CITM - 23

Ye Yun didn’t respond. She had no idea how to, as Bai Wenfu’s words had caught her completely off guard. The suddenness of his confession left her overwhelmed. All she could do was listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, sinking into the warmth of his embrace. Her body felt like it was melting, unable to move.

Bai Wenfu waited for an answer that never came but didn’t loosen his hold on her either. Her petite frame and soft figure nestled so naturally in his arms made his breath hitch. He gently stroked her back, careful not to startle her. It wasn’t until the distant drumming faded and the final notes of the song ended that he released her.

Though they’d only been drinking tea, Ye Yun tasted something akin to wine. Otherwise, she couldn’t explain why, upon leaving the music tea house, she felt as though she were drunk—her mind dizzy, her cheeks flushed, and her heart pounding like waves crashing against the shore, impossible to calm.

Bai Wenfu secured the books and snacks on the bike’s rear rack, tying them down tightly. While he did this, Ye Yun’s emotions seesawed wildly, and she paid little attention.

When Bai Wenfu mounted the bike, Ye Yun hesitantly approached from behind. Just as she prepared to climb on, she paused. “Why did you put so many things here?”

“Aren’t these the treasures you bought?”

“Yes, but…” Ye Yun stammered, unsure. “Where am I supposed to sit?”

Bai Wenfu lifted his arm, gesturing toward the crossbar. Ye Yun’s lips parted slightly, and a blush crept up her neck, spreading across her face.

Seeing her discomfort, Bai Wenfu raised an eyebrow. “You’re not planning to walk home, are you?”

Quietly, Ye Yun moved to the front of the bike, turning her back as she tiptoed to sit. But she struggled to balance, searching for something to hold onto. All she found was Bai Wenfu, who stood motionless, his legs firmly planted on the ground, watching her with amusement. Ye Yun hesitated, too shy to touch him, her embarrassment almost unbearable.

With a faint smile, Bai Wenfu reached out and lifted her onto the seat. Once settled, Ye Yun clutched the handlebars tightly, her eyes fixed straight ahead. The warmth of his breath tickled the top of her head, but she dared not turn around to look at him.

Sitting in front felt entirely different from sitting in the back. In the back, she could stabilize herself; in front, her heart hung precariously. As the wheels turned, Bai Wenfu gripped the handlebars, instinctively pulling her into the circle of his arms. What had moments ago felt like teetering on the edge now became enveloped in an invisible cocoon of safety. This mix of excitement and reassurance made Ye Yun understand why children loved sitting in front—they craved both thrill and security.

With no rush to return and most of the effort shifted to his left leg, Bai Wenfu rode slowly. At first, Ye Yun marveled at the better view afforded by sitting upfront, but soon the gentle swaying of the bike lulled her into drowsiness. Before long, her head drooped, just as it had the last time, and she drifted off before they reached home.

This time, Bai Wenfu didn’t wake her. Instead, he pulled her closer, letting her rest against his chest.

Ye Yun hadn’t fallen completely asleep. In fact, when Bai Wenfu adjusted her position, she woke halfway, her trembling eyelashes and fidgeting hands betraying her nervousness. Perhaps leaning against his chest felt too secure, or perhaps his warmth shielded her from the night’s chill, but eventually, she curled up in his embrace and truly fell asleep.

________________________________________

Early the next morning, rumors began circulating through the narrow corridors of the apartment building. Some claimed they’d seen Bai Wenfu bring Ye Yun back late at night. They said the dress she returned in was different from the one she left in—pearlescent and clearly expensive.

People laughed it off. How could fabric emit a pearlescent glow? Surely nonsense.

But when Ye Yun stepped out of the apartment wearing a silk cheongsam dress, those laughing fell silent.

The dress featured pleated details along the sides and a high waistline that elongated her figure. Its pale green hue and flowing material created ripples as she walked, exuding elegance and grace. Ye Yun had tied her hair up, revealing her slender neck. After over a year in the city, free from heavy farmwork and harsh weather, her complexion had grown fairer and more radiant. The dress transformed her into a vision akin to jade, shimmering with every step. Those who saw her were left speechless.

