Chapter 28: The couple is such a perfect match!

Jiang Hongmei nodded excitedly: “I asked. That oil is at least 32 cents a catty.”

Shen Sisi’s pupils widened. She had expected coconut oil to be cheaper, but not this much cheaper far exceeding her expectations. 

She had specifically inquired at the supply and marketing cooperative; soybean oil was 74 cents a catty, rapeseed oil was 68 cents, and both required ration coupons.

Cheaper oils existed, but they were undesirable palm oils. Coconut oil was almost nonexistent; the people of Jiangcheng didn’t use it, but some chemical plants did, and they had regular buyers.

Shen Sisi was thrilled: “Great! Please take me there, Sister. I’ll buy ten catties.”

Jiang Hongmei readily agreed: “Sure, but… I’m busy delivering goods.  Let’s go tomorrow.”

Shen Sisi frowned: “Sorry, I forgot you’re busy.  Give me the address; I’ll go myself.”

Jiang Hongmei shook her head repeatedly: “No, those places are full of all sorts of people. I’m not comfortable with you going alone, a young woman.”

So, Sister hadn’t given the address to protect her.

“I’m familiar with the docks; everyone knows me. No one dares to bully me. You, a pretty young woman, even if you aren’t bullied, you could easily be cheated…”

Shen Sisi was touched by her sister’s kindness.  Besides her aunt and Gu Chengfeng, few people had shown her such care and protection, especially considering she had only met her sister twice.

“Thank you, Sister! But I need the oil urgently; tomorrow might be too late… How about this, give me the address, and I’ll find someone to go with me.”

In those days, most people were honest, but there were also those with bad intentions.  The docks, with their diverse ships and people, were particularly complex.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.

“That works!” Jiang Hongmei, busy as she was, didn’t refuse.

“Go to Dock Number Nine and find someone called Brother Dao. Tell him you’re Jiang Hongmei’s sister.”

Shen Sisi carefully noted: “So, Sister, your name is Jiang Hongmei.  A proud and beautiful plum blossom blooming alone… what a lovely name!”

“Oh, Sisi, you can recite poetry!  My name sounds so elegant coming from you…”

Jiang Hongmei smiled broadly, looking at the pretty girl in a white sweater and braided hair, liking her more and more.  She was beautiful, easygoing, and cultured.  She must be married to that tall officer!

“You could ask your husband to go with you. He’s a soldier; with him by your side, who would dare bully you…” Jiang Hongmei joked.

Husband…

A blush crept onto Shen Sisi’s clean face, a shy maiden’s flush. She hurriedly lowered her head to count the money.

“Sister, what are you saying…”

“Oh, you’re shy…” Jiang Hongmei saw her blushing.  She had been the same when she first got married: “A new bride, I understand…”

No, what did Sister understand?

Shen Sisi quickly counted the money for the chicken, placing it in Jiang Hongmei’s hand and giving her a big red apple: “Alright, Sister, you should go…”

Her face flushed, she urged Jiang Hongmei to leave, not daring to look up, afraid someone would notice her unusual behavior.

Jiang Hongmei smiled at Shen Sisi, her gaze like she was admiring a budding camellia.  Then she looked at the young man beside her.  He was indeed outstanding – tall and upright, with handsome features: a high nose bridge, big eyes… he must charm countless girls.  What a perfect couple! Their child would be beautiful too!!!

Shen Sisi, afraid Jiang Hongmei would say something shocking, saw her out personally.  As soon as she turned, her gaze was drawn to Gu Chengfeng.  He was methodically directing Heizi and the others, working efficiently.

Together, they moved the dressing table and double-door wardrobe into Shen Sisi’s large bedroom.  As soon as the wardrobe was in place, Gu Chengfeng had Heizi put the silk bedding, watch, and gold jewelry inside, filling it completely.  Then, the sewing machine was placed in a corner of the living room, against the wall.  When not in use, a cloth could be placed over it, serving as a small table for miscellaneous items.  It could be moved when needed, saving space.

Even after everything was arranged, the living room seemed empty, as if something was missing.  Then, two three-wheeled carts arrived, one after the other, carrying a brand-new red wood sofa and matching coffee table.

She quickly walked to Gu Chengfeng’s side and whispered: “Did you buy this?”

Gu Chengfeng looked at the new sofa, its exquisite craftsmanship and rich color, very satisfied: “Yes, do you like it?”

Shen Sisi was taken aback. Was Gu Chengfeng crazy?  Retrieving the betrothal gifts was one thing, but buying so many things… even a mountain of gold and silver wouldn’t be enough.

“It’s too expensive. The old chairs are fine; why buy new ones?”  She wasn’t being stingy or blaming him, but worried… Gu Chengfeng’s money wasn’t easily earned.

Gu Chengfeng sensed her anger. He was puzzled.  Adding new items to the house and retrieving the betrothal gifts should be cause for celebration, shouldn’t it?

“We’re getting married soon; let’s have something new, for good luck.” Gu Chengfeng reassured her.  He’d already bought them; could Shen Sisi really return them?

The display was grand, unprecedented in the family compound.  A crowd had gathered at the entrance, craning their necks to watch the items being brought in, envious and jealous.

“Tsk tsk, that second-hand woman is really skilled. Look how she’s charmed Commander Gu.”

“Only been here two days, and she’s already emptied Commander Gu’s pockets!”

People sneered at the beautiful and intelligent “second-hand” woman.

Then, a different voice emerged from the crowd.

“Commander Gu is so smart; he wouldn’t take a second-hand woman and buy her so many things… I heard it’s Shen Sisi’s dowry.”

“What? So much?”  That would cost several thousand yuan at least.

“Yeah, otherwise, why would Commander Gu take a second-hand woman?  She must have given him a lot…”

People looked at Shen Sisi with more disdain and disgust.

Shen Sisi stood there, like a target, feeling uncomfortable under their gazes.

“Gu Chengfeng, believe me, within half a day, new rumors will spread throughout the compound.”

Mentioning rumors, Gu Chengfeng’s smile vanished, his knuckles cracking: “Who dares…”

“Gu Chengfeng’s money, I can spend it however I want.  They can’t control me.”

However, gossip was powerful…

Shen Sisi didn’t mind; her reputation was already tarnished.  Gu Chengfeng was different; he had a promising future and could continue to advance.  Speaking of which, she remembered the guard calling Gu Chengfeng “Commander”: “By the way, you’ve been promoted to Commander?”

Gu Chengfeng’s breath hitched, feigning nonchalance: “Yes, Deputy Commander.  The official document just came down; I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet.”

He visibly tensed, his back straightening, afraid Shen Sisi would back down or change her mind because of this.

Sure enough, Shen Sisi fell silent.  She was annoyed, digging her nails into her palm. 

If she had known about the promotion, she would have waited and found a different way to get justice. 

Now, she had offended his superior’s wife, made enemies with his subordinate’s wife, and ruined him!