Chapter 22: Qipao

Chapter 22: Qipao

The only flaw was there was only a dull fruit knife available in the kitchen since Jiang Cheng almost never cooked. This meant that certain dishes couldnt be perfected. The shredded potatoes had to become potato pieces. Fatty didnt think Jiang Cheng would mind. After everything was ready, Fatty walked out of the kitchen.nove(l)bi(n.)com

He picked up the tools and continued to fix the office. He took out a screwdriver that didnt come from Jiang Chengs office and tightened the screws on Jiang Chengs movable shelves. He gave them a few whacks and then taped the corners together.

Fatty shook the shelf to see whether it was stable or not when he spotted a blue outfit hanging among the clothes. It was quite well hidden. Fatty moved the other clothes and was shocked to realise it was a blue qipao. It had short sleeves and was made from actual silk. It had embroidery of peonies on it. It was clearly quite expensive. It even had a light fragrance on it. This was clearly a womans clothes. Fatty was immediately interested.

At that moment, footsteps came from upstairs. A few seconds later, Jiang Cheng appeared with a bucket of clothes. He saw Fatty looking at him strangely.

What are you doing? Jiang Cheng carried the bucket with the overflowing clothes.

Doctor. Fatty winked at Jiang Cheng as men tended to do, I found a qipao among your clothes!

Hmm? Jiang Cheng frowned.

No. Jiang Cheng shook his head. They belong to be my landlady and my boss. She left these clothes here.

Fatty shivered, and the way he looked at Jiang Cheng changed. Suddenly, his world collapsed.

Jiang Cheng left him be. He picked up the scattered clothes, hugged the bucket and went to the bathroom. There was a giant washing machine there.

He walked out of the bathroom and grabbed the blue qipao. He looked around but failed to find the other two clothes he mentioned. He grumbled and left. Soon, the washing machine was turned on. Either the load was too much, or the machine was too old. The rumbling was very loud. It was hard to think the clothes would come out clean.

Fatty came to the door alone. He took out a cigarette and lit it up. His eyes were blank and lost. While the machine worked, Jiang Cheng took out the empty bucket and put it beside the stairs. Then, he looked at the narrow stairs and kicked the bucket closer to the corner. He turned around and saw Fattys melancholic profile. The face was filled with stories.

Fatty, Jiang Cheng said naturally, I think I smell the ribs. See if its ready.

Fatty dropped the cigarette and turned to the kitchen. When he passed by Jiang Cheng, he paused for a few seconds. His lips moved like he wanted to say something but he said nothing in the end.

Soon, the meat fragrance filled the room. Fatty carried the pot over. Jiang Cheng placed a piece of cloth in the middle of the table. The pot settled on the cloth. Then, Fatty took out the potato dish and two bowls of rice.