Chapter 8 Investigating the Zheng family, their taste is quite… unusual!

“The night train might not make it in time for the military ferry, and since we’re also taking the night train the day after tomorrow, we can go together.”

Zheng Qingning was a little tempted. If she took the night train, she’d arrive on the island close to nightfall.

She would be alone in an unfamiliar place, and even though she had been there once before, she couldn’t guarantee her safety.

If she could go to the base with them, it would save her a lot of trouble.

“Alright, let’s meet at the train station then.”

“Okay.” Nangong Ye noticed the blood seeping through the bandage on her head. “Let me take you to the hospital to change the dressing.”

If he hadn’t mentioned it, she would’ve forgotten she was injured.

Zheng Qingning quickly refused. “No, no, I can go myself.”

“You’ve already helped me enough…”

“I’m free anyway, let’s go.” Nangong Ye cut her off and started walking ahead.

Zheng Qingning took a deep breath, tightened her grip on her shoulder bag strap, and followed him.

At the hospital, Zheng Qingning went in with the nurse to change the bandage while Nangong Ye waited outside.

Just then, a man approached Nangong Ye.

“A-Ye, what are you doing here?”

Nangong Ye looked up. “Chunfeng, you got transferred here?”

He Chunfeng was from the same military compound as Nangong Ye. They’d grown up together one joined the army, the other became a government official.

He Chunfeng punched Nangong Ye on the shoulder and laughed. “What brings you here, huh? Something going on?”

“Visiting an elder.”

Nangong Ye then told him about the elder and asked him to bring some food over when he had time.

“Muzhuang Village,” He Chunfeng repeated the name thoughtfully, then suddenly said, “Perfect. I need to go to Muzhuang Village for an investigation.”

“What’s it about?” Nangong Ye was worried it might involve the people in the cowshed.

“Oh, someone anonymously dropped a letter into the Red Sleeve office mailbox yesterday. The higher-ups are cracking down, and since we got a report, we have to look into it.”

“Want to come with me?”

Nangong Ye thought about it. “Alright, give me a minute.”

He Chunfeng teased him, “So when are you bringing your wife-to-be back to the compound? Among the brothers, you’re the only one still single. Grandpa Nangong’s matchmaking every day. Don’t you like anyone?”

“No.” Nangong Ye glanced at the room where Zheng Qingning was getting treated, then changed the subject. “When did you transfer here?”

He Chunfeng lowered his voice. “A month ago. The old man said the higher-ups were planning something, and he was worried we younger ones would get caught up in it, so he told us to come down and gain experience. We’ll return once things settle.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Then I won’t be able to see you off,” said He Chunfeng.

Just then, Zheng Qingning came out with her wound freshly bandaged. She was about to speak, but seeing He Chunfeng, she stayed quiet.

Nangong Ye stood up and said to He Chunfeng, “I’ll walk her out.”

He Chunfeng’s eyes widened in disbelief. “A-Ye, is she…”

“Nothing like that. Shut your mouth.” Nangong Ye gave him a warning look, stepped forward, and blocked his view.

Looking down at Zheng Qingning, he said, “Let’s go.”

Zheng Qingning felt a little awkward. “If you’ve got something to do, go ahead. I can get back on my own.”

She nodded to He Chunfeng and quickly ran toward the hospital entrance.

Nangong Ye stood in place, watching her leave.

He Chunfeng sized Nangong Ye up and down. The more he looked, the more suspicious he became.

“A-Ye, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for her?”

“Tsk tsk tsk, the cold flower of the compound, the army’s grim reaper, and you’re catching feelings?”

“You falling in love is going to break so many girls’ hearts.”

Nangong Ye shot him a cold look. “Are you done? If so, get lost.”

He Chunfeng rubbed his chin as he watched Nangong Ye walk away in long strides.

He didn’t deny it or explain clearly, he was still chasing her.

Thinking of Zheng Qingning’s appearance, compared to the girls who chased after Nangong Ye, she was like grass among flowers completely unremarkable.

Nangong Ye’s taste was really… unique.

“Hey, wait up!”

Zheng Qingning dashed out of the hospital. Only when she saw they weren’t following did she slow her pace.

She went into a tailor’s shop. She didn’t have many fabric coupons, just enough for two outfits, and needed the tailor to make the garments.

“Buying fabric or having clothes made?”

“Both.”

“Then pick your fabric. What style do you want? We’ve got samples on the wall take a look.”

The shopkeeper, a chubby woman in her forties with a tape measure around her neck, pointed to rows of sample clothes on the wall.

Zheng Qingning looked up at the clothes but felt dissatisfied. After seeing the stunning variety of outfits in her space, these seemed plain and boring.

She remembered the sewing process she’d watched last night. Some designs looked conservative yet unique perfect for now.

“Can I bring my own design?”

The shopkeeper looked up from the sewing machine and, seeing Zheng Qingning seemed serious, handed her paper and pen.

“Draw it, let me see.”

Zheng Qingning took the supplies, recalled the design in her mind, and began to sketch.

Half an hour later, she set down the pen and looked at the completed sketch, which looked just like what she’d seen on screen. Satisfied, she smiled.

“Can you make this?”

The shopkeeper stopped pedaling the sewing machine and took the paper. With just one glance, she could tell this design would sell like hotcakes in the shop.

Trying to hide her excitement, she said, “Yes, I can make it but can I sell this design in the store?”

Zheng Qingning paused, not quite understanding at first.

The shopkeeper quickly explained, “If you let me sell these two designs, I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”

“How much can you give?”

Zheng Qingning finally understood. She didn’t expect a sketch could be worth money.

What a pleasant surprise.

The shopkeeper studied the drawing and thought for a moment. “I’ll give you twenty, plus two custom sample outfits for free.”

Zheng Qingning didn’t rush to agree. “I need the clothes by tomorrow morning at the latest. Can you manage that?”

The shopkeeper thought it over. “Yes. It’s a deal then.”

Worried she’d change her mind, she handed her the money right away.

If those designs were sold to a factory, they’d fetch at least fifty.

With exclusive styles, people would still buy even at higher prices.

Zheng Qingning accepted the money, chose her preferred fabric, and set a time with the shopkeeper before leaving.

It was midday. Many workers were returning home, some riding bicycles, some walking in groups, women hurrying home to cook, and men strolling slowly while chatting.

Zheng Qingning walked among the crowd and, glancing at the Iron and Steel housing compound, finally stepped into a state-owned restaurant.

If she went home, she’d have to cook for everyone and might not even get to eat.

Better to fill up outside first so she’d have the energy to deal with the evening.