Chapter 88:

As soon as Han Shuying left, the sales assistant visibly relaxed.

Although President Han wasn’t particularly strict, she was still the boss, and there was always an inexplicable sense of intimidation around her.

Han Lanyi asked, “We’re not in a hurry to buy anything. Could we just browse the store first?”

“Of course, please go ahead!” Knowing that these two were President Han’s elders, the sales assistant would have to be insane to refuse them. If she did, it wouldn’t just cost her commission—she might lose her job entirely.

Currently, Yu Meiren was on a steady upward trajectory. Given its development trends and the backing of Presidents Bai and Han, it was unlikely to be just a fleeting success.

Even setting that aside, the salary at Yu Meiren alone was enough to make her unwilling to lose this job.

The sales assistant followed Han Lanyi and Wang Qijing closely, keeping her eyes and ears open. Whenever she noticed them lingering on a product, she would swiftly step forward to introduce it.

After browsing for a while, Han Lanyi and Wang Qijing had a general idea of Yu Meiren’s product line. They sat down on the chairs reserved for customers and said to the sales assistant, “Could you recommend some products for us?”

“Of course!” The sales assistant perked up at the mention of her job. “Could you first tell me your skin types?”

Han Lanyi touched her face and said, “I have normal skin, though I’ve been a bit stressed lately, so my pores have become more noticeable.”

The sales assistant carefully examined Han Lanyi’s skin. Her makeup was light today, making it easier to assess her skin condition. “Normal skin is usually smooth, neither too oily nor too dry. It tends to get drier in cold weather and slightly oily in hot weather. This skin type is the easiest to care for—just focus on hydration and maintenance. Since it’s summer now and you mentioned recent stress, I’d recommend this product.”

She pointed to a product on her right. Its packaging was primarily light green, with a delicate gold thread winding around it, adding a touch of mystery and sophistication.

“This product is from the ‘Whisper’ series. It specializes in hydration and nourishment, leaving the skin radiant and revitalized. You look to be in your twenties, which makes this product perfect for your age.”

Han Lanyi and Wang Qijing exchanged glances and chuckled. “You’re wrong there—I’m already in my thirties. Far from my twenties.”

“Really?” The sales assistant gasped in exaggerated surprise. “I never would’ve guessed! Honestly, if President Han hadn’t mentioned earlier that you’re her elder, I would’ve thought you were just eighteen! But it doesn’t matter. While skincare products do consider age, it’s not the only factor. Your skin condition is comparable to an eighteen-year-old’s, so this product would still work well for you.”

Han Lanyi laughed. “That’s quite the exaggeration! I just take good care of my skin. You’re quite the flatterer!”

Though she said that, no woman disliked being complimented on her youth. Han Lanyi waved her hand decisively and purchased the recommended product.

Her quick decision made the sales assistant beam with delight. Every product in the store was expensive, and she earned a commission for each sale. The ‘Whisper’ series was particularly pricey, usually only bought by wealthy socialites. Han Lanyi’s purchase meant a hefty commission for her.

After addressing Han Lanyi’s needs, the sales assistant turned expectantly to Wang Qijing.

Wang Qijing said, “I have dry skin. Just recommend something suitable.”

Her vague description, combined with her heavy makeup that day, made it difficult for the sales assistant to pinpoint the right product. After some thought, she decided to play it safe and recommend a standard product for dry skin.

“Dry skin tends to be dehydrated, especially during seasonal changes, leading to flakiness and wrinkles—particularly around the eyes and mouth. The key is hydration and nourishment to slow aging. With that in mind, I’d suggest this product.”

She walked to another counter and returned with a set. Its packaging was predominantly pink, with a rose at the center—a distinctly youthful design.

Handing it to Wang Qijing, she said, “This is from the ‘Floral Whisper’ series. It focuses on skin repair, reducing fine lines and dark circles, but it also deeply moisturizes. It’s perfect for you.”

This time, the sales assistant avoided mentioning age. She couldn’t quite place Wang Qijing’s age—she looked to be in her forties, but she seemed to be Han Lanyi’s sister. To avoid any missteps, she skipped the topic entirely.

Wang Qijing took the recommended product, lowered her eyes, and pressed her lips together without a word.

Still, she ended up purchasing it.

