Chapter 137: Are you doubting my sense of taste?

The two women were like curious children, holding the beautiful garments in their hands and nodding in admiration.

"These clothes are truly trendy; we haven't seen anything like them around here," one remarked.

Liu Yuexian nodded as well, adding, "This little dress is so pretty! May I try it on, brother-in-law?"

Shen Guodong watched as Liu Yuexian’s attitude did a complete about-face. Only moments ago, she had been haughtily questioning whether these clothes would even sell, and now she was eager to try them on.

Shen Guodong nodded. "Go ahead and try them on. These are all mine. Later, take a look and keep a few sets for yourselves if you find any you like. I’ll take the rest to sell, and perhaps you could help me out as an accountant then. How does that sound?"

Liu Yuexian, her focus entirely consumed by the clothing, nodded eagerly. "Whatever you say, I'll do it."

Seeing her like this, Shen Guodong shook his head and turned to his wife. "Wife, you should take a look and try some on yourself."

Liu Yuexian’s sister, Liu Yueru, was more composed, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her curiosity. Sensing this, Shen Guodong suggested, "Bring all the different styles in here."

The three of them, having barely touched their meal, immediately began sorting through the beautiful clothes. Liu Yueru and Liu Yuexian each grabbed a piece and hurried into the bedroom to change. Shen Guodong smiled, unable to help but find their excitement endearing.

He took a quick inventory of the new arrivals. There weren't many—only about ten sets in total, seven for women and three for men—a well-balanced ratio. After all, the women's market was the primary focus, and these pieces were mostly one-size-fits-all.

Shen Guodong also discovered some rather provocative items from Hong Kong tucked away. He coughed twice, muttering to himself, "Good grief, they really do push the boundaries in the capital."

He knew that while he was a man who had seen the world and wouldn't be phased, the women of this era might find such styles a bit much. Fearing public scrutiny and the conservative sensibilities of the time, he quietly hid the stockings and more revealing items away.

Soon, he took a few representative samples and walked into the bedroom. He was immediately met by Liu Yuexian, who was spinning around and squealing, "These clothes are so beautiful! How have I never seen anything like this before?" She was humming with joy, dancing around the room.

Shen Guodong tapped her shoulder. "Easy there, don’t knock over the chair! How is it? It’s not bad, right?"

Liu Yuexian spun toward the full-length mirror, swaying from side to side. Her hair, tied up in a messy bun, gave her a youthful and lively appearance. "It’s gorgeous! This little dress, the patterns, and the pleats—it’s absolutely stunning!"

Seeing her gushing over the dress, Shen Guodong said, "There are plenty more where that came from. Don't just praise this one; see if there’s anything else you’d like to try."

Liu Yuexian’s eyes widened. "Wow, there’s more? Let me see, let me see!"

Distracted by the beautiful clothes, she suddenly paused. "Wait, why hasn't my sister come out yet?" She called out toward the room, "Sister, what are you doing? Come on out and show us!"

After a moment, a soft, hesitant voice came from behind the door. "How can I wear this out? It feels a little... unusual."

Shen Guodong knocked on the door. "What’s unusual about it? This is the new fashion. It’s all the rage in Hong Kong." Without waiting for an answer, he pushed the door open.

As the door swung wide, Liu Yueru covered her face with both hands. "Don't look! It’s embarrassing, so embarrassing."

Liu Yuexian rushed in. "Wow, sister! This outfit fits you so perfectly—it’s as if it were custom-made for you!"

Shen Guodong looked on as Liu Yueru stood there in denim overalls over a tight-fitting knit sweater. It was a look that felt both cozy and sophisticated, highlighting a graceful, mature charm that perfectly complemented her youthful glow.

Liu Yuexian pulled her sister’s hands away. "Come on, look!" She dragged her over to the full-length mirror.

Though still shy, Liu Yueru peeked through her fingers at her reflection. She stood frozen, stunned by the vision of a completely new version of herself. In a city like Fengcheng, where the culture remained conservative—usually limited to plain shirts, vests, or standard work trousers—a woman’s desire to dress up was often stifled.

But times were changing. Influenced by television, films, and books from Hong Kong, people were beginning to embrace new forms of material and aesthetic expression. As living standards improved, the demand for beautiful clothing had naturally followed.

Seeing her youthful reflection in the denim overalls, Liu Yueru finally broke into a smile. "It... it actually doesn't look too bad."

Shen Guodong stepped behind her and patted her shoulder. "What do you mean 'not bad'? It fits you perfectly. Come on, try the others. If these look good, I’ll find a contact in the capital to have some custom-made just for you, with even better fabric."

Liu Yueru sighed. "Oh, why bother? Clothes are just clothes. Custom-made ones must be expensive."

Shen Guodong shook his head with a grin. "Did you see all those boxes outside? Do you really think these won't sell out? We’re going to be a massive success."