I Deserve A Second Chance

Shao Yan glanced around, and could not help to be stunned at what she saw.

She was wondering why her back felt so cold, and now she knew why.

A sheer, seductive material in similar dark blue color was covering her whole back in oval shape; starting from her nape and down to the small of her back.

Tiny flowers were spread a little on the top of the oval shape. On the bottom part of the oval, more flowers were sewn as if they were climbing up from bottom left to the right side, and up towards the middle of her back. 

Upon closer look, Shao Yan saw the details of each flower. Intricate embroidery of red beads were surrounding a tiny gold amber stone; creating an illusion of a golden red flower. Small, transparent plastic materials in red and white colors were sewn surrounding the golden red flower as their petals; making each flower now looked like a blossoming cherry blossoms.

"This dress was designed to fit all seasons," the shop assistant started to explain, "the details on the back were inspired by cherry blossoms from the spring. The sheer transparent material also befitting the summer. The golden red flower combination could also compliment the autumn, and dark blue color actually fits the winter."

The shop assistant saw an appreciating look from Shao Yan's eyes, and continued, "You can pair them with stockings during colder season, or just leave your legs bare during summer."

Another shop assistant walked over. In her hands, she was carrying many types of shoes.

One of the shop assistant picked up a pair of laced-up platform heels, "During spring or summer, these red laces heels are very suitable for the dress," and then she picked up rose gold metallic heels, "and these metallic colors actually heightened the dress to a next level during autumn," she said as she placed them next to Shao Yan's feet to let her see the combination.

And finally, they presented her with knee length boots, "If you are a boots person, then you can pair the dress with these amazing vegan leather boots for winter. They are warm, and yet very comfortable to wear."

The shop assistant went back to stand next to her coworker. Both of them stood quietly on the side, with their hands overlapped one another at their front. They patiently waited for these customers to admire the dress and fell in love with the shoe options.

Shao Yan was still looking at her back view, and also at the multiple shoes laid next to her feet; feeling slightly overwhelmed.

Grandma Wu beamed as she slowly stood up from the couch and walked to stand next to Shao Yan. She put one hand behind Shao Yan's back as she said to the shop assistant, "We will take this one as well," and then she patted Shao Yan at her arm, "this dress is perfect, Yan Yan. You look absolutely amazing."

.....

After shopping for the whole day, Shao Yan felt really exhausted. Her feet were so tired from walking around this huge shopping mall. And after trying on so many dresses and shoes, she felt like she had run a full marathon today.

The three of them were sitting in a cafe, while trying to rest their feet.

"Sis, Xiqing texted me just now. He is still in discussion with Axel, and will not be able to come pick me up on time. I'm afraid I have to trouble you to send me back," Shao Yan said as she picked up her cup of hot matcha latte and took a sip from it.

Risa nodded, "No problem. Shall we have dinner first then?" and then she turned around to Grandma Wu, "What would you like to eat, Grandma? Are you hungry yet?"

Grandma Wu was leaning back on the chair while watching a bunch of children who were playing around not far from her. The children were around four to five years old, and were joking amongst each other, while their mothers were chatting by themselves.

Her eyes curved gently while watching their innocent laughs and carefree attitudes.

Grandma Wu absentmindedly answered her, "En. Anything is fine. Let Yan Yan decide, then," she said very softly.

Shao Yan and Risa looked at each other, and then shrugged, "How about some skewers barbecue? I know a good place near my place, so it is on the way."

Risa nodded; she tilted her head and started to think of other options, "Sure, and we can order some other dishes for Grandma."

Shao Yan also nodded along with her, "Sounds good. Let me text Xiqing to let him know," she said as she fished out the phone from inside her purse, and started to type.

"Yan Yan," Grandma Wu suddenly called out to her when Shao Yan was so engrossed in typing.

"En? What is it, Grandma?" Yan Yan was so focused on typing, and she did not raise her head from her phone as she typed.

Grandma Wu did not say anything for a while, until Shao Yan realized something was off, and then she finally looked up to look at her.

"Well, I was just going to say. If you and Xiqing get married next year, I think it's better to have children soon. You are not young anymore."

Shao Yan successfully paused her typing. Her jaw was left hung open and her eyes kept blinking in disbelief, as she was trying to find words to reply Grandma. Risa was chuckling on the side. She had one hand covered her mouth, as she was trying to be quiet; but at the end, Risa burst into giggles as she could not hold it in.

"Gr- Grandma, I'm only 28 this year! I can still wait for two more years," Shao Yan started to nag on Grandma, "besides, I don't think we will get married that soon," she paused, as she let that sink in for a moment.

"Xiqing and I have just been together for a few months. Marriage is still a long way to go, Grandma. Please don't scare me like that," Shao Yan lightly shook Grandma on her arms.