USWHC -Chapter 83 Leaving Just Like This? (Part 3)

Five taels, four taels, three taels… not expensive at all. In this remote region, even the best fabrics weren’t that great; they certainly couldn’t compare to what was in the capital. But…

Zhu Jie couldn’t help but sigh, her gaze drifting among the three pieces of clothing. She looked troubled, her hand unconsciously brushing her sleeve, as if something was hidden there.

Without even looking, Ji Yi knew what it was. It was the silver she had just gotten from pawning something. He was slightly surprised—after pawning her belongings, the very first thing she did was come pick out clothes for him?

“I… I really don’t need to buy any clothes!” Ji Yi said softly, but his eyes warmly followed Zhu Jie.

“Then this five-tael one it is!” Zhu Jie bit her lip and finally made a decision. Now she understood the hardship of having no money—every cent was hard-earned! Still, she wanted him to wear something decent.

Ji Yi looked at her suddenly bright smile, radiant as the morning sun. His heart trembled slightly, though he awkwardly said, “You don’t have much money left. Why are you buying this for me?”

“You’ve been so good to me. I’ve been wanting to repay you for a long time!” Zhu Jie said with a smile, holding up the clothes and measuring them against him. She nodded with satisfaction. “It looks good. Don’t be polite.”

“That’s right! Having a wife who cares for you like this, Erhan, you’re lucky!” The old tailor quickly wrapped up the new clothes, as if afraid Zhu Jie might change her mind.

Not only that, the old tailor smiled ingratiatingly and said, “Doesn’t a new bride need a new outfit? We have clothes for new brides here too—brand new, very pretty!” He then picked out a few dresses from the shop.

Indeed, the dresses were quite beautiful. Not made from rare fabrics, but their bright colors and youthful charm made it obvious that Zhu Jie would look wonderful in them even without trying them on.

But Zhu Jie only smiled faintly, took out five taels of silver from her sleeve, and politely handed it over, shaking her head gently. “I have clothes already. Maybe next time!”

“What a good wife!” The old tailor happily took the silver and once again said to Ji Yi, “Erhan, you really must treasure her!”

Ji Yi took the clothes wrapped in oilcloth, dazed, and said, “Those clothes would look really good on you!”

“Forget it, let’s go!” Zhu Jie said decisively, dragging Ji Yi out of the tailor shop without looking back.

Ji Yi’s head stayed lowered as she pulled him through the crowd. He felt like he’d lost his soul, seeing only the clothes in his hands.

After all these years… could he say she was the only one who ever bought clothes for him? After all these years… could he say she was the only one who ever cared for him?

Not for any reason, not for any gain—just care for the sake of caring! The path ahead suddenly seemed blurred. He quickly lifted his head, looking at the bright sunlight, and gave a genuine smile.

“Want some buns?” A clear voice suddenly rang in his ear. Somehow, they had already arrived in front of the bun shop. Zhu Jie was looking at him expectantly, as if waiting for him to speak.

“If you want to eat, then let’s eat!” Ji Yi said cheerfully.

“I do!” Zhu Jie laughed aloud too, both of them so happy. “I also want some plain noodles!”

“Alright, let’s get it all!” A few buns, a bowl of noodles—perhaps that’s enough for simple happiness.

Suddenly, Ji Yi jumped up. “You eat here first, I’ll be right back!” Without warning, he ran off, but after a few steps, he returned, panting, and instructed, “Don’t wander off—wait right here for me!”

Zhu Jie looked at him in surprise, not understanding why he had suddenly gotten so worked up while eating. Was this… was he rushing to the restroom?

After receiving Zhu Jie’s affirmative nod, Ji Yi ran off again, a strange happiness on his face. Smiling, he ran through the small town, drawing curious looks from many people. Today, he was full of sunshine, unlike anyone had ever seen him before.