Chapter 28: The Bickering Duo

Ji Ling scanned the store's clothing with a quick glance. She walked over to a blue dress and stood still. "Shen Yi, what do you think of this? I've gotten quite tanned lately, and I feel like these lighter shades might help neutralize my skin tone. What’s your take?"

Shen Yi took a look at Ji Ling’s smooth, glowing face and lied with his eyes closed, "You're right, this color really suits you."

The two people arguing nearby—or rather, the young woman standing outside the counter—turned around and looked at the blue dress in Ji Ling’s hands. "I’ll try that on."

Without waiting for the salesclerk behind the counter to assist her, she grabbed the dress herself and ducked into the fitting room.

The salesclerk glanced at Ji Ling and Shen Yi, raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

When the girl emerged in the dress, she stood before the full-length mirror, looking at herself in disbelief. "This... even though it doesn't hide my tan, there’s something different about it."

Ji Ling stepped forward, inspected her, and smiled. "It needs a pearl necklace, and perhaps small teardrop earrings to match. If you accessorize like that, it will bring out more of your elegance."

"Hmm, it’s slightly more presentable now," the salesclerk remarked with a glance, nodding while still unable to resist a sarcastic jab.

Ignoring her, the girl turned to Ji Ling. "Could you help me pick out a few more things? It’s been so long since I’ve bought clothes I actually really like."

There was a note of pleading in the girl's voice as she looked at Ji Ling expectantly.

"Ha, as if she owes you anything! Expecting someone else to pick out your clothes without even knowing if they have things to buy or if they’re in a rush," the salesclerk’s mouth began to flap again.

The girl, speechless, slammed both hands onto the counter. "Lu Suzhen, don't think I won't do anything to you. If you say one more word, I’ll flip this counter over."

"Haha, sure. I didn't realize you had that kind of strength in you; you must have used every ounce of your energy just now. I better step aside; I wouldn't want to be standing here when you try to move the table—it would be a disaster if it fell on me." Lu Suzhen didn't seem bothered at all.

"Fine, just you wait. When I get home, I’m telling my aunt and uncle that you’re bullying me. Let's see if they don't break your legs!" Shen Silan fumed. This girl was infuriating; ever since they were kids in the courtyard, she had always loved going against her. She couldn't go a single day without picking a fight.

Lu Suzhen curled her lip and finally ceased her verbal assault.

Shen Silan turned back to Ji Ling, her tone once again coaxing. "Big sister, can you please help me pick some clothes? I'll have her help you buy whatever you need later; it’s easier for her to get things."

Shen Silan gestured toward Lu Suzhen as she spoke. Lu Suzhen didn't show any emotion, but she didn't refuse either.

Ji Ling nodded. "All right. I think a black and white combination would work well; it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Plus, that strong contrast will highlight your features and make your skin tone look healthier."

Ji Ling picked up a black shirt and white straight-leg trousers and handed them to Shen Silan. Shen Silan looked at the colors in her hand, feeling a mix of doubt and trust in Ji Ling's taste, and quickly went in to try them on.

"You two really have a close relationship. That age of bickering is truly enviable," Ji Ling remarked to Lu Suzhen at the counter, just to pass the time.

Lu Suzhen rolled her eyes at her, as if she herself were that much older.

"What do you need to buy? Write it down for me, and I’ll go get it for you," Lu Suzhen tossed a notebook and a pen in front of Ji Ling. "You can write, right?"

Ji Ling didn't decline. She nodded, thought for a moment, and quickly scribbled down the items she needed. Shen Yi immediately took out the money and ration coupons.

Ji Ling didn't argue with him; after all, she was penniless at the moment, so she would just consider it a debt to Shen Yi for now.