CITM - 25

During the day, workers delivered a brand-new, boxed electric sewing machine to the narrow apartment building. A crowd quickly gathered around it. Owning a sewing machine was a dream for many women, but its high cost made it a luxury few could afford. Among the residents of this building, only a handful had one—typically as part of their dowry or wedding gifts.

Li Yan owned one herself. Before her marriage, she’d thrown tantrums and cried until Sun Baoguo convinced his family to scrape together the money for it. When it was brought home, she’d proudly left her door open for everyone to see, polishing it obsessively and covering it with a cloth whenever it wasn’t in use. However, all the sewing machines they were familiar with were manual; an electric one like this was unheard of.

The delivery of such an expensive item naturally sparked curiosity. People craned their necks, trying to figure out which household would receive this extravagant gift.

To everyone’s surprise, the workers carried the sewing machine straight to Bai Wenfu’s door, setting off a wave of murmurs that rippled through the crowd.

Bai Wenfu’s family housed Ye Yun, the young tailor. Tong Mingfang was notoriously frugal, so there was no way she would splurge on something this extravagant. That left only Bai Wenfu as the likely benefactor.

Li Yan shot a pointed look at Lei Zi’s wife, her chin raised smugly. She clearly relished the opportunity to counter Lei Zi’s wife’s earlier scolding about gossiping. If seeing Bai Wenfu holding hands with Ye Yun last night could be dismissed as a mistake, then today’s purchase of the sewing machine was undeniable proof of something more. For those who claimed nothing was going on between them, it was becoming harder to believe. After all, how often did an older brother treat his younger sister-in-law with such generosity?

Lei Zi’s wife ignored Li Yan’s smug expression, muttering under her breath, “If he’s buying sewing machines now, does that mean…? He must’ve lost his mind.”

“Who’s lost their mind?”

Lei Zi emerged from his house, grinning mischievously. His wife glanced at him briefly but said nothing.

Huang Dasi, ever the gossipmonger, leaned casually against her doorway and addressed the small group gathered nearby. “I told you all ages ago—I saw her late at night with Elder Brother Bai back when she first arrived. But none of you believed me, saying I must’ve been dreaming. Now do you believe your own eyes?”

The situation between Bai Wenfu and Ye Yun had long been a topic of speculation. With Bai Wenfu’s younger brother gone, rumors swirled about the beautiful young widow living under the same roof as the elder brother. Huang Dasi’s earlier claims had been dismissed, but now her words spread like wildfire among the neighbors.

Once the sewing machine was inside, several curious neighbors, including Chun Di, came to take a look. Tong Mingfang, putting on a show for her audience, praised the new device excessively, touting its superiority over older models in every possible way.

But once the visitors left, her facade crumbled instantly.

________________________________________

Meanwhile, Ye Yun was still hard at work in the tailor shop. Today, she had received her wages—a bit more than usual—and her enthusiasm fueled her productivity. Though Zhang Caifeng had initially warned Ye Yun not to expect much pay, the stern yet kind-hearted tailor had softened over time. As Ye Yun took on more responsibilities and proved herself capable, Zhang Caifeng quietly increased her compensation.

In the afternoon, while Ye Yun was busy unpicking seams, Zhang Caifeng called out from the front of the shop, “You can wrap it up now. Someone’s here to pick you up.”

Ye Yun looked up and spotted Bai Wenfu leaning casually against his bike across the street.

After neatly folding the fabric and tidying her workspace, Ye Yun walked over to Zhang Caifeng.

Having no parents to confide in and no elders to rely on in the city, Ye Yun had come to regard Zhang Caifeng as both mentor and guide. She felt it was only right to seek her advice about Bai Wenfu—but the words caught in her throat, unsure how to begin.

Zhang Caifeng bent over, carefully aligning two pieces of fabric before pressing them with an iron. Steam rose in gentle wisps.

