Chapter 72

"Last time I went to town to pick up the package, I saw someone urgently selling this can of milk powder," Emily Johnson explained softly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the lid. "David and Tommy are too thin. I thought they could use the extra nutrition."

Milk powder was a rare luxury in these times. Even malt extract, which city children often drank, was something their family could only afford every few months. Let alone this far more precious milk powder.

"I bought two cans—enough for the whole family," Michael Stone said as he carried his luggage into the house.

Emily followed him inside and watched as he began unpacking his bag.

"This is a cashmere coat for you. Red suits you." He unfolded an exquisitely tailored coat. "And these two lipsticks—a soft pink for everyday wear and a bold red to brighten your complexion."

Emily's heart fluttered slightly as she took in the items spread across the bed. Loose powder, vanishing cream, scented soap, shampoo, and even a pair of finely crafted leather boots. Each item was expensive, especially the cashmere coat, which must have cost at least a hundred yuan.

She had to admit, the man had good taste. The soft pink lipstick was fresh and natural, while the bold red was striking. Even the skincare products were mid-to-high-end for the era.

"Thank you," she murmured. "But you shouldn’t spend so much in the future."

She could afford these things herself. Still, since her transmigration, this was the first time someone had put so much thought into selecting gifts for her. The realization stirred something unfamiliar in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it.

The hero was meant for the heroine, after all. And she? She was just a side character destined to exit the stage.

"These are for the kids." Michael pulled out two sets of children's clothes.

Emily glanced at the nearly emptied bag and couldn’t help but ask, "What about you?"

"I got something too." He grinned, showing off his purchases—two shirts, two pairs of trousers, and a pair of leather shoes.

Just as the two boys were happily carrying their new clothes back to their room, Mary Stone’s voice called from outside the courtyard.

"Michael! Michael, are you back?"

"Mother’s here," Michael said, turning to leave.

Emily suddenly caught his arm and handed him a bar of scented soap. "Give this to her. Tell her you bought it especially for her."

Michael paused. He remembered how resentful his wife had been before he left, still upset over his mother’s favoritism toward boys. Why the change now?

It seemed a lot had happened in the past month.

"Alright." He took the soap and stepped outside.

"Mother."

Mary’s eyes welled up the moment she saw her son. "You’ve lost weight!"

"Mother, this is for you—some scented soap."

"Such an expensive thing… You should keep it for yourselves—"

"Emily insisted you have it," Michael said quietly.

Mary froze at his words.