**1: Don't you have any self-awareness? You're 36, with a kid. Of course, you're old!**
**2: So what if I'm old? In this day and age, who cares about that? As long as I have money, nothing else matters!**
**3: No way, sis. In my eyes, you've always been young and beautiful. Why would you even add 'also'? Surely no one would be blind enough to think you're ugly, right?**
"Why would you ask that, sis? You've always been young and beautiful to me. And why add 'also'? There's no way anyone would be blind enough to think you're ugly!"
Shen Lang teased her with a smile, then animatedly said, "Was it those salespeople gossiping behind your back? Tell me who it was, Sister Xia, and I'll go give them a piece of my mind!"
If it were any other rich woman, Shen Lang's exaggerated words might seem like flattery.
But Xia Shuyi could handle compliments. Her figure and looks were far superior to those of other wealthy women who were out of shape.
Today, Xia Shuyi wore a brown short jacket over a form-fitting crew neck shirt. The jacket was slightly open, giving Shen Lang a perfect view of her round, full bosom, tightly outlined by the shirt. She paired this with a matching brown mid-length skirt, revealing her long, slender legs in black stockings.
This outfit wasn't as sexy as the stepmother's dress or as glamorous as the casual outfit she wore the first time they met, but it exuded an indescribable domestic charm.
**Ding! Xia Shuyi's favorability towards the host increased by 5 points, now at 65 points. Keep it up!**
"Such a drama queen."
Shen Lang's exaggerated actions and ambiguous words made Xia Shuyi laugh, brightening her mood considerably. However, she still seemed a bit dissatisfied with Shen Lang returning the money.
"What do you mean by this?"
Xia Shuyi snorted lightly, glancing at the bank card with over three hundred thousand yuan.
"Sis, we haven't known each other that long. How could I dare to accept such an expensive gift from you?"
Shen Lang explained with a smile, "I know you're very wealthy, but I imagine you wouldn't want me to be a man who can be bought with money, right?"
"That's exactly what I want…"
Xia Shuyi pouted, mumbling discontentedly.
The minds of rich women are complicated. They despise men who flatter them, yet when they meet someone they like, they wish that man would fawn over them.
Xia Shuyi was no different. She wished Shen Lang were a money-grubber so she wouldn't have to work so hard to get his attention. She could just keep throwing money at him.
"I think those stories online are fake. How could any guy like an old lady? Even if she has money, it doesn't matter."
Xia Shuyi grumbled, "Hmph, after all, some people would rather take the long way around than save face."
"Hahaha, Sister Xia, give me a break."
Shen Lang laughed, finding it hard to believe he could see such an adorable side to this mature woman.
"Xiao Shen, let me be direct. I'm a divorced woman, and I'm twelve years older than you."
"I know you should find a girl your age to be happy in the future."
Xia Shuyi said, turning serious. She held Shen Lang's hand tightly, speaking with deep emotion.
"But I really like you, and my daughter Mengmeng likes you too. I won't interfere with you finding a girlfriend."
"I just hope you can spend time with me and Mengmeng when you can. That would make me very happy. I'll buy you anything you want, a car, a house, anything!"
Moved, Xia Shuyi rummaged through her Chanel bag, pulling out a bank card and thrusting it into Shen Lang's hand.
"Xiao Shen, this card has 500,000 yuan. The password is your birthdate. Take it, or I'll get angry!"
"I don't have much else but money and houses. If you agree, you can have whatever you want."
"Sis, do you know…"
Shen Lang took the bank card and, after a moment of curiosity, changed the subject.
"I have a friend who writes novels about wealthy lives. The things happening to us, he's written about many times."
Xia Shuyi's voice became a bit more humble: "Xiao Shen, I'm not joking…"
"Neither am I."
Shen Lang smiled, helping Xia Shuyi fasten her seatbelt, to her disbelief.
"Let's talk about it later."
*Snap.*
Shen Lang felt a warm sensation on his face. Xia Shuyi's cheeks were slightly flushed as she smiled gratefully: "Thank you, Xiao Shen."
Shen Lang played dumb: "Thank me for what? For fastening your seatbelt?"
"I don't care~"
Xia Shuyi clung to Shen Lang's arm, acting coquettishly.
"Anyway, I'll take it as a yes. If you don't agree, I'll bother you every day. This whole neighborhood is mine; you have nowhere to hide!"
"You don't know how to use a steel wool ball, do you?"
Shen Lang pretended to tremble in fear.
"Sis, I'm scared! Please be gentle!"
"Pfft, you rascal, what do you think of me?"
Xia Shuyi knew what Shen Lang was referring to. Her wealthy friends often made similar jokes.
"Xiao Shen, you're the best~ Thank you~"
Xia Shuyi leaned on Shen Lang's arm, gazing up at him with reliance.
"Ahem, sis, people are watching!"
Shen Lang reminded her awkwardly.
Only then did Xia Shuyi realize the car didn't have one-way glass.
The security guard at the entrance had seen everything.
From the way the guard occasionally glanced at them, it seemed he was gritting his teeth in envy.
To the older men, Xia Shuyi was as unattainable as a dream girl from their school days.
Yet this elegant, mature woman was acting like a little girl, snuggling up to a young man.
The security guard lamented the state of the world, wondering why wealthy women preferred frivolous young men over honest, family-oriented older men like himself.
Just then, Shen Lang received a message from the general manager of Mercedes-Benz.
"Dear Mr. Shen Lang, congratulations on becoming a distinguished Mercedes-Benz owner!"
"May the three-pointed star illuminate your career and future!"
"With heaven's time, earth's favor, and human harmony, may the starlight guide you and the time never betray you!"
"Let's hope so!"
Shen Lang glanced at the landlady, full of dependence, and stepped on the gas, speeding out of the parking lot in his new silver Mercedes.