This time, both of them were a little more knowledgeable about various pet products so they didn't take almost everything from the shelves unlike the first time they shopped for their kittens. Despite this, they still bought a lot. The car they brought was too small so they asked the shop to deliver their purchases to the penthouse instead. Like before, the manager catered to them, smelling big money from the couple. He immediately agreed. They only needed to pay extra.
Iris beat Jin Liwei, taking out her credit card faster than him. Hers wasn't black like his, but it was still one of the higher end privilege cards available only for the rich.
The manager didn't bat an eye seeing the card. After all, this was an upscale mall and most of the shoppers in this place were wealthy people. He already encountered this card before, but he would still probably freak out if he saw Jin Liwei's legendary black one. It was, after all, only a card offered to a select few among the wealthiest in the world.
Fortunately, the name on Iris' credit card was her real name, so she wasn't recognized. Coincidentally, "Rebirth" was playing inside the store.
Jin Liwei looked at the time, it was already late afternoon. They spent more time in the pet store than he intended, but he didn't have the heart to rush his baby girl when she was clearly enjoying choosing items for their kids. It seemed that his original plan of shopping for matching outfits together would have to wait another day. This wasn't how he imagined this shopping date would be, but what was done was done.
Next up on his date plan was to enjoy culture together at an art gallery. Xu Tian warned him that depending on the woman, an art gallery date might be seen as boring and unromantic. Jin Liwei waved his assistant's concerns away. He knew that his baby girl appreciated and had great taste in art. He was pretty sure that his plan would be successful this time, especially since she was a creative and artistic person herself, although more on the field of music than fine arts.
They exited the mall to their parked car outside.
While Jin Liwei drove, Iris was busy texting on her phone.
"Baby, would you like to go to an art gallery?"
"Hm? Yes. That would be lovely," she replied but her attention was still on her phone.
Who was she texting? He was curious but didn't ask.
After some time, she placed her phone back inside her purse. They chatted until something caught her eye.
"Oh, look! It's a KTV!" [1] She turned to him. "I've never been to one before. Can we go?"
This time, he hesitated even when faced with her beautiful eyes. If he agreed to her again, he would have to cancel their date at the art gallery. None of the activities he arranged for today's date was going according to his original plan.
Iris: "You don't want to? Oh, it's okay. Let's continue to the art gallery then."
Seeing her disappointed expression, he sighed; a helpless smile on his face. He turned the car and drove towards the KTV she pointed at.
"Eh? Where are we going?"
"To where you want to go."
"Really?"
"Yes, baby." He glanced at her and saw her beaming at him. His heart momentarily stopped before beating wildly inside his chest. He immediately felt glad giving in to her.
There weren't a lot of people so they were able to quickly settle in one of the karaoke boxes. Being a singer, Iris wasn't shy at all, immediately choosing songs and started singing. All the songs from her album "Rebirth" were already available so she chose them first and gave Jin Liwei a private concert.
Intense emotions surged through him as he watched and listened to his baby girl singing only for him. They looked at each other's eyes the entire time.
She was so beautiful, so talented, so amazing. And she was his.
He could feel his love for her deepening with every passing moment.
After singing her own songs, she also sang other songs and urged him to sing together with her. He didn't have a great singing voice but he was able to hold most of the tunes.
They only stayed for 45 minutes because Iris didn't want to overwork her vocal chords. Then they left.
There was not enough time anymore to go to the art gallery, so he could only give up on it. Karaoke wasn't in his plans, but what was done was done.
It was already evening. There was only one activity left on his date plan. To have a romantic dinner date. He already booked a private table at an exclusive seafood restaurant well-known in high society. Dining was only available for its members. Jin Liwei was, of course, a top member.
He was about to tell her that he was going to take her to dinner when…
"Liwei, I'm tired. Can we go home now?"
He froze. He took a couple of deep breaths to prevent himself from panicking. "Baby, don't you want dinner?"
"Let's eat at home."
"But―"
"Please, Liwei…darling. I feel really tired."
"Alright, baby." All he could do was sigh. If this was what she wanted, so be it.
Finally, they arrived at the condo. Inside the elevator, Iris leaned against Jin Liwei. He kissed the top of her head. He was feeling a little down that nothing went according to his plans today. But what was done was already done. Though he would be lying if he said that he wasn't disappointed.
The elevator door opened and they entered the penthouse.
"Hm?" Jin Liwei looked around, confused.
There was nobody in sight. The place was dimly-lit. A trail of red rose petals was on the floor.
He looked at his baby girl to see her smiling nervously at him. Did she plan this?
She held his hand and pulled him. They followed the path of red petals until they arrived at a candlelit dinner table for two in front of the ceiling high glass windows overlooking the lovely night lights of the city outside. A romantic violin tune was playing softly in the background.
Dom was waiting for them in a waiter-style tuxedo suit.
"Welcome, Sir and Madam. My name is Dom and I'll be your server for tonight. Ehehe."
Jin Liwei turned to his baby girl. "Did you plan this?"
She nodded.
"Oh, baby." He pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she lifted her head to look at his face. "Do you like it?"
"I love it."
She smiled at him so brightly that his breath caught. He lifted her up and crushed his mouth to her sweet lips.
The two failed to hear Dom's squeals as they kissed each other hungrily. When their mouths separated, both were panting. Their eyes glazed with desire.
"I think we should eat," she mumbled.
"En. I'm hungry," he said, nibbling her earlobe and making her shiver.
Finally, they seated themselves. Dom poured them warm apple cider on wine glasses. Iris didn't drink alcohol, so Jin Liwei avoided drinking too when they were together. Then Dom left to get their dinner.
"Is this the reason why you were busy texting earlier?"
She nodded. "I was coordinating with Dom."
He reached across the table and held her hand. "Baby, thank you. I'm so happy."
"I'm glad."
They smiled at each other.
So what if nothing went according to Jin Liwei's plans today? His plans were nothing compared to his baby girl's sweet surprise for him. For him, today was the most romantic day of his life yet. He never imagined that one day he would be the one romanced by his woman. He never expected it to feel so good. Happiness sang in his blood.
"I love you, baby."
###
Footnotes:
[1] A karaoke establishment commonly found in Asia. Also known as "karaoke box". The term "KTV" (abbreviation for "karaoke television") is particularly used in China, Singapore and Cambodia.
Comments