Chapter 139: Swiping the Card

Rong Xian walked into the living room and saw the man resting in a chair. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Did Mom kick you out of the dining room?"

Rong Shen said nothing.

Seeing his silence, Rong Xian laughed even more brazenly. "I thought you wouldn't be coming back for the New Year again. Who would have thought a man would actually become a homebody after getting married."

"Back so early this year? Did you break up with your boyfriend again?"

Rong Xian fell silent.

The word "again" seemed to hint at something, as if deliberately twisting a knife into her heart. The siblings locked eyes. Rong Xian licked her lips and sneered, "I actually want to break up. Why don't you help me?"

She was about to be driven insane by her younger boyfriend's clinginess. She finally understood why the ancients said that a determined man could wear down even the most resistant woman.

The man pulled a pack of tea cigarettes from his pocket with a half-smile. As he stood up, he teased, "You brought this trouble upon yourself, and you expect me to help you solve it?"

Seeing the cigarettes in his hand, Rong Xian followed him toward the exit. "Don't you have a property in Switzerland? Send me the address. I'm going away to clear my head after the New Year."

"Clearing your head, or hiding from the storm?"

The two chatted as they walked to the smoking room in the backyard. Rong Xian pushed open a window, and as the cold air rushed in, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Whatever it is, I need to go somewhere quiet. I'm just so annoyed."

"If he's determined to cling to you, running away might not do any good."

Rong Xian pulled a cigarette from the man's pack, lit it with a lighter, and took a gentle puff. "He can cling to me in this country, but he won't have a chance abroad. Just the cost of the plane ticket would be enough to keep him from eating or drinking for months."

Rong Shen kept one hand in his pocket, casting a meaningful look at Rong Xian. Even the most shrewd and formidable woman could have her judgment clouded by matters of the heart. In her eyes, the young master of the Xiao family had become nothing more than a clingy, immature little boyfriend.

...

As the Lunar New Year approached, the vast garden estate was decked out in lanterns and colorful streamers, with the festive atmosphere growing thick. With a broad-minded mistress like Ruan Danling in the household, the staff were well-treated. Those who needed time off were given it, and those who didn't want to go home could bring their families to stay at the estate for a few days. There was an entire building of guest rooms in the back, so accommodating dozens of people was no problem at all. This made the courtyard exceptionally lively during the New Year.

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve, a day to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. Early in the morning, An Tong was dragged into the living room of the main house by Ruan Danling, who insisted on taking her out to buy new clothes.

"Auntie, I haven't even finished wearing the ones we bought last time..."

Ruan Danling was organizing her bag and bank cards, making sure everything was ready. "Those were winter clothes. Spring will be here right after the New Year, so let's go pick out some seasonal attire."

An Tong wanted to persuade her otherwise, but Ruan Danling looked toward Rong Xian, who was drinking tea in the living room, and asked perfunctorily, "Xiaoxian, are you coming?"

Rong Xian paused mid-sip, sensing that the invitation lacked any real sincerity.

"Let's go together."

The suggestion came from Rong Shen.

Rong Xian and Ruan Danling looked at him in unison, speaking almost at the same time, "You're going too?"

The man glanced at An Tong and said calmly, "I have business to attend to, so I'll drop you off on the way."

"Oh, alright then. Let's go."

Rong Jinghuai, who was reading a financial report and had been completely ignored, wondered, "???"

Ignoring everyone else, Ruan Danling took An Tong’s arm and headed for the door. "An'an, dear, do you prefer casual styles or something more artistic for spring?"

"Auntie, either is fine."

"What about shoes? Do you want heels or flats?"

The two walked side by side, while Rong Shen and Rong Xian strolled behind them.

"It's New Year's Eve. What business could you possibly have?" Rong Xian asked. She was wearing a beige coat that reached her ankles, paired with wide-leg trousers and a low-cut knit top. Her outfit was sophisticated, exuding the unique charm of a mature woman.

The man walked beside her with a tall and upright posture, though his gaze remained on the slender figure ahead. He replied nonchalantly, "Meeting someone."

Rong Xian curled her lip and didn't press further. She didn't actually like shopping; usually, brands sent her clothes seasonally. If Rong Shen hadn't spoken up, she wouldn't have bothered coming today. Her brother never did anything without a reason; that "let's go together" was clearly a request for her to chaperone.

Less than half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the SK Mall. Even on New Year's Eve, there were plenty of shoppers. At the entrance, Rong Shen got out and tucked a black bank card into the outer pocket of An Tong's coat.

"No, I don't need it," An Tong said, reaching for the pocket. "I have money."

"There's no PIN." The man took her hand and squeezed it in his palm. "Buy whatever you like. You can use this card for everything."

An Tong felt she understood his intent. She stepped forward and bit her lip, troubled. "Will Auntie... let me pay?"

She guessed that Rong Shen gave her the card so she would handle the payments.

Rong Shen glanced at Ruan Danling, who was in the car applying lipstick and looking for her sunglasses. "She will. Just tell her it was my idea."

"Okay, I'll try."

An Tong obediently accepted the card, thinking she would return it to him after the shopping trip.

The man gently touched her head. "Go on."

An Tong nodded. As he turned to leave, she unconsciously took a step toward him. "When will you be back?"

Rong Shen glanced behind her, then pulled her into his arms, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Not too long. Give me a call when you're finished, and I'll come pick you up."

An Tong smiled, her eyes curving. "Okay, I'll call you later."

Rong Shen’s gaze deepened, his tone brimming with an intoxicating indulgence. "Good girl."

A moment later, the man got into the chauffeur-driven car. An Tong watched it drive away, but as she turned back, she froze. Three steps away, Rong Xian and Ruan Danling were watching her with matching smiles—a look of knowing amusement, with a hint of playfulness.

An Tong coughed awkwardly and said, "He said he'd come pick us up later."

"Never mind him. Come on, An'an, let's go shopping. We'll head back when we've had our fill."

Ruan Danling waved her hand and ushered the two young women into the lobby of the upscale mall. With Ruan Danling’s participation, the shopping spree became swift and effortless. Whenever she saw something that looked good or suited An Tong, she would wave her hand and order the sales associate to wrap it up. She shopped with the intensity of someone who didn't care about the price.

Just as Rong Shen had predicted, when it came time to pay, An Tong took out the card. Ruan Danling immediately looked displeased. "What are you doing, child?"

Rong Xian remained silent, occasionally checking her phone, looking somewhat disinterested.

An Tong explained patiently, "Auntie, Ninth Brother told us to use his card."

"Oh, his?" Ruan Danling took the card to look at it, then put her own wallet away quite naturally. "Alright then, let's use Little Nine's. He’s got money; let’s spend it freely today."