Since Zhou Ying and Jiang Cheng were both very satisfied with Christine's designs, and the price was rather high as well…
Eight dresses plus a few accessories came to 520,000 when the card was swiped.
Jiang Cheng used a Beginner Cashback Card.
"Ding! Beginner Cashback Card used successfully—congratulations on a 30× return: 15.6 million credited!"
Looking at the figure, Jiang Cheng felt the haul had been delightful.
In other words, today's shopping trip hadn't lost money; he'd actually gained more than ten million.
After the purchase Zhou Ying and Fang Yuan called it a day.
In a sweet voice Zhou Ying said to Jiang Cheng, "I'm thirsty from walking—let's grab a drink?"
Jiang Cheng had no objection; after thinking it over he suggested, "How about we take a cruise along the Bund? We can enjoy the night view, sip drinks, and catch the breeze all at once."
Zhou Ying didn't refuse the idea; she nodded happily. "Great! I've been here so long but never ridden one. I hear the night view from the river is completely different."
"Mm, I…"
Jiang Cheng almost blurted that he'd taken the ride with Qiao Yinyin two days ago.
But before he could finish, his Danger Perception Skill flared.
At that instant every system page lit up with red exclamation marks!
It was the first time the skill had ever warned him because of how he phrased a sentence.
After all, two women were present: one was a Girl of upstanding character, the other a seasoned Mother-in-law.
And Zhou Ying and Qiao Yinyin had met and added each other as friends.
Though Jiang Cheng wasn't worried Qiao Yinyin would say anything to Zhou Ying…
…what if Zhou Ying asked why he'd taken a cruise with Qiao Yinyin—how would he explain?
And if Zhou Ying learned right now that he'd been with another woman, would she still stay with him?
The answer was obviously no.
From the start Jiang Cheng had known Zhou Ying wasn't a Girl you could win simply by throwing money around.
So he'd never considered buying her submission; if he'd led with cash, he and Zhou Ying would probably be finished by now, right?
Some might say: with that much money, who cares if a woman loves you?
With cash, what kind of woman can't you have?
True enough—but what's the difference between that and buying a doll?
Well, maybe there is a difference.
One doesn't move; the money-thrown "automatic" Girl does.
But after a while, what joy is left in those "automatic" money Girls?
As always, Jiang Cheng preferred the ones he chose himself.
Not those tied to him only by cash—after all, money-only playthings are available anytime.
At this moment he once again marveled at how powerful the Danger Perception Skill was, stopping a tragedy in time.
He instantly changed tack: "Let's go—right now!"
After stashing their bags in the car, the three of them headed to a cruise ship on the Bund.
Jiang Cheng didn't charter an entire vessel.
First, there was no need—today was just a casual outing for three; booking the whole ship would feel deliberate.
Second, if they happened upon the same boat he'd chartered two days earlier and some tactless crewmember blurted, "Changed partners again?"…
…he'd never be able to explain it, even if he jumped into the Huangpu River.
After all, he still had a card perfectly suited for Zhou Ying that he hadn't used yet.
When you're one step away from the goal, caution is best.
Once aboard the Flower-Car Cruise, they found seats on the deck.
They ordered three drinks and some snacks, then sat in riverside chairs admiring the Oriental Pearl Tower's night view across the water.
Watching the brilliant scene, Fang Yuan suddenly felt like a third wheel again.
Jiang Cheng was busy taking scenic photos of Zhou Ying with his phone.
Every so often he had her strike cute poses for the camera.
Fang Yuan shot Jiang Cheng a glance, her gaze full of mixed feelings.
If Zhou Ying hadn't lied to her, Jiang Cheng really was remarkably generous.
Zhou Ying was offering Jiang Cheng sips of her own drink.
After he drank, he passed his beverage to her for a sip in return.
Fang Yuan felt her mouth fill with vinegar; the juice on her tongue turned sour.
While Jiang Cheng was in the restroom, Fang Yuan questioned Zhou Ying again.
"Ying'er, has he always been this generous to you?"
Zhou Ying, eyes on the photos, nodded blissfully.
Seeing her daughter lost in love, Fang Yuan asked helplessly, "Do you even know what his family does?"
Zhou Ying blinked, then shook her head. "I never asked."
Fang Yuan rolled her eyes. "You don't know how many are in his family or what his parents do?"
"Mom, I'm dating Jiang Cheng, not his family—why would I ask that?"
"Silly Girl, you still need to know his background when you date. Have you thought about why he bought you all this today? What if something happens—what then?"
"Mom, you're overthinking. Even if… it's the 21st century. Jiang Cheng hasn't pressured or hinted at anything; he's a good man."
Fang Yuan gave a faint smile. "I used to think your dad was a good man too; before marriage he treated me well—until…"
When Zhou Ying heard her mother mention her father, her hands selecting photos froze.
At home earlier, Fang Yuan had already told her some things.
But as a daughter she'd never looked at it that way; she'd simply thought her dad was busy with work.
She'd never imagined her parents weren't actually in love.
Seeing Zhou Ying at a loss, Fang Yuan sighed. "I've come to terms with it these past years—don't worry."