It seemed to be Sunday today, and the department store was especially crowded.
As Tang Jin and Mu Heng entered, they immediately drew the attention of the sales clerks and many customers.
What a perfect pair—a handsome young man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven!
Mu Heng was dressed in his military uniform, his posture tall and imposing, his features sharp and sculpted like a finely carved work of art, exuding undeniable masculinity. Only his expression was a little cold, giving off a “keep your distance” vibe.
Tang Jin wore a white dress, shorter in the front and longer in the back. Her hair was neatly pinned up in a casual high bun. Her delicate oval face had no makeup, yet she looked ethereal, like a goddess.
“Mom, her dress is so beautiful! I’ve never seen this style on the street. Could it be from the provincial capital? Ask her where she bought it!” Fu Wenjing, excited, nudged her mother.
“You little one, why don’t you ask her yourself?” Shen Dongmei smiled, but still stepped forward. She only had this one precious child, and if her daughter wanted a star from the sky, she would pluck it.
“Excuse me, miss, where did you get your dress? My daughter loves it and would like to buy one too,” Shen Dongmei asked, approaching Tang Jin.
But as she looked at Tang Jin, her heart began to race. This girl looked so much like her younger sister!
Her sister had been a beauty of Nankun City, with suitors practically trampling the doorstep to propose. She had eventually married a soldier. Now, she was the provincial governor’s wife, though she had lost a daughter in her early years—otherwise, her daughter would be about this age.
“My dress? I made it myself,” Tang Jin’s words interrupted Shen Dongmei’s wandering thoughts.
“Oh, you made it yourself? You’re really talented,” Shen Dongmei said, coming back to reality and sincerely praising her.
At this moment, Fu Wenjing walked over, clearly having overheard Tang Jin’s words. “Then can you make one for me too? I’ll pay anything.”
Tang Jin was naturally pleased—an opportunity for business delivered to her doorstep couldn’t be refused.
Looking at the girl, who was close in age and just as beautiful, dressed so elegantly, Tang Jin’s eyes took in their social standing: first respect the attire, then the person; first the appearance, then the soul. These two were clearly either wealthy or noble.
“Sure, just give me your address. I’ll come tomorrow and show you a few new designs so you can choose.”
“Okay.” The girl quickly wrote her address on a piece of paper and handed it to Tang Jin.
Shen Dongmei was usually very cautious and didn’t let just anyone into her home, given her husband’s special position.
But looking at Tang Jin’s face, which so closely resembled her sister’s, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She inexplicably liked her.
After arranging to visit tomorrow afternoon, Tang Jin and Mu Heng headed toward the fan section.
Through this small encounter, Mu Heng finally realized just how popular Tang Jin’s clothing was.
Even Zhang Guang’s wife had mentioned that people from the art troupe commissioned clothes from her.
For 120 yuan, they bought a standing electric fan and then went to the market together.
Mu Heng became Tang Jin’s helper, carrying everything she bought. Soon, he was holding a large bag full of groceries.
Back home, Mu Heng began assembling the fan while Tang Jin started preparing the hotpot base.
She roasted dried chili peppers to make chili paste, melted beef tallow, added scallions, cilantro, garlic, and onions to create fragrant oil, then added broad bean paste, Sichuan pepper, and other seasonings to simmer.
Half an hour later, Mu Heng had finished assembling the fan, and Tang Jin had completed the hotpot seasoning.
They took the ingredients to Chief Lu’s house together. At first, Mu Heng was reluctant to go, but Tang Jin pulled and coaxed him along.
“Godmother, Godfather, I’m here!” Tang Jin called out as they arrived at the gate.
Guo Suona opened the door. Seeing Tang Jin, she smiled and said, “Xiao Jin! Oh! Mu Heng came too? Great. Your godfather is inside playing chess with Commissar Li.”
Guo Suona hurriedly took the bags from Tang Jin’s hands and welcomed them inside with a smile.
“Xiao Jin, what are you making for Godfather today?” Lu Wensheng looked up and noticed Mu Heng had come along.
“Good afternoon, Chief! Good afternoon, Commissar!” Mu Heng quickly saluted them both.
“Old Lu, so your godson-in-law is Mu Heng?” Li Siqiang was surprised. He had just learned today that Lu Wensheng’s goddaughter was married to Mu Heng.
Earlier, he had caused a ruckus in the dormitory, and even during the attempted jump, he was there. At that time, Mu Heng had already submitted a divorce request, and Li had given him three months to reconsider.
He hadn’t expected them to reconcile so quickly. This was truly a good thing; it seemed the divorce wouldn’t happen.
“Godfather, Ma is about to be checkmated,” Tang Jin said, glancing at the red flag and adding a comment.
Lu Wensheng looked over, and sure enough, Commissar Li was about to checkmate General Ma.
“You little girl? You even play chess? Truly a tiger father with no dog daughter!” Lu Wensheng laughed proudly.
Commissar Li hurriedly praised her as well, “Old Lu, your goddaughter is amazing!” He had been planning to linger for lunch anyway, so he said flattering things.
“Godfather, we’re having hotpot for lunch. I’ll go simmer the bone soup. You and Uncle Li can continue your chess game,” Tang Jin said, taking the vegetables from Mu Heng and heading to the kitchen.
“Mu Heng, are you still standing there? Why are you blocking our light?” Lu Wensheng was quite blunt with him. He treated the soldier he had trained like his own child.
Mu Heng sat down quietly, but thought to himself—Tang Jin could even play chess?
This woman now seemed full of mystery. What else did he not know about her?