Chapter 93 – Collecting the Dress Deposit

In that moment, Xu Jiaojiao was filled with energy. She sat down at the desk, burying herself in work, her hands moving quickly—this was a big client, after all.

In less than an hour, she had completed all the design drafts. Each one was different, but all of them perfectly showcased Xie Xue’s beauty and figure.

Xie Xue flipped through them one by one, with Lin Lin also peeking over her shoulder, the two commenting as they went:

“Really nice, drawn just right.”

Lin Lin teased from the side:
“Xue-jie, haven’t you always complained that Li Lin-ge never has time for you? Once you put these on, won’t he be absolutely bewitched?”

The girls burst into laughter, the room filled with playful chatter.

“How much for these, Jiaojiao?”

Xu Jiaojiao had been pondering how to set the price. The fabric used was minimal, but they still required measurements and bespoke tailoring. Too cheap wouldn’t do, so she decided to quote a higher price and leave room for bargaining.

“Twelve yuan.”

Xie Xue nodded—surprisingly cheap. After all, she usually had her clothes custom-made or bought from boutique shops, which cost far more than this.

Her mother was a businesswoman, their family quite wealthy. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have lived abroad for so many years. To her, twelve yuan wasn’t even enough for her more expensive… accessories.

From her small handbag, she took out a “Big Unity” note (a 100-yuan bill) and handed it over:

“Here. Can you finish one set this week? Remember to bring it to me to check.”

Xu Jiaojiao accepted the money, preparing to give change:
“Yes, I’ll rush one piece this week.”

She handed back sixteen yuan, but Xie Xue waved it off, her eyes gleaming mischievously like a cat:
“Keep it—call it a delivery fee.”

Xu Jiaojiao didn’t refuse. Money offered willingly was always welcome; her job was simply to deliver quality work in return. Smiling, she said:
“Then let me take your measurements.”

“Alright.”

Jiaojiao pulled out her soft measuring tape and carefully took down bust, waist, shoulder, and thigh measurements.

Meanwhile, Lin Lin kept chirping happily from the side, helping to promote her:
“Jie, you don’t know—this comrade’s shop is decorated so beautifully. Plus, there’s this unique fragrance in the air. I can sit there reading for hours.”

Xie Xue gave her a sidelong glance, half-smiling:
“No wonder you haven’t been visiting me lately.”

“Where would I dare? Clearly it’s because you and Li Lin-ge have been so wrapped up in each other.”

Xu Jiaojiao truly felt grateful that Lin Lin had introduced her to this opportunity. She secretly resolved to prepare a small gift for her. Her luck had really been good lately—paying off her debt to Xie Zhi now seemed within reach.

“Miss, young master has returned. Lunch is ready.”

“Okay, we’ll be right there.”

For once, Xie Xue’s expression softened, her tone light and cheerful:
“Jiaojiao, stay and eat lunch with us. Aunt Tian has prepared your share too.”

Jiaojiao didn’t refuse. The group went down the spiral staircase, the hollow glass railings lined with carpet, safe and elegant.

She chose to sit beside Lin Lin at the table. There were only four people at lunch. Across from her sat a man in military uniform—tall, imposing, though still young. Yet his aura was so steady and mature that he seemed almost old-fashioned.

The moment Li Lin saw them, his gaze landed only on his fiancée, a faint smile tugging at his lips:
“Xiaoxue.”

Xie Xue pouted sweetly and threw herself into his arms, closing her eyes as his lips brushed her forehead in a tender, loving kiss. The others were clearly used to such scenes.

Xu Jiaojiao couldn’t help clicking her tongue in surprise. Not so old-fashioned after all—but his aura really was too serious.

At the table, Lin Lin and Jiaojiao ate quietly while Xie Xue did all the talking. Li Lin only responded occasionally, mostly focusing on piling food into her bowl, urging her to eat more.

The affection between them almost overflowed from the table. Jiaojiao finally understood how others must feel watching her and Xie Zhi together—slightly suffocated. She decided then and there: next time, she and Xie Zhi mustn’t be like this in front of family.

“I can’t eat anymore,” Xie Xue pouted, pushing her bowl toward him.

With a doting smile, his stern aura softened. Without hesitation, Li Lin finished the rice from her bowl himself.

Clearly, in his eyes there was only his fiancée; other people held no interest for him.

When Jiaojiao finally left the Xie household, she had never felt the sky so blue. Clutching the big bill in her hands, earned through her own skills, she couldn’t help the rush of emotions inside.

Back at her shop, she finally understood why people always said there was “gold everywhere” in the old days. It really felt true.

The money was almost too easy—her materials probably cost less than ten yuan, and after labor she was making a clean ninety yuan profit.

At a time when monthly wages of fifteen to twenty yuan were already considered good, this was astonishing.

That afternoon, she napped on her sofa with a soft throw blanket that doubled as a shawl. It was so beautiful, it reminded her of the ones sold in Yunnan in her later life.

She quickly fell asleep. After all, earning money made one want to relax. Later, she would head to the post office to collect her parcel.

Last weekend, Xie Zhi had completed a task given by his teacher. This week, there was another. Thankfully, these were all documents—otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to carry them.

Even now, Jiaojiao didn’t know exactly how much her husband earned. She only knew he taught in the village. Teaching was non-negotiable—being a teacher in the countryside meant respect and fewer troubles. But his identity… was still a little complicated.

For now, she chose not to worry. Once he got into university, things would be much better.

At three o’clock sharp, she collected the parcel, about six or seven jin (3–4 kg), and placed it on a seat beside her, ready to head home.

Every evening, Xie Zhi would meet her at the village entrance. He carried the parcel onto his bicycle with one hand, and with the other, gently took hers as they walked together into the sunset.

Unable to hold it in, Jiaojiao swayed their hands and spoke, her eyes bright like stars, her gaze making him feel like her whole world was him:
“Hubby, I made more money today—one hundred yuan! She ordered seven dresses all at once. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Even Xie Zhi, who already admired her abilities, was impressed. He had known Jiaojiao was capable, but hadn’t expected her to make money so quickly:
“Remarkable. Our Jiaojiao is amazing.”

He praised her simply and directly. Jiaojiao blushed, leaning her head against him shyly:
“I made ninety yuan this month, after deducting costs.”

He kissed the top of her head, his voice low and rich, tinged with warmth and allure:
“So wonderful.”