The shopkeeper must have bought this hairpin for no more than 20 yuan, yet she wanted to sell it to Xu Qingqing for 150 yuan. Wishful thinking!
Xu Qingqing simply put the hairpin down and pretended to be nonchalant.
"Forget it then. This hairpin is so damaged and yet so expensive. I might consider it if it were 50 yuan."
Seeing that Xu Qingqing didn't seem interested, the shopkeeper, worried that the hairpin would be left on her hands, quickly slashed the price.
"Don't go. 50 yuan it is. I'll just earn less."
Only after hearing this did Xu Qingqing pick up the hairpin again and pay with a smile.
By the time they finished strolling around the market, the sky had gradually darkened.
Zhu Lulu recommended a seaside restaurant for dinner to Lu Chuanbai and Xu Qingqing.
"The seaside restaurant is a specialty of Penglang Island. They have all kinds of cooked seafood, fried or stir - fried. You can have your fill in one go."
Zhu Lulu introduced the seaside restaurant with a beaming smile.
"Not only is there a great variety of delicious food, but there's also a band performing. Their lead singer has a really nice voice."
Hearing Zhu Lulu's introduction, Xu Qingqing was immediately drawn into the romantic scene of sitting by the sea listening to music and nodded in agreement.
"Sure. Let's go and check it out."
Lu Chuanbai always granted Xu Qingqing's wishes. Once she made a decision, he would never object.
At night, the sea level was calm and soft, like silk gently rippling.
The stars in the sky showed themselves generously, quietly overlooking the world.
The seaside restaurant, which had no tables and chairs before, now had them all set up by the staff. Behind the restaurant, a band was tuning their musical instruments.
There were five people in this band. Unlike the bands Xu Qingqing had seen before, they didn't wear cool leather jackets, with their arms covered in tattoos and their faces adorned with lip and nose studs to show their individuality.
Nor did they wear heavy smoky makeup or have dreadlocks.
None of those things. The five band members were simply dressed in casual white T - shirts and shorts, and even wore comfortable slippers on their feet.
They looked relaxed and at ease, without any sense of superiority.
Xu Qingqing and the others chose a table closest to the band. Zhu Lulu quietly pointed out the lead singer, a girl with long, flowing hair and a pink microphone in her hand.
"She's the lead singer of the band. Her voice is hoarse yet full of emotion. The love songs she sings are really nice."
Just as Zhu Lulu finished speaking, the female lead singer of the band hummed a short section of an English song.
Sure enough, her voice was as full of deep emotion as Zhu Lulu had described. Her unique smoky voice was hoarse and lingering. Although it wasn't soft, it was very touching.
The waiter by the sea came with the menu for Xu Qingqing to order.
They served both Western and Chinese cuisine. Xu Qingqing ordered a steak and a few home - style dishes. This combination of Chinese and Western food was something she often tried when she was abroad.
Finally, Xu Qingqing chose a glass of red wine.
The red wine was served first. The waiter had already pulled out the cork, and the purplish - red liquid swirled in the glass.
The red wine emitted an alluring aroma, and with the dim yellow lights twinkling around the restaurant,
it felt as if Xu Qingqing and the others were having a candlelit dinner.
Xu Yiyi and Xu An'an were drinking sweet grape juice. Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them.
On the vast, deep - blue ocean, waves kept rolling in, crashing against the rocks on the beach and splashing tiny white foams.
The coconut trees, looking like dark shadows, swayed by the sea. The branches and leaves rustled in the sea breeze.
The band was ready. The refreshing sound of the guitar rang out as the guitarist strummed the strings, adding a touch of romance to the candlelit dinner.
The lead singer sang an old and lyrical Cantonese song. She pronounced the words clearly, unlike some internet - famous singers who mumbled. Her voice had a unique charm.
Especially her humming, which elevated the song to a higher level.
Xu Qingqing swayed her glass and gently moved her body to the rhythm, completely immersed in the song.
When the song ended, the full - house customers all raised their hands, praising the band's wonderful performance.
The band members bowed politely to the applauding customers to express their gratitude.
The drummer was a very outgoing girl with her hair simply tied up in a ponytail. She waved her drumsticks to liven up the atmosphere.
"Thank you all for your support and encouragement! The next song is a fast - paced jazz tune. Is there anyone who wants to dance to our music?"
When the drummer suddenly said this, the applauding customers all lowered their heads shyly and were reluctant to perform on stage.
The social butterfly Xu An'an, who was eating the fruit served by the waiter, climbed onto the chair, stood up, and raised her two little hands, loudly volunteering.
"Sister, I'm willing! I want to dance with my brother!"
Saying that, Xu An'an swallowed all the fruit pulp in her mouth, grabbed a tissue and wiped her mouth carelessly, then looked at Xu Yiyi eagerly.
Although Xu Yiyi was a bit more reserved than Xu An'an, he would always accompany her in whatever she wanted to do.
Xu Yiyi put down the glass in his hand like a little adult, and smiled helplessly as he took the little hand that Xu An'an reached out to him.
The two kids were cute and pretty.
Especially Xu Yiyi. Although he was young, there was already a hint of charm in his words and deeds.
Xu An'an was like a little princess loved by everyone. She smiled and held hands with Xu Yiyi as they walked to the middle of the band.
"Yiyi, An'an, come on!"
Xu Qingqing led the applause for the two of them, and the just - subsided applause rang out again.
"Wow, what cute kids!"
The little drummer girl's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Xu Yiyi and Xu An'an.
Especially when she saw Xu An'an's pink little face, she couldn't wait to go up and pinch it a few times.
She was being tempted to have a daughter again!
How could there be such cute kids in the world!
After admiring the beautiful looks of Xu Yiyi and Xu An'an, the drummer continued to look around and encouraged everyone to show their talents.
"Is there anyone else who wants to dance on stage? Don't be shy or reserved. When you come out to play, you should have fun!"
Just as Xu Qingqing was watching, Lu Chuanbai had somehow sat behind her, gently embraced her in his arms, and whispered in her ear.
"How about we go on stage and dance too?"
Hearing Lu Chuanbai's magnetic voice behind her, Xu Qingqing was slightly stunned and shyly declined.
"Forget it... there are so many people..."
"It's okay. Look, the kids have already gone up. As their parents, we can't be timid."
Seeing Xu Qingqing's reluctant look, Lu Chuanbai smiled happily and pulled her hand, half - dragging and half - leading her onto the stage.
Seeing another good - looking couple on stage, the audience below cheered again. Xu Qingqing and Lu Chuanbai held hands and smiled with pursed lips.
With Xu Qingqing and Lu Chuanbai taking the lead, other customers who wanted to perform on stage were no longer timid.