Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1618 - 1619: It’s Not Like We Can’t Afford It

Upon arrival in Guangcheng, the elders, experiencing the city for the first time, found staying indoors rather dull. Cheng Su proposed a shopping excursion to the Cheng family's own Lailai Department Store, a place renowned for its high-end, prohibitively expensive merchandise, where even the price tags exuded an air of intimidation.

However, financial concerns were of no consequence to Cheng Su; she encouraged them to select anything their hearts desired. If an item caught their eye, they tried it on, and if they liked it, she would purchase it.

"Xiao Qi is feeling hungry. I'll get him some milk first. You all can browse; if you find anything you fancy, try it on. I'll return shortly," Cheng Su announced, guiding them towards the apparel section.

In recent times, it had become common knowledge that Cheng Su was averse to public breastfeeding. Even when absolutely necessary, she would first don a specially designed, modified nursing top that offered complete coverage.

Mother Cheng often expressed her disapproval of these elaborate preparations. "So many others simply lift their shirts and feed," she'd grumble, "but not Cheng Su! She goes through such a production, leaving the child hungry and wailing."

Cheng Su, however, paid her mother-in-law no heed. Eventually, Mother Cheng observed the result of Cheng Su's methods and ceased her critiques, conceding that the discreet, covered feeding appeared far more elegant than the casual public display.

Consequently, Cheng Su's departure was unremarkable, given the child's immediate need for nourishment. The elders, gazing at the seemingly upscale clothing boutique, felt a flicker of hesitation.

"Visiting Guangcheng, you truly don't grasp the scale of things until you witness it; the world beyond our town is so much vaster and more vibrant. That restaurant we visited last night was, without a doubt, the finest establishment I've ever frequented," Mother Cheng declared with a chuckle.

"Indeed," Mother Qi concurred.

"Come now, my dear in-law," Mother Cheng urged, taking Mother Qi's hand, "since we are here, let's select some fashionable attire. In just a few days, there's a wedding banquet we can dress up for, and these outfits will also be perfect for the New Year celebrations!"

Mother Qi hesitated for a moment, but contemplating the Cheng family's considerable wealth, she nodded in agreement, and they proceeded together.

...

Cheng Su reappeared after attending to Xiao Qi and, finding the others still standing idly, a sense of bewilderment washed over her.

"Didn't I ask you to proceed inside? Why have you not entered yet?" Cheng Su inquired with a gentle smile.

Mother Cheng's face was visibly flushed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, conveying a profound sense of grievance and indignation.

Mother Qi shared a similar expression.

Could the two ladies have quarreled?

Cheng Su's gaze shifted to her father and father-in-law. Noticing their slightly reddened faces and their air of embarrassment and vexation, her confusion deepened.

"What seems to be the matter?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"Let's depart. We possess the means to spend, yet they refuse our patronage. They are clearly looking down on us," Mother Cheng stated, her voice laced with anger.

Cheng Su felt a jolt of surprise at her words; the implication was clear...

Her eyes swept towards the department store entrance, where two sales assistants in uniform were engaged in hushed conversation, their eyes conveying open contempt and disdain. Cheng Su recognized that look all too well – they were being condescended to.

A pang of sorrow struck her as she surveyed her assembled group.

Her parents and in-laws, individuals who had dedicated their lives to arduous labor, bore the unmistakable mark of their humble origins. Despite donning the finest garments Cheng Su had procured for them in Qing City, an aura of timidness and shabbiness lingered, evident in their general demeanor.

Had they been scorned, presumed incapable of making a purchase, and consequently dismissed?

A wave of sadness washed over Cheng Su, quickly followed by a rising tide of indignation. The circumstances of one's birth and social standing are often predetermined, rendering true equality an elusive ideal.

It may be commonplace for individuals to view the less fortunate with disdain, but as service professionals, their role mandates providing service, not casting judgment. Why harbor contempt? Why assume inability to pay? Why deem others unworthy? Is it acceptable to humiliate them?

"Why should we leave? We are perfectly capable of affording whatever we wish!" Cheng Su's inherent stubbornness surfaced. "Let's go, let's go inside and select some clothing. I intend to see precisely who dares to look down upon us!"