The driver stood respectfully to the side, while a handsome, distinguished man sat in the passenger seat.
Shi Xinxin frowned slightly, staring at the man for a long time. She felt he looked familiar, yet couldn't recall where she had seen him.
"Miss," the driver called out, "why aren't you leaving?"
Shi Xinxin snapped back to attention, giving the driver an embarrassed smile. "Sorry."
With that, Shi Xinxin got on her bike and prepared to leave.
However, she suddenly caught sight of the man in the passenger seat looking at her.
What kind of eyes were those?
Dark, sharp, and profound, as if they could devour a person in an instant.
His gaze fell on Shi Xinxin's face, and she froze, her heart pounding erratically.
How could he possibly know her?
"Xinxin!" the driver suddenly shouted, breaking the tension.
"Ah?" Shi Xinxin blinked for a moment before responding, "What is it?"
"Hurry inside!" the driver urged anxiously. "I'll take you to the shop first."
Shi Xinxin finally came to her senses, quickly turned her bike around, and rode towards the shop.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was peculiar.
Shi Xinxin gripped the steering wheel, her heart thumping.
She secretly glanced at Shi Jinsong, who was driving, and nervously pursed her lips. "Dad... Dad, what... what are you doing?"
Shi Jinsong seemed to be in good spirits, a smile on his lips. "I'm surveying the shopping malls near this street."
"Shopping malls?" Shi Xinxin blinked in confusion. "Are you buying something?"
"Not me," Shi Jinsong explained. "Your mother."
"Ah?" Shi Xinxin was even more bewildered. "What does Mom want to buy?"
"She wants to buy a few new outfits from the mall and some infant clothes for you," Shi Jinsong said, looking affectionately at Shi Xueru. "Your mother has worked hard lately."
"Mom, you're so virtuous," Shi Xinxin praised. "I'm proud of you."
Shi Xueru smiled faintly, offering no reply.
Shi Jinsong looked at the red light ahead and turned his head to ask, "Xinxin, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"
"A girl!" Shi Xinxin replied without hesitation. "Sisters are so beautiful, just like Mom."
"Hehehe," Shi Jinsong couldn't help but laugh. "Good, then Dad will choose a girl."
As soon as Shi Jinsong finished speaking, the light turned green.
"Dad, let's go quickly, or we'll be late!" Shi Xinxin quickly hit the accelerator and sped off.
Shi Jinsong smiled helplessly. "You, always rushing me, without looking at the time."
"Who knew you'd be so slow," Shi Xinxin retorted. "It's something that takes one minute, but you drag it out so long."
"Our Xinxin is really capable now, she knows how to tease people," Shi Jinsong laughed heartily. "You're so smart and beautiful, no wonder so many outstanding young men pursue you. But, I only see you as my own daughter."
"Dad," Shi Xinxin playfully chided, "can you stop talking about embarrassing topics?"
"Embarrassing?" Shi Jinsong raised an eyebrow. "Xinxin, tell Dad, how many boyfriends have you had?"
Shi Xinxin froze. "Dad, you..."
"I heard it all from your brother. He said you were crazy about dating, not considering the other person's feelings, and didn't even know the boys' names," Shi Jinsong advised earnestly. "Although you're young, you should consider your future. After all, you're the only heir in our Shi family."
Shi Jinsong's expression was extremely serious.
Shi Xinxin lowered her eyelids, gritted her teeth, and muttered in a low voice, "No matter how many boyfriends I have, you definitely won't approve, right?"
Shi Jinsong chuckled. "Silly girl, of course Dad supports you dating."
Shi Jinsong continued, "However, you must also be mindful of boundaries and try not to lead people on, otherwise, your mother will worry about you."
"Dad..." Shi Xinxin pouted. "Don't you like me having boyfriends?"
Shi Jinsong smiled. "I just hope you meet a boy you like."
Shi Jinsong patted Shi Xinxin's shoulder. "If you find someone suitable, tell Dad. Dad will help you."
"Oh," Shi Xinxin nodded perfunctorily, thinking, You wouldn't even know who I like, so how can you help?
As the father and daughter chatted, Shi Xinxin arrived at the shop.
"Dad," Shi Xinxin pushed open the shop door. "I'm going to get busy now."
"Go ahead," Shi Jinsong said with a gentle smile. "When you have time, spend it with your mom. She's under a lot of pressure lately."
"Don't worry, I know," Shi Xinxin waved. "Bye~"
Shi Jinsong nodded slightly. "Bye."
Shi Xinxin walked into the shop and bumped into Sheng Chenjin.
Sheng Chenjin's gaze fell on Shi Xinxin, and she immediately felt uncomfortable all over. She quickly averted her eyes and hurried towards the back.
Sheng Chenjin's gaze remained fixed on Shi Xinxin until she disappeared from his sight, then he slowly withdrew his gaze.
Shi Jinsong got into the car and instructed the driver, "Let's go."
The driver started the car and drove away.
Shi Xinxin walked behind the counter, took out two bottles of drink, and handed them to Sheng Chenjin. "Brother, have some water."
"Thanks," Sheng Chenjin said faintly, taking the drinks.
"Brother, why are you so late today?" Shi Xinxin asked curiously. "Is it because you didn't sleep well last night?"
Sheng Chenjin looked up and gave Shi Xinxin a cold glance. "None of your business!"
Shi Xinxin pouted. "Tch, if you don't tell me, I can guess anyway."
Sheng Chenjin ignored Shi Xinxin.
Shi Xinxin propped her chin on her hand and observed Sheng Chenjin. "Brother, you look really unwell."
"I told you," Sheng Chenjin shouted impatiently, "shut up!"
Shi Xinxin, who was yelled at, paused for a moment, then pouted and said aggrievedly, "Why are you so fierce? I didn't provoke you, why are you throwing a tantrum?"
Sheng Chenjin glared at Shi Xinxin. "If you spout any more nonsense, believe it or not, I'll rip your mouth open!"
Shi Xinxin flinched in fear and quickly covered her mouth.
Sheng Chenjin, not bothering to deal with Shi Xinxin, picked up his cup and walked to the lounge area to sit down.
Shi Xinxin looked at Sheng Chenjin's somber profile and mumbled, "It's not like I did it on purpose, why are you scolding me?"
After mumbling, Shi Xinxin began to complain about Shi Jinsong again.
What Dad said about finding a good boyfriend and getting married was utter nonsense!
She didn't lack money, so why find a boyfriend!
"Sigh—" Shi Xinxin sighed. "It seems I'll have to support myself!"
With that, she hugged her arms and walked to the bar, leaning on it and looking at the drink menu.
Shi Xinxin's eyes lit up when she saw a milk tea on the menu.
"Boss lady, one Blue Mountain coffee," Shi Xinxin said, pointing to the menu.
The boss lady glanced at the price and frowned. "A cup of coffee is 80 yuan, that's too expensive."