Chapter 76: Cloth, Care, and a Mother’s Love

A few days had passed since Jia Lan completed her college entrance examination, and for once, her mind was free of books, essays, and political theory.

December had arrived in the city like a quiet hush of snow that never quite touched the ground—just a persistent grey sky, chilly winds that carried the scent of coal smoke, and breath that curled visibly in the air.

The Jia family courtyard was coated in frost, the marigolds wilted, and the plum blossom tree near the garden gate now stood bare. Cold wind slipped through the gaps in windowpanes, and everyone had pulled out their winter wear. Still, the mood in the Jia house remained warm and lively—especially with baby Naun giggling through her seventh month and Jia Lan finally breathing freely after her college entrance exams.

That morning, Jia Lan stepped out dressed gracefully against the winter bite. She wore a tailored cinnamon-brown wool coat that fell just below her knees, cinched at the waist with a sash belt. Underneath, a plum-colored turtleneck sweater peeked out, paired with a grey plaid woolen skirt, warm black stockings, and black calf-high leather boots. A hand-knitted beige scarf was loosely wrapped around her neck, and her gloved fingers carried a soft cloth bag. Her hair was braided into a crown and pinned neatly under a dark velvet beret.

Mother Jia stood beside her, equally elegant. She had chosen a classic navy overcoat, her hair coiled into a bun beneath a fur-lined hat. Her boots were polished and sturdy, and her cheeks pink from the cold as she looked at her daughter with pride.

"Don't walk too fast. The steps might be slippery," she said, gently placing a hand on Jia Lan's elbow.

They were headed to the State-Approved Department Store in the city center—a grand establishment with golden signage and glass displays that reflected the street's winter sunlight. This was where high-ranking families and city elites shopped—if their ration slips and money allowed it.

"Mama, we really don't need to go overboard," Jia Lan said, her breath puffing in the cold air. "Just a few essentials…"

"Nonsense," her mother waved her off with amusement. "You've just finished the most important exam of your life. It's December. You're nearly eighteen. Let your mother spoil you."

Inside, the store was warm, lit by golden bulbs and smelling faintly of waxed floors, fresh cotton, and cinnamon candy sold near the cashier. The walls were lined with glass cabinets filled with new season arrivals: qipaos with floral embroidery, wool skirts with box pleats, hand-stitched jackets, and imported scarves. Neatly folded knitwear in soft pastels and earthy tones rested on display tables, while behind the counter stood a row of shoes—leather pumps, oxford boots, and the latest square-heeled Mary Janes.

Jia Lan's eyes sparkled in spite of herself.

"Oh—Mama, look at this!" She pointed toward a fitted ivory wool coat, with hand-sewn buttons shaped like tiny plum blossoms and a subtle lace lining inside the collar. "It's like something from a Shanghai movie."

Mother Jia nodded, already signaling the assistant. "Try it on. Don't even argue."

Moments later, Jia Lan emerged from the changing room, the coat wrapping her like a snow maiden, her skin glowing under the soft lighting. The assistant clasped her hands in admiration.

"Young miss looks like a painting," she said.

Jia Lan flushed a little. "It's really expensive though…"

"You'll wear it every winter for years," Mother Jia countered firmly. "And besides, you look too beautiful in it not to own it."

Then came the shoes. Jia Lan was drawn to a pair of dark brown leather ankle boots with soft rounded toes and a small heel—practical, warm, and stylish. But just as she decided on those, she also spotted a more extravagant pair of burgundy patent-leather pumps with a satin bow on top.

"These are too much," Jia Lan muttered.

"You'll wear them to events. Family banquets. Even weddings. Every girl needs a pair of 'just because' shoes," her mother said.

They continued, selecting a few woolen high-neck sweaters in pastel tones, a velvet skirt in forest green, a light blue qipao with white floral embroidery, and a blush pink padded lounge robe for winter nights.

"Mama… this is almost seven or eight sets of clothing!" Jia Lan laughed nervously, trying to shield her mother's view of the growing pile.

"Yes, and you deserve all of it," Mother Jia said calmly, handing over the necessary ration coupons and cash. "Stop fretting. If your father complains, I'll remind him how much money we saved not hiring tutors for your exam."

Jia Lan beamed, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Mama."

As they walked out, cloth bags full and cheeks pink from the heated store, Mother Jia looped her arm through her daughter's.

"You work hard, Lan'er. You're graceful, polite, and bright. As long as we're alive, you won't lack for anything. So don't argue when we want to give you something. Just accept it."

"I will," Jia Lan whispered.

