A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

He introduced each and every single item.

Xia Ling just wasn’t satisfied no matter which fabric she looked at. “It’s not that your goods aren’t good enough.” She explained to the employee. “But this engagement is simply too important. I’m looking for something more special, something that can’t be used at just any occasion.”

The employee nodded in understanding.

Xia Ling got up and looked through each and every item displayed in the store. Of all places, Su Tang happened to be standing in the high-quality goods area where the best materials were displayed. Most of the items that the employee had brought to Xia Ling had been taken from those shelves as well.

Xia Ling shut Su Tang out and continued looking.

All of a sudden, her eyes lit up as a haze-shaded material caught her eye. It glistened in the dim light and was extremely unique—a material that did not suit just any event but would definitely stand out at an engagement ceremony. She reached out for that piece of fabric, and at the exact same time, another hand approached it.

Xia Ling turned slightly and saw Su Tang.

Su Tang saw her as well and smiled. “Miss Ling, your taste is getting increasingly similar to mine.”

Xia Ling was unhappy. Her taste was increasingly similar to Su Tang’s? It sounded as if she were copying Su Tang! She said, “I’ve done some research on such materials myself. This must be silk-cashmere; the workmanship is good.”

“It’s silk-cashmere, indeed.” The employee smiled cautiously. Things were getting complicated. He tried so hard to separate both women but they still ended up in each other’s way, fighting for the same fabric. What should he do now? He could only pray that none of them would kick a fuss and cause any trouble.

Su Tang spoke elegantly, “Miss Ling has always been smart and curious, all these years of research have changed others’ impressions of you. Unlike years ago when you were still wearing synthetic fiber… Back then, I’d never have thought that you’d have good enough judgment to be shopping here already.”

She was mocking her, implying that she came from a poor family and couldn’t wait to learn the ways of the rich.

Xia Ling fumed. She’d only just reincarnated at that time and did not have the money to get herself high-quality goods, but that did not mean that her judgment was bad. In her previous life, she’d worn almost 20 years of the best fabric one could ever find, and Su Tang had the audacity to despise her this way? Yet, the angrier she was inside, the calmer she appeared to be. “Miss Su is too kind. I’d never have expected to lay my eyes on the same piece of material as you, too. On that note, I’m about to be engaged to Li Lei and plan to use this fabric for his engagement suit. I wonder who Miss Su is getting this for?”

This was a suit boutique that only tailored men’s outfits, so Xia Ling knew full well that Su Tang wasn’t getting it for herself. Could she be… getting it for Li Lei, too? Xia Ling couldn’t help but keep her guard up.

Su Tang could sense it. She smiled and said, “This doesn’t seem to concern Miss Ling.”

How did it not concern her? Xia Ling was about to lose it but told herself she had to keep it in and maintain her perfect attitude and demeanor. No way was she going to make herself appear inferior to Su Tang in any way. After cursing at Su Tang internally, she smiled. “Miss Su, we know each other for a while, I just thought it’d make sense to show some concern. If you’ve already found someone else who’ll bring you happiness, I’ll be more than willing to personally place this in your hands. Cherish what you have and chase your happiness. After all, Li Lei and I are already blissful, how could we bear to see you live such a lonely life, right?”

This time, it was Su Tang’s turn to boil with anger.

Only now did she remember that Xia Ling had always been merciless but tactful with her words and had never lost out in such arguments before. She fumed inside. Why should I waste any more time or energy on her? Hence, she gave another smile. “It isn’t that easy finding someone as devoted as Young Master. I’ve heard about your engagement and am happy for you, which is why I brought Xiao Rui today to get some outfits tailored. Even if I don’t receive an invitation to your engagement ceremony, I’ll still celebrate that occasion with Xiao Rui at home.”

Xia Ling almost scoffed. Did she think that gaining sympathy would work on her? Fat hope! She’d seen enough of Xia Yu’s ploys in her previous life. “Are you really ordering it for Xiao Rui?” She eyed Su Tang doubtfully.

Su Tang gently said, “Who else could I possibly do this for?”

Xia Ling wanted to question her. She was about to ask whether it was Li Lei when a spark went off. She smugly said, “Well, the most important thing about a suit is that it’s fitting. Li Lei just handed me his latest measurements yesterday, so only I am able to order the most fitting suit for him. Everyone else can forget about it.”

Su Tang’s expression wavered a little and she went quiet.

Xia Ling saw that she looked defeated and gave a proud smile. “Miss Su, I’ll take this fabric. How many outfits will you be ordering for Xiao Rui today? Put it on my tab, it’ll be my compensation to you.”

“Bad woman!” Li Rui had been glaring at her with hatred the moment she entered. If Su Tang had not held him back, he would’ve dashed at her. Now, he’d finally found a chance to voice out. He yelled at Xia Ling, “I don’t want your wretched clothes! I want this fabric! I won’t let you have it!”

Little Shaohui furrowed his brows. He wouldn’t let anyone insult his mother like that.

He took one step forward and spoke to Li Rui seriously. “My mom is not a bad woman, your mom is. This is why Dad didn’t marry her and instead will marry my mom. Are you questioning Dad’s judgment?”

On hearing that, Xia Ling couldn’t hold back her laughter.

She was angry, but after hearing what Shaohui said, her anger vanished. There was no point in debating who was better, what really mattered was who Li Lei felt was better. And the highest accolade for a lady was for a man to choose to marry her. So, things were actually obvious—in Li Lei’s heart, Xia Ling was better than Su Tang.

Xia Ling was happy with how this turned out. Thankfully, her son was quick-witted enough and managed to take Li Rui down.

The employee almost burst out laughing, too. Who would’ve known that Little Shaohui was so aggressive at such a young age? How was Li Rui supposed to answer this question? Admit that Dad’s judgment was good? Then what would that make Su Tang? Say that Dad’s judgment was bad? Then would Dad still love him in the future?