Chapter 62: Sharing, a Romantic Night

Xiaowei’s cold smile was like a chill wind sweeping through the warmth that filled the room, laced with sharpness and disdain. Her words, invisible as a blade, sought to slice through the harmony and happiness of the moment.

Yet Li Chao remained unshaken. His smile stayed warm and confident, as if no external clamor could disturb the resolve within him. The manager, displeased by Xiaowei’s abrupt interruption, fixed her with a warning glance, as if to say, “This is not your place to speak.” Turning to Li Chao, her tone balanced professional politeness with a hint of helplessness.

“Sir, allow me to confirm once more: you truly wish to purchase these four outfits? Our staff discount is certainly tempting, but I hope you’ve considered it carefully.”

Li Chao nodded with a smile, his composure so striking that everyone present took notice.

“Of course, Manager. With such a good offer, I wouldn’t miss it. Besides, I trust Yuxin’s taste—she chooses clothes that deserve the best prices.”

His reply was not only to the manager but also a silent compliment to Yuxin, warming her heart anew.

The manager, though still somewhat reluctant, quickly adjusted her attitude and began calculating the total with professional rigor. The clicking of the calculator keys echoed, and soon the result was revealed.

“Four outfits, after the staff discount, total twelve thousand yuan.”

She spoke while handing the POS terminal to Li Chao, her gaze tinged with expectation, as if quietly praying for a smooth conclusion.

Xiaowei watched Li Chao, thinking, “Hmph, so he really intends to buy them. I don’t believe he can afford it.”

Yuxin looked at Xiaowei, thinking, “Xiaowei, don’t imagine you can affect my relationship with Li Chao.”

Li Chao took out his bank card, passed it to the manager with a smile, “Thank you, Manager, sorry for the trouble.”

The manager accepted the card, thinking, “Finally settled—this commission will be substantial.”

She swiped the card, handed it and the receipt back to Li Chao, smiling, “Sir, here are your card and receipt, please keep them safe.”

Li Chao accepted both, smiling, “Thank you, Manager, sorry for the trouble.”

Xiaowei watched Li Chao, thinking, “Hmph, so he did buy them. But what’s so impressive? I could afford them too.”

“Hmph, are you provoking me?” Xiaowei finally couldn’t hold back, her gaze brimming with dissatisfaction and challenge.

Li Chao turned, looking at Xiaowei coldly, “Provoking you? Do you really think you’re worthy?”

Xiaowei’s expression darkened further, anger flashing in her eyes. “How dare you speak to me like this? Who do you think you are?”

Li Chao’s tone carried an undeniable authority, his words reflecting Xiaowei’s earlier attitude and behavior like a mirror.

In that moment, the atmosphere in the shop grew tense, everyone’s attention riveted to the scene.

“I am Li Chao. I know exactly who I am.”

His voice was calm, resolute, “I won’t change my actions because of your provocation. I’m simply doing what I believe is right.”

Xiaowei’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Hmph, you think you’re so remarkable? You’re just an ordinary person.”

Li Chao’s eyes flashed with disdain, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Whether I’m ordinary or not is none of your concern. I know I won’t alter my actions for your provocation.”

Xiaowei’s face grew even darker, anger burning in her gaze. “How dare you speak to me like this? Who do you think you are?”

Li Chao’s tone was once again commanding, his words a clear reflection of Xiaowei’s prior behavior.

The tension in the store intensified, all eyes fixed upon them.

The manager, confronted by Li Chao’s questioning, did not hesitate nor evade. She understood well that, as a reputable shop with high standards, customer satisfaction was paramount. Especially in such a public setting, even the smallest flaw could be magnified and harm the store’s reputation.

She made a decisive choice, acting to protect both the dignity of the shop and the rights of the customer.

“Apologies, sir. On behalf of the shop, I offer you our sincerest apologies. We will address this matter immediately and ensure nothing like this happens again.” Her voice was earnest and firm.

Li Chao nodded approvingly. “Very well. I hope you resolve this promptly.”

The manager sent a stern look at Xiaowei. “Xiaowei, you must apologize to this gentleman right now.”

Xiaowei’s face turned ugly, her eyes flashing with fury and unwillingness. But under the manager’s strict gaze, she had no choice but to bow her head.

