It's another weekend again. This weekend grandma Mo had insisted that I go shopping with her.
I decided to wear a brown turtleneck blouse paired with denim jeans and high sneakers. With my phone in my pocket, I set out to the tea house where I was to meet grandma Mo.
Enemies they say are meant to cross paths often. It hadn't been long that I sat down than Jin Shishi dress in a white shirt and white Prairie skirt, her brown coat the same length as her skirt. She looked very gentle and approachable. She sat down behind me.
Fifteen minutes later, grandma Mo walked in, her walking cane knocking firmly into the ground. Eventhough she had aged, she was still very beautiful and astute.
"Grandma" I called out.
"Chaihong, my daughter-in-law." I stood up and helped her to her sit. She held firmly into my hands and looked me from head to toe.
"Child, pay more attention to yourself. Look how thin you have become."
"Grandma, I..."
"Shhhhh, not a word!" She was firm yet gentle. Looking into her eyes, I could see my self. The love and affection was so genuine, it touched my heart. She was sincerely concerned about me.
"What makes a woman is not only the success of her home but the care she gives herself. What if you die half way through? Will you leave home in the hands of another woman. Your sweat and labour will all be gone."
"Child promise me that you'll always take care of yourself well."
"Grandma, I will take care of myself" I said those words one at a time. Then I smiled cheerfully. She seemed appeased.
We were served tea with some desserts. She would ask me questions from time to time about my work.
We were ready to leave when someone came to our table.
"Grandma Mo, we meet again. How is your health?" Jin Shishi asked with a polite smile, she looked soft and obedient.
"Are you cursing me?" Asked grandma Mo. Her voice sharp but controlled. Jin Shishi was too shocked, or rather frightened to maintain her composure. Her face was twisted. Her big eyes brimmed with tears.
"I have said something wrong, I apologise." She looked more fragile, her body swaying as if she could be blown away.
"Too weak." Grandma Mo scoffed.
"Chaihong, let's go shopping." She turned to me, all smiles. One would never believe it was her scoffing a few minutes ago.
"Yes, grandma." I was cheered by the little drama.
Hand in hand, we walked out of the tea house where the driver was already waiting for us, leaving behind a lonely Jin Shishi.
"Let's go to Molly's first" she said to the driver.
Molly's is the best fashion outlet shop in the capital.
"Chaihong, ask that boy to call Bi An for you."
"Okay" I was excited. Bi An was specially scouted by Mo Jinsheng some years back. He was exclusively Mo Jinsheng's.
"Look how excited you are over such a little thing. What is his is yours." She held my hand fondly.
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We had window shopped for some time but grandma had only been satisfied with a few pieces. The shop attendant was very patient with us. We did four rounds before, I cajoled grandma to her seat. We sat down and sighed at the same time. It is exhilarating to window shop than be served as a VIP.
"Let's see the new designs that are going to be in the market in a few months time." I asked the attendant.
"Cecilia, what's this? Are sales made by walking around for rounds when the customers are not even making any move to buy?"
A woman approached us all hostile. She was wearing clothes from top designers. One look and I could tell what can of person she was but we can't always judge a book by it's cover. I'll give her a benefit of doubt.
"Sis Fang, they were...."
"Shut it! Come here now!" the attendant went closer to sis Fang.
"Sis Fang..."
"I said hold it!"
I detest bullying. I could wait a little more and see how it played out. From my observation, she could either be a tyrant head that liked to bully the weak or she could be targeting us because she thought we could be bullied.
I detest bullying so much that I couldn't wait for it to play out.
"Miss Fang is going to pick on us?"
"Why will I?" She raised her chin
"Then what's this about?" Asked grandma.
" Why should we serve people who are not ready to buy?" She replied
"Sis.." interjected the Cecelia the attendant before she was cut off by Sis Fang again. This time with just a gesture.
"Please, leave right now otherwise I will make this public!"
"Publicising it will be better. Assuredly Miss Fang not only will I remain here but I will also take this clothes out of here" I said.
Grandma Mo held my hand trying to stop me. She must be worried. For her, I will do this even if it affects my business. I patted her hand gently. Even though the Chaihong she was used to was the me that I cannot remember, I will reciprocate this love.
"What!" Miss Fang didn't anticipate my response. It was beyond her expectations.
"Miss Fang, I don't waste words"
"Okay, don't regret it" she turned around and announced into the headset she was wearing, "everyone, I have an important matter that needs to be resolved. I hope that you can all bear witness to it so that no one will tarnish the image of Molly's. There's a rule here that no level 1-4 customer should browse the store without a purchase after two hours but today, a customer has violated this rule and not only does she not want to apologise, she has also vowed to blackmail us and take the clothes out of here."
Miss Fang felt pleased when she realised that the mall was broadcasting it in the whole mall. She might get promoted for this! Her glee showed it all.