhou Qiqi insisted:
"Uncle, Aunt, even if you're only staying for two days, we should make sure you're comfortable and clean, right? We feel more at ease using our own things. Besides, it won't cost much."
As they were talking, Manager Zhao from the department store's purchasing department spotted Zhou Qiqi from afar, smiled, and came over to greet her warmly.
"Designer Zhou! You have some free time to come and browse today? Take whatever you like, and I'll give you the lowest price!"
He turned to the elderly couple and said politely:
"Grandpa, Grandma, you two are so lucky! Comrade Zhou Qiqi is a very important guest here. She guarantees you the best price, so feel free to choose!"
After hearing the manager's words, the elderly couple reluctantly accepted.
Zhou Qiqi and Manager Zhao stood to the side talking, poised and confident in their manner.
Manager Zhao held her in even higher esteem, speaking with admiration as he said with a smile:
"Comrade Zhou Qiqi, to be honest, we just received our first batch of several dozen pieces of 'Ink and Wash Splendor' yesterday, and wow! They sold out in less than a day! I heard that if you want to place an order again, you'll have to wait for half a month! Next time you see Director Zhang, please put in a good word for us and see if you can move our order forward a little?"
Zhou Qiqi smiled and nodded, responding very appropriately:
"Don't worry, Manager Zhao. Your store is a local business, so we'll definitely give you priority. I'll go to the factory tomorrow and bring this up with Factory Director Zhang."
This conversation gave the elderly Shen couple a new understanding of their daughter-in-law.
So my daughter-in-law is so capable and respected outside!
The unease I felt about spending money was gradually replaced by pride.
The elderly couple had been staying in the nursing home for a long time, so it was a rare treat for them to come out for a stroll, which put them in a good mood.
That morning, Zhou Qiqi had the sales clerk pack up anything they even glanced at without batting an eye.
His straightforward and generous manner made the elderly couple feel as if their son had married into a wealthy family, rather than getting married, and that they, as his parents, were also benefiting from his good fortune.
Before I knew it, it was lunchtime after all that shopping.
The elderly couple had originally planned to eat at home, since He Wanrou was waiting to cook for them.
But as soon as the name "He Wanrou" was mentioned, Xiao Zhouzhou immediately became unhappy. Her little brows furrowed tightly, and she let go of her grandmother's hand that she had been holding. She twisted her little body and fearfully burrowed into Zhou Qiqi's arms, burying her face and refusing to show her face.
This broke Qin Peilan's heart, and she immediately changed her tune:
"Okay, okay, my dear granddaughter, don't be afraid. We won't go back for dinner! We won't go back!"
Seeing this, Shen Huaichuan immediately suggested:
"Dad, Mom, let's go eat at the state-run restaurant up ahead. Their candied sweet potatoes are really good, Zhouzhou especially loves them."
Qin Peilan was completely preoccupied with her granddaughter, so there was no reason for her to refuse, and she readily agreed.
Looking at the uncle and nephew working together so well, Zhou Qiqi chuckled to herself. Her "instructions" that morning had really paid off; these two "actors" were performing exceptionally well!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
