Summer was finally over, bringing the next crisp, golden breath of autumn. The air had turned cooler, and the bright green leaves were now shades of yellow, orange, and red. The soft breeze made everything feel fresh and new.
Xia Yuqing stepped into the grand shopping mall, its vast glass doors gleaming under the soft afternoon sun. Tomorrow was her mother-in-law's birthday, and Lu Jinchen was planning a big banquet at the Lu Mansion. She had volunteered to find a perfect gift—a small gesture for the woman who loved and doted on her despite the atrocious behavior she had shown.
The mall buzzed with the usual crowd: families, couples, and the occasional luxury shopper. Xia Yuqing's footsteps echoed softly as she wandered through endless aisles, searching for something special. Lu Jinchen's mother was a lover of antiques and fashion.
