Making Bags

When the two returned to the Zhao Household, no one had gone to bed yet. It looked like they had only just finished working. Zhao Hongjun handed Gu Yu the quilt covers and cotton quilts they had dried in the courtyard during the day. "Get some rest early."

"Alright! You and Auntie should too."

After exchanging smiles and greetings, the two carried their things back to their room and began making the bed and sorting their belongings. Everything had been rushed today, and they still had not finished unpacking. The room was small, and they could not sleep without clearing it up first. Fortunately, they did not have much stuff, so they finished in half an hour.

Seeing Shen Jianan rub his eyes several times from sleepiness, Gu Yu had him lie down on the bed. "I'll bring in a basin of water. Wipe up before you sleep."

"No need."

The young man shook his head and rose from the bed. "Let's wash outside. Don't get the room wet."

"Alright."

Seeing him sway as he walked, Gu Yu quickly reached out and took his hand. Carrying the washbasin, he led him to the well for a quick wash before they returned to the room to sleep.

After running around several times that day, they were both tired, especially Shen Jianan. He started snoring as soon as he lay down. Gu Yu turned to look at the person in the next bed, whose sleeping posture was not particularly well-behaved. Smiling faintly, he too drifted into sleep.

The next day, before dawn had fully broken, a noisy commotion came from outside. Listening carefully, they heard quite a few people and even vehicles. Unable to sleep through the noise, the two had no choice but to get up quickly.

When they went outside, they discovered that people from above had come to deliver building supplies. For this matter, Captain Zhao Gang had spent half a day and a night running around town, but fortunately, the outcome was good.

The two stood nearby and listened for a while before learning that the disaster had affected a large area. The higher-ups had held an emergency meeting and decided to report it upward, seeking a reduction in the amount of grain everyone had to hand over.

With the soldiers helping, the damaged homes in the village were quickly repaired. Even Shen Jianan's dilapidated thatched hut was rebuilt for them without costing a single cent.

Though it was still a thatched hut, it was much roomier and sturdier than before. However, looking at the two extra rooms, Shen Jianan felt somewhat troubled.

He was not stupid. Zhao Gang had not ordered extra rooms built for the two of them. Sure enough, when he asked, he learned that Red Flag Commune would soon be receiving another batch of educated youth.

Shen Jianan felt irritated and asked Gu Yu what they should do. If someone moved in here, it would be inconvenient for them to get things done.

Gu Yu pondered for a moment before saying, "It's fine. If it comes to it, we can take the work to Cheng Hu's place."

Shen Jianan immediately thought that would work. They could just give the Cheng Household some money when the time came. Having said so, they did just that. Gu Yu personally went to speak with Cheng Hu. Without a second thought, Cheng Hu agreed, saying he did not want money and that they could store whatever they wanted there. He even specifically cleared out a room for them.

"How can that be alright?"

Gu Yu frowned and waved his hand. "Even brothers settle accounts clearly. Since you're giving us a room, Jianan and I will pay you two yuan in rent each month. The electricity fee is included."

Having said that, he gave Cheng Hu no chance to refuse and slipped away at once. He was worried that if he stayed any longer, Cheng Hu would come up with all sorts of reasons to lower their rent.

Back at the Zhao Household, the two went to bid Zhao Hongjun farewell. He did not try to keep them, only telling them to let him know if they needed anything before hurrying off.

Afraid they might misunderstand, Li Shuqin quickly explained that Old Master Zhao had been knocked unconscious by hail a few days ago. Even after being treated in town overnight, he had not woken up.

Worried something might happen to the old man, Zhao Qiancheng's family had sent him to the city. They had heard that the doctors there recommended surgery.

He could not return for the time being, so many brigade matters had fallen to Zhao Hongjun and Zhao Gang. The other cadres were not much use, and the two were nearly worked to death.

After hearing this, the two dryly expressed their sympathy and concern for the old man, then said goodbye. With Li Shuqin and several children helping, they moved their luggage back to the small courtyard.

Li Shuqin looked around the place and smiled as she reminded them, "When you're home, don't keep the doors and windows shut. Air the place out more. If these earthen walls aren't dried properly, you'll get rheumatism living here."

Then she returned two yuan of the meal money they had paid. How could Shen Jianan and Gu Yu possibly accept it?

