Momo's Gradual Change

C156. Pampered.

Chapter 156: Pampered

After hanging up the phone, Zhai Muyang sat back down. Though his demeanor remained the same, there was now a noticeable lightness in his voice.

Yang Shusheng raised an eyebrow, pretending not to notice, though inwardly he resolved to find an opportunity to meet that young lady again. His son might not acknowledge him, but he was determined to acknowledge his son; therefore, this future daughter-in-law couldn’t be left too distant.

Meanwhile, overjoyed at having received permission, Song Yimo tugged Miao Zhiruo back into her room. “He agreed, Miaomiao! Do I just need a change of clothes, or is there more?”

“You don’t bother with makeup, so just bring clothes—maybe pack a few more pieces.” Miao Zhiruo, delighted herself at the chance to spend time with her friend, began rummaging through the wardrobe with practiced ease to fetch a travel bag.

“No need for that! Summer clothes are light. I’ll just bring a bigger backpack.”

Song Yimo picked out a few T-shirts and two pairs of jeans. Seeing this, Miao Zhiruo put the travel bag back.

From a high shelf, Song Yimo fetched a backpack only slightly smaller than a schoolbag, and casually stuffed in her clothes, wallet, and keys. The bag was barely half full.

“Yimo, of all these dresses that Zhai Dage bought you, how many have you actually worn?”

Song Yimo glanced back, sticking out her tongue. “Pants are just more comfortable. When I wear a skirt, I feel like everyone’s staring at my feet.”

Miao Zhiruo held her arm next to Song Yimo’s exposed one. “Now tell me, if it were you, which would you be looking at?”

Well, she’d likely be looking at the paler one, too, she admitted, grudgingly. So she resigned herself to wearing skirts.

It was odd, though. In her past life, she’d been pale, but never to this degree. Could it be that she’d simply been better taken care of these past few years?

But it wasn’t as if she’d been indulging in rare delicacies every day.

“Yimo, has Zhai Dage been giving you bird’s nest?”

“When have you ever seen me drink bird saliva?” Song Yimo replied, loosening her hair and finger-combing it up into a high ponytail. “Maybe it’s because I drink broth every day? Dage often brings home nourishing ingredients to add to it.”

“That has to be it. This past half year, I’ve been dying for your grandma’s broth. You have no idea—the stuff my mom makes is practically just salty water.”

“Bad-mouthing Miao Mama? I’m so telling on you.” She twisted her hair into a bun and looked herself over. “Do you think I need to change?”

With a breezy collared shirt and jeans, she looked both neat and casual. Miao Zhiruo nodded approvingly. “Perfect for heading out. Let’s go.”

He Yi hadn’t expected Song Yimo to tag along, and beamed when she saw her. “Restless as ever! Weren’t you planning to head out traveling? Haven’t settled on a place yet?”

“It’s all set—heading out on the seventeenth to Zang City. Dage’s handling the plane tickets, so we’ll fly there.”

As honest as ever, Yimo glanced around, offering a friendly smile to the clerks who looked her way. “Where’s Miao Dad?”

Now that they had several branches, He Yi mostly stayed at the first store, which served as their main location. This year, they’d even bought a new house nearby.

“He wants to section off a spot for imported fruits, but hasn’t finalized the supply channel yet. He’s been busy with that.”

Song Yimo nodded, deciding not to ask further. Ever since Miao Dad’s business had found its footing, and he’d converted her 150,000-yuan loan into shares, she hadn’t involved herself much.

In the Miao family, Song Yimo was the gem, while Miao Zhiruo was treated more like the laborer. Miao Zhiruo donned the store uniform and worked as a clerk—and sometimes even hauled in inventory, as though she were the family’s “son.” Song Yimo, meanwhile, relaxed at the counter, eating fruit and playing Solitaire on the computer. If she so much as tried to help, He Yi would object, keeping her comfortably pampered, like a princess.

Miao Zhiruo rolled her eyes and accepted her fate, getting back to work.

On the fifteenth, the day the scenic spot officially opened, Song Yimo wasn’t there, but she still called her brother several times to check in.

“How’s it going? Lots of visitors?”

Popping a section of peeled pomelo into Miao Zhiruo’s mouth, Song Yimo replied, “Not bad. It’s only noon, and they’ve already had over twenty groups. And that’s just the nearby ones. My brother says there are plenty of independent travelers, too—lots of people doing self-drive trips from neighboring cities. So, all in all, a good start.”

“I’d say so! Even as locals, we think it’s a pretty good spot. It’ll definitely get popular.” Miao Zhiruo swept most of the pomelo slices from the plate, then went back to restocking.

Song Yimo straightened the counter, then stepped into the back to find He Yi doing the bookkeeping. “Miao Mama, I was thinking of going to the library this afternoon.”

He Yi looked up, her smile widening. “Still reading, even after the college entrance exams?”

“I want to read up on Zang City, and maybe get a couple of English books, too.”

“Alright, just wait until after two. It’ll be cooler then.” He Yi took out her wallet and handed Song Yimo three large bills. “Take a cab, and if you see something you like, go ahead and buy it.”

“I’ve got money…”

“Take it anyway. You’ll do as I say here.”

Obliging, Song Yimo accepted the cash.

“Ask Zhiruo to go with you—she knows the city better than you do.”

“There were two people out today, so she’s helping out in the store. I’ll just take a cab; the driver will know the way.”

He Yi hesitated. She could leave Zhiruo to her own devices, but Yimo was different. She’d always felt it necessary to protect her more closely.

“Miao Mama, I’m eighteen now.”

“Alright, alright. Got your phone? Check the battery.”

Resigned, Song Yimo showed her the phone.

“Only half charged? Wait until it’s full before heading out.”

She wanted to say that half a charge would be plenty, but her heart was warmed by the concern. So she nodded, waiting for the battery to fill before she finally left.

“There are two malls near the library, and a fountain square. If you’re nearby on the hour, you might catch the fountain show. Don’t stay out too late, and call if you need anything.”

“I know, Miao Mama.”

With a soft squeeze of her cheek, He Yi called a cab and helped her settle into the back seat. “Be safe.”

The provincial library had five sprawling floors, and as Song Yimo stepped into its vast first floor, her legs felt weak at the thought of wandering each one. Spotting on the signs that her section was on the third floor, she took the elevator directly.

Inside, there was the soft murmur of voices, gentle footsteps, and the scent of books—a perfect atmosphere, making her feel completely at ease.

Holding a fabric-wrapped basket, Song Yimo strolled between rows of bookshelves, pausing here and there to read a page or two. Each time she found a gem, she added it to her basket. By the end of her circuit, she had gathered quite the collection.