The two hadn't seen each other in a long time and were almost in tears upon meeting.
Bai Quan: "You're more confident than before."
"Mm," Wen Yan looked at her. The once beautiful and generous woman was now disheveled, her complexion not as good as before. The designer dress couldn't hide her exhaustion. Wen Yan felt a pang of sympathy. "You come from such a wealthy family, why don't you hire a nanny? You seem so worn out."
"Of course, I have to raise my own child. Come on, let's go shopping." Bai Quan took her hand.
As soon as they entered the mall, Bai Quan's attention was almost entirely on children's items and men's accessories.
Wen Yan sighed with emotion.
Bai Quan also felt a little embarrassed. "Yan Bao, you don't understand. A woman's focus shifts to her family after marriage. It's true. Now, I just hope my son and husband are well, and I don't care about anything else. What's the point of dressing up after getting married?"
"But you're also living for yourself," Wen Yan didn't quite understand.
"That was when we were young. You should enjoy yourself while you're not yet a mother. The world is completely different after you have children," Bai Quan said, her voice filled with tenderness. "Although taking care of a child is tiring, it's like seeing a new version of yourself. No matter how hard it is, it feels worth it."
"You're a wonderful mother."
"Mm," Bai Quan spotted a blue and white dress. Wen Yan immediately said, "This dress suits you perfectly. You always liked this style, didn't you?"
Bai Quan liked it too, but after seeing the price, she hesitated.
Eighteen thousand.
"It's too expensive, let's forget it."
"The tie you just picked out for your husband was over five thousand, and the things you bought for your child add up to over twenty thousand. You haven't bought new clothes for yourself in so many years, what's wrong with something a bit pricey?" Wen Yan truly felt it suited her. "Buy it, I'll pay for half."
"Yan Bao, you're so good to me, but still, let's forget it. Clothes can't be eaten." She still gave up.
Looking at Bai Quan like this, Wen Yan felt a little heartbroken. She was sacrificing everything for her family, yet being so harsh on herself.
"I didn't expect to see you here either. Do you like this dress? Hello, wrap it up." A woman's voice suddenly came. Wen Yan instinctively turned and saw Wen Ya walking over, with someone beside her.
Ye Zong.
These two seemed to be together recently.
Could it be that they...
Wen Yan felt like she had stumbled upon some juicy gossip, yet her mood was complicated.
"No need, Ya Ya," Bai Quan said immediately, looking somewhat flattered.
This address further caught Wen Yan's attention. Ya Ya? When did they become so close?
Wen Ya smiled gently. "Sister Bai Quan, there's no need to be polite with me. Your husband is my father's client, and you're my sister's good friend. It's just a dress, consider it a gift for my sister."
Wen Ya insisted on buying it, swiped her card, and presented it to Bai Quan.
Bai Quan could only accept, profusely thanking her.
"Oh, what a coincidence bumping into you. How about we have dinner together tonight? There's a beef hot pot restaurant in this mall that I particularly like." Wen Ya cordially invited them.
Having just received a gift, Bai Quan found it difficult to refuse, so she looked at Wen Yan.
Wen Yan could only nod.
"Then let's go. I'm so happy to be dining with you all," Wen Ya said with a smile, radiant and beautiful, exuding an innocent charm.
Wen Yan, however, was somewhat silent.
As they walked, the atmosphere felt a little strange, but Wen Ya didn't seem to notice. They reached the hot pot restaurant, where she ordered what she wanted and then handed the menu to them.
"Order whatever you like. This place is very affordable and delicious."
"Mm-hmm," Bai Quan agreed, letting Wen Yan order. Wen Yan ordered two dishes and gave the menu to Ye Zong.
They sat facing each other. Bai Quan looked at the tall and handsome man beside Wen Ya. "Ya Ya, is this your boyfriend?"
"Oh dear, I forgot to introduce him. This is the CEO of XZ Group, Ye Zong," Wen Ya said quickly.
Bai Quan was greatly shocked.
It was Ye Zong of XZ Group?
This new magnate in Haicheng, who struck fear into countless hearts.
And yet, he was with Wen Ya.
"So it's Ye Zong, I've heard great things. Hello," Bai Quan said quickly.
"Hello," the man replied in a low voice.
Bai Quan then looked at Wen Yan. Wen Ya noticed this gesture and smiled. "By the way, Sister is also a designer under Ye Zong. You should know each other, right?"
"We know each other... Hello, Ye Zong." Wen Yan also greeted him.
Ye Zong merely cast a brief glance at her and said nothing. Wen Yan felt a pang of awkwardness and even more annoyance. Why had this man been so strange lately?
Knowing the man's identity, Bai Quan became even more reserved.
She didn't eat much during the meal.
Finally, the group finished eating and parted ways in pairs. Bai Quan held Wen Yan's hand. "You scared me just now. I never expected that person to be Ye Zong. He has such a powerful aura. Your sister is truly capable, to be with Ye Zong."
"No matter how powerful, he's still just a person."
"Why do you sound a bit displeased?"
"It's nothing. Big shots like him are not in my league, so I'm not afraid."
"Hahaha, you're right," Bai Quan agreed.
They took a short stroll, and then Bai Quan received a call from home. The child had started crying again because he couldn't see his mother. Bai Quan looked at Wen Yan apologetically. Wen Yan said, "It's alright. I'm just happy to have seen you today. You should go back. Let's hang out again when we have time."
"Mm, Yan Bao, this is your wedding gift. I'm sorry I couldn't give it to you sooner. Even though it was a flash marriage, I still wish you happiness." Bai Quan handed her a gift box.
"Thank you." Wen Yan felt a warmth in her heart. She opened it and saw a handmade woven bracelet, which made her feel even warmer. "I love it! You must have put a lot of thought into it. It's beautiful!"
"It's alright. As long as you like it," Bai Quan smiled contentedly and prepared to leave, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, Yan Bao, do you know about the class reunion our year is having?"
"I didn't know."
"I knew you wouldn't pay attention to these things. But many people plan to come. Do you want to join us? It's been so long, I'm quite curious about what everyone is like now." Bai Quan added, "I heard Sun Li Yan is coming too. She's even become a celebrity now!"
Seeing that Bai Quan genuinely wanted to go, Wen Yan said,
"Alright then, send me the time and address. If I have time, I'll go with you."
Her best friend in high school was Bai Quan. She usually worked part-time when she had free time and wasn't close to others.
She'd go along with Bai Quan, considering it a favor.
Upon returning home, the apartment was cold. Leng Xun Ze hadn't returned.
She felt a hollowness in her heart.
Never mind, she'd sing for a while.
Wen Yan logged into her account and started a live stream to sing. Unexpectedly, the earnings were very good today. A patron gifted her tens of thousands.
She sorted out her money, took out the amount she owed Ye Zong, and transferred it. The remaining money was enough to buy that car.
Wen Yan's heart stirred slightly.