Its Like It Was Made For You

"I'm gonna make sure you're the star of the show," Li Xiu said excitedly.

Liling smiled returning her enthusiasm, but inwardly she wished she didn't have to attend a full-on banquet. Attention was the last thing she needed, but sadly, this was what she had signed up for.

Li Xiu dragged Liling away from Li Hao and through the boutique past rows of exquisite gowns and suits. They reached the private fitting area at the back of the boutique and Li Xiu turned to Liling with a gleam in her eye. "I've been waiting for this," she squealed. 

She rolled a rack of elegant dresses to where Liling stood and put a handful of them into Liling's hands. "I present to you my finest work"

Liling couldn't help but laugh at Li Xiu's enthusiasm as she stepped into a changing room, dresses spilling from her cradled arms. After a few minutes, she came out wearing a floor-length black dress.

"I think it looks good on me".

Li Xiu assessed Liling as she circled her with her eyes squinted. 

"Mmmm...", she hummed, "Yeah no. Next one"

Liling released a defeated sigh and returned to the changing room to put on another dress. 

This process continued with Liling liking the dresses she would put on, and Li Xiu giving reasons why it wasn't the one for her. 

As she put on the next dress, she was reminded of the shopping sprees she used to have with Shen Ru. It was always a whole day affair and after she tried on outfits, Shen Ru would appraise them, judging her for her 'old money' style of dressing. She smiled fondly at the memories of their shopping trips and felt her heart ache with guilt.

She had been caught up with everything going on in her life and had hardly spent much time with her, save for their lunch breaks. Maybe she could treat her to a meal after the week ended.

 As Liling came out wearing her seventh dress, she was met by an unexpected guest. 

It was Mrs Li in all her elegance. She had a huge smile on and hugged her as soon as she stepped out of the dressing room. Liling returned the hug, melting into the maternal warmth she felt. 

"I didn't expect to see you here mother"

"I decided to come as soon as that rascal Li Hao told me where you two were", her face was filled with tenderness as she stared at her daughter-in-law. She had felt her heart melt when she heard Liling address her as 'Mother' and she couldn't help but wish this had been her actual daughter from birth.

 "You" She turned to her daughter with her brows pulled together "You're always cooped up in here instead of going out and finding yourself a husband, do you want me to never see you get married?"

Li Xiu covered her ears with her palms. "Mom, please not now"

"What do you mean not now you unruly.."

"Mom I'm trying to style Liling for the banquet" Her eyes widened as a thought struck her. "That reminds me, I have just the dress for you. I'll be right back"

She came out seconds later holding two dresses. One was a white sequined dress, and the second a champagne-coloured floor-length dress. 

She handed her mother the white dress and coerced her into a dressing room, then handed the second dress to Liling. They both stood outside waiting for Mrs Li to change into her dress. 

Mrs Li came out soon after, and they both openly admired her in the dress. It was a white, long-sleeved gown made of a sparkling, sequined fabric and a fitted bodice that cinched in at the waist. 

The draped, cowl neckline added a touch of sophistication to Mrs Li's overall look and they both easily agreed it was perfect on her tall and elegant figure. Mrs Li was immediately appeased and satisfied with the dress, thoroughly enjoying the praise she was getting for it.

Liling went in then, changed and stepped out in the champagne-coloured dress. The rich colour greatly complemented her fair skin and enhanced her natural radiance.

The intricate embellishments of sequins and meticulous beading created a mesmerizing visual effect, contrasting sharply with the smooth, matte finish of the flowing skirt. It had a halter neckline, cut out bodice, and a single long sleeve on the right arm giving it a distinctly modern allure while emphasizing Liling's sculpted collarbone. 

The skirt's design, pleating at the top and gorgeous pooling at the bottom, accentuated her waist with a touch of edgy elegance that went perfectly with Liling's hourglass figure.

Seeing her creation fit perfectly on Liling's body, Li Xiu couldn't help but let out a giddy squeal. "You look amazing Liling. It's like it was made for you"

With that, Liling's dress was effortlessly selected and they went on to pick out matching shoes and accessories from around her shop. Although Liling was still not a fan of shopping, she couldn't deny having enjoyed herself, albeit the long and tiring process.

When they got back to the front of the shop, Liling found that Li Hao was nowhere to be seen. 

Noticing the questioning look in her eyes, Mrs Li spoke, " I asked Hao to leave, he would only be a burden. Why don't we have dinner together then I'll take you home"

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~The Golden Lotus

Liling enjoyed the warm and intimate atmosphere in the restaurant. It was filled with the soothing aroma of freshly prepared dishes and the soft murmur of conversation.

Liling sat between Mrs. Li and Li Xiu at a round table adorned with intricate porcelain dishes and delicate teacups. The restaurant, a traditional Chinese restaurant was a hidden gem that the Li family had frequented for years.

Its walls were adorned with hand-painted murals of mountains and rivers that Liling couldn't help but admire.

The three women engaged in light cheerful conversation, and Mrs Li, elegant and composed, poured tea for Liling and Li Xiu, her movements graceful with years of experience.

The table was soon filled with an array of beautifully presented dishes. Steam rose from a bamboo basket of dumplings, the delicate skins glistening with the promise of rich savoury fillings. Bowls of fragrant rice, stir-fried vegetables, Char Sui and a whole fragrant steamed fish were placed in the centre of the table enticing them with their aromas.

Li Xiu took in a lungful of their aromas, already imagining the food coating her taste buds. "I can't wait to dig in"