Recalling the earlier claim about a “pearlescent” dress, it became clear the fabric indeed possessed a lustrous sheen, delicate as cicada wings. No wonder men couldn’t take their eyes off her—and even women coveted the garment.

Some fashionable women recognized the material as silk, though few could afford such luxury. Many households wasted their ration coupons without ever saving enough to buy fabric, let alone a dress this extravagant.

Ye Yun became the first woman in the building to wear a silk dress, sparking envy among the residents.

As soon as her figure disappeared from sight, Aunt Fang from upstairs leaned against the corridor railing, sneering audibly. “Whoever couldn’t stand seeing her dressed well must’ve deliberately ruined her dress. Now it’s gotten interesting—someone tears her dress, and Bai Wenfu buys her an even more expensive one. Who’s wealthier? Who’s wasting their efforts? If you ask me, you all should stop scheming. Didn’t Bai Wenfu warn everyone? Next time, it won’t just be bloodshed. Is anyone really brave enough to test him?”

Everyone looked up at Fang Lizhen, wondering if she’d been drinking again so early in the day. Her words carried no restraint.

Huang Dasi chimed in. “Isn’t Bai Wenfu unemployed? Where does he get the money?”

Little Liu tilted his head, digging his ear. “I heard from a friend in the city that he’s involved in big business deals. Whether it’s true or not, it’s obvious he’s making money.”

Some glanced toward the Lü family. Lü Ping kept her head down, expressionless, while Lü Mother’s face darkened. Muttering under her breath, she retreated indoors.

________________________________________

When Ye Yun arrived at the tailor shop, Zhang Caifeng immediately scrutinized her, then called her over to examine the silk fabric. “Did Bai Wenfu buy this for you?”

Zhang Caifeng’s tone implied something scandalous, startling Ye Yun into denying it quickly. “No, he didn’t.”

Her flushed cheeks betrayed her unease, and her voice faltered. Turning away, she avoided eye contact.

To her surprise, Zhang Caifeng continued. “Then is it someone else?”

Ye Yun turned back, puzzled. Zhang Caifeng handed her a package of dried persimmons. “What’s this? When did it arrive?”

“Yesterday evening, after you left. Someone came by to deliver it.”

Ye Yun set the persimmons aside and asked hurriedly, “Did he say anything else?”

“I asked him what he wanted with you. He said he just stopped by after work to drop off some food for you.”

Relief washed over Ye Yun.

Throughout the day, she struggled to focus on her tasks. Bai Wenfu’s words from the previous night echoed in her mind. For someone usually so reserved and aloof, his heartfelt confession felt surreal. Every time she thought about it, her cheeks burned. It seemed unreal.

If Bai Wenfu were anyone else—not Wen Bin’s older brother—perhaps she might have dared to change her circumstances. But given the current situation, she couldn’t bear to imagine the consequences of agreeing to him. What kind of life would she face?

Moreover, she needed to inform her family beforehand. Such news, if it spread back to the village, wouldn’t bring honor. She feared dragging her parents and siblings into gossip, especially since her two younger sisters were still unmarried. Lost in these thoughts, Ye Yun felt utterly helpless.

In the afternoon, carrying the persimmons, she returned home, only to be spotted by Tong Mingfang. This time, Tong Mingfang decided to investigate. She went to the local supply store to inquire if anyone had recently purchased persimmons.

Residents from nearby Erwei Alley frequented the store. Though people rarely spoke to each other, they recognized one another. Ye Yun’s striking appearance made her easily identifiable. There were no secrets in this close-knit community, where gossip thrived.

Tong Mingfang’s inquiry revealed that Ye Yun had been visiting the store regularly for some time. Someone mentioned seeing her come by frequently since before the New Year, always meeting with a certain “Xiao Ma.” They were often seen talking in private, behavior that raised eyebrows.

Additionally, Tong Mingfang encountered Peng Liang’s mother today. Peng Mother approached her, claiming her son Peng Liang wasn’t dead.

