Chapter Nine: Iron Resolve and Tenderness Entwined at Fingertips (9)

Chen Chuchu resolved that from now on, she would not merely return to Gao Dingzhong’s side, but truly possess this captivating, wild yet loyal man.

Just as her heart swelled with emotion, ready to call Gao Dingzhong “Big Brother,” an unwelcome voice shattered her reverie: “It’s you again, Miss Chen. Gao Dingzhong said you were looking for him; I didn’t believe it at first.”

Nervous, Chen Chuchu wondered how this woman could be here.

Fan Sijin calmly invited Chen Chuchu into the car. Though displeased, Chen Chuchu did not want to miss this chance to be near Gao Dingzhong, so she got in and took a seat in the back.

Fan Sijin noticed Chen Chuchu’s changed demeanor through the rearview mirror—her attire was far trendier than before, perhaps a transformation brought on by rebirth.

Gao Dingzhong gently handed Fan Sijin some fruit gummies, softly advising, “Eat slowly.”

He did not spare a glance for the one seated in the back, as if only Fan Sijin existed in his eyes.

Fan Sijin accepted the candy and shot a sidelong glance at Chen Chuchu, who was burning with jealousy and resentment; a smile immediately curved her lips.

Chen Chuchu was not yet capable of making waves, but to put her in her place, Fan Sijin invited her to shop at the department store.

No matter what excuse Chen Chuchu gave for wanting something, the store had it all—and more importantly, everything was outrageously expensive.

Fan Sijin smiled, noting that although Chen Chuchu’s clothes were not high-end, they were decent enough—likely beyond her family’s means, probably bought by some senior she knew.

Spending money from man A while scheming to snag wealthier man B—what a person like this deserved was no kindness.

Fan Sijin was not particularly fond of shopping, but Gao Dingzhong enjoyed it immensely; he loved accompanying her as she picked clothes and tried on shoes.

Fan Sijin thought all men should learn from Gao Dingzhong. Though his exterior was rugged, his actions could turn tender and sweet when needed.

After a short while, Fan Sijin had tried on several dresses, each perfectly fitting her figure. Her body seemed born to model any style effortlessly.

Chen Chuchu waited quietly nearby, consumed by jealousy. In her heart, Fan Sijin was no different from her—except she had been born into a wealthy family. If only her own family were as rich, she was sure she would outshine Fan Sijin in every way.

At that moment, Fan Sijin held up a dress that perfectly matched Chen Chuchu’s temperament. “Miss Chen, this dress looks tailor-made for you. You’ll look stunning in it.”

Chen Chuchu glanced at the dress—it was truly beautiful and exactly her style. She then looked toward Gao Dingzhong standing nearby. With a man present, surely he wouldn’t let her pay, especially given his wealth; a dress like this was nothing to him.

Why not try it on?

After some inner conflict, she reasoned that since she was here, she might as well try it; if she didn’t buy it, that was fine.

So, with hopeful anticipation, she took the dress and headed to the fitting room.

The dress suited Chen Chuchu perfectly. It accentuated her curves while cleverly concealing her flaws.

Seeing herself in the mirror, Chen Chuchu immediately fell in love with the dress.

Fan Sijin praised her softly, clapping her hands. “Miss Chen has a wonderful figure. This dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you! Gao Dingzhong, come see—don’t you think so?”

Gao Dingzhong had no desire to look at Chen Chuchu; he responded indifferently.

Fan Sijin smiled sweetly, and the sales assistant quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes, this dress truly complements your elegant aura, Miss! And the price isn’t high—only eight hundred yuan after discount. Wearing it will elevate your style! Miss, you simply can’t miss this dress; it would be such a pity!”

What?! Eight hundred! And that’s the discounted price?!

Chen Chuchu’s face darkened instantly. She turned to look at Gao Dingzhong, only to find him ignoring her and showing Fan Sijin another even more beautiful dress.

In that moment, Chen Chuchu felt deeply embarrassed. The salespeople surrounded her with persistent pitches, but when she expressed reluctance to buy, their attitude turned cold, even tinged with disdain.

Recalling Fan Sijin’s lavish spending earlier, Chen Chuchu felt a lump in her throat she couldn’t swallow. Clenching her fists, she thought if she didn’t buy this dress today, she’d lose face completely.

So, almost against her own will, she told the sales assistant, “Alright, please wrap it up for me.”

“Certainly, Miss! Please wait a moment!” The assistant happily went to package the dress, and Chen Chuchu let out a sigh of relief.

Afterward, Fan Sijin continued shopping for shoes and jewelry. Chen Chuchu, reluctant to lose face, had no choice but to accompany her. But by the end, she faced a grave realization—her money was gone!

Meanwhile, Fan Sijin pressed on, with Chen Chuchu trailing behind, fuming and stomping in frustration, her expression sour.

Only then did she deeply regret it—all these beautiful things were utterly useless!

Fan Sijin raised an eyebrow, surprised by Chen Chuchu’s vanity. But the day’s ordeal of pretending to be wealthy should keep her quiet for a good while.

Seeing Fan Sijin about to browse purses next, Chen Chuchu hastily claimed she had other errands and needed to return to school, promising they could shop again another time.

Fan Sijin feigned surprise. “But you’ve been with me all this time, Miss Chen. Aren’t there still things you need to buy?”

Chen Chuchu awkwardly replied, “Uh… no, not right now. I just wanted a dress…”

Fan Sijin deliberately expressed doubt. “Only a dress? But you seemed so eager to have Gao Dingzhong accompany you. It must have been something important.”

Gao Dingzhong sighed and rubbed his forehead, thinking how blunt Fan Sijin was.

In the end, out of sympathy, Fan Sijin let Chen Chuchu go. Chen Chuchu even insisted she could return on her own, no need for a ride.

Fan Sijin linked arms with Gao Dingzhong, smiling and waving goodbye. “I happen to be a teaching assistant at T University. If you need anything, Miss Chen, just come to me. Gao Dingzhong is very busy with work, but since you’re both from the same hometown, I’m happy to help.”

Chen Chuchu’s expression suddenly tightened, and she hurried away.

Gao Dingzhong saw this and couldn’t help but chuckle. He felt he was truly beaten—Fan Sijin’s way of teasing people somehow made her endearing rather than annoying. “Still want to shop? How about we go upstairs and take a look?”