CITM - 43

As the sky began to lighten, Ye Yun sensed that the person beside her was awake. However, her body ached with soreness, and she didn’t feel like moving.

The door opened and closed again. Ye Yun let herself drift back to sleep. When she finally woke up completely, daylight had fully broken. She climbed out of bed, tidied the bedding, and heated water to wash up.

Not long after, Bai Wenfu returned carrying a load of groceries. He also unloaded a sack of rice from his motorcycle. Their new life, filled with the mundane necessities of firewood, rice, oil, and salt, had officially begun.

Bai Wenfu had brought back a lot of vegetables along with some snacks to satisfy cravings. Ye Yun began unpacking the items onto the table, which quickly became piled high.

She looked around, thinking of moving the vegetables somewhere else, but there was no space left. For now, they would have to stay where they were.

As Ye Yun sorted through the vegetables, Bai Wenfu stepped into the small courtyard and lit a cigarette. Ye Yun turned her head to look at him. His lips were pressed tightly together, his brows furrowed as if deep in thought. The sharp contours of his face radiated an intimidating coldness.

He glanced over at her, their eyes meeting. The tension in his brow gradually eased, and a faint smile curved his lips, drawing her gaze irresistibly toward him.

Bai Wenfu extinguished his cigarette and carried a stack of books he had tied to the motorcycle into the house.

“What’s that?” Ye Yun asked.

Bai Wenfu walked over to the table, pulled up a stool, and joined her in sorting the vegetables.

“Do you want to study?”

“Study?” Ye Yun was taken aback.

“There’s still some time before the next college entrance exam. I’ve brought back some books for you to read first. After the New Year, I’ll find a teacher to tutor you. Since you’re young, why not give it a try?”

Ye Yun slowed her movements as she processed Bai Wenfu’s unexpected suggestion. She hadn’t quite wrapped her mind around it yet.

“Why do you want me to study?”

“I saw the awards on your family’s wall. Your grades were excellent—you should continue your education.”

Ye Yun froze for a moment, then lowered her head. “Back then, we didn’t have the means.”

“We do now. If you’re willing, I’ll support you all the way through university.”

His words warmed her heart, but she hesitated. “But what would I even study in university?”

“You can choose a major you’re interested in. There’s plenty of time to think about it. Later, I’ll take you to visit schools so you can get a better idea. For now, focus on reading these books.”

Her heart raced as she thought about the bright, ambitious university students she had seen with Bai Wenfu at the Law School campus. A mix of envy and self-doubt swirled within her. She had always felt that such a life was far beyond her reach—those vibrant, free-spirited students were a world apart from her reality.

Bai Wenfu glanced up at her. Her hands moved deftly and quickly as she sorted the vegetables, her face glowing with an unusual excitement.

After a moment of thought, she asked, “What about the tailor shop? Am I not going back?”

A shadow flickered across Bai Wenfu’s eyes. He paused briefly before replying, “If you can avoid going, don’t go.”

He didn’t outright forbid her because he knew how much the tailor shop meant to her. Still, his tone made his preference clear.

But Ye Yun had grown accustomed to working at the tailor shop, surrounded by fabrics. Suddenly changing the direction of her life left her feeling disoriented.

“But I haven’t been there for several days, and I didn’t inform Master Zhang. There are still orders unfinished. If I don’t return, Master Zhang won’t be able to explain to the customers. At least let me finish those tasks.”

Bai Wenfu studied her intently, his eyes clouded with an indescribable gloom.

Ye Yun, confused, tentatively asked, “Is it really not okay?”

Bai Wenfu averted his gaze and relented. “It’s fine.”

Relieved, Ye Yun felt a sudden warmth rush to her lower abdomen. Her expression stiffened abruptly.

Bai Wenfu noticed her sudden change in demeanor and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ye Yun stopped sorting the vegetables, her face turning beet red. Her reaction baffled Bai Wenfu, who set down the vegetables and leaned closer. “What’s the matter?”

Shyly glancing at him, she whispered almost inaudibly, “Wenfu… could you help me with something?”

“Just say it.”

“Could you go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy something for me?”

Bai Wenfu stood up immediately. “Buying something shouldn’t embarrass you. What is it?”

“... Um… it’s… sanitary pads.”

“Ah?” Bai Wenfu’s expression faltered momentarily.

Though he wasn’t entirely sure what exactly she meant, her shy demeanor gave him a rough idea. He smirked. “Wait here.”

...

The staff at the supply and marketing cooperative were familiar with Bai Wenfu. Aside from the chilling rumors surrounding him, what impressed the clerks most was his generosity—he spoke little, paid promptly, and bought in bulk. Customers like him were always welcome wherever they went.

So when Bai Wenfu entered the store, the clerks immediately turned their attention to him. Hands in his pockets, he scanned the aisles, seemingly unsure of what he was looking for.

