The next afternoon …
Tian Xiner entered Mi Xaing 'er's room. She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door. "Xiang' er, I want to have a word with you."
Mi Xaing 'er waved at her. "Come in and talk."
"Let's talk outside."
Yun Jingting frowned when she heard this. "Comrade Xiao Tian, what are you up to this time?"
Tian Xiner straightened her neck. "I'm not. This has nothing to do with Ni Dahai."
She really couldn't keep secrets. She confessed everything after being asked a simple question. "I want Mi Xaing 'er to come to my house to look at some clothes. Aren't I going to watch a ballet performance tonight? I don't know what to wear. My brother doesn't care about these things. I asked him, and he said anything."
Yun Jingting raised her eyebrows and smiled. "How can your brother be wrong? Since he said so, then everything is fine."
Tian Xiner blinked her big eyes. "But my sister-in-law said that ballet is a cultural and classy art. I have to wear something to watch a ballet performance."
Yun Laohu waved his hand and interrupted her.
He didn't like Jiang Tingting, who was a ballet dancer, so he didn't recognize the "artistic" quality of ballet. "If you ask me, the clothes you usually wear are pretty good. Don't listen to other people's nonsense."
Mi Xaing 'er saw Tian Xiner's expression and knew that she was very serious about tonight's performance.
She could only take over the conversation. "Let's go. I'll help you pick out some clothes."
The two of them arrived at the Tian residence.
Tian Xin 'er opened the wardrobe. Not only were there a few sets of national costumes, but there was also a row of fashionable dresses. They were colorful and luxurious. At first glance, she could tell that they were expensive. There were four or five shoe boxes under the dresses. Judging from the color, they matched the dresses.
In that era, it was quite luxurious to have such a wardrobe.
Mi Xaing 'er looked back at her in surprise. "Oh, these clothes and shoes are all new. Why haven't I seen you wear them before? Look, they're all new this year, right?"
The Tian Xiner squinted her eyes and smiled so happily that her black eyes could not be seen. Only two rows of white teeth could be seen. "These were all bought by my brother. If I didn't like them, he would buy more and more. That's why I look like this."
She touched the dresses one by one and sighed softly. "But I won't wear it even if I buy it. What a waste of money. I'm really not used to wearing Han Chinese clothes. Also, the color and style of these clothes are a little too … I've observed the people around me. Everyone is wearing plain clothes. If I wear this out, they will definitely look at me."
Oh
So Tong Che bought it.
Well, no wonder.
Tong Che came from a wealthy family and had stayed abroad for so many years. Of course, he was picky about the style and quality of clothes.
It seemed that he treated Tian Xiner extraordinarily well. Not only did he want to know the details of her life, but he also personally bought clothes for her. He even matched the shoes for her. What's more, even if Tian Xiner did not wear them and only hung the clothes in the wardrobe, he still bought them without hesitation.
Mi Xaing 'er thought about it. Perhaps even Yun Jingting was not as patient and gentlemanly as Tong Che.
Yun Laohu was not bad either. However, he was born in the military and was used to being careless. He did not know how to shop and pick out clothes for a woman. In his heart, he thought that his wife looked good no matter what she wore. There was no need for him to worry about her.
Tong Che was different. Compared to Mi Xaing 'er, Tian Xiner did not have any taste in fashion. Therefore, she needed more guidance and care in this area.
For example, at this moment, when faced with a wardrobe full of clothes, she did not know what to wear.
Mi Xaing 'er picked out a long floral dress. The dress was knee-length, had a small V-neck, princess sleeves, and a small belt of the same color around the waist. She also picked out a pair of white leather shoes with a shallow neckline and high heels. "Here, I think this dress is not bad."
Tian Xiner stared with her big clear eyes. "Isn't the neckline too revealing?"
She slapped her thigh. "That's right. I still have the silver necklace I brought from home. If I wear it, it will cover it."
Mi Xaing 'er quickly interrupted her. "Your silver necklace from the Miao tribe is really beautiful. The workmanship is good and the style is beautiful. However, it doesn't suit this dress. Besides, the neckline is not big. Didn't you ask for my opinion? Then you should listen to me and let me see."
Tian Xiner was at her wit's end. Since she was the one who asked for it, of course she had to respect her opinion.
She reluctantly turned her back and took off her original Miao tribe dress. She changed into a fashionable dress and stood to the side unnaturally. Her limbs were slender, her waist was slim, and her exposed skin was as smooth and white as milk. The neckline was slightly loose, inadvertently revealing half of her delicate collarbone, which made her even more charming.
It was said that clothes made the man.
With such a simple change of clothes, Tian Xiner immediately changed from a simple mountain girl to a slender and elegant young lady. She was so beautiful that people could not take their eyes off her.
Mi Xaing 'er took half a step back, squinted her eyes, and sized her up carefully. "If you ask me, this dress really suits you. Your brother has good taste. However, with your hair tied up in a braid, it doesn't suit this dress. You have to change your hairstyle."
