CITM - 21

Ye Yun wore the dirndl dress that Tailor Zhang had made for her. It was one of the few dresses she could confidently wear, made from fabric that Tong Mingfang had bought for her when she first arrived. Throughout the afternoon, she would occasionally glance outside, only to quickly avert her gaze whenever Tailor Zhang looked her way.

Lately, Tailor Zhang had been teaching Ye Yun how to manage accounts—how to write in the ledger, record transactions, track unpaid balances, and even make labels for clothes. Though these tasks were fragmented and not easy for Ye Yun to grasp, her diligence and patience allowed her to focus and learn.

To avoid distractions, Ye Yun retreated to the back to work on the accounts, finally managing to concentrate for a while.

Tailor Zhang was cutting fabric at the front table when she noticed a man standing across the street out of the corner of her eye. Taking a closer look, she turned to Ye Yun and asked, “Is someone here for you?”

Ye Yun looked up and saw Bai Wenfu standing across the street, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he gazed over at her with an unhurried expression. She pressed her lips together, unsure how to explain to Tailor Zhang.

After waiting a moment and seeing that Ye Yun remained silent, Tailor Zhang said, “If you have something to do, just go ahead.”

Ye Yun finished recording the accounts, locked the ledger in the drawer, and walked to the front. “Then... I’ll be going,” she said to Tailor Zhang.

Still focused on measuring the fabric, Tailor Zhang simply hummed in acknowledgment without looking up.

When Bai Wenfu came to pick her up, he was dressed in a dark shirt and black trousers. Ye Yun had never seen him dressed so formally. His broad shoulders and tall stature gave him a strong, commanding presence, making him look like an entirely different person.

Ye Yun couldn’t help but admire him, her heart fluttering slightly. Tailor Zhang glanced up, and Bai Wenfu nodded briefly in her direction before turning his attention to the approaching Ye Yun.

“Busy morning? Did you wait long?” he asked.

A faint blush colored Ye Yun’s cheeks as she shook her head.

Bai Wenfu took her to the station. The city center was far, and they needed to take the trolleybus to get there. Fengshui, the small town Ye Yun came from, didn’t have trolleybuses. Though she’d seen them in the city, she hadn’t yet had the chance to ride one. As the bus approached, her excitement was palpable.

This was the only bus heading to the city center, and people crowded onto it. After much effort, they managed to squeeze on—but there were no seats, and barely any space to hold on.

Bai Wenfu led her to the back of the bus, where a large glass window offered a view of the passing streets. Once the bus started moving, Ye Yun pressed her face to the glass, captivated by the sights outside. Cyclists weaving through traffic, girls with braids, elderly men fanning themselves with banana leaves—all the scenes blurred past as the bus rocked along. Wide-eyed, Ye Yun stared out the window in wonder.

The jolting bus swayed with the constant flow of passengers getting on and off. Bai Wenfu braced his hands against the glass, shielding her with his body.

Mesmerized by the view, Ye Yun didn’t notice their proximity until the scenery grew increasingly bustling. Turning to Bai Wenfu, she asked, “Are we almost there?”

He lowered his gaze and replied, “Almost.”

It was then that Ye Yun realized how close they were. The swaying bus occasionally pressed their bodies together, and when she looked up, his breath—cold and sharp like liquor—was near enough to make her heart race.

Flustered, Ye Yun’s eyes darted away. Bai Wenfu smiled faintly, pulling her closer until she was almost nestled against him. Her heartbeat quickened, their contact fleeting yet electrifying. By the time they reached their stop, Ye Yun’s face felt like it had been burning the entire ride.

After disembarking and walking a short distance, Ye Yun spotted a massive banner hanging in the air from afar, announcing the First Exhibition and Sales Fair. At the entrance, bicycles came and went, and crowds surged forward, many queuing up to get inside. Bai Wenfu bypassed the throng, showing his credentials to usher Ye Yun straight in.

Turning back to look at those still stuck outside, Ye Yun asked, “Don’t we need to queue?”

“No need. I’m staff, and you’re family of staff.”

The word “family” sent Ye Yun’s mind spiraling, but she was soon distracted by the dazzling array of sights within.

She had often wondered what Bai Wenfu did all day. Even Wen Bin hadn’t known much, only that he had connections and could bring in money.

In Ye Yun’s view, the most lucrative business these days was street vending. Many had become wealthy selling goods on the streets, but she never imagined Bai Wenfu’s “street stall” would be here.