Back at the hotel, after removing her makeup, she stood in front of the mirror, staring blankly at the woman reflected in it.

She wasn’t stupid—she had noticed the difference in how the sales assistant had treated her compared to Han Lanyi.

Placing a hand on the mirror, she traced the familiar yet foreign face. When had she become like this?

Her hair was still dark, but it lacked the luster and smoothness of her youth. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes were deep and numerous, making her look older. Her skin was dull, her pores enlarged. Without makeup, who would believe she was barely in her thirties?

She let out a bitter, sorrowful laugh. Slowly, her eyes welled up, blurring the reflection until she could no longer see the woman in the mirror.

Han Lanyi gently pushed open the bathroom door and saw Wang Qijing crying in front of the mirror. Her heart ached, and she hurried forward. “Qijing, what’s wrong?”

Tears streaming down her face, Wang Qijing looked at Han Lanyi. “Lanyi, I feel so pathetic! Looking back on the past few years, it’s like I was blinded—obsessed with having a child. I tortured myself, and now, seeing myself in the mirror, I realize how much I’ve changed. I can’t accept this version of myself…”

Wang Qijing had been beautiful since childhood—big eyes, double eyelids, and long, dark lashes that curled like fans. Even among her peers, she had stood out.

She had always believed herself to be beautiful. But now, the mirror shattered that illusion, especially when compared to her well-maintained best friend. The contrast only made her feel older and uglier.

How could she accept this?

Han Lanyi hugged her tightly, heartbroken. “I understand, I do. Qijing, don’t cry. It’s not too late. We’re still young, with time and money. We can restore your beauty.”

Wang Qijing buried her face in Han Lanyi’s shoulder and sobbed. But the more she cried, the clearer her mind became. It was as if her tears washed away the years of obsession and madness.

~

**Capital City**

Another fruitless day. Wu Zewei kicked off his shoes haphazardly and collapsed onto the sofa.

He felt like he was losing his mind.

His wife had been missing for over a month. He had asked countless people, but no one knew where she was—it was as if she had vanished into thin air.

Deep down, he knew the Han family must have information, but they refused to share it with him.

It was then that he realized just how powerless he was.

Wu Zewei stared blankly at the ceiling until his phone buzzed in his bag.

He didn’t want to answer, but it kept ringing. Reluctantly, he pulled it out.

Seeing the word “Mother” on the screen, he hesitated for a few seconds before answering.

Gou Shanyu’s stern voice came through the phone. “Zewei, have you found your wife yet?”

Wu Zewei replied dejectedly, “No.”

Gou Shanyu scoffed. “Your wife is so inconsiderate. How old is she, running off like this without a word? Does she enjoy making us worry? And she can’t even—”

“Mom!” Wu Zewei had long suspected his wife’s disappearance was tied to their inability to conceive. Gou Shanyu’s words instantly reminded him that she was the root of the problem. The stress of not finding his wife had stretched him to the breaking point, and he cut her off harshly. “I don’t care if Qijing can have children. If we can’t, we’ll adopt. If not, we’ll stay childless—we’ll be DINKs! So, Mom, can you please stop interfering in our lives? I’m in my thirties. Can’t you just let me live my own life?”

Gou Shanyu was stunned. Her youngest son, who had always obeyed her, had never spoken to her like this. Her hands trembled with anger, and a suffocating pressure built in her chest. Before she could respond, Wu Zewei hung up.

She clenched her phone so tightly it seemed she might crush it, her gaze dark and venomous as she glared into the distance.

She blamed Wang Qijing for everything—for turning her once-docile son against her.

A stubborn, self-centered woman like Gou Shanyu would never admit fault. She couldn’t accept that her own actions had driven her son to rebel. Instead, she projected all blame onto others, preserving her pride and dignity.

Far away in Yuzhou, Wang Qijing had no idea that her usually filial husband had stood up to his mother for her sake.

Right now, her only focus was healing and recovering. She had no energy left to spare for the people and matters back in the capital.

Han Lanyi was more than happy to keep Wu Zewei’s frantic search a secret, ensuring Wang Qijing wouldn’t dwell on it.

As Qin Chaoyu had predicted, within a week, Wang Qijing’s infertility was effectively treated. The rest was no longer her concern.