Chapter 278: Speculation

After pondering for a long time, Qianqian finally could no longer suppress the doubts in her heart and softly called out to Shiyi. Upon hearing a response, Shiyi appeared before her in an instant and asked, "I do not know what matter the Young Mistress summons this subordinate for?"

Qianqian waved to Shiyi, gesturing for him to come closer. Once Shiyi approached, she brought her lips close to his ear and, lowering her voice, carefully instructed him on some important matters.

Shiyi listened with rapt attention, and as Qianqian finished speaking, his originally relaxed expression became unusually solemn, as if a thousand-jin burden had been placed upon his shoulders, no longer showing his usual frivolous and carefree demeanor.

After a moment of silence, Shiyi solemnly nodded and replied, "Young Mistress, please rest assured; this matter is entrusted to this subordinate to handle, and I will certainly not disappoint you!" After receiving an affirmative answer, Qianqian breathed a slight sigh of relief and smiled, saying, "Then that's good; you may retire first."

Just as Qianqian was lost in thought alone, she suddenly heard a faint rustling from outside the house. Startled, she quickly walked out of the room to investigate. It turned out that Shangguan Xingyu and Yan Shuang'er had returned.

At this moment, Qianqian didn't even have time to tidy her wet, still-dripping hair before she rushed out of the house impatiently, shouting loudly, "Sister-in-law, San Jie, did you bring me new clothes?"

She paid no attention to her own appearance at all, looking at the two of them with great anticipation. Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er hurriedly replied, "Bought them, bought them!"

Shangguan Xingyu smiled and echoed, "If not for you, who else would I buy them for? Otherwise, if I made you cry, what would I do?"

Qianqian pouted coquettishly and muttered discontentedly, "Hmph, this young lady is now so grown up; how could I possibly shed tears easily!" Seeing her like this, Shangguan Xingyu couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, then turned to Xiao Huang beside her and instructed, "Quickly have the servants deliver the clothes just bought to each courtyard respectively." After receiving the order, Xiao Huang hurriedly left.

Not long after, a servant carrying a bulging large package walked quickly over. After entering the room, he first respectfully saluted and greeted Shangguan Xingyu, Qianqian, and the others, then carefully asked, "Young Mistress, Misses, where should these clothes be placed?"

Qianqian answered without thinking, "Just place them on the table for now; let me see exactly what items were purchased." The servant, hearing this, did as told and gently placed the large bundle on the table.

After the servant left, Qianqian impatiently reached out to untie the small bundle. Instantly, two bright-colored, variously styled beautiful skirts appeared before everyone's eyes. One was a charming, dripping red, and the other was a soft, tender pink.

Looking closely, the pink skirt had numerous and dense patterns, appearing especially exquisite and cute; while the red skirt had fewer patterns, but was simple and generous, exuding a passionate and unrestrained feeling.

Qianqian happily hugged the two skirts and excitedly asked, "Wow! Were these two beautiful skirts specially selected for me?" Shangguan Xingyu smiled and nodded, replying softly, "Yes, the moment I first saw these two garments, I was certain you would definitely love them, so I bought them without hesitation."

After hearing Yan Shuang'er's words, a brilliant smile bloomed on Qianqian's face, and she hurriedly said, "Thank you, Sister-in-law! These two skirts are truly beautiful; I simply love them!" As she spoke, she gently stroked the two exquisite skirts with her hands, her eyes full of joy.

Yan Shuang'er smiled and replied, "However, although the weather has gradually warmed these past two days, these two skirts are still a bit thin. How about this: wait a few more days until the weather is hotter, then wear them out to play, and you will surely become the focus of everyone's attention!"

Hearing Yan Shuang'er's suggestion, Qianqian nodded without hesitation and said, "Mm hm hm, Sister-in-law is right! I will definitely be obedient and wait a few days before wearing this beautiful skirt." After speaking, she carefully handed the two skirts in her hands to Mantou standing beside her.

Immediately after, Qianqian bent down again, picked up the other two blue skirts below, and examined them carefully. After looking for a while, she raised her head and said to Yan Shuang'er with a smile, "Sister-in-law, these two skirts must be San Jie's at a glance!"

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er immediately became interested and asked curiously, "Oh? How can you be so sure? Quickly tell Sister-in-law your reasons."

Qianqian explained proudly, "Hehe, because San Jie's cabinet has so many blue clothes! And look at these styles and patterns; although they don't seem showy, they actually exude a sense of understated luxury. And this fabric and touch, tsk tsk tsk, they are definitely superior choices! So, I guessed right!"

After listening to Qianqian's analysis, Yan Shuang'er couldn't help but laugh and praise, "Haha, I didn't expect our Qianqian to be so clever and quick-witted! You actually guessed this was your San Jie's skirt at once, great!"

Receiving her sister-in-law's praise, Qianqian was so happy she couldn't close her mouth and said proudly, "Of course!" Then she also handed the two blue skirts to Mantou and instructed, "Mantou, please put these two skirts into San Jie's wardrobe."

Just then, Xiao Huang took out a small and exquisite wooden box from the chest. When she slowly opened the box, inside were some exquisite jewelry never seen before. These jewelry sparkled with dazzling light in the sunlight, refreshing to the eye.

Qianqian happily picked up the exquisite box in front of her, inside were various jewelry. Some were small and exquisite, cute and adorable; some were simple yet not lacking in grandeur, exuding an elegant temperament; others were plain and fresh, like a lotus emerging from water, elegant and pleasant.

She carefully selected, her gaze finally falling on two pieces of jewelry, and she said with a sweet smile at the corner of her mouth, "I want these two!" As she spoke, she reached out her hand, one hand lightly picking up a piece.

At this time, Shangguan Xingyu beside her gently said, "This whole box of jewelry is prepared for you and Shuang'er; you two can wear them together."

Qianqian curiously raised her head and asked, "Then Sister-in-law, didn't you buy jewelry for yourself?"

Shangguan Xingyu smiled slightly and replied, "I only bought three pieces, and I estimate they are not the type you little girls would like, so I didn't bring them out."