“I’m sorry, sir. I apologize for my earlier behavior.” Her voice was reluctant.

Li Chao looked at her, a trace of disdain in his eyes. “I hope you truly recognize your mistake and don’t repeat it.”

Xiaowei’s face darkened still further, anger burning in her eyes. Yet under the manager’s strict gaze, she had to bow her head.

Li Chao watched Xiaowei, thinking, “Hmph, so he did buy them. But what’s so remarkable? I could afford them too.”

Xiaowei stood aside, her expression uncertain, as if she wanted to say more but ultimately chose silence. Perhaps she realized that no matter how hard she tried, she could not change the reality before her. The tacit understanding and happiness between Li Chao and Yuxin was far beyond her reach.

Amid the varied gazes of those present, Li Chao calmly completed the purchase, marking a shopping trip of unusual significance. He not only brought beautiful clothes for Yuxin but sowed seeds of love and affection in her heart. All of this would become the brightest, most tender page in their shared memories.

“Mr. Li, I sincerely apologize for your unpleasant shopping experience.”

The manager bowed deeply to Li Chao, then turned to Xiaowei with a gaze full of disappointment and finality.

“According to company policy, any action that harms customer interests or disrupts their experience cannot be tolerated. Xiaowei, your conduct has seriously violated company regulations, and I must make this decision.”

Xiaowei’s face turned from pale to ashen, unable to believe her ears. This job was more than a source of income—it was her foothold in the city. She tried to grasp any last hope, sobbing as she pleaded with the manager, “Manager, I truly know I was wrong! I’ll change! Please give me another chance!”

The manager’s gaze flashed with both regret and resolve. She gently pushed Xiaowei’s hand away, her tone full of helplessness and finality:

“Xiaowei, I’m sorry, but this is the company’s decision. You must take responsibility for your actions.”

Despair flickered in Xiaowei’s eyes. She trembled as she spoke, “Manager, I really know I was wrong. I’ll change. Please give me another chance.”

The manager was silent for a moment, then sighed softly. “Xiaowei, I understand how you feel. But we cannot let one person’s mistake affect the reputation of the entire shop. These are company rules—I cannot change them.”

Xiaowei’s tears poured forth, her sobs desperate: “Manager, I really know I was wrong. I’ll work hard to make up for it. Please, just one more chance.”

The manager’s gaze softened with pity. She gently patted Xiaowei’s shoulder. “Xiaowei, I know you work hard, but this error is too serious. We cannot ignore the interests and feelings of our customers.”

Xiaowei’s voice grew hoarse as she cried, “Manager, I promise I’ll change. I’ll work hard to satisfy every customer. Please, just one more chance.”

The manager’s gaze grew resolute. She gently shook her head. “Xiaowei, I’m sorry. My decision is final. I hope you understand.”

Xiaowei trembled, tears blurring her vision as she sobbed, “Manager, I promise I’ll change. Please, just one more chance.”

Onlookers murmured among themselves.

“What happened?”
“Looks like Xiaowei offended the customer and got fired.”
“That customer was so generous, buying so many clothes at once.”
“Xiaowei’s really unlucky—lost her job and her dignity.”
“She’s always belittling customers, showing off her superiority. Now she’s met her match.”
“She deserves this lesson—she never learned to respect others.”

Li Chao looked at Xiaowei, feeling a hint of pity. He thought, Xiaowei was certainly at fault, but she’s just a young girl—perhaps she still has a chance to change.

He said to the manager, “Manager, Xiaowei knows she was wrong. Please give her another chance.”

The manager hesitated a moment. “Alright, since you’ve pleaded for her, I’ll give Xiaowei another chance. Xiaowei, remember: the customer is always right. We must respect every customer.”

Xiaowei nodded in grateful tears. “Thank you, Manager. Thank you, Mr. Li. I promise I’ll change.”

Li Chao smiled, “Xiaowei, work hard—don’t repeat the same mistake.”

Xiaowei said, “I understand. I’ll do my best.”

Li Chao and Yuxin left the clothing shop. Yuxin took Li Chao’s hand. “Thank you, Chao. You’re so kind.”

Li Chao smiled, “It’s nothing. I just couldn’t stand Xiaowei bullying you.”

