Chapter - 69 - Scrap Yard
Tang Li had refrained from mentioning her desire for new clothes before arriving at the store with Yi Minghuan. Yet, the fact that he had taken the initiative to shop for her at this moment really touched her deeply.
However, the cost of ready-made clothing and shoes was considerably high. Their current circumstances required them to be frugal, given that they lived on their own, making every penny count.
Despite possessing several hundred yuan—raised by Yi Minghuan—Tang Li was reluctant to spend it on clothing!
In this era, conducting any form of business independently was impossible. Engaging in commerce or trade was akin to selling poison, a grave offense that led to arrest, criticism, and potentially labor reform.
For farmers, the primary means of earning money involved converting work points into grain or monetary vouchers throughout the year.
"Let's pass on these ready-made items; they're too expensive," Tang Li declared as she dragged Yi Minghuan away.
"We need to save money."
Observing her prudent approach to life and her consideration of saving, Yi Minghuan felt a sense of warmth. He couldn't help but express his remorse, "You've married me, we are newlyweds and I should buy you new clothes."
Tang Li was momentarily taken aback by his words, but her joy quickly overcame her surprise.
She responded candidly, "I don't particularly care whether I wear new or old clothes, as long as I have something to wear. We have many expenses ahead, such as building a courtyard wall and a gate, which will be costly."
"We also agreed that you would go to university, and I've heard that textbooks can be very expensive. Let's save for that. I'd also like to buy some medical books to read, but buying them from the bookstore is costly. I heard that there are many books at the scrap yard..."
As she spoke, Yi Minghuan couldn't help but feel an unusual swelling in his chest, a sentiment he struggled to express. He reached out and patted her on the shoulder, but then reconsidered his actions. So, he gently ruffled her hair.
Tang Li, puzzled by his sudden gestures, took a step back. "What are you doing?"
'Again the same killer move! She gets butterflies in her stomach everytime he does this!'
Yi Minghuan was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions, so he swiftly changed the subject. "We'll be going back to your parents' house this afternoon so we should buy some things for them. What do you think we should purchase?"
Tang Li considered their options. "We still have over a dozen city-foot tickets. If we don't use them for fabric, we'll have enough to make two coats. How about we just buy a pound of rock sugar and a pound of eggs?"
Tang Li harbored some reservations about her parents, whom she believed had effectively sold her to support her younger brother. Although the original owner bore no ill will toward her parents, she had reservations about getting too close to them.
As a result, Tang Li preferred to maintain a sense of distance.
Moreover, items like fabric, rock sugar, and eggs were all considered luxury goods, unaffordable to the average person.
Yi Minghuan made a suggestion, "You have a younger brother; why don't we buy some fruits for him?"
Tang Li agreed, recollecting the frail but affectionate boy who had clung to the original owner. She had no objections as it appeared that the siblings had a good relationship.
With a host of items in tow, the pair decided to visit the scrap yard.
Yi Minghuan readily consented, and after receiving directions to the scrap yard, he rode his bicycle with Tang Li as his passenger.
Upon their arrival at the scrap yard, they were greeted by piles of discarded copper and iron, plastic containers, old books and magazines, and an assortment of other objects.
As they waited for the attendant to assist them, their eyes gleamed with delight, as if they had stumbled upon a trove of hidden treasures.
A weathered elderly man, who appeared to be overseeing the recycling center, observed their enthusiasm and inquired, "What are you looking for here?"