Chapter 27: Mother's Collection

With the nuisance out of the way, Chen Ci examined Xiao Tong more closely.

It was obvious that Xiao Tong had been carefully dressed up today.

She had smooth shoulder-length black straight hair, delicate makeup, and a simple, form-fitting light-colored dress.

Especially the pair of thin high-heeled sandals that almost exposed her entire feet to the air, adding a touch of mature sensuality to her usual sweet and cute demeanor.

Not long after, Xiao Tong seemed to notice where Chen Ci's gaze lingered.

Xiao Tong lowered her face, her toes unconsciously tensed, and her toes curled uneasily…

"Oh."

Chen Ci slightly embarrassed raised his head; after all, it's not like he hasn't done this before.

But to be honest, this time Xiao Tong gave him a feeling that seemed somewhat different.

This wasn't necessarily because Xiao Tong had changed; rather, Chen Ci's mindset had changed.

He had experienced this kind of flutter with Da Mi Mi before, but it felt a bit different…

"Have a seat, Mao Mao. Want something to drink? I'll get it."

"Hmm..." Xiao Tong also slowly lifted her little face: "No thanks."

Chen Ci stood up with a smile: "That won't do; if I remember correctly, this is your first time at my place."

The study isn't a good place for catching up; Chen Ci walked to the gate side, opened the gate for Xiao Tong, and curled his lips into a gentlemanly smile.

"Mao Mao, come on; I'll show you around my current home."

Xiao Tong quickly caught the flaw in his words: "Currently? What does that mean..."

Chen Ci spoke frankly: "Nothing, this house no longer belongs to me; I'm just borrowing it."

"Borrowing it?"

Xiao Tong grew more confused, but didn't ask further, just nodding: "Oh..."

Chen Ci seemed to lose patience, stepped forward and directly took Xiao Tong's left hand.

His hand didn't exert much force; he just lightly pinched her palm.

And at the moment her hand was taken, Xiao Tong wasn't without reaction; she did react, but only slightly.

Xiao Tong felt a little dazed and her heart sped up, yet upon feeling that familiar warmth and pressure again, she unconsciously lowered her head slightly, choosing to go along with it.

At that moment, her only thought was: a peaceful breakup, still friends afterward. Between friends, holding hands shouldn't be too much…

Chen Ci took Xiao Tong to tour the living room, then went to the kitchen fridge to get drinks.

The villa wasn't small; after walking around for a few minutes, Chen Ci seemed to suddenly recall something, gripping Xiao Tong's hand with a bit more force.

"Mao Mao, come on, follow me to the bedroom; I have something for you."

"Ah?"

Xiao Tong blinked slightly, doubting if she had heard wrong— the bedroom?

Could it be that he was being a little too eager…? She instinctively wanted to resist, but Chen Ci's grip was noticeably stronger than before.

Moreover, in Xiao Tong's mind, Chen Ci was clearly gentle, and had just been acting like a gentleman; he shouldn't be that kind of person…

In her half-surprised, half-doubting state, Chen Ci had already brought her upstairs into the master bedroom.

Arriving at the doorway of the spacious, bright room, Xiao Tong's brows furrowed slightly.

On the wall facing the bedroom, the most conspicuous spot held a wedding photo with a strong sense of era.

Although Xiao Tong didn't recognize the people in the photo, she could tell this was likely Chen Ci's parents' bedroom.

Could he intend to do something with her here…? Xiao Tong couldn't bear to think further.

Just then, Xiao Tong suddenly felt her hand loosen; Chen Ci finally let go and walked into the bedroom alone.

Then, without stopping, he lifted the bed's board, bent over, and rummaged inside.

Xiao Tong grew more puzzled; she wanted to follow and see what he was looking for, but hesitated, unable to take the first step.

Finally, Chen Ci's back spoke: "Mao Mao, how has Auntie been lately?"

Hearing that, Xiao Tong snapped out of a daze, though still somewhat confused, she instinctively replied in a dazed way: "Pretty, pretty good..."

Only then did Chen Ci slowly rise, still holding a large stack of paper boxes and bags.

"Earlier, someone gave my parents a ton of health supplements; Mao Mao, please help me take these to Auntie."

"Ah?"

After hearing Chen Ci's words, Xiao Tong stood frozen in place, mouth agape, momentarily speechless.

So this was what he meant by giving me something…

Xiao Tong unconsciously bit her lip, her eyes showing a bit of embarrassment and a hint of guilt.

She just knew Chen Ci wouldn't be that kind of person…

Xiao Tong's fair little face flushed: "No, it's fine. These things look expensive; they belong to Uncle and Auntie, you keep them…"

The more she spoke, the more Xiao Tong felt she had nowhere to hide; after not seeing each other for so long, Chen Ci still remembered her mother's poor health.

And herself, she had just been maliciously suspecting his intentions— really…

Just as Xiao Tong felt guilty, Chen Ci gave a playful, mischievous smile: "Your physique should know well enough; I don't need these, should I just let them expire?"

"You…"

The blush on Xiao Tong's face deepened; she wasn't an ignorant young lady, and during her time with Chen Ci, there wasn't much she hadn't seen…

Cough cough, in short, Xiao Tong immediately caught Chen Ci's implied meaning.

The only bit of guilt vanished, replaced by some vivid memories from the past.

Suddenly, Xiao Tong pursed her lips, and her vision went dark.

It was truly darkness before her eyes; Chen Ci held a black wool coat, spreading it out in front of Xiao Tong.

Xiao Tong asked curiously: "This is…"

My mother's clothes, Mao Mao, you have a look and see if there's anything you like, then pick a few pieces for Auntie to take over.

What? This decision is not allowed, I can't accept it!

Xiao Tong immediately refused in words; this is indeed a proper heirloom of Chen Ci's mother.

Chen Ci gave a faint smile and spoke casually:

Don't worry, everything in the wardrobe is brand new, never worn. My mother's two biggest hobbies are painting and buying clothes. She buys them but never wears them, filling several wardrobes.

That won't do either. Xiao Tong persisted.

Chen Ci didn't press the matter either, folding the coat in his hand while seeming to talk to himself.

Alright, these clothes were outrageously expensive when bought. This sweater is Prada's winter new item from last year, supposedly it matches well with that CHANEL little black dress. Too bad I can't wear them; I'll find an orphanage to donate them to someday...

Wait, you're serious?

Chen Ci smiled: "Mao Mao, I wouldn't lie to anyone, let alone you; I'm going to call the orphanage right now..."

Saying that, Chen Ci pulled out his phone, ready to dial.

Xiao Tong seemed a bit anxious, hurriedly saying: "I didn't mean that, Auntie... she really never wore them? Oh dear, I don't mean to dislike..."

How come the more we talk, the more confused it gets? Xiao Tong began to speak incoherently...