CITM - 22

After Ye Yun posed her question, the only sound between them was the rhythmic echo of their footsteps. Bai Wenfu didn’t answer immediately, perhaps weighing how to phrase his response so as not to alarm her—or maybe he was momentarily lost in the memory.

After a pause, he carefully replied, “To survive, there was no other choice.”

These eight words carried an ominous weight. Ye Yun glanced at him, noting the shadow that clouded his features, though his voice remained calm.

“At Xingang Wharf, it was all containers. There were four of them, armed with axes and machetes. My right leg was severed; I bled out and couldn’t get up. They brought sacks and stones, planning to dump me into the sea. With my last breath, I had only one thought—I had to kill one of them, or I’d die. When they let their guard down, thinking I was finished, I seized the machete and killed their leader. That’s how… I survived.”

Bai Wenfu shifted his gaze, his eyes sharp and piercing. “I clung to life.”

In just a few sentences, the scene of blood and blades vividly unfurled before Ye Yun. She struggled to imagine how Bai Wenfu had managed to survive after losing a leg—it was like gambling with his life in a final, desperate bid.

Ye Yun’s voice caught in her throat for a long moment before she finally asked, “Why did they want you dead?”

Bai Wenfu placed a cigarette between his lips, the ember glowing faintly at its tip. He lit it, took a deep drag, and exhaled a plume of pale smoke that blurred his silhouette.

“I got in the way of their fortune.”

The reason he gave was simple, almost dismissive, yet it spoke of a harrowing journey through the gates of hell—navigating treachery, enduring hardship, and surviving against all odds.

They walked in silence for some time, and when Ye Yun finally became aware of her surroundings, they had already arrived at the building. Coming back to herself, she slowed her steps, casting a quick glance around before subtly increasing the distance between them and Bai Wenfu.

Though Bai Wenfu’s face carried an intimidating edge, his chiseled brows and tall, commanding presence, coupled with his composed demeanor, lent him an air of authority. Dressed in clean, tailored clothing, he looked every bit the part of a boss. Meanwhile, Ye Yun, clad in the eye-catching dress with her waist cinched and her fair neck exposed, was undeniably beautiful.

Even though they walked one behind the other, they still drew more than a few curious glances.

As they ascended the stairs and turned the corner, the footsteps behind them quickened. Ye Yun turned her head to see Bai Wenfu smirking slightly. “Didn’t you say you weren’t afraid of me? Why are you walking so fast?”

Ye Yun averted her gaze. “Not being afraid of you doesn’t mean I’m not afraid of others.”

“Have you ever considered a question?”

“What question?”

Ye Yun slowed her pace, and Bai Wenfu quickly closed the distance, stopping where they were hidden from view on the landing. She paused, waiting for him to speak.

“The two of us live under the same roof. Even if you don’t walk with me, people will still gossip. By staying close to me, at least no one will dare approach you with inappropriate remarks. As for what they say behind our backs—well, we’ll never hear it anyway.”

Deep down, Ye Yun understood. Since the night Bai Wenfu had issued a warning to everyone on her behalf, rumors were inevitable. It was an impossible dilemma with no perfect solution. She lived here alone, with no family to rely on. Tong Mingfang treated her inconsistently, neither particularly kind nor close. The neighbors watched silently. In the days since Wen Bin had left, she had faced ridicule, mockery, and lewd comments wherever she went. Every step outside her door invited endless gossip and judgmental stares.

Even something as simple as braiding her hair neatly or wearing a colorful dress became grounds for criticism. It seemed she was expected to remain plain and subdued, mourning her husband as tradition dictated. Even this dress, which she loved, was only worn on rare occasions.

Her attempts to distance herself from Bai Wenfu had only worsened the bullying and harassment. Yet, since he had stepped forward to defend her, the hostile remarks and derogatory labels had miraculously disappeared.

Ye Yun’s resolve wavered. Still bound by traditional ethics and morality, she couldn’t achieve the same level of detachment as Bai Wenfu. Nor could she ignore the gazes of others and live freely without restraint.

________________________________________

When Bai Wenfu and Ye Yun entered the building, their slow ascent up the stairs drew curiosity. People began to wonder why they hadn’t appeared yet.

Zhang Guie, Xiao Liu Zi’s mother, ran downstairs to borrow garlic from Li Yan. Turning back, she quipped loudly, “These two have been on the stairs for so long—are they hiding around the corner doing something improper?”

Her comment drew the attention of those nearby, who peered toward the stairwell. Soon, Ye Yun emerged first, her graceful figure swaying elegantly in the soft fabric of her dress, showing no signs of disarray. Bai Wenfu followed closely behind, both appearing composed and not deliberately avoiding suspicion as they headed home together.

Li Yan stared at Ye Yun’s slender waist, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “With that dress on, certain men’s eyes must be glued to her.”

Though spoken casually, the remark carried a different implication to those who overheard.

