Switched Marriage: The Coddled Little Wife Chapter 805: Extra Story (Part 1)

"Oh, Xiaxia, you’re simply too unreliable. You gave me your word that you'd help me select these items... Alright, fine, I understand. Deputy Minister Qin takes priority, and I’m merely an ignored weed... Fine, we have a deal: you’re treating me to a meal to compensate for this... You should feel fortunate I’m letting you off the hook this time..."

Inside the factory director’s office, Secretary Xiao Sun stood holding a report, a smile playing on his lips as he waited for the director to finish her phone call.

As soon as the director hung up, Xiao Sun teased, "Director Wang, was that Mr. Lin on the line?"

Wang Tianxue let out a sigh. "Don't even bring it up. Yes, it was that heartless individual."

She accepted the report from Xiao Sun, scanned the contents briefly, and scribbled her signature.

Xiao Sun chuckled but said nothing more, though he couldn't help but feel envious of the close bond between the director and Mr. Lin.

Word had it that Director Wang and Mr. Lin had crossed paths by chance and immediately hit it off. Their friendship blossomed into a partnership, leading them to establish Xiyang Clothing Mall and the Xiyang Clothing Factory together.

Director Wang frequently remarked that Mr. Lin was her benefactor. To encounter such a person in one's life was a blessing earned through many past lifetimes of merit.

Once Xiao Sun exited the room, Wang Tianxue grabbed her bag and followed suit, leaving the office behind.

Even though her plans with Lin Chuxia had fallen through, there were still tasks that required her attention.

She pedaled her bicycle toward the department store.

Her new residence had recently been renovated, and while most of the heavy furniture was already purchased, she still needed various household supplies—particularly for the kitchen.

Lin Chuxia had previously promised to accompany her on this shopping trip.

Since the market had opened up, the department store’s traditional business had grown increasingly quiet. A few years back, the store had begun subcontracting its stalls to private individuals.

These days, the department store functioned more like a bustling marketplace filled with various stalls; it was slightly disorganized, yet offered a much wider selection.

Wang Tianxue wandered through the aisles, picking up the items she required, and her hands were soon occupied by several bags.

Passing by one particular stall, a beige storage cabinet on display caught her eye immediately.

Standing about a meter tall, the cabinet featured shelves for dishes and a flat top for additional storage.

It was the exact piece her kitchen was lacking.

"Boss, how much for this cabinet?"

"Comrade, what’s the price for this cabinet?"

Two voices rang out simultaneously.

Wang Tianxue turned her head just as the other person did the same.

"It's you?"

"Brother He, are you here shopping as well?"

He Jianshe nodded with a friendly smile. "The housing assigned by my unit is still missing a few pieces, so I figured I’d pick some things up. Is your place not fully furnished yet?"

He had heard through his junior sister a while back that this woman had just finished renovating her home.

Wang Tianxue looked at the small cabinet with a conflicted expression. It was the only one in the shop, and she rarely found pieces that suited her taste so perfectly.

Despite her reluctance, she offered, "Brother He, if you like this cabinet, then..."

He Jianshe’s smile widened.

She was clearly disappointed but was still generously stepping aside; she didn't seem like the type of woman who enjoyed losing out on things.

She was likely doing it for the sake of his junior sister.

"It isn't a necessity for me; I simply thought it looked decent. If you've taken a liking to it, you should have it."

"Thank you so much, Brother He," Wang Tianxue said, her face lighting up with joy.

After inquiring about the price, she found it wasn't overly expensive, yet Wang Tianxue still began to haggle with the owner.

The boss was a sharp man. Seeing that both of them were interested in the item, he knew it was in high demand.

"I can't sell it at that lower price. At 40 dollars, I wouldn't even cover my costs. You're welcome to look elsewhere," he told Wang Tianxue before turning his attention to He Jianshe. "This comrade seems much less difficult than a woman. I can't stand bargaining with ladies. Look, 50 dollars and it's yours. We can consider it a friendly deal."

He Jianshe calmly held up three fingers. "30 dollars, and I'll take it."

The boss: "..."

It was a surprise to see such a well-dressed, sturdy man haggle even more ruthlessly than a woman.

Ultimately, Wang Tianxue secured the small cabinet for 40 dollars.

Once the payment was made, she realized she couldn't possibly carry any more items.

He Jianshe stepped in to help with some of her bags. "Do you have more shopping to do? We can leave the cabinet here for the time being and gather everything once you're finished."

Wang Tianxue still had things to buy, but she felt awkward seeing He Jianshe lugging her belongings.

Before she could protest, He Jianshe added, "I happen to have a free schedule today. Since we've bumped into each other, don't be modest. If my junior sister learned that I saw you struggling with bags and did nothing, she’d certainly complain to my father."

Recalling the relationship between Old Master He and He Jianshe, Wang Tianxue suppressed a smirk.

"Very well, thank you, Brother He."

He Jianshe then took the remaining items from her grasp.

"There's no need, I can manage these," Wang Tianxue said, feeling guilty about treating him like a delivery man.

After all, he held the position of director at the Yan City Police Department.

He was only assisting her because of Chuxia.

He Jianshe was firm. "It’s no trouble. It’s getting late, so finish your shopping quickly. I’ll be right behind you."

With those words, Wang Tianxue stopped hesitating.

She was an efficient shopper by nature and made her selections rapidly.

Before long, both of them had their arms full with nearly everything she required.

They gathered all their purchases and the small cabinet into a single pile.

"It looks like we're going to need a cart."

Outside the marketplace, there were carts available for hire for a few dollars.

Wang Tianxue located a cart and proceeded to haggle over the delivery fee with the owner.

Having observed her for the past few hours, He Jianshe confirmed his initial impression: this woman truly hated getting the short end of a deal.

Given her strong personality, the fact that she had been willing to give up the cabinet to him earlier was quite remarkable.

It was a rare gesture indeed.

Wang Tianxue’s apartment was situated right in the heart of the city, on the third floor of a residential block.

He Jianshe assisted her in carrying all the items up to the third floor.

It was a significant haul, requiring two separate trips.

Once everything was inside, Wang Tianxue leaned against the wall to catch her breath. "Brother He, I’m truly indebted to you today. Just a moment, I’ll boil some water. You haven't had a single drop to drink after all that work."

Since she hadn't moved in officially, there was no hot water readily available.

As she stepped into the kitchen, He Jianshe took the opportunity to survey the apartment.

The building was modern, and the interior work was brand new.

However, the decor was different from the usual styles he encountered.

It was minimalist with light colors, mirroring the woman herself—neat and direct.

The furniture was already perfectly positioned, and the place was spotless.

His eyes fell on a photo frame on the table, which held a picture of a mother and her son.

The woman was Wang Tianxue, and the child—likely two or three years old—was grinning widely while nestled in his mother’s embrace. He appeared to be a very cheerful and lively little boy.