Chapter 10

This was the oldest department store in the capital. She had heard that the sales staff here judged people by their clothing, so knowing that she’d be treated poorly if she wore her old clothes from the black market, she had freshened up in her special space, changed into clean clothes, and tied her hair in a high ponytail.

The department store had four floors and a large footprint, considered luxurious for the time. Most people shopping here were from well-off families or young couples shopping for their wedding. When she entered the lobby, she noticed it wasn’t as crowded as the lines at the supply and marketing cooperatives earlier that morning.

Women’s clothing was on the second floor, and as soon as she went up, she saw a dazzling array of garments. Though the popular colors of the time were gray, black, and white, the department store was at the forefront of fashion, with a good selection of styles. She even spotted some wide-leg pants tucked away in a corner, though they hadn’t caught on yet.

She planned to buy a dress since she was going on a date, not to work. A denim-colored dress near the entrance caught her eye. It had a flattering, slightly cinched waist—a rarity among all the loose-fitting styles. She was about to ask a sales clerk to help her try it on when a familiar voice sounded behind her:

“Cong Hao, look at that dress; I really like it.”

She frowned. Wasn’t that Xu Ruhua’s voice? Could she have run into that pair of exes here?

The thought of her ex made her lose all interest in the dress, and she was about to leave when she felt a hand grab her arm.

“Year Year, did you see your sister and not even say hello?” Xu Ruhua’s voice was both taunting and feigned innocence.

Year Year clenched her fist and turned around to see that, indeed, it was her sister and her former fiancé, He Conghao.

Conghao’s gaze on her was complex. He had genuinely liked her once, but she’d always been too bold and sharp for his mother’s liking. She had warned him that Year Year looked seductive and wouldn’t be good for bearing children or doing housework, urging him to be cautious. His initial resistance eventually turned into resignation, and two years later, Xu Ruhua had entered his life.

Seeing her now, he felt as if he was meeting someone from another life. Her features looked even more refined, her almond-shaped eyes still beautiful, and he was reminded of the charm he’d once felt.

Ruhua was surprised when she saw Year Year’s slimmer and healthier appearance, almost showing a trace of elegance. Her smile faded, but she quickly masked it with indifference.

“It’s just that Conghao wanted to buy me something nice, so I had no choice but to come,” she said coyly.

Year Year rolled her eyes. “Is the family too poor to buy you clothes? You’re not even married and already begging for gifts.”

Ruhua’s face stiffened. She had wanted to show off, but her sister had thrown her off completely.

She attempted to counter with a softer tone. “It’s my fault. Just, let’s keep it down here; we don’t want to disturb the others.”

Year Year glanced around at the other shoppers, who all looked proud and at ease, and smirked. “Oh, that smell—Sis, when’s the last time you brushed your teeth?”

Ruhua panicked, breathing into her hand to check. Toothpaste was costly at one yuan a tube, and she had only rinsed with salt water that morning. “There’s no smell,” she muttered, then saw Year Year grinning mischievously and realized she’d been tricked.

Ruhua angrily raised her hand to slap her. “You dare mess with me?” she snapped, accidentally using an old phrase from her past life. But Year Year quickly caught her wrist, steady as a rock.

Ruhua immediately regretted her slip-up and anxiously glanced at Conghao, afraid he’d misunderstand.

Year Year gave her a slight shove, releasing her wrist. “Dear sister, go back to playing the part of the gentle lady. Don’t forget how you used to hit me when no one was watching.” She lifted her sleeve to reveal a slight bruise, giving Conghao a small, meaningful glance before walking away.

As she left, Ruhua, unable to maintain her composure, shouted, “That’s a lie!” Her face contorted, betraying her frustration. She glanced at Conghao, whose expression was conflicted. Having grown up with Year Year, he couldn’t believe she’d lie about something like that.

Feeling pleased with her strategic jab, Year Year continued shopping, admiring the quality of the department store’s clothes. She finally chose a stylish dress with intricate ruffles at the collar and sleeves, and a vintage Hong Kong-inspired design. She wished she could curl her hair into soft waves to complete the look, but she knew that would draw too much attention.

The price of the dress, 20 yuan, was breathtakingly high, equivalent to a month’s salary for an average worker.