Chapter 11: That's right, she's my granddaughter-in-law.

"Thank you, Grandma, Lianxi loves it too!" Even though she didn't fully grasp its extravagance, the necklace had perfectly accentuated the graceful curve of her neck when she tried it on. Hua Lianxi's usually calm heart had stirred slightly. She genuinely liked it; it seemed to satisfy a woman's innate love for beauty in an instant.

"Also, those diamond earrings are from your mother-in-law!" Fang Xiufang pointed to another set of 18K rose gold diamond earrings, giving Lin Xiao a meaningful look. "Those earrings, you'll pay for with your own card!"

So, she was being small-minded and didn't want to buy jewelry for her daughter-in-law? Well, Fang Xiufang would definitely make her spend some money and teach her a lesson.

"Grandma, this, this..." Hua Lianxi stammered, looking uncomfortably at Lin Xiao.

"Yes, Mom!" Lin Xiao replied readily, her eyelashes lowered. "Mom, it's getting late, let's go for lunch!"

Having spent the entire morning with them, even her best patience had worn thin. What's more, she had just been scolded in front of so many people. Even if she could keep a straight face, she still felt deeply resentful.

"Alright, let's go. That's enough for today!" Fang Xiufang nodded and smiled, finally offering Lin Xiao a smile in return.

Lin Xiao took the lead, standing up and elegantly instructing the store manager to send the jewelry to the Kong family mansion. In the end, she still carried herself with the poise of the Kong family's daughter-in-law, her imposing aura undeniable.

While carefully supporting Fang Xiufang, Hua Lianxi pondered how to explain the dresses and jewelry she had received today to Kong Chengyi. She didn't notice where Fang Xiufang's steps were leading her.

"Hello, what style of pajamas are you looking for?" A crisp, clear young woman's voice suddenly rang out. Hua Lianxi looked up in surprise and saw a dazzling array of colorful pajamas, including quite a few that were blush-inducing at first glance.

"Whichever style is the most popular, the best-selling one, we'll take that!" Fang Xiufang said, her eyes narrowed as she surveyed the scantily clad pajamas. Without hesitation, she pushed Hua Lianxi forward, determined to make Kong Chengyi fall head over heels for her.

"Grandma! This... I..." Hua Lianxi's face flushed crimson instantly. She was so embarrassed she couldn't even finish her sentence. She turned back to look for Lin Xiao, hoping for help, but saw her standing outside the store with her back to them, seemingly not planning to come in.

"Sweetheart, Grandma's birthday wish for next year depends on you! For Grandma to hold a big, healthy great-grandson soon, you two have to work hard! Look at Chengyi drinking those big bowls of medicine; you, too, must use all your charm!"

"Madam, this is our current best-selling style, it's received rave reviews!" The professional sales assistant swiftly picked up a black lace set and respectfully presented it to Hua Lianxi, repeatedly emphasizing its amazing effect. "Some customers have even said they conceived on their first try while wearing it! It's a well-known 'good luck for pregnancy' outfit in our store!"

"A 'good luck for pregnancy' outfit? That sounds great! Get me one in her size!" Hearing that it could bring good luck for pregnancy, Fang Xiufang's smile widened even more. Without needing to choose, she agreed with the sales assistant.

"Grandma, this, I can't wear this!" The silky, see-through fabric gave Hua Lianxi goosebumps. She couldn't imagine how revealing it would be on her, let alone showing it off in front of Kong Chengyi.

Smiling warmly, Fang Xiufang patted the back of Hua Lianxi's hand, not giving her a chance to refuse. She called out loudly to Lin Xiao, who was still standing outside the store, "Lin Xiao, hurry up and pay! When you become a grandmother depends on this magic weapon!"

Turning around reluctantly, Lin Xiao stepped into the store and replied with a low "Okay." She kept her eyes down, not looking at the dazzling array of styles in the store, and directly handed her card to the sales assistant. "Wrap it up and send it to the Kong residence. Make sure the packaging is presentable and doesn't show your store's logo!" Forget buying it; even looking at such styles made her blush. She simply didn't share Fang Xiufang's enthusiasm or mindset.

Hua Lianxi's face felt hot. She kept her head down, feeling like everyone's eyes were on her, and that everyone had knowing smiles on their faces.

Quickly signing the receipt, Lin Xiao grabbed her credit card and left the store without waiting for Fang Xiufang. She went straight to the elevator and pressed the button.

"Hmph, still so timid at her age!" Fang Xiufang glared at Lin Xiao's retreating figure with dissatisfaction. Turning back, she immediately smiled warmly and continued to persuade Hua Lianxi, "Sweetheart, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. This will not only spice up your relationship but definitely deepen your feelings. And the effect? It'll be amazing!"

Hua Lianxi responded with a quiet "Mmm-hmm," secretly glancing at the sales assistant. She genuinely saw a friendly smile on her face, one that seemed natural and didn't carry any lewdness or speculation. Her shy heart calmed down a little, and she gave the assistant a bashful nod.

As one foot stepped out of the store, Fang Xiufang turned back and looked around, instructing the sales assistant, "I think this style of yours is quite good. Send a product catalog to the Kong residence whenever you have new products. These two young people are at the right time in their lives and can definitely make good use of your products!"

