Chapter 110

Chapter 110

This pink fabric couldn't even be called a bolt; it was so thin. She picked it up and examined it closely, finding no flaws.

The shopkeeper, being quite shrewd, seeing her fondness for the color, quickly said, "Miss, this color is beautiful, especially flattering on young ladies." In reality, though, no one wanted this color except for those who had just welcomed a daughter and were willing to splurge on new clothes.

A bolt of this fabric had been in the shop for two years without selling.

Looking at Xu Yuqing, he didn't hold much hope. Some women liked it but hesitated because the color was more suited for children, making it embarrassing to wear out.

Xu Yuqing unfolded it, stretching it with both hands, confirming it was the size she wanted. She held back a smile, folded it up, and asked, "How much?"

Wow! She really wants it?

He also wanted to get rid of the fabric and quoted an honest price, "Miss, this pink fabric is a cotton-polyester blend. Feel it; it's comfortable and breathable, bright and durable. I don't need coupons for it, two yuan per meter."

He held up two fingers in front of Xu Yuqing.

Two yuan per meter was a bit expensive, but it didn't matter given her fondness for the color, especially since no coupons were needed. Having made up her mind, Xu Yuqing pretended to be hesitant, examining the fabric, "Two yuan, huh?"

The shopkeeper rubbed his bald head, looking somewhat embarrassed, "How about this, if you buy all of it, I'll give it to you for 1.9 yuan per meter." There was only a little over two meters left, and selling it all would save him the trouble of further transactions.

Indeed, there was room for negotiation. Xu Yuqing nodded, "Alright, how much for this bolt?"

She pointed to the white cotton fabric.

The shopkeeper looked over, surprised that she wanted the white cotton too. "Comrade, did you just have a baby girl? This cotton is perfect, very breathable, undyed, ideal for diapers!"

He praised the fabric enthusiastically, causing Xu Yuqing to struggle not to laugh.

Xie Junli's clothing was being described as diapers.

She composed herself, cleared her throat, and said, "Cough, cough, how much is it?"

The shopkeeper glanced at it, "1.5 yuan per meter, no less."

"Deal! I'll take it all!"

Xu Yuqing waved her hand, putting down the pink fabric, and declared boldly.

The shopkeeper was momentarily stunned, then immediately beamed with joy. Ah, he had just sold the hardest-to-move fabrics! How wonderful!

He quickly took out a measuring tape, carefully measuring it, ensuring neither he nor she would lose out, "Here, Miss, look, exactly four meters of the white fabric! Are you sure you want it all?"

Xu Yuqing nodded, and the shopkeeper's anxiety vanished. He had been nervous during the measurement, fearing she might change her mind.

With this sale, he could add a meat dish tonight.

"The white fabric is six yuan, the pink is two meters and a bit extra, which I'll throw in for free, three yuan eighty, totaling nine yuan eighty."

Xu Yuqing nodded, handed over the money, and he received it, confirming it was indeed nine yuan eighty. He happily accepted it, unfolded the fabric, and said patiently, "I'll fold it neatly for you, so no one will notice."

"Alright."

The fabric was laid flat on the counter, carefully folded into a small square, and wrapped in a very thin red paper, tied with straw rope, "There, if anyone asks, just say it's snacks."

Red paper-wrapped snacks? Xu Yuqing found it amusing but nodded reluctantly.

Stepping outside, she saw Xie Junli from afar. She hadn't expected things to go so smoothly and gave him a nod before walking down the stairs.

Behind her, the shopkeeper leaned against the door, watching her until she disappeared downstairs, then turned away.

What a pretty girl, wonder who will marry such a beauty.

Downstairs, Xu Yuqing met Xie Junli and handed him the items, "I bought it! Everything went smoothly. I got some excellent white cotton fabric, but I don't know why no one else buys it."

To think it was used for diapers, Xu Yuqing shook her head, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Xie Junli understood. He glanced at Xu Yuqing, knowing she wouldn't want the的确良. Thinking of this, he was glad he hadn't bought the dress due to lacking coupons.

The white fabric is designated solely for the production of shirts, which must be crafted from Dacron.

Xu Yuqing frowned, "But what about white dresses? On the train, girls wore white dresses."

Xie Junli shook his head, finding it hard to explain, but under her intense gaze, he lowered his head, "White cotton dresses are see-through."

...

Xu Yuqing understood, looking at Xie Junli with a questioning gaze, "How do you know? Have you seen it?"

The topic changed too quickly, and Xie Junli's eyes widened, "No, I haven't!"

"If you haven't, how do you know?" Xu Yuqing smiled, giving him a sidelong glance.

Walking side by side, Xie Junli looked at Xu Yuqing's profile, feeling helpless, "It happened during a performance by the art troupe; we had to watch."

Not watching wasn't an option, and they even had to applaud. The leaders in the front row turned green, and the troupe leader nearly fainted. Afterward, the troupe was in chaos, and it became known throughout the Military District that white cotton shouldn't be used for dresses.

This explanation was acceptable. Xu Yuqing imagined the scene and felt awkward. Everyone must have been quite uncomfortable.

Having bought what she wanted, Xu Yuqing planned to go directly to the old man's place, but as soon as she entered the alley, her hand was grabbed.

Reacting instinctively, she pulled her hand away, looking around nervously, "What are you doing!"