Ye Yun paused at her door, noticing the lock had been changed. She stepped aside to let Bai Wenfu unlock it, glancing briefly down the stairs.

Li Yan turned her gaze away nonchalantly, calling Sun Baoguo out to light the coal stove. Zhang Guie leaned over to whisper to Grandma Wu next door about the grandson of the Gao family, who had recently welcomed a healthy baby boy. Lü Ping passed behind Ai Juan, patting her shoulder lightly before heading home. Ai Juan shot Li Yan a glare, slamming her door shut with force.

Ye Yun withdrew her gaze as Bai Wenfu jingled the keys in his hand and tossed them to her. Catching them, she noticed a small, delicate copper ring attached to the key, adorned with a tiny leaf. The material felt sturdier than the old key she had been using, which Wen Bin had left behind when he departed.

Looking up, she asked, “Is this a new key? What happened to the old one?”

“Probably thrown away,” Bai Wenfu replied, turning to enter the apartment.

________________________________________

The next afternoon, Bai Wenfu had just parked his car when he heard Tong Mingfang shouting obscenities in the corridor.

He strode up the stairs, frowning deeply. “Who are you yelling at?”

Tong Mingfang stood with her hands on her hips, her small eyes wide with fury. “That cursed thief! Always causing trouble, may they bear sons without assholes...”

Tong Mingfang’s tirade lasted nearly fifteen minutes, her voice booming like a relentless loudspeaker, drawing everyone out to see the commotion.

Seeing the crowd gather, Bai Wenfu furrowed his brow further and pulled Tong Mingfang back inside.

“What’s going on?” he demanded as soon as they were in the house.

Tong Mingfang pointed to the clothes spread out on the table. “Look for yourself. I don’t know who did it.”

The dress in question was the very one Ye Yun had worn the previous day. Bai Wenfu picked it up, only to find a long, jagged tear running from the neckline, rendering it completely ruined.

Tong Mingfang, still fuming, continued her tirade as she entered the house. “It was fine when I hung it outside at noon. I dozed off for a bit, and when I woke up, this is what I found! It must have been some jealous wretch who couldn’t stand how nice the dress looked on Ye Yun. They can’t stand anyone having even a shred of happiness!”

Bai Wenfu’s face darkened. “Where is she?”

“In her room.”

He walked to the door and knocked lightly. “It’s me. Open up.”

After a moment of shuffling, the door opened just a crack. Ye Yun stood there with her head bowed, her voice subdued. “Big Brother.”

Her tone was flat, her expression downcast, clearly unhappy.

Bai Wenfu asked, “Do you have time now? Come out with me.”

Ye Yun finally raised her eyes. “Where are we going?”

He glanced outside. “We need to hurry. There’s not much time.”

Seeing his urgency, Ye Yun didn’t hesitate further and followed him out. Tong Mingfang called after them, “Where are you two rushing off to? Are you coming back for dinner?”

His voice trailed behind him. “We won’t make it back. Eat without us.”

The crowd that had gathered to watch the commotion hadn’t dispersed yet. People clustered together, asking Old Mrs. Bai about the reason for her shouting. Those in the know explained that Ye Yun’s dress had been deliberately torn, with a gaping slash down the front.

Just as they were discussing this, the Bai family door opened again. Bai Wenfu and Ye Yun emerged, walking downstairs. Bai Wenfu mounted his bike, and Ye Yun climbed onto the back. Under the watchful eyes of the onlookers, they rode off into the distance.

________________________________________

Ye Yun had no idea where Bai Wenfu was taking her. All she knew was that he was riding fast, racing against time. At several intersections, she nearly lost her balance. Sensing her struggle, Bai Wenfu glanced back and said, “Hold on to me.”

Hesitant at first, Ye Yun eventually raised her hands to grip his waist as the road grew bumpier. With every pedal stroke, the muscles in his abdomen tensed and relaxed beneath her fingertips, sending a warm flush through her hands.

To take a shortcut, Bai Wenfu veered onto a dirt path. The uneven terrain caused the bike to suddenly dip into a pothole, jolting Ye Yun upward. Instinctively, she clung tightly to his waist.

Bai Wenfu glanced down at her delicate arms wrapped around him. As she tried to pull away, he caught her hands in his. His right hand steadied the handlebars while his left enveloped both of hers, sending an electric current through her fingertips. Flustered, she murmured, “Big Brother...”

He gently squeezed the back of her hand as if to reassure her, then let go.

They arrived at the entrance of a department store just as it was about to close. Bai Wenfu hurried Ye Yun inside. Without hesitation, he led her straight to the women’s clothing section and said, “Pick something out. I’ll go get the fabric coupons. I’ll be back soon.”

Ye Yun was still dazed. The sight before her was overwhelming—a sea of high-end ready-to-wear garments she had never seen in her life. Though she worked in a tailor shop and was familiar with various fabrics, she had never encountered such an array of polyester-cotton blends, silk, wool blends, Oxford cloth, velvet, and more. These exquisite designs adorned mannequins, creating a dazzling display that left her awestruck.

