Second, the Yu Family is doing rather well these days, and this is a good opportunity to strengthen relations with other prominent families.
"Really?"
Yu Xinman's eyes lit up at the words, and she began eagerly anticipating her upcoming birthday party.
Her mind was already imagining how she would steal the spotlight that day and outshine that person she despised.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
Baisong pulled out a cream-colored box from the pile of gifts and handed it to her. "Not going to open it and take a look?"
Without hesitating, Yu Xinman released his arm, placed the box on her lap, and eagerly opened it.
Inside was a long pink dress adorned with crystal embellishments at the neckline. Lace blended seamlessly with puffed sleeves, and butterflies embroidered at the hem gave the piece a sweet, ethereal feel.
Yu Xinman had seen this dress in a magazine before. It was the creation of a renowned domestic designer from the up-and-coming label U·M.
At that time, she'd wanted to buy it immediately, but the cost was outrageously expensive.
Even with the significant allowance her father gave her, it would have taken months of frugality to afford such a dress.
Now, with her dream dress in her hands, Yu Xinman was eager to wear it.
She stroked the embroidered butterflies at the hem, her gaze glowing brighter with each passing moment.
Baisong observed her reaction without a word, leisurely taking a sip from his teacup as he waited for her to speak.
Soon enough.
The next moment, Yu Xinman hugged the dress and turned around. "Dad, can I try it on?"
Baisong had barely nodded before she had already darted around the back of the sofa, heading upstairs.
Seeing this, he shook his head discreetly, his eyes filled with amusement.
When Yu Xinman came back downstairs, now dressed in the gown, she was met with Yu Zhi walking into the living room.
She ran up to Yu Zhi with a sugary tone in her voice. "Sister, you're back!"
Yu Zhi's steps paused briefly, her gaze stopping on the dress. Her brows lifted slightly, though there wasn't a hint of emotion in her eyes.
Noticing the other's gaze, Yu Xinman felt a peculiar sense of superiority rise inside her.
Fingertips brushing the embroidered butterflies at the hem, she said with feigned innocence, "Sister, isn't this dress lovely?"
Without waiting for Yu Zhi's answer, she added, "It was Dad's birthday gift to me, from U·M no less."
If she had a tail, it would surely be wagging high and proud right now.
"Hmm."
Yu Zhi responded blandly, then diverted her gaze, her attention sweeping across the living room.
At the same time, Baisong turned his head at the conversation. The two exchanged glances for a few seconds but said nothing.
"Oh! I almost forgot—sister, you probably don't even know the brand U·M, do you? So sorry about that!"
Yu Xinman faked surprise, covering her mouth with both hands while her lips curled upward behind her fingers.
Her smug demeanor was unbearable to Yu Zhi, who calmly replied, "I've seen that dress before."
"Impossible!"
First of all, every piece designed by this particular designer was a one-of-a-kind creation.
Not to mention Yu Zhi, who had lived abroad for years, often wearing second-rate, bargain-bin clothes—how could she recognize such a luxury brand?
Yu Zhi said nothing further, merely stepping past her and heading toward the stairs, giving no explanation whatsoever.
But Yu Xinman panicked, quickly grabbing hold of her wrist. "Where have you seen this dress?"
Her previous arrogance had vanished from her face, replaced by a streak of uneasiness.
Although she trusted Baisong would never buy her a counterfeit, the thought of someone else wearing the same dress was still vexing.
"I don't remember."
Yu Zhi shrugged off her hand and pulled a tissue from her bag, leisurely wiping the spot she had been touched.
Afterward, she crumpled the tissue into a ball and accurately tossed it into the trash can beside the sofa.
The commotion drew Baisong's attention away from his teacup, compelling him to intervene.
He interrupted Yu Xinman just as she was about to question further, beckoning her over. "Xinman, come here."
"Dad..."
Yu Xinman protested sweetly, gripping the hem of her dress and stomping her foot slightly. Her expression was somewhat dissatisfied, though it seemed more like playful whining.
"Oh, you." Baisong chuckled helplessly, his tone gentle. "Little Zhi must be tired; don't bother her anymore."
Though on the surface he appeared to be speaking up for Yu Zhi, not once did he glance her way.
The affection and doting expression on his face were all reserved exclusively for Yu Xinman.
Yu Zhi cast him a sidelong glance before heading upstairs without looking back, showing no expression whatsoever.
This family had nothing to do with her, and she had never expected to feel any of that so-called familial love here.
Without expectations, there could be no disappointment.
**
On Friday, Shi Wei finished dealing with a mountain of company affairs at lightning speed and left work early, leaving his employees staring in disbelief.
"Boss, where are you heading?"
Chen Cai followed closely behind him, standing tall and composed, though his somewhat goofy appearance made him involuntarily amusing.
Shi Wei glanced sideways at him, seemingly reminded of something. "I'm giving you the day off today."
"A day off?" The words instantly set Chen Cai on edge.
Suppressing a flood of thoughts, he waited until they entered the elevator, where it was just the two of them, before scrutinizing Shi Wei boldly.
Shi Wei's outfit was hardly any different from his usual style, but upon closer inspection, one might notice his meticulously styled hair and the two buttons undone on his shirt, exposing his collarbone.
Coupled with the air of contentment he radiated, it was impossible not to suspect something unusual.
Chen Cai's eyes darted slyly as he recalled recent events, ultimately leading him to a conclusion.
He exclaimed in surprise, "Boss, you're not going on a date, are you?"
"A date?"
Shi Wei scoffed, a trace of disdain flickering in his eyes. Bowing his head slightly to adjust his cuffs, his manner was casual and indifferent.
"Isn't that the case?"
Chen Cai leaned closer in curiosity, staring at him intently, trying to decipher something from his expression.
Unfortunately, he was doomed to disappointment.
"It sounds like you're keen on a trip to Africa," Shi Wei muttered, furrowing his brows in mild distaste as he shifted two steps to the right.
He disliked people invading his personal space, though given his good mood today, Chen Cai's actions only warranted subtle restraint instead of direct punishment.
"Boss, I was wrong!" Chen Cai wisely zipped his lips.
His boss was so tyrannical, always threatening him! If not for being single, Africa wouldn't scare him—who would back down?
The two parted ways at basement level one, with Shi Wei driving alone to Galaxy Restaurant.
Today's dinner was Yu Zhi's invitation as a gesture of thanks, and she had picked the location.
What she didn't know, however, was that the restaurant was actually part of Shi Wei's own assets.