If someone saw them, they'd be accused of misconduct.

Xie Junli felt like he had been hit by his own actions. Taking a deep breath, he let go of her hand and took out two tickets from his pocket.

"Wanna go to the movies?"

"Watch a movie?" Xu Yuqing was curious. She stepped forward and glanced at the movie ticket. "Red Legend? I've never heard of it. Sounds good!"

She happily took the ticket and looked at Xie Junli. "Why didn't you say anything earlier! Did we walk past it?"

Xie Junli held her back and said in a muffled voice, "No, it's up ahead."

His ears were slightly warm. These two tickets were given to him by Old Yu yesterday, who mentioned they were from someone else. Thinking about Old Yu's description, his ears turned even redder, and he felt a wave of heat in his heart.

Xu Yuqing didn't know the way, so Xie Junli, seeing no one around, directly took her hand and led her forward. After several turns, they suddenly arrived on a wide road.

This road was much broader than where they had been before. Xu Yuqing looked around in amazement. The place was filled with an old-fashioned charm, small doorways, and a state-owned restaurant that was larger than the one they had visited with Yan Lan's family. Its sign hung vertically, looking grander.

It felt more like the settings in old movies. "Where is the cinema?"

She asked in confusion. Xie Junli had already let go of her hand when they came out, leading her forward.

It was his first time at the cinema, but he knew the location.

After a few steps, they saw the cinema. The entrance was not large, with a sign reading "North City Red Star Cinema," matching the name on their tickets.

Xu Yuqing approached, and next to the entrance was a small booth where a ticket seller sat. Seeing Xu Yuqing approach, she smiled and said, "Comrade, do you have your ticket?"

Xu Yuqing quickly handed over her ticket. The cheerful ticket seller took it and used a special clip to punch a small round hole in it.

"All set. You're already two minutes late. When you go in, please be quiet. Be careful with eating and drinking inside; don't make a mess. I sell sunflower seeds here. Would you like some?"

Xu Yuqing smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, no need."

While they were talking, Xie Junli silently waited behind. When Xu Yuqing went in, he followed her.

Inside wasn't very spacious. Following the signs, Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli entered. It was pitch dark except for the light from the screen. Xu Yuqing couldn't see anything, so she confidently placed her hand in Xie Junli's, letting him guide her.

Finally, they sat down. Xu Yuqing leaned comfortably against the wooden chair, her eyes fixed on the screen, unwilling to look away.

The movie was about the party, but the old film style was particularly captivating. Besides, Xu Yuqing hadn't experienced such entertainment in a long time. Even if it was boring, she found it engrossing.

None of the things Xie Junli had worried about happened. Instead, a couple in front of them were gazing at each other passionately. Looking at his wife, absorbed in the movie, Xie Junli quietly focused on the film as well.

Throughout the movie, Xu Yuqing was moved several times. She wiped her eyes and looked at Xie Junli. "It's quite good!"

"Hmm." Xie Junli responded, taking out a water bottle and handing it to her. Xu Yuqing drank eagerly. Most people had already left, and Xie Junli noticed a young couple who had initially been awkward but now exchanged shy glances.

"Shall we go to the tailor's later?"

They should probably head back soon, but they still hadn't bought any cotton.

Together, they walked out. Outside, the same ticket seller was leisurely munching on sunflower seeds and greeted Xu Yuqing warmly.

Xu Yuqing looked at her counter, lost in thought.

Time was pressing, so they hurried to the tailor's back door, knocking when no one was around and quickly closing it after entering.

Xie Junli handed the fabric to the old tailor. "I bought these materials. I couldn't get the cotton yet, but I'll bring it when I do."

The old tailor nodded. "Alright, no rush with the cotton. What style do you want for your coat?"

He led her into the house and took out a thick book full of sketches. They weren't detailed but clearly showed the styles, and many pages were dedicated to qipaos.

Xu Yuqing looked in surprise. The old tailor noticed and smiled nostalgically. "Those were designs from my younger days. Not suitable anymore, but you would look good in them. Anyway, let's look at coats. There are styles like yours, waist-fitted, and longer, though your fabric won't allow for a longer one."

Xu Yuqing nodded. The two styles didn't look too different, so she chose a waist-fitted one. The old tailor nodded. "Good. And what about your husband's?"

Xie Junli took another thinner book, which contained various men's clothing designs, including Zhongshan suits and Western suits.

Xu Yuqing looked at the old tailor in surprise. He truly had hidden talents! Preserving these books must have been challenging.

The old tailor helped flip through the pages. At the end were shirts with collars, resembling polo shirts. Xu Yuqing picked a more formal one, so he could wear it regularly.

"Two pieces for five yuan."

"Okay." Xu Yuqing nodded, paid, and was about to leave when she was called back. "Wait! Take the leftover fabric with you!"

"Oh... alright!" They exchanged glances and waited for the old tailor to cut and pack the fabric. They took it and hurried back.

It took ten minutes to return. Xu Yuqing was panting, while Xie Junli showed no change in his breathing. Xu Yuqing envied him and stopped to catch her breath.

"Tired?"

"Yes, huff, huff, just a moment." Xu Yuqing waved her hand, trying to catch her breath.

Seeing this, Xie Junli squatted down in front of her. "Get on."