The boss of the watch shop stared at Lin Yan in surprise.
Had he heard her wrong? She wanted to get a clock as a gift?
Was she trying to pay her respects to someone? [1. Giving a clock as a gift when read in Chinese is like paying respects to a dead person.]
âAhem... Miss... Hold on. Let me confirm this. Do you want to get a watch or clock as a gift?â The boss sounded uncertain.
He had never met a customer who wanted to buy a clock as a gift.
âA clock. Boss, you heard me right. Iâm giving the clock as a gift.â
The boss surveyed Lin Yan with a quizzical look on his face.
This young lass was a fierce and feisty one.
âPretty lady, what particular requirements do you have?â asked the boss.
âFirst, it must be cheap. Secondly, it must be huge,â recited Lin Yan dully.
âYou should get a new clock then. The vintage ones are valuable and expensive. New clocks are cheap,â explained the boss patiently.
âThen Iâll get a new clock. I want the cheapest one,â said Lin Yan with a grin.
After she paid, the boss asked, âPretty lady, do you need us to deliver it?â
Lin Yan deliberated for a moment before nodding. âOkay. Boss, Iâll tell you the details again.â
âSure,â the boss replied, âI will arrange for a deliveryman to bring it to you.â
...
Pei Yutang, who was eagerly waiting at Cloud Manor, bolted over to Lin Yan the moment he spotted her.
âSister-in-law! How was it? Have you bought the gift?â
Lin Yan nodded as she studied Pei Yutangâs excited expression. âEverything is done.â
âIs it big enough?â asked Pei Yutang.
âRest assured. It definitely is.â Lin Yan nodded at him.
âIs it significant?â probed Pei Yutang.
âExtremely,â answered Lin Yan curtly.
âIs it unique and stylish?â
âItâs very unique and artistic. Everyoneâs eyes will sparkle when they see your gift. Itâs uncommon,â Lin Yan replied grimly.
Pei Yutang got suspicious. âSister-in-law... Why do I have a feeling that youâre not being serious?â
âDonât you trust me?â Lin Yan frowned at him.
âNo, no, no! I have absolute trust in you, sister-in-law! Thank you!â Pei Yutang beamed at her.
âThat sounds better. Do you have any idea how much I walked just to get the gift?â Lin Yan rolled her eyes at Pei Yutang.
âSister-in-law, itâs been hard for you! Where is the gift? Show me!â Pei Yutang eyed Lin Yan eagerly.
âWhy are you so anxious? How could I lug something so heavy with me?â replied Lin Yan.
âWhat did you buy? Sister-in-law, can you just tell me so that Iâm mentally prepared?â
âDonât be so anxious. Youâll know when the day comes. Itâs meant to be a surprise.â Lin Yan grinned.
Pei Yutang nodded furiously and replied, âAlright then. How much was the gift? Iâll pay you.â
Lin Yan fell silent for a second before she chuckled. âYou can pay me after the dinner.â