Chapter 285 - 143: A Sense of Not Belonging (Part 2)
"Oh, isn’t this Miss Shi! Please come in, please come in! You’re quite the rare visitor; it’s been so long since we’ve seen you! And these two ladies and the young lady are—"
The shopkeeper greeted Shi Yumei with a smile as soon as he saw her, but he didn’t recognize Sang Wan and Shi Lian.
"I’ve only been here twice in total, Mr. Sun, you still remember me, you really have a good memory!" Shi Yumei was pleased and showed a smile on her face.
Although she had been married for many years, her natal family cherished her and never treated her as an outsider. Shi Yumei, with her straightforward personality, also never considered herself an outsider. Hearing someone address her as "Miss Shi" made her feel particularly joyful!
"What are you saying! Who in Qingzhou City doesn’t know Miss Shi! Even if I had only seen you once, I could never forget!" Mr. Sun said cheerfully, leading the three into the inner hall while instructing the clerk to prepare the finest tea.
"Oh Mr. Sun, you’re too polite!" Shi Yumei laughed heartily.
"I’m only telling the truth, it’s Miss Shi that brings me laughter!" Mr. Sun chuckled in agreement but looked puzzled at Shi Yumei, gesturing for her to introduce Sang Wan and Shi Lian.
Once seated and served with tea, Shi Yumei covertly glanced at Sang Wan, winked mischievously at Mr. Sun, and said half-seriously and half-jokingly, "This time I really want to test your insight, Mr. Sun. Try guessing who these two distinguished guests are?"
Shi Lian, still unmarried, dressed respectably yet her demeanor inadvertently showed a bit of respect. Her features bore a slight resemblance to Shi Yumei, suggesting she was a less favored legitimate daughter from the Shi Mansion. Mr. Sun deduced she was not favored because he had never seen Shi Lian before. Had she been favored, wouldn’t the Lady of the Shi Mansion always bring her along when going out?
The other, a young matron with her hair styled in a married woman’s coiffure, exuded a calm and composed presence, moving gracefully, a demeanor that commanded respect. Despite being somewhat neglected in conversation by Shi Yumei along the way, she did not show any signs of embarrassment or concern, always maintaining her composed and gentle demeanor, which was engaging to observe.
Mr. Sun narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Miss Shi thinks so highly of me to test me, I must participate in the fun! Hehe," he then jokingly bowed to Sang Wan and said, "If I guess wrong, please forgive me, madam. It’s just a joke! You are—Grandma Shi, aren’t you?"
"Mr. Sun, your eyes are sharp, she is indeed our Grandma Shi!" Xingzhi said softly with a slight smile.
"Oh! A distinguished guest, a distinguished guest indeed! Not knowing it was Grandma Shi, please forgive my rudeness!" Mr. Sun sincerely apologized with a smile.