Chapter 143: Grocery Shopping

Shen Qing looked at Elder Qi and offered a faint smile. She uncrossed her legs, her demeanor instantly softening into something more obedient.

"Just focus on teaching him. As for the rest, I will handle it." The girl spoke each word with deliberate precision, her bloodshot eyes filled with steely resolve.

Elder Qi froze, his expression shifting from worry to relief, and finally to sheer elation. With Shen Qing’s word, his mind was at ease; the heavy stone that had weighed upon his heart for so many days had finally been lifted.

Shen Qing picked up her phone to check her messages. Most were stickers sent by Xia Mang. Frowning slightly, she typed out a reply.

[No Such Person: What is it?]
[Xia Mang: Mission finished. I’m a bit bored.]
[Xia Mang: You’re famous online now. Ever considered starring in a TV drama for me to watch?]
[Xia Mang: It’s so dull; the headquarters is full of old men who spend all day putting on makeup. Ugh!]
[No Such Person: I’m in Country M.]
[Xia Mang: For real? Want to hang out?]
[No Such Person: Yes.]

Shen Qing closed the chat with Xia Mang and opened a message from Nie Huan. It was a candid photo of Er Niu, in which Nie Yu appeared frequently—it was clear she was quite fond of the girl.

[Nie Huan: When are you coming back?]
[No Such Person: For the January joint exams.]

The next message was from Gu Ting. Shen Qing glanced at it but chose to ignore it.

***

The following noon, Shen Qing finally stepped out of the medical complex. Zhong Yi had wanted to tag along, but Shen Qing refused, leaving her no choice but to go off and study obediently.

The location Xia Mang had sent was a bustling little street, filled with the constant clamor of vendors calling out their wares. Shen Qing buttoned her coat and pulled her baseball cap low, weaving quickly through the crowd.

"Hey, young lady, you don't look like a local, do you?" A middle-aged man selling vegetables by the roadside held up two bundles of local produce, blocking her path.

Shen Qing raised her cap slightly, and the man caught a glimpse of her face, momentarily stunned.

"Hey, beauty, want to take a look at my vegetables? They’re very fresh. Eat them, and you’ll be even more beautiful."

Shen Qing glanced at the man. He sported a small mustache, possessed regular features, a high nose bridge, and a healthy, wheat-colored complexion. He spoke fluent Mandarin.

"You know I'm Chinese?" Shen Qing raised an eyebrow, looking at him with mild interest.

The man chuckled. "I’ve traveled far and wide for many years. I’ve seen more people than I’ve had hot meals; this is nothing difficult for me."

Shen Qing narrowed her eyes and gave a soft "oh."

"Beauty, want to check out these greens? They’re exceptionally fresh. Let me tell you a secret." The man leaned in close, lowering his voice. "See that vegetable seller over there? He charges a fortune, and his stuff isn't even fresh. A lady got a stomachache from his produce just the other day."

"But I’m different. Beauty, if you buy from me, I’ll give you a ten percent discount. I’m only offering this because we’re fated to meet; I don't do this for just anyone. Keep it between us, alright? I’m giving you this special deal."

Shen Qing lifted her eyelids to look at him.

He beamed. "Beauty, you won't lose out, and you certainly won't be cheated. Don't let this chance pass you by."

"Fine, I'll take two bundles."

"All right! I’ll throw in a bunch of scallions for free, but don't go telling anyone."

"Oh."

***

Xia Mang had been waiting in the café for less than two minutes when she saw her arrive. The smile on her face had barely formed before it froze solid.

"Huh?" Xia Mang was completely dumbfounded. Shen Qing was actually carrying a bag of vegetables, with the green tops of the scallions sticking out prominently.

"Goudan, what on earth is this?" Xia Mang’s mouth twitched violently.

Had she really been out of the loop with fashion during her mission? Was this what all the cool girls were doing now?

Shen Qing sat down across from Xia Mang and placed the vegetables on the table, sliding them toward her. "Here, they're for you."

"For me?" Xia Mang blinked. "Don't tell me this is your homecoming gift?"

"Yes." Shen Qing picked up the menu and ordered a dessert from the waiter.

Xia Mang ordered a latte, looking at Shen Qing with a bewildered expression. "Qing, tell your sister, did you mistake the vegetable market for a flower shop?"

What a ridiculous gift.

Shen Qing looked up slowly. "They’re perfect for making you lye noodles."

"..."