The cold touch of metal made her flinch slightly, but soon the dazzling brilliance caught her gaze.
"It looks beautiful." Zhang Yichen nodded slightly, his eyes lingering on her wrist as if assessing something. "Let's see how this bracelet looks on you."
Before Chen Xiaoxi could refuse, the shop assistant had already taken out the bracelet and gently placed it in front of her.
She lowered her head. It was a delicate platinum diamond bracelet, perfectly matched with the necklace and just as well-suited to her temperament.
"Isn't this… too much?" she murmured, though her fingers couldn't help but brush the bracelet, as if feeling its cool elegance.
"It's not too much." Zhang Yichen shook his head, his tone calm but resolute. "This is just the beginning. There will be more occasions in the future where you'll need them."
Chen Xiaoxi bit her lip, struggling inwardly.
She knew he was right. If she was going to make a comeback, she would need more than just talent—she would need packaging, an image.
But the price of these things made her hesitate.
"Stop thinking so much. Just try it on first." Zhang Yichen noticed her hesitation. He placed the baby gently on the counter, then picked up the bracelet and circled around to her, taking her hand and carefully fastening it onto her wrist.
His hand brushed hers, leaving behind a cool sensation that made her heartbeat quicken.
"Now, take a look."
Chen Xiaoxi raised her head. The reflection in the mirror stunned her.
The necklace and bracelet complemented each other, which in turn enhanced her fair skin perfectly, bringing out her elegance and quiet nobility.
"See? It suits you well." Zhang Yichen stood behind her, his gaze fixed on the mirror, satisfaction clear in his voice.
"But…" Chen Xiaoxi opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut off.
"No buts." His tone was firm. "Think of it as me paving the way for your return—you're worth every bit of it."
Chen Xiaoxi was silent for a long moment before she finally nodded. "Alright… I'll listen to you."
In the end, despite her protests, Zhang Yichen bought her a watch, several handbags, and even a new tablet before he finally stopped.
Altogether, he spent close to six hundred thousand yuan.
Back at her peak, such an amount would've been a drop in the ocean.
But for her now, it was astronomical.
Adding flowers to brocade was easy; offering fuel in the snow was rare.
Lin Yichen's care left her unsure of how she could possibly repay him—or even if she could.
"You…" Walking out of the mall, Chen Xiaoxi looked at the bags in her hands, hesitating.
"What is it?" Zhang Yichen turned to her, his calm tone carrying an undercurrent of concern.
"It just feels… unreal," she said softly, her voice tinged with confusion. "Why are you so good to me?"
Zhang Yichen stopped walking and faced her, an eyebrow raised. "Why do you think?"
"Let's go." Chen Xiaoxi didn't answer—or perhaps she didn't know how.
She walked ahead, her steps heavy, her emotions more complicated than ever.
A gust of wind lifted a strand of hair at her temple. Carrying the shopping bags, she raised a hand to tuck it back, her movements soft yet tired.
"Tired?" His voice drifted from behind, warm and gentle.
She paused, forcing a faint smile. "I'm fine. Just… not used to it."
Zhang Yichen walked forward, still holding the baby in one arm while naturally taking the bags from her with the other. "Come on. Let's find somewhere to rest."
She didn't refuse, letting him carry the weight. Their distance closed slightly.
The streets bustled with traffic and noise, yet to Chen Xiaoxi, this moment felt strangely quiet.
She sneaked a glance at him, only to find he was already watching her. His gaze was deep, as if it could draw her in.
"You…" She had just begun to speak when he interrupted.
"There's a café up ahead. Let's sit there." He pointed to an elegant shop not far away, his tone calm yet leaving no room for argument.
She nodded and followed him inside.
The café was filled with the aroma of coffee, soft music flowing through the air and putting people at ease.
Zhang Yichen chose a seat by the window, set down the bags, and pulled out a chair for her.
"Have some milk." He didn't ask; he decided for her.
"Alright." She accepted without fuss. Somehow, it all felt natural.
"Can you sing a song for me?" Her voice was low, carrying a trace of anticipation.
"Of course." Zhang Yichen didn't refuse.
The café had a small stage with common instruments.
After a quick word with the staff, he walked to the piano, adjusted the microphone, and sat down. "This song, Always You, is for the mother of my daughter."
"Wow! He's going to sing!"
"He said it's for his wife!"
"Eh? That guy looks familiar…"
"So sweet! I'm jealous!"
Voices rose all around.
Cough cough… Chen Xiaoxi nearly choked.
What kind of opening line was that?
Wasn't that basically announcing their relationship?
She was the baby's mother. He was the baby's father. Didn't that make them…?
Chen Xiaoxi forced herself to stop thinking down that path.
"Huu—"
Zhang Yichen exhaled, his slender fingers brushing the piano keys.
In this life, he hadn't played before.
But in his past life, his piano skills were top-tier. Combined with the vast knowledge in his mind, his ability was now unmatched.
Ding, ding, dong, dong…
Notes flowed out, weaving a melody that filled the café with calm elegance.
At that moment, time seemed to freeze. The noise vanished.
"His piano… it's incredible!"
Chen Xiaoxi's heartbeat raced with the music, her chest rising and falling.
Her cheeks burned. Her palms grew damp.
She had never imagined hearing such a performance in her lifetime.
And then, his voice joined the piano. Deep, magnetic, steady.
Every line seemed to echo their story—his persistence, his sincerity.
Her breath caught.
Her mind spun.
Was this… a confession?
Or was she just imagining things?
Around them, people began recording with their phones, captivated by the scene.
Chen Xiaoxi sat motionless, her eyes fixed on him, her emotions swirling chaotically.
When the song finally ended, she forced herself to swallow back the tears in her eyes.
It was just a song. Maybe she was overthinking.
"Handsome, did you write that yourself?"
"Where can we download it?"
Questions burst out from the crowd.
"The song is called Always You. It'll be released on all platforms in seven days." Lin Yichen answered calmly.
"Hey! You look familiar… aren't you the top scorer Zhang Yichen?" someone, probably from the same college, suddenly blurted.
But the thought didn't stick. After all, the top scorer just graduated. How could he already be a father?
"Let's go." Not wanting to linger, Zhang Yichen called to Chen Xiaoxi, carrying the baby and picking up the bags.
He wasn't worried about himself being recognized—he was worried about her.
If the news of Chen Xiaoxi having a child out of wedlock spread, how could she make a comeback?
How could she chase her dreams again?
If that happened… she'd be ruined.