Lin Ran left when the midnight rain finally stopped.

After the footsteps in the living room faded away, Xu Mo crept out of bed on tiptoe. She peeked through the cracked door—lights off, Lin Ran gone, the door shut tight. He’d even taken out the trash.

Xu Mo pursed her lips, stole one last glance, then slipped back into her room. Hugging her quilt tightly, she squeezed her eyes shut.

But sleep wouldn’t come.

…………………………

At seven the next morning, Lin Ran visited the hospital to see Xu Zhi’s mom. The surgery was over and successful; she was still asleep. Xu Zhi dozed beside the bed. Lin Ran brought her baozi and soy milk.

Xu Zhi blinked awake, drowsy. “Just leave it there. I’m so tired.”

“Didn’t sleep at all last night?”

“Too worried. Later, could you take Xu Mo shopping for clothes? Thanks.”

“No problem. Your sister’s pretty cute.”

“I’m cuter!” Xu Zhi mumbled with her last bit of energy. Lin Ran chuckled and pinched her cheek.

She flopped back asleep instantly.

Lin Ran headed to Xu Mo’s place. No bike today—he took a taxi. At 8:40 AM, he stood outside her door and knocked gently. Moments later, Xu Mo opened it, fidgeting slightly.

“Those dark circles under your eyes…” Lin Ran paused.

“Thunder last night. Couldn’t sleep well,” Xu Mo whispered, avoiding his gaze. She pulled the door wider. “Did you eat breakfast? I made fried rice.”

“Already ate. But if you cooked extra…” He grinned. “I could manage a little more.”

Inside, Xu Mo handed him slippers obediently. She still wore an apron. Soon, she brought out two steaming plates of simple egg fried rice—just eggs and rice, but fragrant. They ate quietly at the table. Afterward, Xu Mo untied her apron. Under a white T-shirt and loose jeans, her slender legs hid in the fabric. Her hair was tied in a single ponytail, neat and quiet. Today, she wasn’t wearing those thick-rimmed glasses.

“Let’s go.”

Xu Mo followed Lin Ran like a shadow.

Post-rain air hung fresh and damp. Leaves rustled in the breeze. The girl’s steps were light. When Lin Ran glanced at her, a faint, faint smile touched her lips.

Suddenly, sunlight felt brighter to Xu Mo. The whole world seemed to glow.

“Your mom’s surgery went well.”

“Yeah, Jie told me last night.”

“Good. We’re taking a taxi to Huangge Plaza now.”

Lin Ran hailed a cab. Xu Mo hesitated briefly before sliding into the back seat beside him. He cracked the window; wind rushed in.

He’d picked a mid-range mall—not too pricey, not too cheap. He didn’t plan to make Xu Zhi pay anyway. After all… the gambling winnings from the other night? Better spent on others.

Saved him from obsessing over it.

Outside the mall, Lin Ran noticed Xu Mo’s head dip lower. Her tentative smile froze.

“This place… it’s expensive, Brother Lin Ran,” she murmured, tugging his sleeve.

“Not that bad.”

“I don’t want anything this costly…” Her voice was earnest. Lin Ran ruffled her hair. “We’re looking first. And today? You listen to me, not yourself.”

He led her into the first store.

Boutiques here sold niche teen brands. Sales staff stayed friendly—sharp eyes sized up budgets fast, but never mocked window-shoppers. No one lasted in this job without tact.

The saleswoman was warmer than Xu Mo expected. She took Xu Mo’s hand, praising her looks while showing new arrivals. Xu Mo’s cheeks flushed. When she timidly asked prices, her voice trembled.

“This one? On sale! Originally 1,300 yuan, now 30% off—just over 400!”

To Xu Mo, 400 yuan was terrifying.

Lin Ran silently handed his card. They moved to the next store.

Here, the saleswoman spotted Xu Mo eyeing a pure white dress. She pulled it down eagerly. “Also on discount! 38% off today—best deal ever. Prices jump back tomorrow!”

Before Xu Mo could refuse, Lin Ran swiped his card. Staff would deliver the clothes home. As they walked on, Xu Mo trailed behind like a kitten. She poked his back lightly.

“That’s enough,” she whispered, voice thin.

“Summer clothes wear out fast. Girls need a week’s worth of outfits. Let’s check tops and skirts? This won’t break the bank.”

Xu Mo opened her mouth, but one look from Lin Ran silenced her. She followed obediently.

Lin Ran sensed it—she wasn’t happy. New clothes piled up, but her heart sank with every purchase. She’d been counting: even with crazy discounts on everything she liked, he’d already spent over 2,000 yuan!

That was three months of her living expenses.

He tried lifting her mood. Each time she changed outfits, he’d give small compliments. At her age, a pretty girl like her should shine with confidence. Instead, she shrank inward. He didn’t mind giving her courage.

She really was beautiful.

Both sisters had porcelain skin and long legs—clearly inherited. Tall, slim waists, endless legs. Xu Mo was a bit thinner though. She needed to eat more.

They reached the shoe store.

Clothes were done. Lin Ran bought her two pairs: canvas shoes and sneakers. Luck followed them—every store had perfect sales.

But Xu Mo’s brows stayed knotted. Her chest felt heavier with each step.

By the end, Lin Ran’s card showed exactly 3,000 yuan spent.

Honestly? Not much at all.

They rested at a bubble tea shop. Xu Mo sipped lemonade through a straw, head down. Soon, her eyes reddened slowly.

When she looked up, Lin Ran seemed not to notice—or ignored it.

“Upset?” he asked.

“Mhm.” Her voice wobbled.

“Then stay upset.”

No coddling teenage moods. Clothes done, time for lunch. He asked what she wanted. “Anything’s fine,” she whispered, tears threatening to spill.

Outside the mall, Lin Ran spotted a prize draw booth.

“Spend over 1,000 yuan today? Draw for a chance to win an iPhone 12 Pro Max—or first prize: 90% off all your purchases!”

“Wanna try? Might get a cute plushie.” He nodded toward the box.

Xu Mo followed obediently. After handing over receipts, she reached in and pulled out a blue ball. Unfolding the slip inside, she froze.

“First prize,” it read.

“Huh?” she breathed, dazed.

Lin Ran peeked over, ruffling her hair. “See? Your luck’s amazing. Discounts everywhere, and now this…”

He stayed calm. But Xu Mo bounced on her toes, clutching the slip. “Is this… valid?!”

“Absolutely,” the staffer smiled. She totaled the receipts and refunded 2,700 yuan to Lin Ran on the spot. They walked away.

Xu Mo glowed with leftover excitement. All gloom vanished.

“Happy now?” Lin Ran teased.

She stared up, dazed. “It feels… like a dream.”

“Share the news with your sister. Call her out for lunch.” He winked.

Xu Mo blinked, then nodded.

Her mom was healed. Family stress lifted. No more worries. The rift with her sister? Gone.

It never really existed.

Lin Ran watched Xu Mo beam while calling Xu Zhi. A small smile touched his lips. He stepped aside, lit a cigarette on the curb.

Shopping with girls was such a hassle.