The May sunlight was bright and warm. The dress had completely dried, carrying a faint floral scent.
Yang Muqing’s family was well-off. She often shopped at the department store and had never seen a style like this—especially the braided waistband and the blue fabric buttons.
Gu Jingxiu reached for the dress as if it were only natural. “Fine. If you like it, I’ll give it to you.”
Su Jinle trembled with anger and shoved him hard. “Get. Lost!”
Yang Muqing crossed her arms and let out a laugh that held a sharp edge. “Jingxiu, this is the little stutterer you’re planning to marry? Doesn’t seem like she likes you much.”
Little stutterer.
The words stabbed like a blade. Those had once been the three words Su Jinle hated most. Even Gu Jingxiu, cold as he was, rarely mentioned it. But Yang Muqing said it without restraint.
Su Jinle’s face turned pale. Because of her speech impediment, she had never argued with anyone—she always chose to give way.
But why should she give her dress to Yang Muqing?
Gu Jingxiu frowned. He couldn’t understand. He had already made it clear he would marry her—why was she still making things difficult for Muqing? She knew Muqing was going abroad next year. He couldn’t possibly follow her.
Su Jinle said only one sentence: “This is mine! Get away!”
Yang Muqing sneered. “I’m getting this dress today no matter what. Gu Jingxiu, you decide.”
Yang Muqing was the object of admiration for all the boys in the cannery factory compound. Good family, good looks, proud and dazzling enough to make even arrogant men bow. Then, at the height of her youth, she would go abroad for medical treatment, leaving behind a trail of regretful admirers.
When Gu Jingxiu first moved into the compound, he caught one breathtaking glimpse of her—and she stayed in his heart ever since. He knew they were impossible, so he poured those feelings into his diary instead. To him, marrying Su Jinle was settling for second best. She couldn’t compare to Yang Muqing. Her only redeeming feature was that her eyes somewhat resembled Muqing’s.
In his mind, a spoiled temper suited a rich young lady like Yang Muqing. Su Jinle, used to yielding, shouldn’t be making such a fuss over one dress. He was going to marry her, let her remain the respected Mrs. Gu. Wasn’t that enough?
Gu Jingxiu took a deep breath and grabbed Su Jinle’s arm. His grip was firm, far stronger than hers. His voice hardened. “Lele, give the dress to Muqing. You can make another.”
“No!” Su Jinle bit her lip so hard it nearly bled. Her eyes were red like a rabbit’s. His grip hurt badly. She had always been soft-tempered and quick to cry—her brother even teased her for being like a little rabbit.
But now, though her lip broke, she didn’t shed a single tear.
Gu Jingxiu looked into her eyes. Scenes from his previous life flashed through his mind. To outsiders they had seemed like a loving couple, from youth to old age. Though he had never truly looked back at her, he had long grown used to her presence.
He had never seen her like this.
His heart twinged. His grip loosened. “Muqing is leaving the country next year. You understand what I mean. We still have a lifetime ahead of us. If it’s about money, I’ll compensate you, alright?”
The Su family was struggling. Though the proposal had failed, he was still willing to “support” her for now.
His tone softened further. “Lele, be good.”
Yang Muqing grew impatient. “So it’s about money? Name your price. Ten yuan? Fifteen? I, Yang Muqing, don’t need anyone to give me a dress for free. Stop crying—it’s annoying.”
She pulled fifteen yuan from her bag and tossed it at Su Jinle’s feet. “There. Fifteen yuan isn’t unfair, right? It’s just some homemade dress. I wouldn’t normally even look at it.”
Su Jinle had never felt much toward Yang Muqing. Being used as her substitute was ultimately Gu Jingxiu’s doing. But Yang Muqing’s condescending attitude—anyone would have a temper.
And Su Jinle didn’t care about Gu Jingxiu at all anymore.
Her things were hers.
If she said she wouldn’t sell, then she wouldn’t sell. Not for any amount.
“This dress—not for sale!” She didn’t even glance at the money. She took the dress down and pointed to the door. “You. Leave.”
Yang Muqing’s temper flared. “Gu Jingxiu, control your woman. There’s nothing I can’t get if I set my eyes on it. If I don’t get this dress today, don’t come looking for me again!”
Gu Jingxiu’s expression darkened. He reached to snatch the dress.
Su Jinle was petite. She was no match for his strength. With one tug, she stumbled backward and nearly fell.
Just as she thought she would hit the ground, a large, well-defined hand steadied her waist. With a slight lift, she was upright again.
It was a man in camouflage uniform.
Sharp features, stern brows, a fierce sort of handsomeness. Long legs wrapped in green military trousers. Tall, powerful, exuding pressure.
His gaze swept coldly across Gu Jingxiu’s face, sharp as a blade. “Bullying a woman?”
Gu Jingxiu faltered before he could speak. Yang Muqing lit up first. “Brother Shixu! When did you come? I haven’t seen you in so long…”
The proud young lady now sounded soft and sweet. Gu Jingxiu’s face darkened slightly. “And who are you?”
Song Shixu frowned faintly and ignored Yang Muqing entirely. He lowered his eyes to Su Jinle. “You’re Yi’an’s sister? Letting people bully you without fighting back?”
If you can’t win physically, can’t you at least curse them?
Though he had helped her, his tone carried clear disapproval. Soft like a rabbit—anyone could bully her. And her brother was an elite soldier.
Su Jinle knew him. He was her brother’s comrade. In her previous life she had only seen him a few times. After she married, her brother moved away, and Song Shixu never appeared again. Her only impression had been that he was stern and intimidating.
But he had been good to her brother. When the family was poorest, he had even given money for treatment.
He looked so fierce up close that her stutter worsened. “I…”
Song Shixu lifted his gaze, cutting her off. “Where’s Yi’an?”
“Asleep.” This time she managed to speak more smoothly.
Yang Muqing stepped forward, nudging Su Jinle aside with a pout. “Brother Shixu, I just want that blue dress. She won’t sell it even for money! Help me get it. I’ll wear it for you someday, okay?”
Song Shixu’s status was clearly above hers. He didn’t give her face at all. “If she won’t sell it and you try to take it, what does that make you? A bandit? Leave on your own—or should I throw you out?”
Yang Muqing’s eyes reddened. But instead of throwing a tantrum, she shot Su Jinle a resentful glare, stomped her foot, and ran off.
Gu Jingxiu hurried after her. Before leaving, he glanced back at Su Jinle, disappointment in his voice.
“Lele, you’re being too disobedient.”