Chapter 22: Selecting a Suit for Mo City

Lily of the Valley felt a sudden darkness before her eyes as the shirt conveniently covered her. When she removed it, she saw Mo Zhicheng and the elder engaged in lively conversation, their demeanor entirely relaxed, quite unlike the tension from moments prior. Though the room was heated, the dampness of her clothes left her uncomfortable.

Noticing this, the old tailor said to Mo Zhicheng with a smile, "Mr. Mo, this young lady is soaked through. I happen to have just finished a winter cheongsam. The lady it was made for never came to collect it, and it's been here for years. The measurements are quite special, so few could wear it. I sized up this young lady just now; it should fit her perfectly. Why not let her try it on?"

Mo Zhicheng nodded, prompting the tailor to address Lily of the Valley. She hesitated, but the elder gently urged, "Go on, change into it. Sitting around in wet clothes, the dampness will seep in and you'll catch a cold."

With no other option, Lily of the Valley thanked him politely, carefully folding her shirt. In the past, she practiced folding shirts many times for Ye Shenghan, so she had grown adept; the shirt was folded crisply and beautifully. She handed it back to Mo Zhicheng, never once meeting his eyes, exuding a demeanor of quiet contrition. She knew that confronting strength head-on wasn’t always wise, especially with Mo Zhicheng—it would be like striking a rock with an egg. "Thank you, Mr. Mo."

When she emerged from the fitting room, pushing open the door, she seemed to be clad in splendor, her figure swaying gracefully in the night’s gentle breeze. She wore a peach-pink cheongsam, its collar adorned with white mink fur, fastened by the finest hand-embroidered clasps. The fabric was covered with creamy-white subtle patterns, whose understated glow complemented the lively pink. The tailored fit accentuated her shapely silhouette.

Bathed in bright light, her reflection shimmered in the mirror, highlighting her elegant posture. The old tailor’s eyes held a touch of admiration. "There are so many styles of women’s clothing nowadays, but only the cheongsam truly brings out one’s character and figure. Our ancestors’ creations are indeed timeless, though without anyone to carry on the tradition, I fear they will slowly fade away. What do you think, Mr. Mo?"

The tailor’s words struck a chord in Lily of the Valley. Compared to others her age, she favored traditional arts. Glancing at the man beside her in the mirror, she saw a hint of amusement in Mo Zhicheng’s eyes. Lily of the Valley bit her lip lightly; her washed face was fresh and refined, her shoulder-length hair drying in disarray. Their gazes met, a moment of subtle tension—at once reserved and inviting.

Lily of the Valley withdrew her gaze and smiled gently at the old tailor. "Master, you’re absolutely right. Yet in this prosperous age, there’s so much superficial glamour that people chase after, becoming ever more impatient and greedy, and forgetting the original purity."

The elder chuckled. "You look quite young, but you have insight! Much calmer than most your age." His eyes turned to Mo Zhicheng. "Mr. Mo always has an eye for what’s truly admirable."

Mo Zhicheng’s taste...? Lily of the Valley felt a touch of embarrassment and shifted her gaze, running her fingers through her damp hair, tying it loosely with a band. Some stray strands she tucked neatly behind her ear, revealing a delicate, luminous earlobe.

"This cheongsam and the gown will be counted together, as before. Tang Pei will come by to settle the payment," Mo Zhicheng said softly.

Lily of the Valley was taken aback—he would pay? Her brows unconsciously drew together. "Mr. Mo, I’ll pay for this dress myself."

Mo Zhicheng leaned in, asking with a meaningful glance, "You’ll pay?" She nodded. He continued, "Then let’s settle it together with the dress I ordered."

Mo Zhicheng watched her widen her eyes in shock; her expression froze. A custom gown cost tens of thousands—she couldn’t afford it even if she went without food and drink!