"Mom, does a television cost a lot of money?" Rui Rui's eyes brightened at Chen Lishu's mention of buying one, then his brow furrowed.
"Why do you ask?" Chen Lishu smiled.
"Bai Er Pang said that to buy their television, their family hadn't eaten meat for a long time. His parents said they had to tighten their belts."
Although he really wanted to watch TV, he hesitated again at the thought of not being able to eat meat anymore.
Seeing his conflicted little expression, the couple couldn't help but chuckle.
Gu Xingdong said with a laugh, "Don't worry, son. Even if we buy a TV, you'll still get to eat meat."
Hearing Gu Xingdong say that, Rui Rui's little shoulders relaxed, and he finally let out a sigh of relief.
The family was enjoying themselves, but Wang Aixiang was a bit worried. Ever since Jin Kun had visited the shop during the day, she had been uneasy.
These people dared to do anything. Who knew if they were coming to seek revenge on Chen Lishu? Because of her worry, she barely ate dinner.
After much hesitation, she finally decided to call Chen Lishu to see what she meant.
After dinner, Chen Lishu was washing dishes when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. She didn't know what Gu Xingdong said to the person, but the door was quickly closed again.
"Who was just here?" Chen Lishu asked curiously when Gu Xingdong came in.
"Wang Aixiang called and asked for you," Gu Xingdong said, rolling up his sleeves. "I'll wash, you go quickly."
Chen Lishu wiped her hands, wondering why Wang Aixiang would be looking for her so late.
Having a telephone at home wasn't something anyone could just do; it required approval according to one's rank. Fortunately, the military had a good system. Last year, a reception room was set up specifically for the families' living quarters, where families could make or receive calls when needed.
When Chen Lishu arrived, she dialed Wang Aixiang's number. Sure enough, the call was answered not long after.
"Lishu? Jin Kun came to the shop this morning. Do you know who Jin Kun is? Yes, he said he'd come again tomorrow morning since you weren't there. Could he be looking for revenge? Hmm, he seemed polite, yes, he left after only a few words. Oh, alright, I'll wait for you at the shop tomorrow."
After hanging up, as Chen Lishu walked out of the reception room, she saw a blurry figure not far away. He stood tall and straight, like the row of poplar trees behind him.
"Aren't you supposed to be washing dishes at home? Why did you come over?" Chen Lishu quickened her steps.
"It's dark, and I can't let my beautiful wife be alone."
Chen Lishu playfully hit his arm, "You're so indecent all the time."
Gu Xingdong reached out, "Why be formal with your own wife?"
Chen Lishu obediently placed her hand in his palm, and they walked back together. "Aren't you afraid of being seen and causing a bad impression now?"
Gu Xingdong suddenly leaned into her ear and said triumphantly, "They can't see as well as I can."
Chen Lishu couldn't help but laugh.
In the distance, the crescent moon cast a silver lining on the night clouds, and its clear radiance fell upon their shoulders. A breeze swept by, and the poplar trees on either side rustled in accompaniment.
The next day, after breakfast, Chen Lishu reminded Rui Rui and the Wang brothers not to wander off and then took a bus to the city.
Jin Kun arrived at the shop almost at the exact same time as the previous day. As soon as he entered, he saw a young woman sitting behind the counter. Her black hair was neatly tied in a bun at the back of her head, revealing a smooth, full forehead. As she was looking down, he couldn't see her face clearly, but Jin Kun guessed she might be Chen Lishu.
Wang Aixiang was wiping the counter. When she looked up and saw him enter, she nudged Chen Lishu.
Chen Lishu looked up. The first time she saw Jin Kun, only one word came to her mind: ordinary. He was the kind of person you'd forget instantly in a crowd. Dressed in a navy blue outfit, he looked at her and said, "Chen Lishu?"
Chen Lishu nodded.
Jin Kun glanced in Wang Aixiang's direction, then his gaze returned to Chen Lishu. "Can we talk privately for a moment?"
Chen Lishu turned her head, "Auntie Aixiang, could you please close the shop for a bit?"
Watching Wang Aixiang go to close the door, Chen Lishu said to Jin Kun, "What is it you wanted to say?"
"I assume you know why I'm here?"
Chen Lishu shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure."
Jin Kun looked at her and gave a slight smile. It was the first time anyone had spoken to him in such a tone. It seemed she knew perfectly well but was waiting for him to say it himself.
"My brother Zhao Liang might have had a bad attitude when he came to your shop the other day. I owe you a favor for that," Jin Kun said directly.
Chen Lishu looked at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Every time she thought that all this trouble was caused by Zhao Hong, and that she was still running her shop perfectly fine, Chen Lishu felt a pang of injustice.
"Naturally, I have no deep-seated hatred for Zhao Liang. Whether he threatened me or even tried to smash up my shop, I know it was all Zhao Hong's idea."
Jin Kun waited for her to continue.
"Have you met Zhao Hong's previous husband?"
Jin Kun's face instantly darkened, and his gaze turned sharp. "What are you implying?"
Seeing his reaction, Chen Lishu knew he was still in the dark and knew nothing. So, she simply explained the situation in a few words.
"Believe it or not, I'm here to do business and want to prosper through good relations. Since you've come to me today, I can give you face. However, the person involved has shown no remorse for this matter at all. If it were you, how would you feel?"
Jin Kun's gaze, like that of a falcon, remained fixed on her. Chen Lishu did not flinch, meeting his gaze directly and frankly.
After a while, Jin Kun said faintly, "I understand."
"Auntie Aixiang, please go to the Public Security Bureau on Youyi Road. Since there was no loss to the shop, withdraw the case. Also, please convey our thanks to Officer Yang and the others. We've caused them trouble these past couple of days."
As Jin Kun left, his gaze lingered on Chen Lishu for another moment. "If you need anything in the future, just ask." Since Chen Lishu was willing to show him face, he wouldn't be unreasonable.
Leaving the shop, Jin Kun paused at the doorway. He took a cigarette from his pocket, placed it in his mouth, lit it, and took a deep drag. Turning, he headed towards 'Xiao Hong' Clothing Store. The two shops were not far apart. When he reached the entrance, the cigarette was only half smoked. Jin Kun threw it on the ground, casually crushed it with his foot, and then stepped into the store.
Zhao Hong was sitting behind the counter knitting a sweater. Seeing him enter, she hastily put her things away in the counter, forcing a smile. "Why do you have time to visit today?"
Jin Kun pretended not to notice her small actions. "Go and close the shop door. I need to ask you something."
Zhao Hong frowned. "Just say what you need to. There's no one else in the shop now anyway."
Jin Kun's eyes suddenly turned sharp. "Just go and do it!"