Chapter 10 - Shopping.

After the awkward dinner with her family ended, Chunlan decided to take a nap in her room. Meanwhile, the sisters, Tang Chunhua and Tang Chunying sat in the patio gazing at the birds chirping on the trees next to the windows.

"Don't you think Jie Jie is acting strangely? She invited us to go shopping.." Chunying asked, a little confused.

Chunhua scoffed. "She is surely up to something!"

How could Chunlan, their ruthless and selfish sister suddenly turn into an angel? Chunlan had always looked down on them, just because their births were unexpected. She never wanted to have anything to do with them, and now she wants to spend time with them? Unbelievable!

"We should make plans. We should not allow her to ruin our graduation." Chunying said exasperated. She had important guests coming!

"Don't worry. We will attack before she does. I won't allow her to make us a laughingstock!"

Chunying then bit her lips and said "I think I have a plan...."

The next morning, Chunlan and her mother went with the twins on a shopping spree. Entering V&K which was the most expensive and biggest fashion store in the city, the staff greeted them respectfully.

"What do you think about this green dress, Lan'er? It compliments your eyes and white jade skin." Haifeng touched the fabric lightly, her fingers gliding over the bows on the shoulder of the gown.

Chunying's eyes lit up as she passed by the jewelry section. "Mother, what do you think about this pearl necklace..."

"Ying'er! Don't be selfish! Don't you know that this trip is for your elder sister? Let her choose first." Haifeng's red painted lips curled in distaste.

Chunying bent her head, her eyes downcast. "I am sorry, Mother."

Haifeng ignored her, tapping Chunlan lightly trying to gain her attention. "Lan'er, what do you think of this dress?"

Chunlan sighed silently. If she wanted to patch things up with her little sisters, it seemed she had to take care of her mother first. "No, I don't like it. Let's look over there and decide slowly." She turned to the twins and said "Why don't you shop by yourselves and let's meet here later?"

Chunying sneered "We don't dare inconvenience Elder Sister."

Before Haifeng could give her a scathing glare, Chunlan dragged her mom towards the shoes section. " Mom, this black and red design is exquisite. Let's take a look."

After buying some things, she tugged her mother's hand. "The weather is so hot today, let's go that and buy some ice cream."

"Okay."

Sitting under the umbrella, they started ŀɨċkɨnġ the ice cream, looking at the customers passing by.

"Mum."

"Lan'er?"

"Why don't you like Ying'er and Hua'er?"

Haifeng became silent, her fingers clutching her purse tightly. "I don't dislike them, Lan'er. They are my children."

Putting her ice cream cone on the table, she turned to face her daughter.

"Lan'er, I was weak. I grew up in the society and have always tried to conform to their rules. By the time I tried to correct things, it was too late. They despise me."

Chunlan takes her mother's hand into her own. "Don't worry, they are a little stubborn, but they are still your daughters. As long as you are willing to change, they would change too!"

Haifeng smile lightly.. "Alright."