Qiao Yuwei ignored the surrounding comments. After she finished cutting out the “basic shape,” she stepped on the sewing machine pedal. Her hands moved deftly, guiding the fabric with precision as the machine went “da-da-da-da.” The speed was astonishing, and the women nearby couldn’t help but lean in closer.
Before long, she stitched the final seam along the hem and sewed on a few small white buttons. A cute little dress was finished.
The design was similar to current popular styles, but with a subtle, more refined elegance. Qiao Yuwei dressed Tiantian in it and adjusted the collar. In an instant, the little girl looked like a doll bright-eyed and adorable.
“Oh my god, this dress is so beautiful!”
“It looks even more stylish than what they sell at the department store!”
“If my daughter wore this, she’d definitely look great too!”
The mothers with daughters were all tempted. One of them, Mrs. Wang, couldn’t help asking, “Qiao Yuwei, your skills are amazing! Could you make one for my daughter too? I’ll pay you for your work!”
“I want one for my girl too!”
“Count me in!”
Zhou Tingting’s face turned green and white as she watched. She hadn’t expected this “troublemaker” to actually know how to sew and do it so well.
“Even if you can sew, that still doesn’t prove this fabric was bought for you by Commander Song,” she said stubbornly.
Before Qiao Yuwei could respond, a deep male voice came from outside the crowd.
“It was indeed me who bought it.”
Everyone turned around.
Song Zhinian walked over with two lunch boxes in hand, his steps steady and his presence naturally commanding.
“Handsome brother!” Tiantian ran over happily and hugged his leg.
Qiao Yuwei’s heart skipped slightly as she looked at him. He… was speaking up for her? No way. The last time she almost burned down the kitchen, his face had been darker than coal. Now she had caused trouble again how could he possibly help her?
Song Zhinian glanced at the fabric and said calmly, “These two pieces of cloth were given to her when we got married. I bought exactly 20 chi. I even wrapped the packaging paper myself.”
Song Zhinian was always decisive and never lied. Once he spoke, no one doubted him.
Qiao Yuwei hadn’t expected him not only not to scold her, but to defend her instead. The sun must really be rising from the west today.
Zhou Tingting was seeing Song Zhinian for the first time. His deep, sharp eyes seemed to have some magnetic pull, making her heart race instantly, her cheeks flushing red without her realizing it.
At that moment, Battalion Commander Zhou also rushed over with his lunch box. Hearing the situation, he quickly explained that he had accidentally stored the fabric under the bed.
“Old Zhou, be more careful next time,” Song Zhinian said, giving him a meaningful look.
It was a warning only insiders could understand. To others, it meant nothing but Zhou Jinxiong, who had followed him for years, immediately understood: If your sister keeps causing trouble, it won’t be so easy to handle next time.
“Yes, I understand,” Zhou Jinxiong replied instinctively.
Song Zhinian then cast a cold glance at Zhou Tingting. Without taking his lunch box, he picked Tiantian up and left.
Seeing the main figures leave, the crowd quickly dispersed.
Zhou Tingting stared at Song Zhinian and Qiao Yuwei’s retreating backs, jealousy and resentment boiling inside her. That woman was so ordinary and had such a bad temper how could she deserve such an outstanding man?
“Tianting, I forgot to tell you earlier, it was all a misunderstanding. Next time ask clearly first,” Zhou Jinxiong said, opening his lunch box and shaking it slightly. “The cafeteria made your favorite sweet and sour pork today.”
Zhou Tingting snapped out of her daze, then suddenly grabbed his hand. “Brother, can you invite Commander Song to our house for dinner?”
Zhou Jinxiong frowned immediately. “Tingting, Commander Song is already married. Don’t think about things you shouldn’t.”
“So what if he’s married?” she pouted. “I can tell his relationship with that woman isn’t good at all. People say they’re even getting divorced! It’s just a meal not like I’d be alone with him.”
“No,” he refused without hesitation.
Seeing it wouldn’t work, Zhou Tingting quickly changed tactics. She linked her arm with his and said sweetly, “Alright, brother, I was just thinking too much. I want to work here and stay with you and sister-in-law. Didn’t you say the cafeteria needs staff?”
Zhou Jinxiong doted on his only sister. Seeing that she had dropped the idea of Song Zhinian, he finally nodded.
In a corner where he couldn’t see, Zhou Tingting’s lips curled into a strange smile.
Meanwhile.
Song Zhinian placed the dishes on the table two lunch boxes, with vegetables and braised pork.
Qiao Yuwei put a small portion of rice and a few pieces of braised pork into Tiantian’s bowl. The little girl, already hungry, sat obediently and ate.
Then Qiao Yuwei picked up the largest piece of braised pork and placed it into Song Zhinian’s bowl.
“Thanks for today. This piece is your reward.”
Song Zhinian froze and instinctively tried to return it. “No need. You eat it.”
“Hey, don’t,” she quickly grabbed his hand. “If you give it back, wouldn’t that be indirect kissing? Or do you like me?”
His ears flushed slightly red, but he didn’t move the meat again. He muttered, “I just don’t want any problems with the divorce progress.”
Qiao Yuwei covered her mouth and laughed but didn’t expose him. “Yes, yes, of course.”
They had been married for a year, yet aside from the wedding day, they had barely even sat at the same table.
She suddenly looked at him. “Song Zhinian, I want to discuss something with you.”
“Go ahead.” He didn’t even look up.
“Tomorrow the dumpling stall will probably be very busy. We’ll need to move tables and chairs outside, but I’m not strong enough. I was thinking does your unit have any soldiers on leave tomorrow? They don’t need to work, just help move things. I’ll treat them to dumplings afterward unlimited.”
She thought he might hesitate at most.
Instead, he refused immediately.
“No.”
Her smile stiffened. “Why? It’s just moving things, not running a business.”
“It’s the rules,” Song Zhinian said seriously. “Soldiers are not allowed to participate in commercial activities, even helping counts. It doesn’t look good. You can run your small business, but we cannot be involved.”
Qiao Yuwei pouted slightly, a little discouraged. “Oh… got it.”
Tch. Fine if he won’t help. Who cares. Women can hold up half the sky anyway she’d do it herself.