Chapter Twelve: A Miserable Shopping Trip

“Mhm.” Luo Yixia nodded absentmindedly. Military training and such were hardly important—what mattered was… Song Chengyi…

“Why do I feel like you’re not very interested? Are you even listening to me?”

“I’m listening, I’m listening. Go on.”

Gan Yanyan took back her phone, shaking her head. This was nothing but perfunctory courtesy—never mind, talking to a brick wall. “I have to head to work soon, so I’ll let you go. Let’s make plans later,” she said, glancing at the time.

“Sure, we’ll make plans. Good luck at work!” Luo Yixia happily hung up the call.

Yanyan said the entire school would participate in this military training. Would Song Chengyi be there too? I want to see him in camouflage, standing at attention… He must look so handsome.

Lost in these thoughts, a silly grin spread across Luo Yixia’s face again.

It wasn’t until after three o’clock that she finally dawdled out the door. After all, now that she’d be staying here, there were plenty of daily necessities to buy.

She stepped out, locked the door, and went downstairs.

Only then did she notice how pleasant Song Chengyi’s neighborhood was—lush greenery, peaceful surroundings.

Of course, quiet was always Song Chengyi’s preference.

Just outside the community, it was easy to hail a ride. She ordered a car to the mall. There was a supermarket right by the gate, but clothing and such wouldn’t be available there.

The moment Luo Yixia entered the mall, her eyes sparkled. Truly, girls are powerless before the lure of shopping. Before leaving, she’d scribbled a list of things to buy on a slip of paper.

Holding the note, she muttered under her breath, “Pajamas, slippers, water bottle, toothbrush, face wash, body wash…”

Everything at Song Chengyi’s place was for men, so she needed her own. She’d left home in such a rush she hadn’t even brought any cosmetics—not that she wore much anyway. Too lazy for that… Just a dab of lipstick was already an effort, but basic skincare was still a must.

When she finally gathered all her items and reached the counter to check out, she opened her wallet and froze.

Damn, the only thing inside was a card—not even a penny in cash. And this wasn’t her usual card; she’d grabbed it at random to match her outfit when she got her marriage certificate…

Awkwardly, Luo Yixia looked up and attempted a smile at the cashier.

The cashier smiled politely in return.

“Excuse me, could I make a phone call?” Luo Yixia asked, mortified.

“Of course.”

She picked up her phone, walked a few steps away, and anxiously dialed Song Chengyi’s number.

“Hello?” The moment he answered, that voice—so melodious, so captivating.

Luo Yixia shook her head. Now was not the time to swoon. “I’m at the mall shopping… um… is there anything you’d like me to pick up for you?”

Suddenly, asking for money outright felt a bit too blunt. Maybe this roundabout approach was more tactful.

Song Chengyi considered for a moment. “I think we have everything at home. I restocked just a few days ago.”

“Oh… really? There’s nothing at all we need?” Luo Yixia was reluctant to give up.

“Nothing,” Song Chengyi replied with absolute certainty.

“Well, that’s good… nothing… um, could I trouble you for something?” Luo Yixia stammered.

Song Chengyi raised an eyebrow. Now they were getting to the real reason for the call.

But before Luo Yixia could say anything more, Song Chengyi asked directly, “Did you forget to bring money?”

“How could that—” Luo Yixia began to deny out of instinct, but immediately relented. “How did you know?”