Shu Pan picked up the new dress and shoes, helping Joy put them on.
The little girl before her had shining eyes, pure and clear like a starry night. Her dark hair was tied up in a little ponytail, bobbing up and down like a swallow in flight. Below her small nose was a tiny mouth, with a slight upturn at the corners.
As she put on the new dress, Joy's excitement shone through. Her eyes curved like crescent moons, radiating the happiness that came so naturally to her.
Watching her daughter so content, Shu Pan felt a mix of relief and melancholy. She had once believed that simply bringing a child into the world was enough, but she had underestimated the importance of raising them.
"Mommy, do I look pretty?" Joy asked, pulling at the sides of her dress, a happy grin on her face.
"Yes, Joy, you look just like a little princess," Shu Pan replied, adjusting the slightly oversized dress on her slim frame.
