Reborn in the 80s: She Rewrites Life with Radiance
Chapter 34 Department Store

Chapter 34: Chapter 34 Department Store

"It’s still early, let’s go check out the department store in the city, and see if you need to buy anything."

Ye Hao noticed that yesterday Gu Yi was busy buying business supplies for the shop and didn’t purchase anything for themselves.

Didn’t his comrades say girls love beauty? It’s a great chance to take them shopping; he seldom has opportunities to accompany them like this, especially Gu Yi.

"Sure, let’s go see what the beautiful clothes here are like; they’re probably better than those in our county. Sister-in-law, let’s broaden our perspectives."

Ye Qian, who loved fashion, perked up at the mention of shopping — it was much more exciting than hiking.

"Alright, but I think we should buy the tickets on the way."

Gu Yi was worried that buying tickets at the last minute might be troublesome, so it was better to buy them early for peace of mind.

"I already had my comrade help out with the tickets yesterday; he happened to be handling business there, so he got them for us. Let’s head straight to the department store.

Ye Hao had Li Yifan assist with the tickets, allowing them to directly purchase military family tickets, which could secure hard sleepers and, with luck, soft sleepers.

The three of them took a bus to the city’s department store.

Upon entering, Ye Qian’s eyes were dazzled by the array of clothes, hats, shoes, bags, and more.

The clothing styles here were similar to those in the county, but the colors were more vibrant and bright.

Gu Yi found something odd about the overall atmosphere, but couldn’t quite pinpoint it.

"Sister-in-law, with so many clothes here, would people get overwhelmed by choices? Those with money might buy a lot, but for us who aren’t that affluent, we might end up buying nothing, fearing that the next piece could be better. Also, it’s embarrassing to try on everything but not buy; still, without trying, you won’t know what suits you."

Ye Qian was exactly feeling that way, afraid of regretting a purchase and also weary of overstaying in the store and annoying the staff.

Ye Qian’s words suddenly helped Gu Yi realize what was strange.

None of the stores had display windows or mannequins, resulting in clothes being crudely hung or piled up.

"Hmm, if they could set up display windows with mannequins, showcasing outfits beforehand, it would be very effective. Not only would it help with advertising, but also aid customers in making quicker purchase decisions and enhance sales."

Gu Yi shared her thoughts gleaned from promotional models seen in her previous life, unaware that her words caught the attention of Li Yitian standing not far behind her.

"Hello comrade, I overheard what you said just now. May I ask if you specialize in this field?"

Faced with this peculiar stranger, Gu Yi and the others stayed silent, while Ye Hao stepped forward protectively.

Realizing his abruptness, Li Yitian quickly offered his business card.

"I’m sorry. Let me introduce myself. I am the owner of this clothing store. I found your insights to be very relevant. However, as this is my first ventures into this business, I’m quite unfamiliar with it. I hope you don’t mind my directness, but could I invite you to guide us? Of course, I wouldn’t let you work for free; I can offer a fee based on the time spent. What do you think?"

After Li Yitian spoke, he looked at Gu Yi expectantly.

Instinctively, Gu Yi looked towards Ye Hao upon hearing his proposal.

Li Yitian was sharp and immediately redirected his plea to Ye Hao when he saw Gu Yi’s reaction: "Big brother, would you be willing to help?"

"This should be up to my wife, Yiyi. It’s up to you if you want to do it or not. Whatever your decision, I support you."

Listening to Ye Hao’s words made Gu Yi more certain that choosing to be with him was a good decision.

He knew to respect her choices, instead of making decisions for her. Gu Yi, having seen much from her past life as her family’s conditions improved, learned this understanding.

No matter their age, women love to dress beautifully. Gu Yi regularly matched clothes, shoes, and accessories at home, earning compliments whenever she went out.

What Li Yitian asked was hardly a challenge for her.

With an additional lifetime’s experience, she could tailor styles to match contemporary tastes.

"Yes, alright. Just that I’m only here for another day, so time is tight. You’ll need to prepare the temporary models by tonight."

Gu Yi was willing to give it a try since most of what she needed was already bought. Selecting clothes is always enjoyable, even if they’re not for her.

"Temporary models — what are they?"

Li Yitian was delighted by her agreement but puzzled about what temporary models were.

Gu Yi realized there was no fitting term for models yet: "They’re for showcasing outfits, made of wood, with a large circular base so they stand stable."

After explaining, she noticed the remaining three still looked confused.

"Do you have any paper and pen? It might be clearer if I draw it."

"Yes, yes, we have. Let’s go inside the store first."

Li Yitian ushered them into the store and fetched paper and a pen for Gu Yi, while also asking a staff member to serve them water.

Gu Yi figured that replicating later realistic models would be difficult, so she sketched a design with a large round base, a pole-like structure for a leg, and a human torso. The head could be omitted, but a neck was necessary.

After marking the dimensions, she again explained to Li Yitian.

"I’ll find someone to make it tonight; it shouldn’t be an issue. What time can you come over tomorrow morning?"

Li Yitian believed, after looking at Gu Yi’s sketch, that it posed no difficulty.

"Eight o’clock tomorrow morning, then."

"Great, see you at eight tomorrow. Do you want a ride anywhere now? I can give you a lift."

"Thank you, but that’s not necessary. We still want to wander around a bit."

Ye Hao declined promptly before Gu Yi could respond. His intention was to bring them shopping, and they hadn’t bought much yet.

"Yes, we still have some browsing to do. Thanks, but we’re leaving now. Goodbye."

Gu Yi followed Ye Hao’s lead and declined, and the three left together.

"Sister-in-law, you’re amazing. You know about such things, too. I’ll come with you tomorrow."

Ye Qian felt as if there was nothing her sister-in-law couldn’t do — simply remarkable.

The man earlier seemed well-off, and her sister-in-law’s natural conversation with him was as if they were longtime friends.

Ye Hao shared the sentiment; Ye Qian’s comment about Gu Yi being like a treasure was true. With her ingenuity and courage to act, every contact revealed a new side of her.

The three bought a pile of items and returned to their accommodations.

"Qianqian, let’s organize these things; we might not have time tomorrow."

Gu Yi thought they’ve been on a major shopping spree these past two days, given how high their purchases stacked up.

"Wait for me a bit; I’ll be right back."

Ye Hao ran out, returning shortly, slightly out of breath.

"Why run? We’re not in a hurry."

It turned out Ye Hao had gone to fetch the canvas bags meant for storing military blankets. Gu Yi felt a warm glow inside watching Ye Hao.