Chapter 24

“How dare you talk to my sister-in-law like that?” the platon leader immediately reprimanded the sales clerk.

The sales clerk sneered. “What kind of nonsense is this?”

Although Su Qianqian carried herself with a refined demeanor and had a charming look, her worn-out clothes—complete with patches—gave away her rural background. She hadn’t had the time to buy new clothes and figured her old ones would suffice for now, but it led to being judged by someone with sharp, condescending eyes.

She stopped the platon leader from arguing further, calmly pulling out a fifty-yuan note and placing it on the counter. “Give me my change.”

The sales clerk was stunned—she could actually afford it.

Still, her expression remained sour as she lazily fetched the Vanishing Cream, slamming it onto the counter before handing back the change.

Su Qianqian pocketed the cream without a word. She couldn’t be bothered to argue. In this era, customer service wasn’t a priority, and sales clerks enjoyed privileged jobs. No matter their attitude, if you wanted to buy something, you had to put up with it.

However, she thought to herself, in a few years, when private enterprises rise, these jobs won’t be so enviable anymore.

After a brief stroll through the department store, she left with only a box of Vanishing Cream and a bag of White Rabbit candies. From there, she headed to a state-owned restaurant for a meal.

The platon leader insisted on paying for lunch himself. Unable to argue further, she made him promise to come over for dinner the next day.

After eating, they went to purchase groceries.

With so much to buy, both of them ended up carrying heavy bags.

While walking, Su Qianqian’s bag accidentally brushed against a woman’s skirt.

“Hey, watch it! You touched me, and now I’m filthy!” the woman snapped.

“What are you staring at? Do you know how expensive this skirt is? You’ve dirtied it, and there’s no way you can afford to pay for it!”

Su Qianqian chuckled in exasperation. She stopped, turned around, and retorted sarcastically, “Ma’am, are you blaming me for your dirty skirt? Are you trying to extort me? My bag is perfectly clean—it’s obvious to anyone with eyes.”

“What did you call me? Ma’am?!” The woman was furious. She had long, wavy hair, a flawlessly made-up face, and was dressed in expensive clothes. Clearly, she was wealthy—and equally clearly, not someone easy to deal with.

But Su Qianqian was polite and unafraid.

“Well, what else should I call you? Auntie? You’re not quite that old yet—‘Ma’am’ suits you.”

“Where did this country bumpkin come from, daring to talk to my wife like that? Are you looking for trouble?” The man next to the woman spoke up, his gaze hostile.

The woman was accompanied by two people—a middle-aged man and an older woman, who seemed to be a servant.

The platon leader was about to intervene, but Su Qianqian stopped him. She wanted to handle this herself.

“Oh? Bullying people with your status, are you? Playing the capitalist game? Fine. Tell me who you are, and I’ll report you—report you for oppressing civilians! For acting like a capitalist tyrant!” Her expression turned cold, and her eyes sharp. She stood tall and unyielding.

The commotion quickly drew a crowd. Some onlookers pointed and whispered, clearly finding the elegantly dressed woman unreasonable. Even if someone accidentally brushed against her, a simple apology should suffice—there was no need to act so arrogant.

“Let everyone here be the judge! Is my cloth bag dirty? Is her skirt dirty?” Su Qianqian asked loudly.

The crowd scrutinized the woman’s skirt. Annoyed by their stares, the woman waved dismissively. “Forget it, forget it. Just consider it my bad luck to encounter a mad dog today.” She turned to leave.

But Su Qianqian wasn’t letting her off that easily. She stepped forward and grabbed the woman’s arm. “Clarify your words. Mad dog? Are you talking about yourself?”

“Let go of me! Don’t touch me with your filthy hands!” The woman glared with disgust.

“My hands? Filthy?” Su Qianqian held them up for everyone to see. Her hands were clean, well-maintained, and nails neatly trimmed—no trace of dirt.

The onlookers agreed that her hands were not dirty.

“Or do you think I’m dirty just because I’m from the countryside? What’s the matter? You look down on rural folks? The food you eat comes from us rural people. If you think we’re dirty, stop eating it! Drink dew every day instead. What’s with the arrogance? Do you think you’re some kind of fairy?”

Her words left the woman red-faced and speechless.

“Does everyone think she’s got a problem? Shouldn’t we investigate her background? Isn’t this exactly how capitalists behaved back then?” Su Qianqian continued, her voice cutting.

“What nonsense are you spouting? I’m not like that!” The woman panicked. She absolutely could not afford to be labeled as such. Though the times were no longer as harsh as before, people’s mindsets still carried echoes of the old ways.

She clicked away quickly in her small heels, afraid that this crazy woman might stir up more trouble.

Seeing her leave, Su Qianqian let it go, clapped her hands, and turned to leave as well.

“Sister-in-law, you’re amazing! You left her speechless!” the platon leader said, his face full of admiration.

“We were in the right. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Who does she think she is, anyway? She seemed pretty influential—don’t you know her?”

The platon leader shook his head. “I don’t usually interact much with high-society people, so I’m not sure.”

“Then forget it. Doesn’t matter,” Su Qianqian said dismissively.

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When they returned home, Cheng Yue saw them walking in, chatting and laughing, and felt a little puzzled.

How does she get along so effortlessly with everyone?

She only ever smiled at other men, while her attitude toward him was cold as ice.

“You bought so much stuff?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ll give you a detailed expense report later,” Su Qianqian replied casually. She figured since they were heading for divorce, it was best to keep things clear and separate.

Cheng Yue frowned. She was really planning to be that meticulous with him? He had only asked out of curiosity.

“Kids, Mommy bought you some White Rabbit candies! Come over!”

The three little ones dashed over. When they saw the candies, their eyes sparkled with delight, and the youngest, Sanya, even started drooling.

“You little glutton, you’re drooling!” Su Qianqian laughed, wiping Sanya’s mouth. “Here, each of you can have one for now.”

Sanya blushed, embarrassed. She took the candy with a look of reverence, as if it were a treasure. She had never tasted White Rabbit candies before, only heard people say they were delicious, fragrant, and sweet.

They unwrapped the candies carefully, but instead of popping them into their mouths, they tentatively licked them first, savoring every bit.

“Eat it! Don’t hide it away—it’ll melt and attract ants. If you finish them, I’ll buy more,” Su Qianqian said gently.

Children who had never had such treats often tried to hoard them, but it was wasteful when the candies ended up spoiled. Better to eat them now and enjoy.

“platon leader, take some back for your kids,” Su Qianqian said, handing five candies to the platon leader.

“No, no, that’s not necessary!” platon leader protested, flustered.

“Don’t be polite. You helped me out all day. This is for your kids—don’t refuse.” Su Qianqian insisted, pressing the candies into his hand and shooing him out the door. “And don’t forget to come for dinner tomorrow, or I’ll have Captain Cheng punish you.”

After closing the door, she returned to sort the groceries. While she was organizing, she noticed Cheng Yue staring at the White Rabbit candies in her hand.

“Do you want one?” she asked.

Cheng Yue shook his head. “Aren’t you going to eat any?”

“You just reminded me!” Su Qianqian exclaimed, quickly unwrapping one and popping it into her mouth. The rich, creamy flavor spread instantly—candies from this time were authentically delicious, not like the watered-down versions of later years.

Her face lit up with pleasure as she savored the candy. Her rosy lips puckered slightly, and every now and then, she’d stick out her tongue to lick them. The sight made Cheng Yue’s mouth go dry.

If she’s going to eat, just eat. Why does she have to do it so… enticingly?