Chapter 72: Once Sold, No Returns or Exchanges

Liu Wen Bin's face turned pale instantly; he opened his mouth to speak, but under Jiang Ran's mocking gaze that seemed to enjoy the show, especially under the faint scrutiny around them, the phrase "Too expensive, let's go" could not be uttered.

He felt as if he were being roasted over a fire, each second a torment.

The teacher's reputation, a man's dignity, and the yearning for that illusory future scenery were like invisible ropes that bound him tightly, preventing him from breaking free.

"…Fine."

The word squeezed out of Liu Wen Bin's throat was dry as sandpaper rubbing.

He almost trembled as he reached into his inner pocket, pulling out the faded old wallet, and stiffly counted the thick stack of money.

Inside were his freshly received salary, the money he had saved frugally for books, and even a few notes his mother had secretly slipped to him for emergencies.

Each bill handed over felt like cutting his flesh.

When the last bill was placed on the counter, Liu Wen Bin felt his heart bleed.

He clutched the suddenly empty wallet, his knuckles white, daring not to look at Su Ruan's and Jiang Ran's expressions, nor at the possibly strange glances of those around him.

Jiang Ran unceremoniously picked up the stack, counted it slowly, and the smirk at the corner of his mouth deepened: "The amount checks out, Liu Laoshi is indeed generous."

He deliberately made the money rustle, the sound irritating Liu Wen Bin and Su Yanhua's ears.

Su Ruan remained in her businesslike manner, took out the order book, and began filling out the custom order: "Confirmed: Simulated Silk Fabric in dark green, style according to the Sketch just now. Need to take measurements; please follow me inside."

Su Yanhua watched the money change hands and felt a sharp pang in her heart, but it was quickly replaced by a twisted sense of pleasure.

Look, Su Yanhua can afford something this pricey!

She will soon have a unique beautiful Skirt!

She suppressed that petty insecurity, lifted her head like a victor, and followed Su Ruan into the small room separated by a cloth curtain.

The measuring process was also a torment for Su Yanhua.

Su Ruan's fingers were cold; the measuring tape glided over her, and every number reported made Su Yanhua involuntarily hold her breath, subconsciously pulling in her abdomen and puffing her chest, fearing Su Ruan would compare her unfavorably or hear any criticism of her figure.

Su Ruan, however, remained expressionless, her tone professional and flat.

After measuring and finalizing details, Su Ruan informed that the garment would take about ten days to be ready.

"That long?" Su Yanhua couldn't help complaining; she wished she could wear it immediately.

"Handicraft production takes time; slow work yields fine results," Su Ruan explained calmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Su Yanhua choked up, speechless.

After leaving the shop, Su Yanhua tried to grab Liu Wen Bin's arm, but he flung it away forcefully.

"Look at the mess you caused!" Liu Wen Bin lowered his voice, forcing the words out between his teeth, his eyes burning with suppressed anger and resentment, "All that money just for a Skirt! Do you know that's me…"

"What did I do?!" Su Yanhua, already upset, snapped back when he shoved her, "Isn't it all for your face! I go to the market in rags, and you think that puts a glow on your face?"

"People like Su Ruan can open a shop, and we can't even afford decent clothes?!"

"You… you're simply unreasonable!" Liu Wen Bin trembled with fury, yet could not refute.

Could he say that he'd rather see her in rags than waste this money, being butchered like a fool in front of Su Ruan and Jiang Ran?

He couldn't utter those words; his pitiful pride would not allow it.

"Unreasonable? Liu Wen Bin, don't forget, if I hadn't given you the idea, would you have had the chance to compete in the market this time?!" Su Yanhua unleashed her Killer Move.

Liu Wen Bin was instantly silenced, as if his seventh inch had been pinched.

Indeed, this opportunity truly owed its merit to Su Yanhua.

That merit was like a shackle, preventing him from fully erupting despite his discontent.

The two stared at each other, eyes full of mutual resentment, yet bound together.

Finally, Liu Wen Bin let out a heavy hum, turned, and strode forward, ignoring Su Yanhua.

Su Yanhua watched his back, clenched her teeth, and hurriedly followed.

Ten days later.

Though unwilling, on the day to collect the garment, Su Yanhua again dragged the still sullen Liu Wen Bin back to the shop.

This time, the shop was not crowded.

Su Ruan was behind the counter arranging things; Jiang Ran was absent.

Seeing them enter, Su Ruan looked up, her expression neutral, and pointed to a set of clothes hanging on a nearby rack: "The garment is ready; you may try it in the fitting room."

The dark‑green Dress hung quietly there, its Simulated Silk fabric glimmering with a delicate, warm luster under the shop's soft light.

One must admit Su Ruan's craftsmanship and pattern sense were truly excellent; even before trying it on, the Skirt's quality was evident.

Su Yanhua's eyes lit up instantly; all previous displeasure and aches seemed temporarily cast aside.

She eagerly grabbed the Dress and slipped into the fitting room.

Liu Wen Bin stood awkwardly in the shop, his gaze wandering, daring not to meet Su Ruan's eyes.

After a while, the fitting room curtain was pulled back, and Su Yanhua emerged.

Frankly, the Dress looked good on Su Yanhua.

The dark green indeed highlighted her fair skin a few shades, the tailored cut accentuated her waist, the A‑line skirt cleverly concealed her slightly wide hips, making her appear considerably more poised than usual.

Su Yanhua faced the wall‑mounted mirror, looking left and right, and finally showed the first genuine smile she had given in days.

She even deliberately spun in front of the mirror, the skirt's hem tracing a graceful arc.

"Wen Bin, what do you think?" she said, tone bragging, looking at Liu Wen Bin.

Liu Wen Bin looked at his newly radiant wife, feeling conflicted.

The Dress was indeed attractive and would never embarrass her when worn out.

Yet thinking of its price made his heart ache again. He forced a nod and replied vaguely, "Hmm, it's okay."

Su Yanhua was not satisfied with his reaction, turned to Su Ruan with a hint of provocation: "Su Ruan, your skill is just okay, barely worth that price."

She tried to regain some footing with her words.

Su Ruan was packing the Dress; she didn't look up, her tone still flat: "If you're satisfied, that's enough; the garment was made to your measurements, and once sold, unless there's a quality issue, there are no returns or exchanges."