Having no concept of what an exhibition fair entailed, Ye Yun compared it to the markets in her hometown. But there were clear differences: the stalls here were meticulously arranged, and the items on display weren’t everyday goods. Many things were unfamiliar novelties to her. Moreover, both vendors and visitors were well-dressed, unlike the rural markets she was used to.

Though crowded, the atmosphere wasn’t noisy. Conversations flowed, but no one shouted or hawked their wares—it felt more like a modern, civilized gathering.

Ye Yun whispered to Bai Wenfu, “City markets really are different.”

He explained, “The difference lies in combining exhibitions with sales. Here, you can experience products firsthand and communicate directly with manufacturers. That’s why so many people come—not just to buy, but also to learn and network. Some vendors may not sell much today, but in the long run, they gain exposure for their products and secure larger orders.”

Hearing this, Ye Yun’s understanding deepened. This event transcended mere buying and selling; it emphasized “exhibition.” Hence, it was called an “exhibition and sales fair.”

Curious, she asked, “Where’s your booth?”

Bai Wenfu chuckled. “I don’t have one.”

Surprised, Ye Yun questioned, “But you said you worked here. If you don’t have a booth, then what are you doing?”

Seeing him leisurely guide her around, she guessed, “Are you maintaining order here?”

His smile widened. “Something like that.”

Ye Yun pondered silently. Though Bai Wenfu was strong and capable, his injured right leg made her wonder why the organizers would assign such a task to someone with mobility issues. But she kept the thought to herself.

Later, they came upon a sewing machine booth, and Ye Yun couldn’t tear herself away. Rows of gleaming sewing machines caught her eye, making them sparkle with possibility.

Noticing her interest, Bai Wenfu encouraged her, “Go take a look.”

Familiar with the layout, he confidently stepped into the booth. Seeing Ye Yun hesitate, he turned back and beckoned, “Come in.”

Ye Yun approached the gleaming new sewing machine, her face glowing with delight. She reached out hesitantly to touch it but glanced at Bai Wenfu for reassurance. He nodded encouragingly. “Sit down and try it.”

“Is it okay?”

“Of course.” Bai Wenfu called over a staff member to guide Ye Yun on how to use the machine.

The young woman enthusiastically introduced the electric sewing machine, explaining that it could sew twenty different patterns. Just hearing about it made Ye Yun’s excitement soar. The staff member even brought fabric to demonstrate on the spot, and Ye Yun watched intently.

The booth’s manager hurried over from the other side, raising his hands in greeting. “Mr. Bai, you didn’t let us know you were coming to inspect!”

Bai Wenfu raised his arm to shake hands. “Just taking my family around for a casual look.”

The manager turned to Ye Yun with warmth. “So the missus knows how to sew too? Mr. Bai is truly blessed.”

Bai Wenfu smiled faintly, offering no response. Ye Yun, however, felt her heart race as she bowed her head, her ears turning crimson.

Later, Bai Wenfu chatted and drank tea with the manager while Ye Yun tried her hand at the sewing machine under the young woman’s guidance. This machine was far more advanced than the old-fashioned one at Tailor Zhang’s shop, offering Ye Yun an entirely new experience. In no time, she had mastered the basics, earning praise from the young staff member for picking it up so quickly.

With her long, straight black hair tied back by a ribbon, delicate wisps framing her soft features, Ye Yun sat focused and radiant in her eye-catching dress. Her captivating presence soon drew a crowd, many assuming she was a representative showcasing the sewing machine for the manufacturer. Unaccustomed to such attention, Ye Yun snapped out of her concentration and turned to search for Bai Wenfu.

After bidding farewell to the manager, Bai Wenfu led Ye Yun away.

“Do you like it?” he asked once they were farther along.

Ye Yun replied with heartfelt enthusiasm, “It’s wonderful, but I checked the price—it’s too expensive.”

She then glanced at him sideways. “Why did that person call you ‘Mr. Bai’? You don’t even have a booth here.”

A faint smile played on Bai Wenfu’s lips. “He was just being polite.”

Moments later, Ye Yun recalled the man calling her “sister-in-law,” something Bai Wenfu hadn’t explained. It occurred to her that there wasn’t much to clarify; he couldn’t very well say she was a younger sister or risk stirring more speculation.

In the distance, a man spotted Bai Wenfu, waved, and pointed ahead. Bai Wenfu nodded in acknowledgment before turning to Ye Yun. “I need to attend a meeting inside.”