They had not stayed at the Zhao Household for many days, but the food there had been good. Not only had every meal been cooked with lard, but there were eggs and cured meat for dinner too.

If they had eaten that at a state-run restaurant, that money would not even have covered two meals! Without another word, the two refused on the spot. They also took out half a bag of milk candies and a foot-long piece of floral fabric for her.

Seeing that she had failed to return the meal money and now had so many extra things in her hands, Li Shuqin's face flushed red with embarrassment. "I can't take these. You keep them!"

She set the things on the table, grabbed the children, and ran off. Yet the four had only reached the foot of the mountain when a bundle fell from the sky and landed in the grass before them.

Looking at the floral fabric wrapped around it, Li Shuqin got a headache. Raising her eyes, she saw Shen Jianan standing on the mountain path halfway up the slope, grinning mischievously at them. "Auntie, I've thrown the things down for you anyway. If you don't want them, just leave them there! If someone picks them up later, don't blame me."

With that, he turned and ran into the courtyard, refusing to come back out. Li Shuqin was both helpless and amused. She could only pick up the bundle, pat the dirt off it, and have her eldest son wrap it in his clothes and carry it home.

The things were too eye-catching. She could not let the village gossips see them, lest they cause her husband unnecessary trouble.

After Li Shulan left, Shen Jianan and Gu Yu quickly put everything away where it belonged. Then, following her advice, they threw open the doors and windows, slung the fabric and tools over their backs, and headed to the Cheng Household together.

Only then did Shen Jianan learn that Cheng Hu's family had a sewing machine. He was both surprised and delighted, and quickly asked whether he could rent it for two yuan a month, promising to repair or compensate for any damage.

With another way to earn money, how could Cheng Hu refuse? He agreed immediately. "Sure! Use it as you please."

Shen Jianan happily thanked him again and again, already impatient to make something. As it happened, Cheng Hu had woven three handbags over the past few days: one bucket-style bag and two market-basket-style bags. There were two small ones and one large one, two light beige and one walnut brown.

When Cheng Hu brought the bags over, Shen Jianan was stunned. "Were these dyed?"

"Yes!"

Cheng Hu said somewhat shyly, "Didn't you tell me to use my imagination? So I dyed them. Everything was dyed with things from the mountains. The older generation always did it this way. Don't worry, the color won't fade and they won't get moldy."

"That's wonderful."

Shen Jianan lovingly held the small bag and examined it from every angle. "Brother Cheng, your hands are so skillful. You could be called a master."

Cheng Hu's cheeks reddened from the praise, but his heart felt incredibly warm. Being recognized by someone else felt wonderful. "As long as you like them. I'll hurry up and make the other styles for you."

"Alright, go ahead!"

Shen Jianan did not look up, still studying the bags. Gu Yu, however, stopped Cheng Hu. "Brother Cheng, make sure you rest. Don't wear yourself out."

He understood Cheng Hu's thoughts and feared that the man might work himself too hard trying to prove his worth.

"Alright."

Cheng Hu smiled and nodded, then quickly left the room. Even his lame leg seemed more nimble now. After watching him leave, Gu Yu withdrew his gaze and asked Shen Jianan what they were going to make.

"Let's pick out the fabric first."

Shen Jianan pulled him over and selected several pieces of fresh-looking floral cloth from the pile, intending to make decorations for the bags.

For the bucket bag, he used a piece of light green fabric patterned with small yellow flowers to sew a lining that extended five centimeters above the bag's body. He finished the edges and left openings on both sides.

Using three soft strips of fabric the same color as the bag, he braided a long cord, threaded it through the openings, then pulled it out through the matching opening on the other side. This gave both sides drawstrings of around twenty centimeters.

He casually pulled both sides tight and tied them into a bow. That way, the things inside would not fall out, while the bag itself would keep its original shape without deforming.

"It's beautiful."

Gu Yu reached out to touch it, his voice full of admiration. "Jianan, your hands are so clever. After you worked on it, this bag became more than twice as pretty."

"Hehe! I think so too."

Shen Jianan smugly lifted his chin, feeling that he had done a very successful job. "When I go to town next time and buy some zippers, the bags I make will be prettier and more convenient."

