Chapter 33 Why is she so nice to him?

The tailor shop Liu Xuemei recommended wasn’t far from the supply and marketing cooperative. Before long, Ji Tangtang and Gu Shiyu arrived. Ji Tangtang steadied the bicycle, planning to carry Gu Shiyu in as she had before.

Blushing, Gu Shiyu said, “I think my legs have some sensation now. Maybe you can just support me?”

“All right!” Ji Tangtang agreed. A grown man could not always be carried like a princess; he needed some dignity.

She carefully supported him and slowly helped him move into the tailor shop. The Qingling Fruit had restored some feeling to his legs, but his injuries were severe, and a single fruit’s spiritual energy was far from enough. Every few steps were still a struggle for Gu Shiyu.

Ji Tangtang never showed impatience or annoyance, simply supporting him as they made their way inside.

The old tailor, seeing them, brought over a chair and helped Ji Tangtang seat Gu Shiyu. “Young man, you’re injured?”

Ji Tangtang took out a handkerchief and wiped his sweat. “Yes, he’s a soldier. He got injured while in the military, and his body hasn’t fully recovered.”

Hearing that he was a soldier, the old tailor’s expression turned respectful. He gave Gu Shiyu a thumbs-up and looked at Ji Tangtang. “This is your beloved? She’s a good comrade, very considerate of you.”

Gu Shiyu felt a little embarrassed and took the handkerchief from her to wipe his own sweat. “We came to the city today to get our marriage certificate.”

“Congratulations! Happy marriage!” the old tailor smiled warmly. “Are you here to have wedding clothes made?”

Gu Shiyu nodded.

Ji Tangtang took the fabric from the sack. “Use this white twill to make shirts. One for him, one for me. This blue fabric—will it be enough for a coat?”

“Let me measure!” The tailor took a soft measuring tape, measuring Gu Shiyu while speaking to Ji Tangtang. “Your man is very tall, but also so thin.”

“That’s true. After he returned injured, he didn’t eat well at home,” Ji Tangtang explained. “I hope after we’re married, I can help him get stronger.”

“You’re a virtuous woman. I’m sure you’ll take good care of him,” the tailor said, but it didn’t distract her from the task at hand.

“Since your man is tall, he’ll use more fabric. But he’s thin, so we can save a bit. A shirt alone will take at least seven and a half chi; this white fabric is just enough for his shirt, with a little leftover.”

The tailor measured the remaining fabrics. “The yellow fabric is a bit short, but we can combine it with the white for a contrasting shirt. Nothing wasted.”

Ji Tangtang nodded. “Do as you suggest.”

Looking at the last two pieces, the tailor said, “This red fabric isn’t much either. How about making a dress for you? It’ll be perfect for when it gets warm. This blue twill can be paired with Dacron to make a set.”

Ji Tangtang agreed to the tailor’s plan. She didn’t have much twill, but plenty of Dacron. She had brought all the fabric she gave Xu Guifen yesterday. Comparing the family members’ heights, she decided to make sets of clothes for Ji Changming and the others with the remaining Dacron.

“Master, our wedding is on the 30th. Could you finish these clothes in time?”

The old tailor adjusted his glasses. “Yes, I’ll work on it over the next couple of days. It won’t affect your wedding.”

“Thank you!” Ji Tangtang handed over the payment. “How much in total?”

“For shirts, it’s 1.4 each. You each need one shirt, that’s 2.8. Your dress has a more complex design, so the labor is 3…”

The tailor explained the different costs based on style, and the total came to 11 yuan.

After paying, Ji Tangtang left with Gu Shiyu, thinking about where to wait for her next errand. She didn’t plan to return to the village immediately. Besides meeting Liu Xuemei, she also wanted to visit the black market for more fabric. She had thought she had enough, but making the clothes revealed otherwise.

From the back seat, Gu Shiyu’s voice spoke up, “Do you have any other plans?”

Ji Tangtang looked back. “Do you need something? Just say it, don’t be shy.”

“If it’s convenient, could you take me to the public security bureau? I want to see a comrade,” Gu Shiyu said.

Ji Tangtang felt light-hearted. “Sure. How long will it take? I have a few errands; I’ll come pick you up after.”

“You go ahead. Come for me after your tasks are done,” he said.

Ji Tangtang glanced at him again, thinking perhaps he was deliberately cooperating with her.

Meeting her gaze, Gu Shiyu felt slightly uneasy. “Watch ahead, ride carefully.”

Ji Tangtang rode the bicycle toward the public security bureau without asking further. Upon arrival, she took a small bag from her cross-body cloth bag and handed it to him. “There’s money, tickets, and some snacks. If I don’t come by at noon, have your comrade get lunch for you.”

Gu Shiyu looked at the bag. She truly intended to take care of him. After being injured and paralyzed, all the women who used to fawn over him disappeared, and even his parents treated him poorly… Why was she being so kind? What had he done to deserve this?

“Here, take it. Don’t be shy,” Ji Tangtang said with a smile. “The money and tickets are yours.” She had also added a few wild fruits.

Gu Shiyu’s eyes turned slightly red. “Thank you!”

“This is nothing, why thank me?”

She asked, “Do you want me to support you like before?”

He nodded. “Sorry to trouble you.”

“Have you always been this polite to people?” Ji Tangtang asked casually as she helped him into the bureau.

“Not really,” Gu Shiyu replied slowly. He tried to use his legs as much as possible, but they were still weak. He was essentially being carried forward by her. It was exhausting, but Ji Tangtang didn’t even break a sweat and could still chat with him.

“So, you’re only this polite with me?” Gu Shiyu thought, admiring once again just how strong she was. He suspected that even before he was injured, he might not have been able to match her strength.