“Can I browse around the other side in the meantime?”

“Don’t wander too far,” he cautioned.

Not long after parting ways with Bai Wenfu, Ye Yun encountered a man who introduced himself as Chen Yi. Wearing glasses and exuding seriousness, he claimed to be from Hudu City. He mentioned seeing Ye Yun operate the sewing machine earlier and asked if she knew how to make clothes. Ye Yun modestly admitted knowing only the basics. When he inquired whether she understood design, speaking in technical terms, Ye Yun responded vaguely, saying she dabbled occasionally but hadn’t studied formally.

To her surprise, the man revealed he was a temporary lecturer at an engineering technology fashion institute and earnestly invited her to visit for learning opportunities.

Unfamiliar with this stranger, Ye Yun was startled by the sudden invitation to travel elsewhere. Just as she prepared to decline, the man caught sight of the stern expression behind her and hastily excused himself, leaving without further insistence.

Turning around, Ye Yun exclaimed in astonishment, “Why are you back already?”

Bai Wenfu’s gaze swept over her. “I reconsidered. It’s better if you stay with me.”

Having never worked in an office setting, attending a meeting was an entirely new experience for Ye Yun.

They entered a building at the back, and upon opening the door, they found several people already seated inside. As heads turned toward Bai Wenfu and the girl beside him, all eyes fell on Ye Yun.

Unaccustomed to such situations, Ye Yun instinctively moved closer to Bai Wenfu. Someone invited him to sit in the front row, but he politely declined, half-jokingly saying, “She’s shy. I’ll keep her company in the back.”

The meeting content revolved around summaries and processes of the exhibition fair, yet Ye Yun listened with rapt attention, sitting upright. By the end, she had gained a profound understanding of the event.

The term that left the deepest impression on her was “market economy.” Having grown up under the planned economy system, its unfamiliarity struck her as inconceivable. Yet, these individuals discussed it as though it were an imminent reality.

The exhibition fair represented a breakthrough window into the market economy, successfully held several times in the capital city, marking the birth of a new economic model. This revelation shattered Ye Yun’s preconceived notions.

Seeing her absorbed demeanor, Bai Wenfu stepped aside to pour her a glass of water before returning.

Just as Ye Yun became engrossed in the discussion, someone suddenly invited Bai Wenfu to speak. Applause erupted, drawing everyone’s attention—including Ye Yun’s—as she snapped out of her thoughts to look at him.

Leaning toward her, Bai Wenfu said, “I’ll keep it brief.”

He stood, adjusted his clothing, and walked to the front. From where she sat, Ye Yun felt both estranged and grounded by his presence—estranged because she’d never seen this side of him, yet grounded because this might be his true self.

Bai Wenfu’s speech unveiled a vision beyond Ye Yun’s imagination. He proposed shifting focus toward light industrial products, breaking away from the traditional exhibitions of agricultural goods and excess inventory found in other cities.

He listed manufacturers currently under negotiation—watch factories, bicycle companies, electric fans, radios—and expressed hopes of making high-quality items accessible to ordinary people through such fairs.

Ye Yun was awestruck. The intellectual heights Bai Wenfu displayed were beyond her reach, and until today, she had been utterly unaware of such concepts.

As the meeting concluded, even Ye Yun, typically slow to catch on, realized that Bai Wenfu wasn’t merely maintaining order—he wielded significant authority among the organizers.

Exiting the exhibition fair, they boarded the trolleybus back home. With fewer passengers than before, they managed to secure two seats.

Though the swaying bus and fleeting street scenes remained unchanged, their perspectives had shifted.

Ye Yun asked Bai Wenfu, “Are you one of the organizers?”

“One of them.”

He explained, “I was among the first to propose this idea, but it takes many people working together to bring it to fruition.”

“How does organizing this earn money?”

“There are various ways—booth fees, ticket sales. Right now, profits aren’t substantial, but as the scale grows, perhaps more opportunities will arise.”

“Isn’t the scale big enough already?” Ye Yun asked in astonishment.

Bai Wenfu’s dark eyes met hers. “No, not yet.”

His resolute gaze carried an undeniable ambition, stirring emotions within Ye Yun.

After disembarking, they walked home as the sun dipped behind them, casting a warm breeze. Ye Yun stole glances at him now and then. Noticing her hesitation, Bai Wenfu asked, “What’s on your mind?”

After a prolonged pause, Ye Yun finally spoke. “Could you tell me more about… that matter?”