The woman surnamed Tong who frequented the store—his mother—often spent hours browsing before purchasing a single small item, haggling endlessly. In contrast, this eldest son of hers was straightforward. Though he didn’t visit often, every time he did, he bought substantial amounts, paid without delay, and left promptly.

Today, however, he moved slowly, inspecting each counter one by one. Occasionally, he locked eyes with the clerks, but when they tried to strike up a conversation, he withdrew his gaze, appearing indifferent. No one could decipher his intentions.

Finally, he stopped in front of a counter, certain that what Ye Yun needed might be found there. Looking directly at the clerk, he asked in a cool, clear voice, “Do you have sanitary pads?”

The clerk, a married woman, blushed despite herself. Nearby clerks giggled, while she awkwardly retrieved the item for him. “Is this it?”

“Yes. Give me a few more packages.”

Bai Wenfu, of course, heard the laughter. His expression remained stern, his sharp features and towering figure standing imposingly in front of the counter, exuding an almost threatening presence as though he had come to rob the place.

One bold shopkeeper spoke up to him: “This item is something women use only once a month. She doesn’t need that many.”

Bai Wenfu slowly turned his gaze toward the middle-aged woman and replied curtly, “I’ll decide that.”

As soon as he turned to leave, someone tugged at the woman who had spoken.

“If he doesn’t buy extra now, won’t he just make us laugh again when he comes back next month?”

The group of women burst into giggles once more.

...

Ye Yun had already finished preparing all the vegetables and was waiting for Bai Wenfu to return. As soon as she heard the sound of his motorcycle stopping outside, she hurried to the door to take the items from him, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

“Go out for a bit,” she muttered.

Bai Wenfu chuckled softly and took the vegetables to the doorway to light the coal stove and start cooking.

Though they had lived under the same roof for so long, Ye Yun had never discussed such personal matters with Bai Wenfu before. This time, out of necessity, she had no choice but to ask for his help.

During the meal, Ye Yun kept her head bowed, too shy to face him. Bai Wenfu nudged her arm gently. “Are you feeling unwell?”

She pushed his hand away. “Don’t ask.”

Bai Wenfu laughed. “Why are you so shy with me?”

“It might hurt a little,” Ye Yun told him quietly.

“I’ll help you massage it.”

Bai Wenfu pulled Ye Yun onto the bed, covering her with the blanket before lifting her shirt slightly. Ye Yun gasped nervously. “Where exactly are you massaging?”

“You never told me where it hurts.” His voice was cool, yet there was a teasing undertone in his words. The contrast between his tone and demeanor overwhelmed Ye Yun.

Her breath hitched as his touch unsettled her. Why would her chest hurt during her period? Though she knew he was deliberately teasing her, she could do nothing but turn around and bury herself in his arms.

Bai Wenfu moved his hand to her stomach, his lips curving faintly as he restrained himself. “If you’re still uncomfortable, rest for another couple of days. Don’t rush to go out.”

“...Mm,” Ye Yun murmured softly in response.

In the afternoon, Bai Wenfu went out to attend to some matters, while Ye Yun picked up the books he had brought back and began reading them attentively.

The next day, Bai Wenfu returned with a wooden cupboard. It had space on top for bowls and plates and cabinets below for storing other miscellaneous items.

With this new addition, Ye Yun organized all the clutter from the table into the cupboard, making the room much tidier.

That evening, Bai Wenfu also brought back her bicycle, parking it alongside his motorcycle in the small courtyard.

Their sudden arrival in the neighborhood inevitably piqued the curiosity of their neighbors. When Ye Yun went out to hang laundry in the yard during the day, people would often peek over to get a better look at her. Her youthful beauty quickly won over the goodwill of a neighboring older woman, who greeted her warmly. Ye Yun merely forced a slight smile and hurried back inside, never engaging in conversation.

Her relationship with Bai Wenfu wasn’t accepted by society, and after finally finding peace in this secluded corner, she maintained a distance from those around her. Others respected her privacy and didn’t intrude, allowing her to carefully preserve the hard-earned tranquility.

After resting at home for two days, Ye Yun decided to return to the tailor shop. As she stepped out of the shantytown, her heart was uneasy. Without the cover of these low-rise houses, she could run into acquaintances at any moment. She wasn’t sure if she could handle the strange looks from others after what had happened.

But she had to go back. Master Zhang had treated her well, and she couldn’t abandon her unfinished work without saying a word.

When Ye Yun appeared at the entrance of the tailor shop, Master Zhang was startled and quickly ushered her inside.

“How did you manage to come here?”

From Master Zhang’s expression, Ye Yun understood that the events that had transpired in the tube-shaped apartment building were now common knowledge.

Such a commotion would be hard to keep hidden, after all.

