Maybe it was to ease the awkward atmosphere, but Zhang Yichen took a step back and asked,"You… got any plans today?"
"Me?" Chen Xiaoxi froze for a moment, quickly pulling her hand back. "Of course I'll be looking after the baby. What else can I do?"
"And you?" Her question sounded casual, but there was a faint trace of expectation hidden in her tone.
"I'm taking you shopping."
The short, firm reply—spoken in a tone that allowed no refusal—made Chen Xiaoxi's heartbeat quicken.
She had never dated before. She wasn't even sure if this strange feeling counted as attraction.But the age gap stood like a wall—she was four years older than him.
In her eyes, Lin Yichen should still be just a boy.She told herself she could never fall for him.
Besides, they had only shared one night together.Maybe… perhaps… she was just overthinking it.
"You get ready. I'll wait for you outside."
Zhang Yichen left those words behind, carrying the baby in his arms as he walked out, not giving Chen Xiaoxi a chance to refuse.
This little man… he was surprisingly assertive.
Chen Xiaoxi stood frozen for a few seconds before the corners of her lips curved upward. A complicated light flickered in her eyes.
"He really makes it hard to say no," she murmured to herself.
She opened her suitcase, picked out a blue dress, freshened up, and made some light touches in front of the mirror.
When she stepped out of the room, she saw one big and one small—Zhang Yichen and the baby—playing happily together.
Hearing footsteps, Zhang Yichen glanced at her and let a smile tug at his lips."Let's go."
The two walked side by side downstairs. Every now and then, Chen Xiaoxi would sneak a glance at the young man beside her. For some reason, being near him gave her a strange sense of peace.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Just strolling. I'll pick up some things for you and the baby while we're at it," Zhang Yichen replied calmly.
"Shopping?" Chen Xiaoxi raised a brow. "I don't need anything. Don't waste money on me."
"You haven't fully recovered yet—you need proper nutrition," he said as if it were obvious, his tone brooking no argument. "And aren't you planning to make a comeback? You'll need suitable outfits."
Chen Xiaoxi was stunned. She opened her mouth, but no words came. At last, she gave a helpless smile."You rascal… more considerate than I expected."
She had actually thought about these things herself. Otherwise, she wouldn't have accepted the 300,000 yuan he gave her.
Back then, to survive, she had sold off nearly everything of value—including her clothes and shoes.
"Don't worry. Just come along—no pressure."
Zhang Yichen chuckled, patting her shoulder lightly to reassure her."Let's head to the mall first."
Holding the baby with practiced ease, he walked ahead like he'd done this a thousand times before.
"Alright."
Following behind, Chen Xiaoxi's gaze lingered on his tall figure. A warm current spread through her chest.
It had been so long since she felt this way. Ever since giving birth, life had pressed down on her so heavily she could hardly breathe.
But now, this man—four years younger than her—was worrying over her. And that gave her a strange, comforting sense of security.
They took a taxi to the mall. Zhang Yichen headed straight for the mother-and-baby section, carefully picking out supplies.
When times had been tough, Chen Xiaoxi could only afford the bare minimum for the baby.So now, Zhang Yichen wanted to replace everything with the best he could find.
He even thought about weaning the baby early so that Xiaoxi could recover more quickly.
Watching him compare product descriptions with such focus, Chen Xiaoxi couldn't help but laugh softly."You really are attentive," she teased.
Zhang Yichen lifted his head, his expression calm as ever. "If you're going to do something, you should do it properly."
Her lips pressed together, but her heart grew warmer.
Once the baby items were bought, Zhang Yichen led her to the brand clothing section."Pick out a few things you like. You'll need proper clothes for your comeback."
Chen Xiaoxi glanced at the price tags—tens of thousands each—and hesitated."These are too expensive…"
"It's fine. Money isn't the issue," Zhang Yichen cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Ah… alright then. Thank you." She sighed and gave in.
Choosing a light-purple dress, she stepped into the fitting room. After changing, she stood before the mirror, fingertips brushing over the hem, her eyes slightly dazed.
How long had it been since she wore something like this?
Once, she had shone brilliantly on stage. Now, life had dragged her down into the mud.
"What do you think?" she asked nervously as she stepped out.
Zhang Yichen looked up, his gaze lingering on her. A flash of admiration crossed his eyes."It looks great," he said sincerely. "It suits you perfectly."
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly turned back to the mirror. The smile on her lips grew without her realizing it."Then I'll take this one," she said softly.
After that, Zhang Yichen picked out a few more outfits for her, carefully choosing each piece.
Though she complained that it was "too much trouble," deep down, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time—what it was like to be cared for.
"That's enough. I won't even have the chance to wear all these," she said with a laugh, trying to stop him.
"It's fine. Having extras is better," he insisted, handing her a silk scarf. "This color goes perfectly with your dress."
Taking the scarf in her hands, she felt its soft texture and her heart softened."Thank you," she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion.
"Do you really need to be polite with me?" Zhang Yichen chuckled, then turned and headed toward the luxury section.
Pushing the shopping cart, Chen Xiaoxi followed closely behind, her steps hesitant.
The dazzling light reflected off handbags and jewelry, making her eyes blur.Her fingers tightened around the handle of the cart, a mix of emotions rising inside her.
"This…" she started, but before she could finish, Zhang Yichen had already stopped at a counter, staring intently at a necklace in the display case.
"Come take a look." He beckoned her with a casual tone, yet one that allowed no refusal.
She walked over and glanced at the price tag. Her heart skipped."This is way too expensive!" she whispered anxiously. "I don't need such luxury."
"You do," Zhang Yichen said firmly, meeting her eyes. "When you return to the stage, you'll need things like this. It's not vanity—it's presentation."
Her lips pressed into a thin line as her gaze shifted to the necklace—platinum with tiny embedded diamonds, simple yet refined.
She lightly brushed her finger against the glass, almost as if she could feel its cool touch.
"Let her try it," Zhang Yichen instructed calmly.
The clerk, smiling professionally, took out the necklace and carefully handed it to him—none of that cliché "looking down on the poor" attitude.
"Turn around," he said, his voice both gentle and commanding.
"I…" She hesitated for a moment before finally accepting it. With a faint blush coloring her cheeks, she turned, and the necklace slowly slid into place around her neck.