Leaving the store, Li Chao’s cold attitude toward Xiaowei was a silent rebuke for her earlier behavior and a deep understanding of the rules of adulthood. In this society, everyone must be responsible for their actions and bear the consequences. Xiaowei’s plight, though pitiable, was ultimately the result of her own choices.

Yuxin gazed at Li Chao, eyes filled with gratitude and affection. She whispered, “Thank you, Chao. You always appear when I need you most, filling my heart with warmth.”

Li Chao smiled gently, “No need to thank me, Yuxin. I simply did what I should.”

The rest of the shopping trip, Li Chao and Yuxin became the center of attention. The sales assistants, seeing the luxury bags in Li Chao’s hands, immediately switched to their most welcoming smiles, using the sweetest terms to bridge the gap between themselves and their customers. This phenomenon of “mocking the poor, not the shameless” made Li Chao reflect deeply.

He understood well that in this materialistic age, money and status often determine a person’s worth. Yet he believed even more firmly that sincerity and kindness are the most precious treasures of human nature.

Yuxin looked at the sales assistants’ smiles, her heart stirred by complex emotions. She knew these people didn’t truly like her; it was because Li Chao was at her side.

She looked at Li Chao, making a silent vow to cherish this relationship.

After a round of shopping, Li Chao amassed several more bags of luxury goods. For Yuxin, these material gains paled in comparison to Li Chao’s care and protection. She gazed at the pile of luxury items, her eyes shining not only with surprise and joy, but with deep gratitude and love for Li Chao. She knew she had found someone who truly cherished her and was willing to give her everything. This happiness was more valuable than any luxury item.

Yuxin held Li Chao’s hand, her smile blossoming like a flower, love overflowing in her eyes. Li Chao looked at her, his own heart blooming with delight. He knew his efforts had not been wasted, and his love had been answered. In this materialistic world, their love was like forged iron—unbreakable.

“Oh, it’s been days, yet we haven’t really enjoyed our time together,” Li Chao’s tone was full of anticipation, his gaze locked onto Yuxin as if, in that moment, the whole world existed only for the two of them.

Yuxin’s cheeks reddened instantly, and she lowered her head, shy as a startled fawn. She had never imagined such intimacy with Li Chao. Though a little nervous, she cherished and yearned for this sudden happiness.

“Mm… alright,” Yuxin finally mustered the courage to agree softly. Her voice was small but brimming with resolve and trust. She knew, wherever Li Chao took her, whatever they did, she would follow him closely, for he was her most reliable anchor.

In the lingering glow of sunset, their silhouettes stretched long, as if even time slowed to savor this moment. Yuxin’s eyes sparkled with unprecedented light, her gentle “Chao! Thank you!” not only expressed simple gratitude for his help, but revealed the quiet blooming of her feelings.

Li Chao’s smile was warm and radiant, as if able to dispel all gloom. His casual “As long as you like it” sent ripples through Yuxin’s heart.

As night descended and city lights began to illuminate the world, Li Chao’s suggestion, “Shall we find somewhere to eat?” was not just a concern for hunger, but a tender extension of their newfound affection.

Yuxin’s worries flickered like a candle in the breeze, afraid this happiness would fade with time, or that she might miss the last bus home, sealing away this sweetness for a while. But Li Chao’s proposal was like the brightest star in the night sky, lighting their way forward.

“Just take a taxi home!” he said firmly, as if assuring her that with him there, the return would never be a concern.

He went further—“If you don’t want to go back, we can spend a night in town!” This gentle suggestion melted the last barrier in Yuxin’s heart.

The topic shifted, Li Chao joked lightly about Yuxin’s relatives, his teasing laced with a hint of probing and expectation. Yuxin’s cheeks flushed again, her shy demeanor like a blossoming flower, inviting care and affection. She replied in a barely audible voice, “Let’s go.”

These two words, brief yet filled with infinite possibilities, seemed both a farewell to the past and a quiet consent to whatever the future might hold.

The square was lively, laughter and chatter weaving a charming symphony. Li Chao and Yuxin walked side by side through that spacious plaza, their hearts drawing ever closer. Each gaze exchanged under the night sky was like a conversation between stars—silent but full of depth.

In that moment, even dreams dared not hope for such a scene—real and beautiful, unfolding before them.