By the time Jia Lan and her mother returned home, the sun had begun to dip low in the winter sky. A pale golden haze filtered through the trees, casting long shadows along the courtyard tiles. The cold air nipped at their cheeks, but both were warmed from the laughter they shared on the tram ride back.

As soon as they stepped inside, a faint smell of stew and steamed buns welcomed them.

"Back already?" Father Jia's voice called out from the living room, where he was sipping hot tea while bouncing baby Naun gently on his knees.

"We were gone for hours!" Mother Jia answered as she began removing her gloves. "And you won't believe how expensive shoes have gotten these days."

"Then you must've bought the entire store," Father Jia said with a grin, glancing at the number of bags in their hands.

Jia Wei came in from the kitchen just in time to catch a glimpse of his sister stepping in, arms full.

"Did you get married off while we weren't looking?" he teased. "Why else would you come home with a dowry's worth of clothing?"

"Second Brother!" Jia Lan huffed, setting down the bags. "It's not that much…"

Jia Zhe peeked in from the study with a raised brow. "Lan'er, your closet is going to need an expansion at this rate."

"I tried to stop her," Jia Lan insisted, pointing toward her smiling mother.

Mother Jia removed her coat and said proudly, "Nonsense. My daughter is worth every yuan."

Just then, baby Naun let out a joyful squeal and reached her chubby hands toward Jia Lan, wriggling in her father's arms.

"Ah, look at her," Jia Lan cooed, walking over to take the baby into her embrace. "Did you miss auntie while she was shopping?"

"She missed the sound of tissue paper and silk rustling," Yao Jing joked, stepping into the room. "That girl's going to have expensive taste before she can walk."

Xu Li came out slowly from the back room, still recovering but glowing with warmth. "Did you find what you needed, Lan'er?"

"I did," Jia Lan said. "Too much of it, actually."

"Well, then I'm raiding your closet next time," Xu Li said playfully.

Soon, everyone gathered around the living room as Jia Lan began unpacking the purchases. One by one, she held up each item. There were gasps of appreciation, playful envy, and even a few mock bids from her brothers.

"This qipao…" Grandmother Jia murmured, touching the light blue fabric reverently. "This is what proper young ladies used to wear. So refined."

Grandfather Jia, pipe in hand, nodded in approval. "Our Lan'er looks like a city flower."

At dinnertime, the family gathered around the long rectangular table. The cold outside was kept at bay by the steaming dishes that filled the room with warmth—chicken stew with yam, fried cabbage with chili oil, lotus root in vinegar, and sweet bean buns fresh from the steamer.

Mother Jia served Jia Lan a second helping.

"You've been thin lately with all the studying. Eat more."

"I'm not thin," Jia Lan said between bites. "It's the skirt that makes me look taller."

"Flattery," Jia Wei muttered. "The skirt is magic, but your legs are still short."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Even baby Naun, who was being spoon-fed mashed carrots by Jia Zhe, began giggling like a bell chime.

"See? Even Naun agrees," Yao Jing said, dramatically dabbing her eyes. "The injustice!"

"I'm being bullied in my own house!" Jia Lan declared with mock outrage.

"Eat your rice, Lan'er," Grandfather Jia said with a chuckle. "Your sharp tongue won't win you any taller heels."

The dinner continued in soft, happy harmony. It was these moments, Jia Lan thought, that made everything feel complete—the love, the teasing, the way they wrapped around each other like a second skin.

Later that evening, Jia Lan sat in her room under the warm light of her desk lamp. Her purchases were carefully stored away in her wardrobe, and she now flipped through one of her old study notebooks with quiet nostalgia.

The system beeped softly in her mind.

System Check-In (Evening)

Reward: "Winter Herbal Relaxation Oil" (for bath and temple massage)

Reward: "Golden Osmanthus Tea – Limited Blend"

Reward: 300 yuan

Jia Lan placed the small golden tin of tea beside her pillow, already anticipating its sweet floral aroma.

As she was closing her notebook, a knock came at the door.

Father Jia stepped in holding a warm glass of milk.

"Lan'er, not studying tonight?"

She smiled. "Just reviewing a little."

He handed her the glass. "Well, no more for today. Take a break. You've earned it."

She took it with both hands. "Thank you, Baba."

He sat on the edge of her bed, looking at her fondly. "You've grown up so much this year. Sometimes I wonder how time passed so quickly."

Jia Lan leaned her head on his shoulder for a moment. "I'm still your little girl."

"You'll always be."

They stayed like that for a while, warm and quiet.

Before he left, Father Jia said gently, "Don't worry about results. Whatever happens, your family is your mountain. We'll always be here."

Jia Lan nodded.

As the door shut softly behind him, she blew out her lamp, nestled under the covers, and whispered to herself:

"I'm truly blessed."