Chapter 9: The Flair of Hong Kong and Taiwan

“Looks familiar, doesn’t it?” Wu Ya looked up. That dazzling, peerless beauty immediately filled his vision, swaying his heart in spite of himself.

“Isn’t this the outfit that’s been trending lately—the iconic jacket worn by Chan Ho-nam in Young and Dangerous?” Liu Qian, oblivious to Wu Ya’s reaction, kept her eyes on the sketches scattered on the floor.

It was the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. As the pace of the reform and opening up accelerated, the once distant regions across the sea—Hong Kong and Taiwan—began to interact and exchange goods and ideas. The Hong Kong-Taiwan style began to take shape.

From fashion and manners to language and slang, young people all over China were eager to imitate. Especially as martial arts films saw their decline and gangster movies rose rapidly in popularity, a wave swept across the country. Chan Ho-nam’s tough-guy image, the playful yet loyal Chicken, became idols for the youth of that era. Their every word and gesture became models for young people to follow. Liu Qian, only eighteen herself, was naturally enamored with these figures.

“That’s right, this is exactly the jacket Chan Ho-nam wore! And I’ve done some in-depth research—just looking at the big cities in our South China province, this trend has already started to catch on!”

“You actually did research? Wu Ya, you’ve really outdone yourself. When did you become so steady and methodical?” Only now did Liu Qian realize: Wu Ya’s decision to take over the family tailor shop wasn’t impulsive or a passing fancy. He had prepared thoroughly and even taken action!

Her admiration was evident, and the way she looked at him changed—gentle, profound.

“Haha, what’s the point of fighting a battle without preparation? I want to achieve something big! Naturally, I have to lay a solid foundation and make a stunning entrance!” Wu Ya was filled with pride. To have the girl he liked look at him with admiration—what boy would not find that utterly delightful? Especially Wu Ya, who had never enjoyed such treatment in his previous life. In this life, he treasured it all the more.

“Just look at you!” Liu Qian rolled her eyes at him, but then asked, “Have you figured out how to talk to your parents about this?”

After all, this was a big deal; there had to be a proper plan. If Wu Ya’s parents questioned him and he had no answers, the whole thing would fall apart.

Clearly, she had already given up opposing him and wanted to help him succeed!

“Wonderful!” Wu Ya was so excited that he nearly hugged Liu Qian on the spot—if not for the sharp look she shot him, pinning him in place. Otherwise, he might have stolen a first kiss right then and there.

“Heh heh, as long as you’re willing to show up, everything will go smoothly!” Wu Ya scratched his head with a goofy smile. If Liu Qian was willing to visit, all his parents’ worries would vanish. There was no need for lengthy explanations; everything would fall into place.

Without wasting any more time, the two of them hailed a taxi—the iconic rickshaw of the era—and hurried home.

“Mom, Dad, Liu Qian’s here!” As soon as they entered, Wu Ya’s voice rang out through the living room.

“Oh? Why are you in such a rush, child? Goodness, look at this mess—I haven’t even tidied up!” Zhang Caixia emerged from the inner room, grumbling all the way. A classmate of her son coming to help with the family business—this was an honored guest! Even if there was no time for a full cleaning, she should at least have straightened up a bit to show respect. But her son, without warning, simply brought someone home, catching her off guard. How embarrassing, to seem so slovenly before a guest!

“Yes, you really…” Wu Wanli followed behind, but was cut short.

“Hello, Uncle, Auntie. I’m Liu Qian.” A sweet, soft greeting froze both adults in place. They stared at Liu Qian as if turned to stone; the air grew instantly awkward. Liu Qian, standing there with flushed cheeks and nowhere to put her hands, looked even more bashful and charming.

“Mom, Dad, she’s greeting you!” Wu Ya cast a look of disdain at his parents. Had they never seen a pretty girl before? How could they lose their composure at first sight?

“Oh, um… Haha, Liu Qian, is it? Please, have a seat!” Zhang Caixia finally snapped out of it and hurried to welcome Liu Qian warmly.

But her gaze shot right back to Wu Ya—this time with a fierce glare.

“You little rascal, you didn’t even warn us to prepare, and you never told us your classmate was a girl! No wonder we were caught off guard and flustered. Just wait, you’ll get what’s coming to you!”

Yet in the very next moment, as she turned to Liu Qian, her expression transformed—warm, kind, almost doting. Who would have thought? The classmate Wu Ya mentioned was a girl, and a fine girl at that—gentle, well-mannered, and lovely. Standing next to her son, they made a very handsome pair.

Unhappy? Not at all! After all, her son was already eighteen—at his age in the old days, he might already be a father. Making friends early was a good thing.

“Hehe, you two sit down. I’ll go wash some fruit for you,” Wu Wanli said with a goofy grin, heading off to the kitchen. There was fruit left from Wu Ya’s hospital discharge. Washing some would make a fine treat for their guest.

“Child, I heard from Wu Ya that your parents are traders? That takes real ability!” Zhang Caixia sat beside Liu Qian, seeking conversation, unconsciously taking Liu Qian’s hand in her own, her manner entirely affectionate.

“Auntie, my parents are indeed traders, but they’re not anything special. They’re just a bit ahead of the curve, and willing to work a bit harder, that’s all,” Liu Qian replied graciously, which only deepened the admiration in Zhang Caixia’s eyes.

“What a fine girl from a good family! Educated, well-mannered, and so gentle,” Zhang Caixia thought, rummaging through all the words she knew to praise her.

More than that—“Liu Qian, as for the tailor shop, we have no objections. We’re leaving it to Wu Ya! You help Auntie keep an eye on him, keep him from getting into mischief, all right?” Before they’d exchanged a handful of sentences, before even discussing how to actually turn the shop around, she had already agreed! As for profit or loss? None of it mattered as much as this girl!