The Gift

The bus arrived at its destination—

Wangfu District.

This was a high-end fashion lifestyle hub built at tremendous cost, home to globally renowned luxury brands.

The dazzling array of top-tier labels and unique designs was overwhelming, and the prices were naturally exorbitant.

The two walked hand in hand into the mall, weaving through the numerous boutiques. Their extraordinary aura made them stand out even in this shopping paradise teeming with beautiful men and women.

Li Guanqi understood why Su Cheng had come here—

It must have been because Xuan Ying had gifted him something lavish for his last birthday, and now he wanted to reciprocate with a gift of equal value.

Otherwise, Su Cheng would never set foot in such a place.

"Do you remember what Xuan Ying gave you?"

Li Guanqi suddenly asked.

She wanted to help brainstorm ideas.

"I don’t recall. None of the gifts had names attached, so I don’t know the official name of it."

Su Cheng shook his head and glanced at a display window nearby. "But that watch over there looks quite nice."

Li Guanqi followed his gaze and spotted an exquisitely decorated, uniquely designed watch boutique. Every item was high-end, with the cheapest starting at several thousand yuan; many were limited-edition classics from prestigious brands.

"A watch, huh…"

Li Guanqi considered the possible symbolism—cherishing every moment, symbolizing enduring friendship.

After confirming there were no other hidden meanings, she nodded in agreement. "Alright."

Su Cheng immediately pulled her toward the store, but Li Guanqi gently freed her hand and whispered, "Better not hold hands here."

After all, Su Cheng was buying this for Xuan Ying. If the staff mistook them for a couple, it might make the fitting process awkward.

"Mm, I understand."

Su Cheng didn’t insist and walked ahead, while Li Guanqi quietly followed, retreating into her usual low-profile demeanor.

Soon, they entered the luxurious watch boutique.

The store was brilliantly lit, with dazzling timepieces displayed in glass cases, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

As Su Cheng stepped inside, a well-dressed, elegantly made-up saleswoman immediately noticed him. Her sharp intuition and keen eye for clientele told her this was no ordinary customer.

"Sir, are you looking for a watch today?" she greeted warmly with a smile.

"Yes, I’d like to pick one out for a female friend. Could you recommend something?" Su Cheng replied politely, his gentle demeanor putting her at ease.

"How modest of you, sir. Please follow me. I’ll help you select the perfect gift."

The three approached a display case, where the saleswoman carefully retrieved a silver-banded ladies' watch and began her pitch: "If you prefer a design that’s both opulent and refined, this piece is a timeless classic..."

Meanwhile, Li Guanqi was busy inspecting the case, dial, and hands...

The price tag read: 130,000 yuan.

Seeing the figure, Li Guanqi couldn’t help but glance at Su Cheng in concern.

This would wipe out his savings, wouldn’t it?

To her surprise, Su Cheng showed no hesitation or discomfort at the price. After listening to the description, he picked up the watch without delay to examine it closely.

Li Guanqi chose not to interfere—this was Su Cheng’s gift to his friend, after all. His choice deserved respect.

But then the saleswoman added, "Crafted from gold and silver, it symbolizes purity and strength intertwined, like hearts bound together. The diamond accents enhance its precious meaning, like dewdrops of love at dawn..."

Li Guanqi tensed.

She discreetly pinched Su Cheng’s arm.

Startled, Su Cheng snapped out of his trance, his gaze shifting from the watch to the saleswoman. In a calm but slightly displeased tone, he said, "Let’s try another one."

The saleswoman faltered momentarily but quickly regained her professionalism. With a practiced smile, she retrieved the watch and continued, "Of course. We also carry a piece that embodies grace and vitality. This model features a white ceramic base paired with a silver..."

She produced another watch, priced at over 50,000 yuan.

Li Guanqi studied it—the design was indeed captivating, elegant yet understated. But the illusion was soon shattered.

"This collaboration piece is limited to just 520 units!" the saleswoman announced, snapping Li Guanqi out of her thoughts.

520.

Red flag detected.

Li Guanqi’s brow furrowed. She poked Su Cheng again.

"Another one," Su Cheng said, glancing at her before nodding to the saleswoman.

Before the saleswoman could finish her next pitch, Li Guanqi poked him once more.

"Again," Su Cheng repeated.

The saleswoman, now visibly flustered, maintained her smile. "Very well. How about this one?"

She presented another watch. "You’ll notice the engraving on the back—a beautifully scripted, passionate verse: 'The most radiant promise beneath the jadeite sky,' tender and romantic."

Li Guanqi’s internal alarms blared. But before she could muster the awkwardness to poke Su Cheng again, he preemptively declared, "It’s for a friend. Nothing romantic."

The moment the words left his mouth, Li Guanqi’s tension melted away like a spring breeze, her frown smoothing into relief.

In the end, Su Cheng settled on a ladies' quartz watch priced at 48,000 yuan.

Its unique feature was the personalized engraving service—a signature touch offered by the store.

A one-of-a-kind "Su Cheng Signature Edition."

However, when Su Cheng provided his sample signature, the saleswoman recognized him and insisted on a photo and autograph. After some effort, he finally extricated himself, with the watch scheduled for delivery the next day, hand-engraved by a master artisan.

This thoughtful, exclusive gift would surely delight Xuan Ying.

A perfect surprise indeed.

"What about you?"

Su Cheng took Li Guanqi’s hand again and tilted his head. "Decided what to give her?"

"Mm." She nodded lightly, then suddenly added, "I need to use the restroom first."

With that, Li Guanqi stealthily doubled back to the watch boutique.

She purchased the same model Su Cheng had chosen, paid, and left her own signature—content at last.

To her surprise, she ran straight into Su Cheng the moment she stepped out of the shop, her little scheme exposed on the spot.

It left her both frustrated and deeply embarrassed.