Ye Yun forced a smile. “I came back to finish the work.”

Master Zhang sighed. “You…”

Just then, a familiar customer walked in. Upon seeing Ye Yun, the two women hesitated briefly before whispering to each other.

Ye Yun’s face changed slightly. Master Zhang quickly drew the curtain closed and said to Ye Yun, “Go work inside.”

Ye Yun nodded. Not long after, she heard the customers outside asking Master Zhang, “When did Tailor Ye return?”

Master Zhang replied indifferently, “Are you looking for her to make clothes?”

“No, I’m just asking.”

The customer lowered her voice. “Where is she staying now? Is she still living with those two brothers?”

Behind the curtain, Ye Yun’s hand holding the scissors trembled slightly.

Master Zhang’s voice carried a hint of impatience. “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

It wasn’t until the two customers left the shop that Ye Yun’s restless heart finally calmed down.

For the rest of the day, Master Zhang didn’t mention Ye Yun’s return to any of the customers. Working alone in the backroom, Ye Yun couldn’t avoid hearing some uninhibited chatter from the customers. After all, it wasn’t their own business—most treated it as gossip. Someone mentioned hearing that Bai family’s matriarch had been crying and praying to the gods again, likely because of trouble caused by the second son. But since the eldest son had returned, things seemed to have quieted down.

Master Zhang refrained from openly reminding them that Ye Yun was in the shop, instead trying subtly to interrupt their discussions.

That evening, when Bai Wenfu returned home, Ye Yun had already prepared dinner. He entered the courtyard bathed in the fading glow of the sunset. Ye Yun noticed the dark clouds lingering on his face, but as he stepped through the door and met her gaze, his expression softened into a gentle smile.

Her lashes fluttered lightly as she rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly.

The sweet scent of the woman in his embrace made Bai Wenfu’s eyes soften. He lifted her off the ground, sat down on a stool, and placed her on his lap. “Did something unpleasant happen at the tailor shop today?”

Ye Yun buried her face in the crook of his neck and shook her head.

“Then what’s wrong? Tell me.”

Her voice trembled silently. “I just missed you.”

Bai Wenfu tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her closer. “Has your monthly flow started?”

“No…”

He pinched her soft waist gently. “You’re such a tease.”

...

Despite Ye Yun not taking on any new customers after returning to the tailor shop and focusing solely on finishing the backlog of work, somehow, news of her return spread the next day.

Early in the morning, Fang Lizhen arrived at the tailor shop. Before she even stepped inside, her voice rang out, “Master Zhang, I’m here to see Little Ye.”

Master Zhang glanced up at her briefly before lowering her head again. “She’s not here.”

Fang Lizhen strode in confidently. “Don’t lie. Someone saw her come in this morning. I’ll go find her myself.”

Master Zhang grabbed her arm. “What do you want? Tell me.”

Fang Lizhen raised her voice. “There’s nothing to tell you. I’m not here to bully anyone. What are you worried about?”

From behind the curtain, Ye Yun’s voice came softly. “It’s fine, Master Zhang.”

Fang Lizhen smirked at Master Zhang, who let go of her and continued working silently.

Fang Lizhen pushed aside the curtain and placed a fine piece of fabric in front of Ye Yun. “Little Ye, we’ve been neighbors for such a long time. Though I haven’t visited often, I’ve never given you trouble when others were kicking you while you were down, have I?”

Without stopping her work, Ye Yun lowered her gaze and asked, “What do you want made?”

Seeing her straightforwardness, Fang Lizhen immediately smiled.

“I’m going to Hudu next month. Make me a dress—choose the style yourself. I have only one requirement: make sure it outshines all the other women in Hudu.”

Ye Yun felt the fierce competitiveness in Fang Lizhen’s words and relaxed slightly, raising her eyes. “Why are you going there?”

“To visit my sister. She lives there.”

“What do people there usually wear?” Ye Yun asked.

“All sorts of things—they’re very fashionable.”

“Have you been there before?”

Fang Lizhen leaned against the wall behind her. “Twice. The first time, I was young and just went to see the world. The last time, I was so angry. The women around my sister secretly called me a country bumpkin. This time, I’m going to reclaim my dignity. Go ahead and make whatever you think is best—the more modern, the better.”

Ye Yun thought for a moment and asked, “When do you need it by?”

“By mid-next month at the latest. My train ticket is for the 19th.”

Ye Yun took the fabric. “I understand.”

After Fang Lizhen left, Ye Yun ignored the sounds coming from beyond the curtain and focused on her work.

It wasn’t until the afternoon, when the shop was quiet, that Master Zhang’s slightly uneasy voice suddenly broke the silence. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see Ye Yun.”

The sound of Wen Bin’s voice, separated only by a thin curtain, instantly disrupted Ye Yun’s composure.