He set the bag down and casually picked up the other walnut-colored, market-basket-style crossbody bag. It was larger and dyed, and its strap was already nicely made. He did not want to add anything too complicated and ruin it by overdoing things, so he simply tied a strip of blue-and-white patterned satin around the strap.

This kind of fabric had a smooth, glossy surface and a dense yet soft texture. Paired with the walnut-colored rattan bag, it looked elegant without seeming dull. It would suit anyone of any age.

As for the inside, he only sewed in a lighter-colored lining slightly smaller than the bag itself, without making a drawstring closure. The bag was large, after all, and did not need one. Unless it had a zipper, a bulky gathered opening would feel uncomfortable against the body when carried.

The last bag had the same color and style, but Cheng Hu had added a bamboo-joint handle. It was smaller as well, and light-colored.

After thinking for a while, Shen Jianan braided light-colored satin fabric into strands, then wove them into a large-holed fishing-net pattern and wrapped it around the bag. He sewed the top joins and bottom base firmly in place, then added small tassels around the four edges of the base. A folk-style bag was complete.

After finishing the three bags, he did not stop. Using the sewing machine and other fabrics, he made several cloth bags in different styles. Most had an artsy feel and could be worn crossbody or over one shoulder, making them highly practical.

Looking at the pile of cloth bags, Gu Yu frowned and muttered, "Are these for the educated youth?"

"How did you know?"

Shen Jianan glanced at him, smiled, then turned back and continued working the sewing machine. Gu Yu looked at the swirl of hair on top of his head and said sourly, "Do I even need to guess? The colors are so bright, and they have tiny floral patterns. They're obviously for girls, young girls at that!"

He emphasized the last few words, practically gritting his teeth. Shen Jianan sensed something was off and immediately stopped what he was doing. Turning to look at him, he saw the displeased expression on Gu Yu's face and brows so furrowed they could crush a fly. He found it rather amusing. "What? Are you jealous? Do you think I didn't make one for you?"

Gu Yu lowered his eyes to meet his gaze, his face turning slightly red. Shen Jianan found that fun and leaned closer, resting one hand on the chair back and his chin on it. His beautiful eyes curved into crescents. "Is that it?"

As he spoke, he reached out with one finger and poked the arm Gu Yu had resting on his knee, raising his voice again. "Is that it?"

Gu Yu shrank back slightly and awkwardly turned his gaze aside. "Mm."

"Pfft!"

Shen Jianan pursed his lips and laughed, reaching out to tug him lightly. "Don't be angry. Yours comes later! I'm planning to make you something different, something nobody else has."

Hearing that, Gu Yu brightened and turned to look at him with a wide grin. "What kind?"

"A backpack."

Shen Jianan answered with a smile. "But I'm still missing some accessories. Once I buy them, I'll make it for you, alright?"

"Alright."

Gu Yu was soothed. Happily, he raised a hand and patted Shen Jianan's shoulder. "I'll massage your shoulders. You've been busy for half the day. Rest first."

It had been fine until Gu Yu mentioned it. The moment he did, Shen Jianan felt sore all over. He quickly stood, turned the chair around, then sat down and leaned forward over its back, facing away from Gu Yu. "Brother Gu, use less strength. I'm scared of pain."

"Alright."

Gu Yu stood behind the young man and placed his hands on those thin shoulders. His long fingers, lightly callused, kneaded rhythmically through a layer of fabric before slowly moving to the back of Shen Jianan's neck. Then they traveled downward, working back and forth over his shoulder blades and along both sides of his spine. From time to time, he added a little more pressure to press certain acupoints.

A sense of relief instantly spread through Shen Jianan's body. His features relaxed in comfort, and he curled his back slightly. "Mm~~ That feels so good..."

The young man's voice was soft and delicate, its final note rising. Gu Yu seemed to have been scalded. Before he knew it, he used too much force.

Shen Jianan jerked away in pain. "Hiss~~ Brother Gu, be gentler~~"

The complaint that slipped from his mouth seemed to carry a hook, making Gu Yu's whole body tense and his face flush red. His technique immediately became unsteady.

Not understanding why, Shen Jianan thought Gu Yu's hands had gotten tired. He turned around, grabbed his hand, and said, "Brother, you've been busy all afternoon too. You must be tired. Let me massage you instead!"

