Chapter 67: Punishment

Perhaps because of her recent recovery, Ye QiuXue's voice had become soft and delicate, opposite to her usual demeanor.Seeing her in this state, HuMing let out a resigned sigh. Despite his frustration, he couldn't hold onto his anger.

After all, the President had already softened.

"Rest for a bit. Once the IV drip finishes, we'll head back."

"Mm-hmm!"

...

As they walked through the bustling market, they saw many couples strolling hand in hand, leaning against each other.

HuMing carried Ye QiuXue's backpack with one hand while she walked beside him. Seaʀch* The Novelƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

It was Ye QiuXue's first time being alone with a boy outside of school, but for some reason, there didn't seem to be any awkwardness between them.

HuMing seemed collected, and their relationship didn't make her feel awkward either.

After HuMing rescued her, Ye QiuXue's perception of him significantly changed. She now viewed him as a dependable individual, a far cry from the carefree boy she had once known.

They walked for an unknown distance until HuMing suddenly stopped inside a shopping mall.

"Do you want anything to eat?"

"Huh?"

Ye QiuXue wasn't sure what HuMing meant. Even if they were going to eat, shouldn't they have stopped at a restaurant?

Seeing the puzzled look on Ye QiuXue's face, HuMing's expression showed a hint of helplessness.

"President, there is a lot of oil in the food served in restaurants outside. Since you're just recovering, you should avoid eating that. It's better to buy frozen dumplings or noodles from the supermarket."

HuMing wasn't being cheap. Ye QiuXue needed some rest given her current condition. She had to be cautious, especially when it came to her diet.

Upon hearing HuMing's words, Ye QiuXue realized what he meant.

She had some noodles at home, but they might not be enough for two. She could make frozen dumplings, but she didn't have the time!

After thinking it over, Ye QiuXue followed HuMing into the mall.

However, stepping inside quickly registered to be HuMing's biggest regret for the evening.

...

The mall was bustling, filled with families enjoying a day of shopping. Parents were pushing their carts, with little ones happily seated inside.

These scenes were normal, a regular in various malls.

But Ye QiuXue was frozen momentarily by them.

She recalled the days when her father would push a cart with her in the mall while her mother carefully selected items from the shelves.

Ye QiuXue had never experienced such moments again.

Every time she visited the supermarket in the past, a cart was unnecessary. She would head directly to the shelves and take what she needed.

Her eyes dimmed, and her smile faded slightly.

"President, what do you need to buy?"

A voice suddenly came from behind her. Ye QiuXue glanced back to find HuMing coming, pushing a cart and wearing a curious expression.

Ye QiuXue paused for a second, then cleared her throat and gestured towards a nearby shelf filled with a wide selection of noodles.

HuMing walked over and reached out to grab a random packet to put in the cart, but Ye QiuXue tapped his hand and said with dissatisfaction,

"You can't just buy things like this. Don't you check the price and the expiration date?"

"Huh... What difference does it make? A few yuan difference shouldn't be a big deal. Besides, these packaged noodles shouldn't expire so soon."

HuMing was puzzled and didn't understand Ye QiuXue's concerns.

Before this, he had never bothered to consider prices or dates. He would only put whatever he wanted into the cart.

Now, with the Han family's servants buying things in advance, he didn't have to worry about it.

He only wanted to cook some noodles to fill his stomach.

However, Ye QiuXue had a different perspective and disagreed with his approach.

Accustomed to being thrifty, Ye QiuXue naturally wanted to get the best value for money. Whenever she visited the mall, she carefully chose, taking her time. Even when she put something in the cart, she readily returned it upon spotting a more affordable alternative!

While it's true that time is precious, the hours spent browsing the mall were the ones she saves in her daily routine!

Ye QiuXue took the bag of noodles from HuMing, carefully checking the expiration date and price on the packaging before cross-referencing it with the shopping app on her phone.

HuMing couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief at this tedious process.

Who can stand this?!

Without uttering a word, HuMing quietly followed behind Ye QiuXue, watching her as she selected one item after another.

Feeling an overwhelming sense of boredom, he reached for his phone and began to browse.

"Han HuMing, didn't you say you wanted to buy things? Why aren't you looking yourself?"

"President, I'm leaving this task to you for now. I'll handle the payment later, okay?"

"Do you think I'm a hassle?"

Ye QiuXue quickly grasped the underlying meaning behind HuMing's words.

Her eyes narrowed, and her gaze toward HuMing turned unfriendly.

HuMing turned his head, trying to suppress his unease.

"No... No, I only think that I am not very good at this, so it's better if you handle it."

"Heh, that better be what you're thinking."

Ye QiuXue gave HuMing a sharp look before refocusing on choosing items, while HuMing exhaled heavily as he watched her swaying ponytail. Little did he know that this was only the start of his torment.

Ye QiuXue appeared to be on a shopping spree tonight as if she was determined to replenish everything missing from her home in one go.

Listening to her muttering, HuMing felt like his ears were developing calluses.

He felt, from the depths of his heart, truly foolish---Wasn't it easier to just find a light restaurant to eat at? Why did he choose to come to the mall to buy things?

For the first time, HuMing felt mentally and physically exhausted.

By the time Ye QiuXue finally finished shopping, the cart was filled to the brim.

She frowned when she saw how much there was.

It would be too much for two people to carry back...

She reached out to remove some unnecessary items, but HuMing, who had slumped over the cart like a lifeless rag, grabbed her hand abruptly.

With a serious expression, he looked at Ye QiuXue and asked,

"What are you trying to do?"

"Huh? This is too much for the two of us to carry back, so I was thinking of putting some back."

"After shopping for so long, you want to put things back now?" HuMing's eyes widened in disbelief!

An hour, a full hour!

HuMing had endured mental and physical torment during this time.

He would have preferred a beating from Han ShuYi over this!

And now she wanted to put some items back? Then what was the point of the time spent?

HuMing couldn't accept this no matter what!

He held onto Ye QiuXue's hand tightly, completely indifferent to him taking advantage of her.

Ye QiuXue first observed HuMing's actions and then looked up at his face, which was even darker than coal.

She couldn't help but let out a laugh.

It seemed she had really given HuMing a 'punishment' after all."