Shocked, Tong Mingfang asked for clarification. Peng Mother explained that a leader from Peng Liang’s workplace had visited her last month, delivering the miraculous news that Peng Liang had survived. Though details were scarce, Peng Mother believed that once Peng Liang recovered and completed formalities, he’d return home.

Tong Mingfang eagerly asked about Wen Bin. With regret, Peng Mother replied that the leader had briefly mentioned Wen Bin being cremated locally.

Devastated, Tong Mingfang realized her brief hope had been misplaced. On her way home, frustration boiled over. Reflecting on Wen Bin’s death and Ye Yun’s growing closeness with another man, she grew increasingly resentful, convinced Ye Yun was benefiting at their expense.

By sheer coincidence, as she neared the building, she spotted Bai Wenfu riding back. Spotting her, he slowed down.

Bai Wenfu circled around and stopped in front of her. “Who are you arguing with now?”

Fuming and wary of eavesdroppers, Tong Mingfang leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Did you mention that matter to Ye Yun?”

Bai Wenfu sighed softly. Tong Mingfang gripped his arm with surprising force, her teeth clenched as she demanded, “Answer me—did you or did you not bring it up?”

Bai Wenfu glanced at the reddened skin where her fingers dug into his arm and replied reluctantly, “I did.”

“She didn’t agree, did she?” Tong Mingfang pressed.

Bai Wenfu lifted his eyelids slightly but remained silent.

Tong Mingfang glared at him, her voice rising. “Of course she wouldn’t agree! She’s already involved with someone else!”

His expression darkened. “Who’s been feeding you these lies?”

“Lies? I’ll tell you—it’s common knowledge now. She’s been seeing someone since before the New Year. While I was out, she’d sneak off to meet him. That man works at the supply store, and they’ve been fooling us this whole time. Someone outside has even sent her persimmons twice—you saw it yourself. How can I be wrong about her? And here you are, buying her clothes while she’s planning to run off with another man.”

By the time she finished, Tong Mingfang was seething. “I’m going home right now to settle this with that wretched girl.”

Bai Wenfu raised a hand to stop her, his brow furrowed. “Stay out of this.”

________________________________________

Ye Yun returned home as usual, though the atmosphere felt unusually tense today. The moment she stepped inside, Tong Mingfang shot her a glare, clearly displeased. During dinner, she deliberately served Ye Yun a tiny portion and slammed the bowl down in front of her, startling her.

Bai Wenfu looked up, his gaze shadowed as he stared at Tong Mingfang. Though furious, Tong Mingfang restrained herself in Bai Wenfu’s presence, unwilling to provoke him. Instead, she took her bowl outside to eat.

Bai Wenfu swapped his bowl with Ye Yun’s. Sensing her unease, Ye Yun hesitantly asked, “What’s wrong with Mom?”

Bai Wenfu studied her for a moment before lowering his gaze. “Nothing. Eat.”

________________________________________

Two days later, Ma Jianliang came to the tailor shop again. Last time, he had arrived too late, and Ye Yun had already left. This time, he made sure to come early, catching her just as she was about to leave.

Ye Yun leaned over and told him, “Wait for me a moment.”

Ma Jianliang assured her there was no rush. After finishing her tasks, Ye Yun excused herself from Zhang Caifeng and hurried out.

She suspected Ma Jianliang had something important to discuss. They walked a distance away from the shop before stopping at an empty roadside spot.

“Is there news from home?” Ye Yun asked anxiously.

“That’s why I’m here,” Ma Jianliang explained. “Last time, you weren’t around, so I left the persimmons. When Zhang Caifeng asked, I made up an excuse about delivering something for you.”

“Thank you. So, what’s the update?”

“My aunt will be coming to the city soon on business. She’ll bring your letter then. I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t worry too much.”

“I thought my family had replied already.”

Ma Jianliang reassured her. “Soon, very soon. I heard Zhang Caifeng is strict with you. How’s it going there?”

“I’m learning a lot. She may seem stern sometimes, but she’s not harsh. She teaches me everything she knows.”

Ma Jianliang chuckled. “That’s good. Isn’t she afraid of teaching her apprentice so well that she’ll starve herself out of a job?”