She stepped tentatively into the store, greeted warmly by a saleswoman who began introducing the latest styles. Seeing these designs, which she had only glimpsed in magazines, come to life stirred excitement within her. Yet, she tried hard to appear composed.

She had completely forgotten why Bai Wenfu had brought her here—to choose a replacement dress—and that her favorite dress had just been destroyed. Instead, she became utterly absorbed in the luxurious fabrics and designs, unable to tear herself away.

Stopping in front of a silk dress, Ye Yun couldn’t resist reaching out to touch it. Compared to的确良 (a type of durable fabric), which she already considered precious, the silk felt impossibly smooth and light in her hands. Its buttery texture and breathability made her reluctant to let go. Clearly, silk surpassed的确良 in softness and elegance.

The saleswoman chimed in, “This fabric is made from silkworm threads, harvested only once a year in limited quantities. Only stores like ours carry dresses made from this silk. Many celebrities wear them.”

“Try it on,” Bai Wenfu suggested, having returned unnoticed. Ye Yun turned to see him, and the saleswoman eagerly retrieved the dress, leading Ye Yun to the fitting room.

When Ye Yun emerged from behind the curtain, she seemed to glow. The high-quality fabric draped elegantly over her figure, the minimalist design accentuating her lithe frame. She looked effortlessly chic and sophisticated, breathtakingly beautiful.

Bai Wenfu stared at her, his gaze deepening. He spoke simply: “Let’s take it.”

It wasn’t until Bai Wenfu paid that Ye Yun realized the silk dress cost over a hundred yuan. Her initial joy transformed into guilt.

As they left the department store, Ye Yun’s face was solemn, her expression serious.

Bai Wenfu, mounting the bike, teased her. “You’re wearing a new dress but still looking so glum?”

Ye Yun stepped in front of him, her tone earnest. “I can’t keep letting you spend money on me.”

With his hands resting on the handlebars, Bai Wenfu smirked. “If not me, then which man would you prefer to pay for you?”

Ye Yun muttered, “That’s not what I meant. You didn’t even ask me if I wanted it. This one dress could’ve made dozens of outfits.”

Bai Wenfu beckoned her closer. Leaning down, his heated gaze locked onto her. “Didn’t you scold me last time for paying for Su Hong’s cheongsam? I had to buy you something even more expensive, or else... you might hold it against me later.”

Straightening up, Ye Yun denied it. “I’m not that petty.”

Bai Wenfu chuckled. “Hop on. Let’s grab something to eat.”

Ye Yun had never explored the city at night. To her surprise, it was bustling even after dinner. Streets like Yuhua Road were alive with activity—colorful flags fluttering, smoke rising from food stalls. Young men and women dressed in bell-bottoms, batwing shirts, and dresses mingled freely. Despite the vibrant crowd, Ye Yun’s silk dress still drew admiring glances.

Street vendors sold everything from food to antiques, seals, porcelain bowls, incense burners, and tobacco pipes. Ye Yun wanted to try everything, but her small appetite couldn’t keep up. Still, Bai Wenfu bought snacks for her to sample, carrying the leftovers when she couldn’t finish.

At a bookstall, Ye Yun purchased several books she had struggled to find elsewhere. The selection was vast, and the prices were affordable. Cradling her purchases, she felt deeply satisfied.

After hours of rushing around, Bai Wenfu’s injured leg began to throb painfully. To avoid dampening Ye Yun’s spirits, he took the books from her and guided her to a music tea house by the roadside to rest.

Tickets to the tea house cost five yuan per person, with premium seating available for an additional fee. Bai Wenfu secured a prime spot by the window, offering a view of the lively night market and the performances inside.

As Ye Yun sipped her tea, her earlier tension melted away, replaced by a faint smile.

On the small stage, a female singer crooned a melodious love song unfamiliar to Ye Yun. She tapped her feet to the rhythm, savoring the carefree evening.

Suddenly, the sound of drumming echoed from the street corner. Many people stood to investigate, and Ye Yun leaned forward to peer out.

A shadow loomed over her. Turning, she met Bai Wenfu’s intense gaze, his dark eyes reflecting the glittering lights outside. The moment was electrifying, almost too much to bear.

Caught off guard, Ye Yun leaned backward, unaware of the danger—half her body teetering precariously out the window.

In one swift motion, Bai Wenfu pulled her into his arms, her head nestled against his firm, warm chest. The gentle strains of music blended with the pounding drums, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Her heart raced, her breathing erratic. Amidst the swaying crowd, reality blurred.

Bending down, Bai Wenfu brushed his lips lightly against her ear, his voice low and tender. “I’m much older than you, and my past isn’t clean. I carry scars, both visible and invisible. If you can accept all of this, if you’re willing to be with me, I promise to cherish you with all my heart...”