Without looking up, she spoke evenly, “Sometimes life doesn’t give you choices. You just have to find the best path forward for yourself. Isn’t that what you wanted to ask me?”

Setting the iron aside, she finally raised her head to meet Ye Yun’s gaze. “Go on. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Ye Yun stepped lightly toward Bai Wenfu, whose short-sleeved shirt emphasized his broad shoulders and lean waist. His freshly cut hair gave him a polished, sharp appearance. He exuded strength and confidence, different yet somehow unchanged since yesterday.

His eyes locked onto hers, and Ye Yun’s cheeks flushed with warmth.

“How was your day?” he asked, his voice laced with unmistakable intensity.

“It was fine,” Ye Yun replied softly, lowering her lashes as she climbed onto the back of the bike.

She gripped the frame tightly, but Bai Wenfu turned his head slightly. “Hold on to me.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Ye Yun raised her hands to rest lightly on his sides. With that, he pedaled them home.

As soon as Ye Yun hopped off the bike at the entrance, she ran into Chun Di, who was heading to the public bathhouse. Smiling knowingly, Chun Di said, “Hurry back and take a look. A new sewing machine has arrived!”

Ye Yun glanced back at Bai Wenfu, who had just parked the bike. He gave her a faint smile, tilting his lips upward.

Excitement bubbling within her, Ye Yun raced upstairs in quick strides, while Bai Wenfu followed at a leisurely pace.

The moment she entered the apartment, she spotted the sewing machine placed near the doorway—the very model she’d tested at the exhibition fair. Her joy overflowed, lighting up her face in a way she couldn’t contain.

Tong Mingfang, noticing Bai Wenfu enter, cast him a sour glance. “I heard this electric sewing machine costs twice as much as a regular one, and it uses electricity too. Are you throwing money around because you don’t know what else to do with it?”

Ye Yun’s heart clenched. She tentatively touched the sewing machine, stealing nervous glances at Bai Wenfu.

Bai Wenfu sat on a stool nearby, one leg bent casually. He shrugged dismissively. “Have I ever asked you to pay a single cent for electricity?”

Wen Bin had worked for a short time and spent recklessly, contributing little to the household. Since Bai Wenfu returned, he had shouldered most of the family’s expenses. Even Tong Mingfang relied on him when she needed grain or oil. Mentioning electricity costs now seemed petty, so she shifted tactics.

“Where are we even going to put this thing? It’s blocking the entire doorway!”

Ye Yun’s excitement dimmed under the weight of the tense atmosphere. She lowered her head, holding her breath.

“In my room. It won’t bother anyone there.”

Both Ye Yun and Tong Mingfang stared at him incredulously. Rising to his feet, Bai Wenfu wasted no time. He picked up the sewing machine and headed toward his room.

Seeing Bai Wenfu so determined to protect Ye Yun, Tong Mingfang, though still upset about the expense, had no outlet for her frustration. Muttering a curt “Do whatever you want,” she retreated to her own room.

Ye Yun glanced back at Tong Mingfang’s closed door and whispered timidly to Bai Wenfu, “Are you really putting it in your room?”

“There’s no space in yours. Mine will do just fine.”

Women, it seemed, always had more belongings than men. Ye Yun’s room was already cramped with a bulky five-drawer chest, books, sewing supplies like needles and threads, scraps of fabric, and other daily necessities. There simply wasn’t enough space for a sewing machine.

But placing it in Bai Wenfu’s room also gave her pause.

“What if I need to use it?” she asked hesitantly.

“Then come into my room to use it.”

Ye Yun had lived here for nearly a year and a half, yet she had never set foot inside Bai Wenfu’s room. His door was always closed, leading her to believe he didn’t like others entering his private space. She quickly assured him, “I won’t just barge in. I’ll definitely ask first before using it.”

“You can come in whenever you want. No need to ask.”

Ye Yun hesitated, uncertain. “Really?”

