The vehicle drove steadily out of the military district toward the city.
Leaning against the car window, Lin Shuyao watched the scenery flash past outside.
The country road wound forward like a ribbon, with stretches of farmland on both sides. The breeze drifted through the open window, carrying a faint cool scent of earth that swept away the recent gloom in her heart.
Lu Chengjing slowed the car slightly, occasionally glancing at her.
The soft sunlight fell across her face—she looked beautiful beyond words, even her strands of hair seemed to glow.
“Although the Southwest is difficult and located on a plateau, it becomes quite livable once you get used to it.”
“Our border regions are a bit colder. Places like Spring City have spring-like weather all year round—it’s very comfortable…”
Along the way, they chatted casually.
They no longer mentioned family troubles or work frustrations.
Instead, they talked about scenery outside the window and small everyday things.
The atmosphere was quiet and warm.
After nearly an hour of driving, the car slowly entered the city.
The city was much livelier than the military compound.
The streets were lined with shops—though not many, they were orderly and offered a decent variety of goods for daily needs.
Lu Chengjing parked not far from a department store.
“This is Hongguang Department Store. It only opened last year.”
Following his gaze, Lin Shuyao saw a clean and imposing storefront.
The sign was bold and eye-catching, and many people were coming and going.
It was clearly one of the best shopping places in the area.
“This looks quite good, but I don’t really need anything. We can just walk around—no need to buy things.”
Lu Chengjing disagreed.
He led her out of the car.
“Who goes to a department store without buying anything? You just arrived in the Southwest—you must be lacking some things. Go inside and pick whatever you like. Don’t hold back.”
“Alright then, I’ll just take a look around.”
Lin Shuyao did have money and ration coupons.
When she left in a hurry, her parents had given her quite a bit.
As for the original owner’s savings—they had all been spent on Chen Zhiheng. Not a single cent remained.
Inside the department store, the shelves were neatly arranged.
Fabric, shoes, socks, and daily necessities were all available.
The salesclerks wore uniform blue work outfits and were quite polite.
Lu Chengjing scanned the shelves.
Anything he thought suitable for her, he had taken down for her to see.
“This khaki fabric is nice—you can make work pants out of it.”
“This snow cream is moisturizing. The Southwest is dry in autumn and winter—use it for your skin.”
“And these little leather shoes are quite stylish, they suit you.”
“…”
As someone raised in the capital, Lu Chengjing naturally had better taste than most local men.
Everything he picked was of good quality.
Lin Shuyao kept waving her hands, putting things back one by one.
“I really don’t need them. The clothes and skincare I brought from the capital are already enough—and much better than these. Buying more would just be wasteful.”
“If you really want to buy something, just get a few yards of durable, stain-resistant fabric. I can make two sets of clothes for fieldwork at the experimental station. That’s all I need.”
Her own clothes were too fine for farm work.
Although the station would issue work uniforms, she didn’t yet know what or when.
Better to be prepared.
Seeing her insist, Lu Chengjing gave in and accompanied her to the fabric section.
She chose several yards of dark gray coarse fabric.
Running her fingers over it, she felt its thickness and durability—perfect for fieldwork.
“This one will do. Enough for two sets of clothes.”
Lu Chengjing asked the clerk to cut the fabric, then said casually,
“Wait here for me a moment. I’ll be right back.”
He intended to buy her two pairs of shoes.
One pair of stylish leather shoes, and another pair of black rubber rain boots.
She only had one pair of shoes with her, and no spare at all.
The leather shoes were suitable for daily wear.
The rain boots were sturdy, with non-slip soles—perfect for muddy fields in winter.
Without overthinking, Lin Shuyao nodded.
“Alright, I’ll wait here.”
While the clerk was cutting the fabric, a loud voice suddenly rang out.
“Oh well, if it isn’t the Kyoto university student~”
Lin Shuyao turned around.
Su Xiaohong stood not far away, a smug expression on her face.
She had just bought a beige wool coat—ready-made, branded, and far more presentable than handmade clothes.
She had been looking for someone to show it off to—and now she found her.
She walked over quickly, deliberately holding the coat forward.
“What are you doing… buying coarse work fabric?”
Lin Shuyao glanced at her and didn’t bother responding.
Seeing the silence, Su Xiaohong became even more energized.
“I thought you were so capable. Turns out you’re only fit to wear work-cloth clothes! Look at mine—this is wool from the capital. Not something cheap fabric can compare to. Thirty-two yuan a piece!”
Lin Shuyao sighed and stepped slightly aside.
But Su Xiaohong followed.
“Why? Did Battalion Commander Lu not buy you anything good? Makes sense—you’re just doing logistics work. Wearing good clothes is useless anyway. You’ll get them dirty in the experimental fields. What a waste. Unlike me—I’ll soon be assigned to the core position at the experimental station. Of course I need to dress properly.”
Lowering her voice, she added coldly,
“And don’t think Lu Chengjing will always protect you. Once I secure my position, I’ll have plenty of ways to deal with you. Your little tricks might fool him, but once you’re in the fields, let’s see how long you last.”
Finally, Lin Shuyao looked at her.
Her gaze was calm and cold.
“What I wear, and what my man buys me, has nothing to do with you. As for the experimental station—we compete based on ability. Instead of showing off here, you should spend more time preparing. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
“You—!”
Su Xiaohong was speechless.
Just then, she saw Lu Chengjing returning.
Her expression instantly stiffened.
He walked straight past her, carrying a dark paper bundle.
He placed it in front of Lin Shuyao.
“I saw these two pairs of shoes just now. Thought they would suit you, so I bought them.”
Then he naturally handed the fabric money to the clerk and paid immediately.
Lin Shuyao wanted to refuse, but with Su Xiaohong present, she held back and decided to return the money later.
Seeing Lu Chengjing’s full attention on her—and the fact that he had bought her two pairs of shoes, including leather ones—Su Xiaohong’s jealousy and anger surged.
But she didn’t dare act up in front of him.
She could only glare at Lin Shuyao fiercely before turning away in resentment.
“Clown.”
The words were very soft.
But Lu Chengjing still heard it.
He paused for a moment, only then realizing she had just insulted someone.