Chapter 31: Who Gets to Choose

Stepping out of the department store, Su Qinghu was dressed to the nines. That modern, stylish look—where could you find a trace of the awkwardness of a fresh college graduate now?

She wore a light yellow, floral-patterned silk blouse on top, paired with wide-legged, cream-colored pants that just covered her shoes, and nude flats on her feet. She was so bright and beautiful that even her walk seemed to carry a breeze!

The moment she stepped out of the fitting room, she was met with countless admiring glances.

The men were still somewhat reserved, but the women weren’t shy at all. Once they found out the clothes were from the department store, they immediately rushed off to find them for themselves.

Even as they reached the entrance, people were still stopping her, eyes shining, to ask where she’d bought her outfit.

Su Qinghu didn’t find it annoying at all. She answered everyone’s questions with a bright smile, her good temper so obvious that even Da Dan and Er Dan started whispering to each other.

It was 1986, almost the end of the '80s. City life was improving by the day, and the first wave of entrepreneurs already had thick wallets—eating well and dressing well was no longer a problem. With the country opening up and foreigners coming in, people were starting to pursue beauty.

On the streets, bright-colored clothes weren’t everywhere, but they were far from rare.

Su Qinghu herself had once gone up and asked someone about their pretty clothes, so she totally understood this kind of behavior.

After answering yet another person, Su Qinghu opened her umbrella and headed toward the taxi stand, with Chen Lie and the two kids close behind.

Er Dan nudged Da Dan’s arm and whispered, “Hey, Mom spent a lot of money this time. Why aren’t you saying anything?”

The blouse, pants, and shoes together cost a hundred yuan.

A hundred! That’s ten big bills!

Da Dan shot him a look but didn’t say anything.

Was Er Dan the type to let things go? Of course not. Even after getting that look, he didn’t back down at all. “This time’s different, you know. Everything she bought was for herself~~”

When she spent money on them, Da Dan always complained that the new mom didn’t know how to manage a household. But now that she spent money on herself, why wasn’t he saying anything?

Da Dan replied, “You looking for a beating? If you are, just say so. I’ll make your wish come true.”

He really didn’t want to bother with Er Dan, who kept nagging: Why aren’t you saying anything? Why not? Wasn’t it obvious? They came to the department store today with Dad’s full approval.

Dad agreed, and Dad paid. Why should he say anything? That would just be asking for trouble.

Finally out of the department store’s range, Su Qinghu looked back at the two kids sticking close to Chen Lie and nodded in satisfaction. Not bad—she’d picked out these outfits for them herself, and they looked just right!

Er Dan puffed out his little chest under her gaze and grinned wide.

He felt that even though his outfit didn’t have a floral shirt, it still made him look super, super cool—just like a big brother.

Da Dan didn’t say anything, but Er Dan’s adoring gaze at Su Qinghu left him speechless.

How could a real man be won over so easily?

But to be fair, it wasn’t really about being won over. The snacks were for everyone, and their clothes had been bought by Dad before—she’d just helped pick and match them.

He just couldn’t understand why Er Dan accepted her so easily, without even putting her to the test!

Could Er Dan explain why he accepted her so quickly? Not really.

He just felt comfortable around Su Qinghu, genuinely comfortable, and wanted to be close to her from the bottom of his heart.

“Bro, why are you being so awkward? It’s been days, and you’re still like this?” Back when that other woman was still their mom, they used to dream about having a new mom who’d be a bit less harsh and a bit kinder. Now that they had one, why not accept her?

“I think she’s great—different from anyone else!” Er Dan looked at Su Qinghu’s back, eyes full of admiration, his voice dreamy. “I’ve never seen anyone’s mom wear a floral shirt like that, and look so good in it…”

When his new mom wore a floral shirt, it was like he was wearing it too.

If his new mom looked good and confident, then he must be the same!

Da Dan was about to retort, but seeing his brother’s goofy smile and dreamy look, he just shut his mouth.

He turned his head, sneaking a glance at Su Qinghu, then quickly looked away.

She was already good-looking, but in this outfit, she looked even better.

Walking next to Dad, they actually looked like a perfect match…

When Er Dan stopped grinning, he caught his brother sneaking glances at her, only to quickly look away.

He wanted to tease him, but was afraid of getting hit, so he just covered his mouth and giggled quietly.

Chen Lie was walking beside Su Qinghu now. She wore little shoes with a bit of a heel, each step making a crisp “tap tap” sound.

Her long hair was tied back, showing off her smooth forehead, with a few wisps of hair falling by her fair ears. When she slowed her pace, there was a gentle beauty to her that seemed to transcend time.

She looked really good.

“Is there a movie you want to see?” The words slipped out before he could stop them. He felt a bit nervous, but didn’t try to cover it up.

Su Qinghu looked at him in surprise. “Weren’t we coming to the movies today mainly for the kids?”

They’d already agreed before leaving home: the plan was to take the kids to see a cop movie, so they could get a clear idea of good guys and bad guys, instead of just imagining it.

Chen Lie said, “…Is there a cop movie you want to see?”

Su Qinghu: …How should she answer that? She’d seen plenty of cop movies, but that was in her own era. Back then, information was everywhere—if you wanted to watch something, you could just search for it.

But now?

She was really afraid she’d mention a cop movie that was either too advanced or too outdated!

If it was outdated, she could just blame it on her college days—say she was too focused on studying to keep up.

But if it was too advanced?

She’d be in trouble!

“I only ever heard people talk about how exciting cop movies were during my college days, but I never actually watched one myself.” Su Qinghu smiled, completely unbothered. “What about you? Is there a movie you want to see? Or maybe you could recommend one to us?”

If you can’t answer a question, just toss it right back—that’s the best solution.

“Mom!” Er Dan was worried Chen Lie would pick some sappy romance, so he rushed between them. “Mom, don’t ask Dad—he’s never home, he doesn’t know what movies are playing!”

Su Qinghu almost burst out laughing at his anxious look. “Let me give you a heads-up: when we get to the theater, there might not be any cop movies showing. If there aren’t, we’ll just see what’s playing today and pick one from those, okay?”

Er Dan looked conflicted. “But who gets to choose—you guys, or me and my brother?”

If he and his brother got to pick, they’d definitely agree on something!"