Gu Yu's eyes darkened slightly. He nodded and said yes, then obediently allowed Shen Jianan to pull him into the chair. The moment he straightened his back, those soft palms landed on his shoulders and began kneading carefully.

"Brother Gu, your muscles are really hard."

"Are they?"

Gu Yu smiled. "Maybe I've done too much physical work."

"Mm!"

Shen Jianan tilted his head to look at Gu Yu's profile. Massaging him as he joked, he said, "You're tall and handsome, and with these muscles..."

As he spoke, familiar images from before flashed unconsciously through his mind. In the small courtyard halfway up the mountain, there had been strong arms and firm muscles, glistening with sweat beneath the sunlight.

He swallowed unconsciously. A rush of heat suddenly flowed from his nose and down past the corner of his mouth. Shen Jianan tasted the salty tang and hurriedly wiped at it. The back of his hand came away bright red, and he cried out in alarm, "Uh... I've got a nosebleed."

The moment Gu Yu heard that, he spun around. Seeing blood smeared everywhere beneath Shen Jianan's nose, he was so frightened that he quickly stood, helped him sit down, and had him tilt his head back against the chair. "Sit still. I'll get water."

He then rushed out. Before long, he returned with a basin of icy well water, followed by Cheng Hu's anxious family.

"How did he suddenly get a nosebleed?"

"Maybe he has too much internal heat."

Gu Yu wrung out a cloth soaked in cool water, his heart aching as he carefully wiped the blood from Shen Jianan's face. "The water's a little cold. Bear with it."

His lightly callused hands held the young man's face, slightly cold as his other hand wiped away the blood, gently brushing over Shen Jianan's smooth, pale cheeks.

Shen Jianan blinked as he looked at the handsome face so close before him. Something itched in his heart, and his nose seemed to grow hotter. He muttered, "What the hell?"

Then he hastily closed his eyes, afraid that beauty alone would make him bleed to death. Gu Yu gave the person before him a meaningful look, a trace of amusement flashing through his eyes.

He washed the cloth clean, folded it, and laid it over Shen Jianan's nose. In a low voice, he said, "Wait until the bleeding stops before you get up."

Shen Jianan nodded at his words. Then he felt his head lifted slightly as a broad palm slid beneath the back of it, shielding him from the hard edge of the chair back.

The young man's lips curved faintly, sweetness filling his heart. When he heard that Cheng Hu's family was going to boil him some cooling vegetable water to drink, he felt immensely happy that so many people cared about him and quickly opened his eyes to thank them.

"What are you being polite for? It's just a small matter."

Xiang Haiyan smiled and waved her hand, leading her son and husband out together. Hearing their footsteps fade into the distance, Shen Jianan suddenly felt flustered again. His slender fingers twisted together unconsciously, and his eyes darted everywhere except toward Gu Yu.

"What are you doing? Don't move around."

Gu Yu suddenly lowered his head and leaned close. There was only half a palm's distance between them. Looking at the smiling man before him, Shen Jianan felt an immense danger, yet also an inexplicable anticipation. His face reddened, and he guiltily shut his eyes without saying a word.

Darkness gathered in Gu Yu's eyes. Staring at those tightly pressed lips, he could not help leaning closer. But just as he was about to touch them, he abruptly stopped, silently cursed himself as a beast, and quickly pulled back. "The bleeding has stopped. You can get up now."

"Oh!"

Shen Jianan narrowed his eyes. Seeing that Gu Yu had already straightened up, he quickly removed the cloth from his nose and handed it over. "Here."

Gu Yu took it, tossed it into the basin, and left carrying it with a blank expression. Shen Jianan craned his neck to watch him go, patted his chest in relief, then lowered his head and laughed the next second.

"Hopelessly lovestruck."

The young man cupped his cheeks with both hands and leaned against the sewing machine. Thinking about what had just happened, a sly glint flashed through his eyes as an idea formed in his heart.

Meanwhile, Gu Yu, who had carried the basin outside, had already splashed his face with cold water several times by the well before suppressing the desire in his heart.

Breathing heavily, he looked out over the distant fields, his expression gradually turning dazed. He knew that he had truly fallen for Shen Jianan.