After buying clothes, Yang Tao originally planned to go to the second floor, but Chen Zhicheng took her up to the fourth floor instead.
The fourth floor had noticeably fewer people, and many were just browsing. Very few actually bought anything, because the items here were not only expensive but also required hard-to-get ration coupons. The sales clerks were also rather indifferent and lazy—only responding when someone came up to ask. Their attitude was nothing like in later generations, where salespeople actively surrounded customers.
Chen Zhicheng first brought Yang Tao to the watch counter.
“Take a look. Is there any you like? My family sent over a watch coupon and told me to buy one for you. My grandfather was worried I might not pick something you like.”
Yang Tao was a little surprised. After all, his family had already given so much money. But since the benefit was right in front of her, she didn’t refuse and started choosing with him.
There weren’t many watch styles at this time—only a few domestic and foreign models. The foreign ones were much more expensive. Yang Tao thought that although foreign watches might appreciate in value later, that would be many years from now. In the end, she chose a domestic “Meihua” (Plum Blossom) women’s watch. The design was classic: a rectangular silver dial with a silver chain strap.
After paying with money and coupons, Chen Zhicheng had her put the watch on immediately.
Next, he led her toward the radio section. Seeing that he still intended to buy more, Yang Tao quickly pulled him away.
A watch was useful for checking the time, but a radio was unnecessary. First, everyone at home was busy working in the fields and had no time to listen. Second, it required batteries, and the family would definitely feel it was wasteful. She explained it clearly to him, and he gave up—but then he brought her to the sewing machine section.
At this rate, he really was planning to buy the full “Three Turns and One Sound” set.
“This one also doesn’t need to be bought. No one in our family knows how to use it, and we barely make clothes anyway,” Yang Tao said as she dragged him away again.
Finally, they stopped in front of the bicycle section.
Seeing that she still wanted to refuse, Chen Zhicheng spoke first:
“This is useful for going to the town and city. My family often sends packages, and it’s inconvenient to keep borrowing the commune’s bicycle. We should just buy one.”
Hearing this—and considering that, according to history, there were still several years before major changes—Yang Tao realized they would likely be living in Yangjia’ao for quite a while. A bicycle would indeed be very convenient. Even if they later had a chance to return to the city, it could still be left for the Yang family to use.
So she nodded and didn’t object anymore.
In the end, they bought a Phoenix-brand men’s bicycle.
Originally, Chen Zhicheng wanted to buy a women’s model since it was smaller and easier for her to ride, but Yang Tao felt a men’s bicycle could carry more things. She told him it would be better for him to always carry her instead.
After paying, the clerk issued a receipt, and they could collect the bike downstairs on the first floor.
After that, they went to the second floor to buy wedding candies and snacks. They bought two jin of good fruit candies, two jin of melon seeds, and since the family already had peanuts, Grandma Yang said there was no need to buy more. They also bought one jin of peach pastries and one jin of biscuits for the family.
After finishing, they went to the first floor to pick up daily necessities like mirrors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundry powder, and soap for their post-marriage life. They also bought bowls and chopsticks.
Since buying an iron pot required an industrial coupon and Chen Zhicheng didn’t have enough, they planned to save up and buy it later. After marriage, they would still eat with the Yang family for now.
Seeing clay pots being sold, Yang Tao thought for a moment and bought a large one. It could be used for boiling water, and if they didn’t want to eat at the Yang family’s place, they could at least cook simple meals like noodles or porridge. It could also be used for stewing dishes in the future.
After finishing all their purchases, they went to collect the bicycle. Without delay, they headed straight for the town.
They loaded what they could onto the handlebars, and for fragile items, Yang Tao held them carefully. With one hand holding the goods and the other gripping the edge of the seat, she didn’t dare hold onto his clothes out of shyness.
And so they rode the bicycle toward the town.
Although the road from the city to the town was relatively flat, it was still a dirt road full of potholes. Fortunately, there weren’t many vehicles on the road. They only encountered one bus returning from the city, and when it passed, it kicked up a cloud of dust. Yang Tao regretted not bringing a straw hat—her hair was soon covered in dust.
After about forty minutes of riding, they finally reached the town.