Chapter 44: My Bride (1/2)

I got out of the airport and flagged down a taxi.

On the road, the driver talked my ear off.

Finally, after what seemed like an endless chatter, he drove into my homeland, Jingdezhen. It was a small town that's famous for its porcelain.

I stood out like a sore thumb as I walked amidst the crowd.

It was ironic, really, considering that everyone else was dressed casually while I was in a well-ironed suit.

It was custom-made without a brand name.

An 'L' was sewn on the corner of a sleeve, however, since I designed it myself.

Nine years ago, on Savile Row Street, I was lucky enough to become a recipient of Mister Bailey's handed-down teachings.

I learned from him for eight whole years and brought the art of tailoring back to China.

Looking back, I have no idea how I had managed to persevere for that long.

In the day, I made suits for famous people all over the world, and at night, I stayed up late to polish my English.

From measuring to drafting, from cutting to sewing...

From speaking simple words like 'sorry' to teaching customers about the history and significance of tailoring in a fluent British accent.

Finally, Mister Bailey gave me the permission to sew a symbol on my suit.

L

It represented eight years of dedication.

Last year, Mister Bailey said he had no skills left to impart to me.

I left for Beijing, for the best western suit shop recommended by him.

By then, I was a reputable, international western suit designer.

A suit of my creation went at least seventy thousand yuan.

Despite the high cost, the rich and famous came to me in an endless stream.

Even ordinary customers would get me to design their wedding suit as a way of flaunting their wealth.

Finally, I could stop feeling like an inferior being.

If I wasn't happy with a particular customer, he would find his suit a little too tight.

Nevertheless, he would bear the discomfort, give me a thumbs up, and praise my skills.

This was the power of reputation. It was something I had to slog eight hard years for.

Other than offering double holidays, the company also gave me an extra month of rest.

I applied for it in June in order to visit my homeland. It didn't really make any sense since I no longer had any relatives or even a house there.

My old apartment had long become someone else's home.

Looking into the kitchen window, I saw a lady frying vegetables.

Not far away from her was a little boy playing with toys and he looked very happy.

He reminded me of the time when I was still a child. It was a pity that Mom was no longer around.

I saw the lady looking back at me and I quickly averted my gaze with a sheepish smile.

I backed away, not wanting to be misunderstood as a creeper.

Anyway, the point of my visit wasn't my old apartment but the park nearby.

”Summer's really hot,” I mumbled as I took a seat on the park's bench. It was noon.

Earlier, I had bought a bottle of cola from a snack kiosk.

The sun shone directly on my face but I only stared blankly at the castle opposite me.

It was a private construction, somewhat like a rich man's villa.

I sat down for an hour.

An hour quickly turned into two.

I was still there when the sun started setting, adding a red tinge to my suit.

Eventually, I got impatient and took a quick look at my watch.

It was time to find a hotel to spend the night.

I squashed the cola bottle out of frustration and stood up.

I threw my trash in the bin, and just as I was about to leave, a little girl called out to me.

”Brother, brother,” she greeted cheerily, running over to me.

I haven't seen her before.

”Brother, brother,” she called out again, her tone warm.

I looked around before smiling at her, asking doubtfully, ”Are you calling me, little one?”

”Why are you so stupid? Is there anyone else around?” she asked unhappily before taking a seat on the bench I had just got up from.

She looked displeased.

I adjusted my collar before speaking, ”Is anything the matter, little girl? I'll bring you to the police if you're lost.”

”I'm not lost,” she claimed and pointed at a nearby building. ”Look, that's my house.”

”Well, I guess I'm done here then.” I turned around.

”Brother? Brother?” she called out yet again.

”What?” I asked impatiently.

”A pretty sister had me come over to pa.s.s a message. She doesn't want to see you, she said. She also said you'll buy me an ice cream. Is that true?” she asked, giving me adoring puppy eyes.

I looked around frantically. I grabbed her shoulders and said firmly, ”Tell me where she is and I'll get you two.”

She whined. ”It hurts. She was standing right there earlier. Now I'm not sure.”