It was a sunny Saturday, and Tang Qiao found herself lacking suitable clothes in her wardrobe.
She ended up wearing her school uniform and heading to the second floor of Bora Mall.
Bora Mall was renowned in Feng City, offering a comprehensive range of options, from upscale luxury goods and high-end fashion brands to stores brimming with various branded apparel, jewelry, beauty salons, restaurants, cinemas, and more.
A diligent shop assistant on the second floor took notice of Tang Qiao and was instantly captivated by the seventeen-year-old's striking beauty.
"Hello, how may I assist you?" The shop assistant approached Tang Qiao with a warm smile.
Tang Qiao surveyed the clothes in the shop and selected three outfits hanging on the wall. "I'd like to try on these three sets, please. Thank you."
The shop assistant was somewhat surprised by the swift decision, but she wasted no time in retrieving the chosen ensembles.
Tang Qiao proceeded to try on each outfit, with the shop assistant closely observing. The more she watched, the more astonished she became.
The first outfit consisted of a simple green loose-fitting T-shirt paired with jeans. The combination was elegantly uncomplicated. When Tang Qiao adorned it, her slender frame was accentuated, and her slightly wavy short hair added a touch of charm. The green T-shirt complemented her fair, youthful complexion, radiating a refreshing and natural aura that captivated onlookers. She playfully tousled her short hair, exuding a sweet yet confident vibe.
The second set followed an academic style, featuring a standard combination of a round-neck white shirt, a small vest, and bright blue trousers. Coupled with Tang Qiao's visage, she appeared incredibly cute and demure, resembling a diligent young student.
The third ensemble was a floral print dress adorned with delicate pink cherry blossoms from the skirt to the hem. Despite the color typically darkening one's complexion, Tang Qiao wore it with grace. The V-neck design highlighted her fair and delicate collarbone, her waist appeared slender, and her fair calves exuded elegance.
She personified a slim and graceful cherry blossom about to bloom.
The shop assistant watched in awe, impressed not only by the young girl's beauty but also her impeccable taste.
After selecting three outfits, Tang Qiao proceeded to the neighboring store to purchase streaming equipment and a sand timer. She left her purchases in the mall and rode the elevator up to the fourth-floor bookstore. In stark contrast to the bustling mall, the bookstore exuded tranquility and serenity. The decor was minimalist and artistic, featuring a table adorned with a bouquet. The air carried a sense of peacefulness, occasionally punctuated by the sound of pages being turned.
Tang Qiao moved slowly through the bookstore, perusing the medical books on display.
"Eh?" Her gaze suddenly locked onto a slender volume tucked away in a corner of the bookshelf.
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity, and she reached out to retrieve it. However, as she did so, another hand landed on the book's cover.
Tang Qiao's hand hovered in the air, and she looked in the direction of the unexpected intrusion. It was a remarkably handsome young man with fair skin, dressed in a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and his eyes exuded gentleness.
Tang Qiao was momentarily taken aback, not due to the man's appearance, but rather his age.
He appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years old, yet he was engrossed in this book...
Chu Yanfeng lowered his gaze and happened to meet Tang Qiao's enchanting almond-shaped eyes. His own eyes flickered with interest as he observed the pile of medical books cradled in her arms. Politely, he set the books in front of Tang Qiao.
Tang Qiao accepted them graciously and offered a warm smile as she thanked him in a hushed tone, "Thank you." With that, she turned on her heel and made her way to her seat.
Chu Yanfeng remained rooted in place, watching Tang Qiao's retreating figure. He recalled the title of the book and couldn't help but feel surprised.
Clad in the uniform of First High School, she was delving into an English clinical book—a rather curious sight indeed.
After finding a cozy corner by the window, Tang Qiao ordered a cup of coffee and placed the discovered book on the table, ready to delve into it at a leisurely pace. Although Jiang You hadn't agreed to treatment, Tang Qiao couldn't afford to relax. She sought these professional books to comprehend the world she now inhabited, yearning to gauge the advanced medical standards within it.
Chu Yanfeng occupied a seat not far from Tang Qiao. Every so often, he'd cast a sidelong glance and behold Tang Qiao's earnest side profile. She remained remarkably composed, her fingers caressing the pages of the book. Occasionally, she'd turn a page, and at other times, her gaze would wander across the text. Engrossed in his own thoughts, he found himself inadvertently drifting into a reverie. It wasn't until Tang Qiao closed the book and sipped her coffee that he snapped back to reality, baffled by his momentary lapse. He couldn't believe he'd been so captivated by someone else reading a book...
The afternoon passed swiftly, and as evening approached, Tang Qiao exited the bookstore and headed home.
Jiang You was seated on the sofa, and upon hearing the door open, he looked up.
"I've brought dinner," Tang Qiao announced with a playful shake of the plastic bag she held. "But, you're not allowed to eat it." She teased with a hint of mischief in her voice, "Starting today, I'm in charge of your daily diet. I'll do the cooking, and you'll do the eating. Even if it doesn't taste great, you'll have to eat it!" She purposefully jested to spook Jiang You.