Good men are all in high demand and need to be fought for.

"Our brand's clothing is renowned for its high-quality fabrics, elegant designs, and classic tailoring, especially suited for women like you, showcasing a mature and composed charm..."

The salesgirl instantly perked up when she saw the trio walk in.

She launched into an enthusiastic introduction right away.

A handsome young man, a beautiful young woman, and what appeared to be the man's mother—clearly a group with strong purchasing power.

Staff at high-end fashion brands don’t outright look down on people, but they must have a sharp eye for customers.

Both Su Bai and Xia Lin were dressed head-to-toe in expensive attire, exuding an air of sophistication that unmistakably marked them as high-spending clients.

However, Aunt Jiang didn’t seem too impressed by the salesgirl’s pitch.

She froze for a moment before murmuring, "Have I already reached the age of 'elegant and composed'? I think I might suit something more youthful and vibrant..."

"Youthful and vibrant, my foot—Aunt Jiang, be serious," Su Bai said, torn between laughter and exasperation. "If you’re having trouble deciding, just let Director Xia pick for you. She’ll nail it."

"That’s right, Auntie, leave it to me. I’ll make sure you look younger," Xia Lin chimed in.

"Really? Oh, that’s so kind of you. What a wonderful girl—graceful, polite, and stunning too... Su Bai, don’t you agree? Director Xia is even helping us pick clothes. Where’s your girlfriend? She hasn’t even come to greet me yet."

Su Bai: "???"

"Ahaha, just kidding. Your girlfriend’s a top student, busy with her studies. She’s probably hitting the books right now."

(Actually, she’s probably sleeping in...) Su Bai thought to himself. Aunt Jiang’s mischievous personality was as unpredictable as ever, and it seemed to get more unhinged with age.

Was this the legendary "old child" syndrome?

To be fair, Aunt Jiang’s carefree attitude was a good thing for a middle-aged woman who’d worked hard on her own.

Far better than the classic bitter, resentful old auntie archetype...

Still, she wasn’t the easiest to handle.

Su Bai couldn’t help but observe Xia Lin’s reaction.

To his surprise, she showed no sign of discomfort at all!

Faced with Aunt Jiang—a personality most would find hard to handle—Xia Lin displayed extraordinary patience.

She gently guided Aunt Jiang through selecting and trying on clothes.

Along the way, Aunt Jiang couldn’t help but reveal her unease.

It was understandable—she was used to budget clothing, and suddenly stepping into a high-end boutique was overwhelming.

She discreetly checked a few price tags and nearly gasped. A simple scarf cost 5,000 yuan?!

What kind of absurd luxury was this? Was this how the wealthy in the big city lived?

But since Su Bai had genuinely made it big and wanted to spend on her, she couldn’t exactly refuse.

Su Bai wasn’t the type to let money go to his head—his spending was always within reason.

If Aunt Jiang kept living as frugally as before, people in Su Bai’s circle might even accuse him of being unfilial.

Right, this is actually helping Su Bai!

With that thought, Aunt Jiang quickly adjusted her mindset.

Her movements grew smoother, and by the end, she was even strutting like a runway model in front of the mirror.

"Wow, ma’am, you have such poise! This cheongsam-inspired design is perfect for your figure—absolutely stunning!"

The salesgirl showered her with compliments.

Flattery aside, Aunt Jiang truly outshone most wealthy socialites in both looks and figure.

Many so-called "high-society ladies," no matter how well-maintained, couldn’t compete once age caught up.

Genetics were the real deciding factor.

"If we start giving Aunt Jiang a better life now, maybe she’ll age slower?" Su Bai mused.

Aunt Jiang had married poorly in her youth and never lived comfortably. Su Bai felt it was his duty to let her indulge a little in her later years—at least materially.

"So, what do you think?"

While Aunt Jiang went to change again, Xia Lin sidled up to Su Bai and raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks, Director Xia. I’d be hopeless at handling a shopping trip with Auntie."

"Really? You two seemed to be having a great time bantering back and forth, like a comedy duo." Xia Lin covered her mouth with a light laugh.

The dynamic between Su Bai and Aunt Jiang lacked the stifling formality of traditional families.

It felt more like old friends.

This relaxed atmosphere was refreshing to Xia Lin.

Her own family was loving—a well-educated, upper-class household by all standards.

But it was also a bit too rigid, lacking a certain vitality. And sometimes, that very vitality determined one’s quality of life.

In other words, what Su Bai’s family had was exactly what Xia Lin’s lacked.

Nutrition-wise... this was hitting the spot!

"Aunt Jiang loves shopping. I don’t mind it, but her tastes are different from mine. When I was little, I’d dread tagging along. To keep me from getting too bored, she’d always buy me street snacks—I remember eating so much fried chicken strips and boiled corn..."

"What about Jiang Qiuran? Couldn’t she go shopping with her mom?"

"Oh no, she’s worse. That girl clashes with elders—they end up arguing. Aunt Jiang would rather take me than her."

Hearing this, Xia Lin smiled. "Well, in the future, if Auntie visits Jiangcheng, I’ll accompany her."

"It’d be too much trouble for you, Director Xia."

"Why? Given our relationship... it’d practically be my duty to shop with her in the future."

"Duty, huh? That’s perfect." Su Bai caught her implication. "Honestly, I haven’t thought much about the future yet..."

"You’re still young. Plenty of time to figure it out. When the time comes to marry... you’ll choose me."

"Confident, aren’t you, Director Xia?"

"Of course. If I weren’t, how could I compete for a man?"

Good men were worth fighting for.

Xia Lin suddenly leaned in, adjusting Su Bai’s collar.

It wasn’t particularly messy—she just sensed he liked these small gestures.

And she was right.

That ambiguous blend of flirtation and tender care, combined with Xia Lin’s fresh, pleasant scent, left Su Bai utterly charmed.

"I want you to get used to my kindness. That way, you won’t be able to marry anyone else."

Her soft words struck Su Bai’s ears like thunder, leaving him stunned.

"Director Xia, you haven’t known me that long. Isn’t this a bit... presumptuous?" Su Bai scratched his head. "Aside from having some money and looks, I’m really nothing special."

"Wrong~"

Xia Lin pressed her soft fingertip to his lips. "I’m an excellent judge of character. When I spot a truly good man, I strike early. If my girlfriends met you, they’d be fighting over you... Lucky for me, you’re still in school—the best place to reserve a high-quality man."