Ah …
Tian Xiner was a little uneasy. "I've always combed my hair like this since I was young. How can I change it?"
Mi Xaing 'er was closer to her, so she naturally spoke directly. "Just listen to me."
She sat her down in a chair, quickly undid her braid, and let her hair down. Her thick and black hair fell to her waist like a waterfall. "Your hair is good. What do you use to wash it?"
Tian Xiner looked at her face in the mirror. "My mom made me a special shampoo with Chinese soap. Do you want it? I'll give you some later."
Mi Xaing 'er hesitated for a moment, and then she brushed all her black hair over her left shoulder and casually let it fall to her chest.
Tian Xiner was already fair, and her eyes were dark. With her hair down, the contrast between her black and white hair made her look like a little fairy.
She turned her head to look at herself in the mirror and was a little surprised. "Is this still me?"
Mi Xaing 'er nodded in satisfaction. "In my opinion, you don't need to wear makeup. You're naturally beautiful. You're born with red lips and white teeth. That's good."
“”
Tong Che's footsteps sounded in the courtyard. A neighbor greeted her warmly.
"Teacher Tong, you're back."
"Yes. Aunt Wu is cooking."
Tian Xiner heard the familiar and sexy voice and immediately wanted to take off her clothes in a hurry.
Mi Xaing 'er stopped her. "What are you doing? Don't worry. You look beautiful in this. Besides, didn't your brother buy these clothes? Aren't you going to watch a play with him tonight? Since you're already dressed, why don't you just show him?"
Tian Xiner touched her exposed neck and subconsciously stood behind the door, as if she wanted to hide herself. "I'm not used to this. It feels empty."
As soon as she finished speaking.
Tong Che entered the door and saw Mi Xaing 'er first. "Xiao Mi is here. You …"
He glanced at Tian Xiner from the corner of his eye and the rest of his sentence was stuck in his throat. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he immediately looked down. When he looked up again, his eyes were as clear as before. "Hey, Xiner, you look good in this."
Tian Xiner seemed to regain her confidence when she heard this. She straightened her back slightly.
Tong Che still saw her uneasiness and encouraged her calmly. "You should have dressed like this long ago. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I thought that since you're in the provincial capital, you should try more of the clothes and food here. That way, you can slowly integrate into society and have your own circle of life."
He turned to Mi Xaing 'er and lowered his head like a gentleman. "Xiao Mi, thank you. Xiner is really lucky to have a good friend like you. She seems to have become much more cheerful since she moved to the provincial capital."
Mi Xaing 'er smiled and did not stand on ceremony.
Tian Xiner suddenly let out an "ouch" and covered her right eye with one hand. She kept muttering under her breath, "Ouch, my eyelid keeps twitching. Every time my left eye twitches, I'll be in trouble. Every time my eyelid twitches, something bad will happen. I might as well not go out today. I can't go anywhere."
She took the opportunity to spit on the ground. "Ptui, ptui. Bad things don't work, good things work!"
She quickly ran to the table and tore off a small piece of newspaper. She put it to her lips and licked it until it was wet. She then placed it on her eyelid. With her eyes half-closed and her head half-raised, she looked ridiculous.
Mi Xaing 'er was almost amused. "I should go. You can stay at home and play by yourself. Let me remind you that the ballet starts at 7: 30. If you want to go, then go. If you don't want to go, then forget it."
Tong Che smiled and nodded. He walked Mi Xaing 'er out of the courtyard before returning to the room. He sat on the chair and quietly watched Tian Xiner.
Tian Xiner stood awkwardly in the room. She did not even look at Tong Che. She rubbed her hands on her skirt and awkwardly moved them to her collar. She kept tugging here and there.
Tong Che saw her like this and tried hard to hold back his laughter. "What's wrong? Do you have lice on your body?"
Tian Xiner muttered softly, "Do you feel uncomfortable wearing this? Try it on if you don't believe me."
Tong Che glanced at her fair and tender feet from the corner of his eyes. He then glanced at the shoes beside him. "The floor is cold. Put on your shoes."
Tian Xiner did as she was told. As soon as she put on her shoes, she lost her balance and fell forward two steps.
Tong Che hurriedly stood up from the chair. He did not dare to help her and only leaned half of his body against her.
Tian Xiner grabbed his arm and steadied her body.
She kicked the shoes away like a child in a fit of pique. "I'm never wearing this thing again!"
Tong Che was good-tempered. "Fine. Don't wear it then."
He looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "So are we going to watch the ballet or not?"
Tian Xiner hesitated.
Tong Che knew that she liked crowds and felt bad that she was cooped up at home all day without any friends. He hoped that she would go out more often. He lowered his head and coughed softly. "Xin 'er, if you're afraid of an unexpected disaster, it's fine if you don't go out. I was thinking of treating you to roast duck on the way."
Roast duck and ballet?
This …
Tian Xiner really could not reject his offer.