"Yes, thank you for your appreciation, Madam. We will definitely send you our latest catalog every quarter. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call us, and we will provide door-to-door service immediately!" The sales assistant bowed professionally, bidding farewell to the two distinguished guests. The smile on her face couldn't be contained. Unexpectedly serving the renowned Kong family and having them so satisfied with their products meant they would surely be returning customers, guaranteeing a significant boost in sales.

"Grandma, next time, next time I'll buy these things myself, okay? Look how awkward this is. Never mind Mom, my face feels like it's on fire! Feel it, it's still hot!" Afraid of another surprise like this, Hua Lianxi quickly seized the opportunity to act spoiled and beg Fang Xiufang for mercy. She took her hand and pressed it against her cheek, genuinely demonstrating her embarrassment and shyness.

"Oh dear, it's burning!" Touching her hot cheek, Fang Xiufang exclaimed happily, then blurted out unexpectedly, "If Chengyi sees you wearing it, he'll probably be burning all over, even hotter than you!"

Unexpectedly, she would connect it to Kong Chengyi. Hua Lianxi cried out playfully, losing control, "Grandma!"

Such a playful cry made Fang Xiufang even happier, and she burst into hearty laughter.

Lin Xiao, hearing Fang Xiufang's rare hearty laughter, turned her head curiously, wanting to see what the two were talking about that was so amusing.

The elevator chimed and the doors opened, followed by a sharp female voice exclaiming, "Mrs. Kong!"

Lin Xiao turned back, and suddenly a flash of light went off. She knew she had been photographed!

"You, who are you?" Having been suddenly photographed by a stranger, Lin Xiao's already tense face grew even colder.

"Oh, Old Madam Kong is here too! And who is that?" Ignoring Lin Xiao's question, the woman holding the camera looked past Lin Xiao and saw Fang Xiufang walking towards the elevator, along with the delicate-looking woman beside her.

"Greetings, Old Madam! I'm Cai Meiren, a reporter from Star Weekly!" Cai Meiren jogged forward a few steps and respectfully bowed to Fang Xiufang, her eyes glued to Hua Lianxi.

"Is this the Young Madam? The newlywed wife that President Kong brought to the Old Madam's birthday banquet last night?" The puzzle pieces were gradually falling into place. Cai Meiren quickly analyzed Hua Lianxi, her eyes still fixed on her, as if trying to find some extraordinary clue.

"Hello! Yes, this is my granddaughter-in-law! This girl is good, well-behaved and considerate. She's willing to spend time with this old woman and doesn't find it tiring or boring!" Fang Xiufang said happily, not at all shy about showing off her granddaughter-in-law, as if today's shopping trip had been Hua Lianxi's idea, not her own.

She had been worried about not having anyone witness Hua Lianxi accompanying her shopping, preventing her from showing off to the other old ladies. Now that a reporter had appeared, once it was in the newspaper tomorrow, it would be more convincing than her telling them herself.

"So, is President Kong secretly married? May I ask how long you've been married? And which family is the Young Madam from? Could I have a brief interview with the Young Madam? The diamond bachelor is married! How many young women in the city must have had their hearts broken overnight? Some might even be climbing onto rooftops!" Cai Meiren rattled off a series of questions, her bright eyes darting back and forth between Fang Xiufang and Hua Lianxi.

"No interviews, and no other information will be disclosed. Please step aside!" Lin Xiao, who had been standing by the elevator, took a step forward and stood protectively in front of Fang Xiufang, her tone firm.

Holding a professional camera, with large black-framed glasses covering most of her face, and dressed in casual sportswear, Cai Meiren's thin red lips moved quickly as she spoke. Hua Lianxi stood quietly to the side, observing Cai Meiren. Suddenly, their eyes met, and some fragmented memories flashed through Hua Lianxi's previously blank mind.

"You can take a few pictures, but you can schedule an interview with my granddaughter-in-law later!" Fang Xiufang gently moved Lin Xiao aside, refusing the interview somewhat politely. In her mind, the key was to get the image of her filial granddaughter-in-law accompanying her shopping published. As for other public gossip, she would leave that for the two young people to handle themselves.

"Sorry, no interviews," Hua Lianxi said with a slight smile, expressing her stance.

"This is my business card. Young Madam, if you have time, you can contact me anytime. We can have a chat!" Handing her business card to Hua Lianxi, Cai Meiren took a few steps back, found a suitable angle, and snapped several photos without hesitation.

Since she was allowed to take pictures, even if she couldn't get an interview with Hua Lianxi right now, she felt like she had scored. After all, the photos were exclusive, and she would still be able to capture the public's attention and gain her boss's appreciation.

Hua Lianxi glanced at the name and contact information on the business card and casually slipped it into the outer pocket of her bag before helping Fang Xiufang into the elevator.

"What kind of reporter is that? Clearly just a privacy-invading paparazzi! They don't even ask before snapping pictures!" Once inside the elevator, Lin Xiao was still thinking about the first unexpected photo she had been taken, her face dark with displeasure.