Bai Wenfu opened the door and carried the sewing machine inside, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Do you think I’d lie about this?”

Curious, Ye Yun leaned over to peek into his room. Though similar in size to hers, Bai Wenfu’s space felt far tidier. Unlike a woman’s room cluttered with small items, his contained only a wooden bed and an integrated wardrobe at the head of the bed. This simplicity allowed ample room for the sewing machine.

Turning back to her, Bai Wenfu said, “Come in.”

Hesitant but intrigued, Ye Yun stepped inside. The deep blue bedsheet was neatly pressed, and the pillows and blankets were impeccably arranged. A faint scent of soap mingled with sunlight lingered in the air—a familiar aroma that often clung to Bai Wenfu himself. As soon as she entered, she felt enveloped by his presence, an inexplicable flutter rising in her chest.

In the past, Wen Bin had mentioned how his older brother used to discipline him when they were younger. Whenever Wen Bin returned home dirty from playing outside, Bai Wenfu would take him to the riverbank and make him wash his clothes before going back inside. Similarly, when Wen Bin neglected to fold his blanket properly after waking up, Bai Wenfu would drag him back to tidy it. Despite appearing laid-back, Bai Wenfu had his own meticulous way of doing things.

At the time, Ye Yun had merely listened to these stories as amusing anecdotes. Now, standing in Bai Wenfu’s room, she could tangibly sense his methodical nature.

Later that evening, Bai Wenfu connected the power supply to the sewing machine. Ye Yun stood by, watching him work with practiced ease. Sensing her lingering presence, he glanced back. “Aren’t you tired of standing? Sit on the bed.”

This room—and this bed—had long existed in Ye Yun’s imagination. Each night, when she heard movements from the adjacent room, her mind couldn’t help but conjure images of Bai Wenfu lying there.

Now, perched cautiously on the edge of his bed, those once-imagined scenes surged vividly to life. Subtle emotions swirled within her, prompting restless thoughts.

Noticing her prolonged silence, Bai Wenfu teased, “What are you thinking about?”

Ye Yun’s face flushed crimson. He caught her embarrassment and chuckled softly, his amusement reaching his eyes. “Thinking about me?”

Flustered, Ye Yun quickly changed the subject. “When did you buy this? You didn’t even tell me.”

“I told you last night.”

“When exactly?”

Bai Wenfu always found ways to justify buying her gifts.

After finishing the electrical setup, he straightened and reminded her, “I said I’d reward you, remember?”

Only then did Ye Yun recall his vague promise—at the billiards table, though he had guided her hand to sink the balls.

He gestured toward the machine. “Go ahead, try it.”

Eagerly, Ye Yun approached the sewing machine. With this new tool, her efficiency would skyrocket, and she couldn’t wait to start making clothes. Her excitement bubbled over as she explained its functions to Bai Wenfu: adjusting the needle distance, rotating the arrow before threading, and muttering plans to bring fabric home the next day.

Her cheeks glowed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Bai Wenfu rarely saw her so animated; her voice filled the room with warmth and vitality, creating an atmosphere both cozy and serene.

Though unfamiliar with sewing, Bai Wenfu listened patiently, content to observe her lively demeanor.

In the past, he had heard her voice through the wall—but it was directed at Wen Bin, not him.

Now, her voice resounded close by, encroaching upon his territory and stirring fleeting desires he had long suppressed. Lowering his gaze, thick lashes veiled the hunger brewing beneath.

Suddenly struck by another thought, Ye Yun turned to him. “Does this mean I can bring unfinished work home? That way, I won’t have to leave early because Zhang Caifeng chases me out. I could continue working here instead.”

Raising his eyes, amusement danced in their depths. “So passionate about your work?”

Just then, Tong Mingfang’s curious footsteps echoed nearby, followed by the sound of her craning neck to peer into the room. Without looking away, Bai Wenfu casually kicked the door shut with his foot.