Chapter 61 - A mother's gift

Just as they were about to step out of the store, June stopped them.

She giggled girlishly as she hid something behind her back.

"Since young master and madam made some huge sales today, there's something I wanted to gift you to complete the ensemble."

Shen and Lina looked at each other, their eyebrows raised. What more was there?!

June pulled up a beautifully packaged brown box with a ribbon and handed it to Lina.

"What is this?" Lina asked, her eyes heavy with curiosity and child-like wonder.

"It's a mask," June said with a sparkle in her eye. "For your ball, princess."

Shen chuckled as he pulled his wife close, thanked June and balanced all Lina's shopping in one hand.

He felt proud like a proper husband, serving his queen of a wife, his hands full with her highly expensive purchases.

Lina felt the same way as she looked at the mighty Shen Moshi holding her dresses and walking obediently next to her like the wife slave he was.

Since she was already dressed she didn't want to hang out at the mall anymore and just wanted to go home to be fed dinner by mother.

"Angel, there's a really popular beauty salon here that have prepared do your hair and make-up. Let's go there first!"

She was amused at Shen's excitement. She really didn't expect this CEO to be piping up about beauty salons and hairdressers.

"Darling, there's no need! I can do it myself. Do you not have faith in my abilities?"

That question was irrefutable, and she knew Shen would not force her if it meant doubting her abilities. It was a quicker tactic to go home for the chicken soup waiting.

Mother had already texted her and sent her a picture of the piping hot bowl on the table.

When they got home, Rika was delighted to see her daughter-in-law dressed up.

"Take off the cape and let mother see the dress!" she said excitedly.

Lina shooed her husband out and spun around for mother.

"You are a vision, my dear. Don't stay out too late tonight. You are still recovering." Rika advised.

She was staying over at the Moshi mansion to look after this daughter after her fever a few days ago.

Lina nodded obediently.

"Come, dear, sit here." Rika beckoned for Lina to sit in front of her at the vanity.

She then undid the fishtail braid and Lina's hair fell down to her waist in beautiful natural curls. It was soft and feathery, but slightly wild.

Lina was a breathtaking beauty and Rika's eyes softened as she looked at her. She was definitely like her own child.

She opened a drawer and pulled out a small velvet box.

"This has been in my family for 120 years. It was given to my grandmother by my grandfather as token of his love. This is your first appearance with your husband in public, and maybe this will bless you both with everlasting success in your marriage."

Lina gasped as she saw the object in the small velvet box.

It was a dainty, little beret studded with four diamonds.

It was too precious. Not because of the stones, but because of the history and sentiment.

"Lina, you are my child and I want you and Shen to pass it down to your daughter, when you have one."

Lina smiled gently, her eyes brimming with tears. She hugged Rika tightly.

"But mother, what if we only have brutes of sons like Shen?"

Rika wiped her tears away and laughed.

"Well, then I'll hope they are lucky to marry women like you. And you can gift it to them."

She then gathered a few strands of Lina's hair on the side and fastened the beret, leaving the rest of her hair in soft curls over her shoulders.

Rika then beckoned a maid and carefully fed Lina her favourite chicken soup, as to not get her new clothes dirty.

After lightly doing her make-up, the couple left to go to the venue.

*********

-- at Golden Dragon Presidential Hotel --

A red carpet was rolled out for all the guests to walk in. There were stairs leading up to the entrance.

There were no paparazzi or photographers thanks to the tight security. This was one of the top locations at capital city and the masked ball was a highly coveted event where the senior-most management and industrial families and magnates were invited.

This event would allow them to check out their competition, network, close important deals at private rooms and socialise. A lot of pretty daughters of rich men would also try to find suitable marriage partners.

All sorts of debauchery would take place here tonight. Lina and Shen hadn't forgotten what they came here for.

They would try to identify anything suspicious, catch on to conversations that could lead to identifying any suspects working against them.

This power couple was on a mission.

Shen held out his hand to Lina to help her step out of the car.

Once she stepped out, he offered his arm for her to link her hand into so he could walk her in.

"No, hubby, you go up and wait for me at the entrance. I want to do something first."

He was reluctant to leave her there, but the smile playing on her lips shut him up, as he headed up the stairs.

Lina quickly took out the gorgeously sculpted mask given to her by June and covered her eyes. It fit her perfectly. It was a creamy, ceramic white with rose patterns on it.

Then she handed her cape to the chauffeur and asked him to keep it for her.

She then carefully picked up the voluminous skirt of her ball gown and made her way up the stairs, when she caught a glimpse at Shen, waiting for her at the top.

Her king awaited her arrival.