Ye Yun smiled softly, her gentle features bathed in the setting sun.

As they joked, a figure caught Ye Yun’s peripheral vision. Turning her head, she spotted Bai Wenfu leaning against a paulownia tree, his shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing muscular forearms. A cigarette dangled from his lips, and his sharp, rugged aura commanded attention. His gaze locked onto her unwaveringly.

The cigarette had nearly burned to the filter—he must have been standing there for some time.

Ye Yun’s smile faltered. Turning back to Ma Jianliang, she said, “I need to go home now.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried away. Ma Jianliang called after her retreating figure, “I’ll come see you again soon!”

Ye Yun didn’t reply, quickening her pace instead.

Her communication with Ma Jianliang regarding her family had been kept secret from both Tong Mingfang and Bai Wenfu. Now that Bai Wenfu had seen them together, she had no idea how to explain. Upon returning home, she retreated to her room.

Tong Mingfang, however, wasn’t one to indulge her. She pounded on Ye Yun’s door until it shook. When Ye Yun opened it, Tong Mingfang shoved a basin filled with muddy vegetable leaves into her hands, ordering her to wash them clean.

Carrying the basin toward the laundry room, Ye Yun peeked downstairs but didn’t see Bai Wenfu anywhere.

The laundry room was deserted. Placing the basin in the sink, she turned on the tap. The early summer heat made the cramped space stifling. Brooms hung high on the walls, mops dripped water, and the floor was slick. Immersing her hands in the basin to scrub the leaves, Ye Yun soon found her shirt clinging to her damp skin.

After draining the murky water, she rinsed the vegetables again. Just then, familiar footsteps entered the room.

Lifting her head, Ye Yun caught sight of Bai Wenfu’s rugged silhouette reflected in the cracked mirror. Her heart skipped a beat. Turning off the faucet, she faced him.

He stopped two steps away, his piercing gaze pinning her in place with an innate sense of authority.

Hesitantly, Ye Yun murmured, “Big Brother.”

Unlike usual, Bai Wenfu didn’t respond immediately. His deep, brooding eyes bore into hers, as if trying to pull her in. Sweat trickled down Ye Yun’s temple. Instinctively, she picked up the basin, intending to leave.

Just as she reached the doorway, laughter approached—the sound of several women heading toward the laundry room. Ye Yun froze, her mind racing. If she left now, they would surely notice her alone with Bai Wenfu. But staying meant facing their arrival.

Before she could decide, Bai Wenfu moved swiftly, closing the door behind him.

Startled, Ye Yun spun around. Outside, the women paused, puzzled. “What’s going on? Who closed the door?”

Knocks echoed against the wood. Bai Wenfu pressed his hands firmly against the door, trapping Ye Yun within the circle of his arms.

Her heartbeat surged uncontrollably, eyes widening in panic. He set the basin aside. Outside, the women speculated whether the door might be stuck, while inside, Bai Wenfu bent down, his voice low and demanding. “Who is that man?”

Ye Yun’s ears rang, her focus entirely on the voices outside. The women decided to fetch someone to open the door, sending waves of fear through her trembling legs.

With one hand still on the door and the other wrapped tightly around her waist, Bai Wenfu leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “What’s your relationship with him?”

Her voice caught in her throat, barely audible. “A... fellow townsman.”

His grip tightened, burning with possessive intensity. “Do you care for him?”

More footsteps approached outside, and the chatter grew louder. Tears welled in Ye Yun’s eyes as she shook her head frantically.

Bai Wenfu pressed her against the door, his voice low and insistent. “Then who do you care for?”

A man began pounding on the door, causing it to shake ominously.

“Tell me,” Bai Wenfu demanded, ignoring the commotion outside.

Ye Yun’s face paled, her tear-filled eyes brimming with helplessness. Her fragile frame clung to him desperately, her hands gripping his shirt.

The turmoil in Bai Wenfu’s eyes ignited into flames. One large hand cradled the back of her head as he leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. It was raw, possessive, and overwhelming—an assault on her senses that left her disoriented, lost, and teetering on the edge of propriety.