Chapter Sixty-One: Reunion

“It’s just across the street!” The tricycle driver, a burly man of about forty, deftly started the engine, released the brake, and the vehicle lurched forward. As he drove, he found time to reply.

“In that case, just take us straight to Southeast Street and stop at the entrance,” Zhang Ye decided without hesitation.

“Are you planning to buy something?” Liu Meiju showed no concern over her son's spending; she felt no need for reproach.

Zhang Ye shook his head. “I heard Southeast Street is a commercial area. Let’s stroll around and see what kind of clothes they sell. That way, we can make a more informed choice.”

Hearing his thoughts, Liu Meiju immediately agreed, nodding approvingly and praising her son for his insight and resourcefulness.

Zhang Ye then began to chat idly with the driver, especially about the scenic spots and buildings around Guangyang City. As they discussed, Zhang Ye compared the conversation with his own memories, finding it quite amusing.

Liu Meiju, meanwhile, resembled a country woman seeing the city for the first time—her eyes sparkled, and she constantly exclaimed in wonder. At such moments, Zhang Ye would dutifully explain the features and uses of various buildings.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and the tricycle finally stopped at the entrance to Southeast Street. Zhang Ye paid the fare and helped Liu Meiju off before leading her into the street.

The place was indeed bustling. Although merely a small commercial street, and it was midday when foot traffic was lighter, the crowds were still thick. Along the roadside, a few stalls sold either rice noodles or exquisite trinkets.

Whenever Liu Meiju saw something pretty, she would stop to look, though she never bought anything. Seeing this, Zhang Ye couldn’t help but buy it for her himself.

Naturally, Liu Meiju complained a little, but in the end accepted the gifts with delight. The fact that her son bought them for her, that filial piety alone, filled her with happiness.

After having lunch at a small eatery, they resumed their stroll down Southeast Street, observing the attire of passersby and quietly forming their own opinions. Then they entered various clothing stores to examine the summer collections. As the shopkeepers explained, it became clear that South Korean export garments were hugely popular here—nearly all the customers were here for those clothes.

Although a bit pricey, these clothes were all the rage. Almost every young person on the street wore this style; their popularity was undeniable.

After a full circuit, Liu Meiju found herself convinced by Guan Xing’s earlier opinion. They didn’t linger further, but walked straight to the end of the street, passed through a relatively narrow alley, and after some distance, finally reached the Clothing Clearance Market.

It was a tall building, at least a dozen stories high—one of the taller ones in the vicinity. The exterior was a series of glass layers. From afar, one could see through the glass into the building, which was filled with displays of clothing of every conceivable style and brand, both domestic and imported. The sheer variety was dazzling.

Climbing the steps, Zhang Ye immediately spotted Liu Wentao, who was smoking on the side. With his recent financial ease, Liu Wentao had upgraded to more expensive cigarettes—seven-yuan packs of Liangyou, and he usually carried two.

“Tao, what are you doing here?” Zhang Ye, with Liu Meiju beside him, dared not seem too eager, but kept signaling with his eyes.

Liu Wentao was quick-witted, stubbed out his cigarette, and came over. “Xiao Ye! I’m here with a friend on some business. What brings you two? Liu, you’re here as well.” When Zhang Ye had called earlier, Liu Wentao had just gotten up. Realizing he’d missed the bus, he hurried to the station, only to run into Wu Dongjun on the way. After a quick greeting, they’d decided to come together.

Their trip by bus had taken an hour longer than Zhang Ye and his mother, but since Zhang Ye and Liu Meiju had stopped for lunch and a stroll on Southeast Street, the others had actually arrived first.

“And where’s Wu?” Zhang Ye asked, then added, “I’m here with my mother to buy stock for our new clothing shop. When it opens, you two have to come give us your support,” he said with a smile.

“Wu Dongjun’s inside, browsing around. He said the clothes here are cheap, so he’s seeing if there’s anything suitable.” Liu Wentao smiled. “Sounds good! From now on, I’ll be buying my clothes from your shop.” Of course, one should support a friend's business.

“Liu,” Liu Wentao continued, “since I’ve nothing urgent, why don’t I join you? I can help with suggestions and lend a hand when you’re buying stock.” His real aim, however, was to persuade Zhang Ye to help them shop for computers later.

After all, neither of them knew much about computers.

“That won’t do! You two must have things to do in Guangyang City, right? If you follow us, wouldn’t that be wasting your time?” Liu Meiju hurriedly declined.

“Actually, we’re here to buy computers, but we don’t know much about them. Since Zhang Ye’s here, and he knows more than we do, I thought we could ask for his help. Isn’t that right?” This last was directed at Zhang Ye.

“How could Xiao Ye know anything about computers? We don’t even have one at home,” Liu Meiju protested. But Zhang Ye smiled, quietly admiring Liu Wentao’s cleverness, and said, “Actually, I do know a thing or two. Our school offers computer classes, and I’ve read magazines on the subject. I might not be an expert, but I know more than most.”

“Oh, you and your boasting,” Liu Meiju laughed, saying no more.

She was quite curious about computers herself. Her company had planned to buy some recently, but losses had shelved the idea. Now that she had officially resigned, she no longer had the chance to use one, and she wanted to see what this so-called high technology was all about.

“By the way, what do you need so many computers for?” she asked as they walked inside, sensing they intended to buy quite a few.

“We’re planning to open a shop, renting computers by the hour—three to five yuan each,” Liu Wentao answered, glancing at Zhang Ye with a smile.

“Will that make money? Still, what a clever idea! Young people really do have nimble minds,” Liu Meiju said, admiringly, as they reached the second floor.

There, Zhang Ye immediately spotted Wu Dongjun wandering about. He didn’t look like he was here for clothes—more like he was admiring the pretty salesgirls. Zhang Ye called out from a distance, prompting Wu to trot over.

Because of the earlier fib, Liu Wentao called out, asking if Wu had found anything he liked or made a purchase.

Wu Dongjun was even more quick-witted, his expression just right. He shook his head regretfully and said they wouldn’t sell less than a hundred pieces at a time. He even shook his head again, looking thoroughly disappointed.

In fact, he had asked about prices, but only because he fancied a pretty salesgirl and wanted an excuse to spend more time nearby. The outcome was predictable: she had no interest in a greasy, big-eared, pot-bellied fellow like him.