She pondered for a moment and tore off a small piece of newspaper. She dipped it in her saliva and stuck it on her eyelids. She looked like she was going to go all out. "Brother, let's go. Two pieces of newspaper can't stop the unexpected disaster."
She took the lead and left the room.
Tong Che smiled happily.
He looked at her slender figure from behind. She was wearing a fashionable floral dress, but she was wearing a pair of old cloth shoes. He did not know why, but it did not look abrupt. Instead, it made her look even more pure.
A light breeze blew.
The hem of the Tian Xiner's dress stuck to her slender legs and naturally outlined her graceful figure. Her thick black hair danced in the wind like thousands of sprites, making people want to touch it.
She suddenly turned around and smiled sweetly. "Brother, hurry up!"
She looked funny and playful with two pieces of newspaper stuck on her eyelids.
Tong Che could not help but smile. He quickened his pace and caught up with her.
The two of them walked side by side. The man was elegant and the woman was beautiful. Along the way, there were always people looking back at them with surprise and envy. Their gazes followed their backs.
They arrived at the roast duck restaurant.
Tong Che ordered half a roast duck and 20 pancakes. He did not eat much himself. He smoked a cigarette and quietly watched the Tian Xiner eat heartily.
The Tian Xiner's mouth was round and round. She did not forget to ask Tong Che, "Brother, why aren't you eating?"
“”
"I'll make one for you."
After she finished speaking, she picked up a large piece of duck meat and rolled it into a "small bun" with soy sauce, shallots, and cucumber. She passed it to Tong Che's mouth. "Okay, eat."
Tong Che put out the cigarette in his hand and conveniently left the butt in the ashtray. "I'm not hungry."
The Tian Xiner lowered the corners of her eyes. "I've heard you say that the most in my life. Brother, I know that you're good to me. All these years, as long as I wanted to eat something, you would leave it for me without even touching it. You spent all your money on me. After we entered the city, you bought so many clothes for me, but you only have two sets of clothes for yourself."
Her voice was low and gentle. "Actually, you don't have to be so good to me. My parents did take care of you, but it was nothing. They didn't ask you to repay them. I …"
Tong Che interrupted her and lamented in his heart, "Xin 'er, I was only in my twenties when I came to your house. At that time, I was arrogant and had a bad temper. I couldn't adapt to the life of a demoted official. I lived with your family for nine years. It was your parents who took good care of me and treated me as family. They accompanied me through so many ups and downs. To be honest, without you, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to get through those days. I'm very grateful.
I want to make sure that you're married off happily and have a man take care of you for the rest of your life. Only then will my responsibility be considered complete. "
She didn't say anything else. She raised her hand and took the biscuit from Tong Che. She took a bite happily and looked back at Tong Che with her bright eyes. "Mmm, it's delicious. It's really delicious!"
After the ballet dance ended …
It was late at night.
Countless moths and insects were flying under the dim yellow street lights. They were as agile as ballet dancers. The dim lights fell on the asphalt road and created faint circles of light, as if they were spotlights on a stage.
The Tian Xiner chuckled and spread her arms. She made two light jumps on the road before turning her head to look at Tong Che. "Brother, look! I can dance too!"
Tong Che replied absent-mindedly. He glanced behind him intentionally. "Xin 'er, it's late. Stop playing. Let's go home."
He raised his hand and pulled her in front of him, "protecting" her step by step.
The Tian Xiner seemed to have sensed something. She turned around to look, but she didn't see anything. "Brother, what's wrong? What happened?"
Tong Che shrugged. "Nothing. Let's go."
The two of them quickly walked home.
At the entrance of the alley …
The street lights were getting dimmer. It was late, and the entire alley was unusually quiet.
The Tian Xiner walked in front, and Tong Che was only half a step behind her. The two of them had just turned a corner when a brick suddenly flew out from the shadows. It whistled through the air and headed straight for the Tian Xiner's head.
The Tian Xiner reacted quickly. She jumped to the side and nimbly dodged the brick. Before she could take a closer look, a masked man jumped out from the corner. He was holding a sinister switchblade and was stabbing at her head.
Tong Che didn't even try to run. He quickly pounced on the sharp knife and spread his arms, using his back to protect the Tian Xiner.
The masked man seemed to be well-trained. He didn't even blink as he nimbly waved the switchblade.
Every move was aimed at the Tian Xiner.
Every move was blocked by Tong Che's body.
The Tian Xiner shouted for help.
Yun Jingting was a soldier, so she was agile. When she heard the commotion, she hurried out of the courtyard. When she saw the scene in front of her, she flew up and started fighting with the masked man.
Mi Xaing 'er also came out. She bent down to check on Tong Che's injuries. She saw a long and deep wound on his forehead. White bone fragments could be vaguely seen in the thick blood. She then looked at his body. His chest and back had been stabbed five or six times.
Tong Che's body gradually went limp. He collapsed to the ground. His throat moved twice, but he didn't say anything.
He closed his eyes weakly.
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