"So expensive!"
A boy let out a quiet gasp.
They'd been drawn to the music box at first and hadn't noticed its price.
Feng Ji dug his fingernails deep into his palm.
He didn't have that much money on him.
He instinctively looked at his friends beside him.
If everyone chipped in...
But each of them avoided his gaze.
"I didn't bring much money..."
"I still have to buy a gift later..."
"I'll wrap it up for you."
The shop owner picked up the music box. "Come with me to the register."
Feng Ji opened his mouth, but no words came out.
He couldn't say anything.
He didn't have enough money...
What if the shop owner called his parents?
Feng Ji was terribly flustered.
Someone gave him a shove.
He stumbled after the shop owner.
"I won't charge you for the wrapping."
The shop owner deftly tied a pretty bow around the box.
"I know you didn't do it on purpose."
"Be more careful next time."
Feng Ji's lips trembled.
The shop owner's kindness only made him feel more and more ashamed.
Had she realized... that he couldn't afford the music box?
"Here."
The shop owner put the box into a pretty bag and handed it to Feng Ji.
"Please take care of it."
"That'll be 358 yuan."
The shop owner's smile was radiant.
Feng Ji, however, felt his hands and feet go cold.
His mind went blank.
He had no idea what to do.
Why had he followed her over?
He should've just run off.
That would've been better than being stuck in this impossible situation.
"All right."
A somewhat familiar voice sounded beside him.
Only when something was pressed into his hands did Feng Ji's unfocused eyes regain their clarity.
He looked down.