TCRT_07
Chapter 7: Stubborn — Never Before Such an Outrageous Style
Having obtained paper and pen from Master Yan's assistant, Ji Qingzhou turned around and leaned his back against the wooden rack, and with a black fountain pen, began to sketch swiftly on the blank page.
Shen Nanqi and the assistant both found this strange, and crowded in on either side of Ji Qingzhou to watch.
"What are you drawing..," Before the question was finished, Shen Nanqi saw a figure of a graceful young woman appear on the paper.
She widened her eyes, staring unblinkingly at the movement of the pen tip.
In just under two minutes, the young woman was dressed in a long, waist-cinching qipao with reasonably complete details.
Although the woman in the drawing had no facial features or hair, and the head-to-body proportions were somewhat exaggerated, there was no denying that she was elegant. Her pose and bearing could even be described as graceful and willowy.
The assistant couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation of surprise, and quickly waved for his boss to come over.
"Is this the kind of qipao you had in mind?" Shen Nanqi vaguely understood Ji Qingzhou's intention.
After all, the pattern on the dress of the woman in the drawing was the same as the fabric she had taken a liking to.
"Take a look," Ji Qingzhou capped his pen, and seeing that she kept staring at the sketch, handed the notebook over to her.
Shen Nanqi took the notebook and examined it carefully, saying: "You do show some talent in drawing. Have you learned before?"
"Just figured it out on my own," Ji Qingzhou replied, "What do you think of this robe?"
"You can tell it's a qipao, but... it's too fashionable. I'm afraid I wouldn't dare to wear it."
She furrowed her brows slightly and shook her head, as if in disapproval, yet her gaze couldn't move away from the sketch, she was clearly very fond of it.
At that moment, Master Yan, having finished recording the measurements, walked over and asked "What's going on?", and Shen Nanqi handed the notebook to him to look at.
"This, this is a robe?" Master Yan was clearly very surprised, "You just drew this?"
Shen Nanqi gave a faint smile, pointed to that bolt of peach-pink silk crepe and said: "He saw that I liked this fabric, and said it could be made into a robe like this. I think the drawing looks beautiful, but I wouldn't dare to imagine it made into actual clothing."
Ji Qingzhou sighed silently, understanding what she was concerned about.
For the past few hundred years domestically, the aesthetic standard for women had been sloping shoulders and a long neck, a willow waist and flat chest, with the most extreme distortion being that the feet had to be as delicate as a young child's, and the body as frail as a sheet of paper...
In short, clothing that so closely followed the female figure, in this era, perhaps only women of the night would dare to willingly try.
But in fact, the qipao he had drawn was already relatively in keeping with the spirit of the times.
A mandarin collar, long sleeves, a low slit below the knee, the length reaching down to the ankles— aside from the fitted waist and dart design which accentuated the body's curves to a greater degree, everything else could be considered quite conservative¹.
He thought for a moment, then said to Shen Nanqi: "Isn't the Western dress you're wearing now also quite form-fitting?"
"How can those two be compared? The qipao has been worn for hundreds of years, and never has there been such an outrageous style."
"Then do you think it looks good?"
Shen Nanqi glanced at the sketch being held in Yan Weiliang's hands, nodded and said: "Judging from the drawing alone, it is naturally striking."
"Then what is there still to hesitate about?" Ji Qingzhou smiled with an upturned mouth.
"This is Shanghai, the most modern city, and you are Shen Nanqi, returned from studying abroad, the principal of a womens' school, a prominent figure in social circles. No matter what new style you wear, as long as it is attractive and tasteful, it is fashionable. From now on, those ladies, young misses, and female students will very likely follow your fashion trends in how they dress."
"What do you mean my fashion trends, stop flattering me so recklessly, really..."
Shen Nanqi was amused by his exaggerated words, and though she verbally reprimanded him like that, she had taken all those words to heart.
After pressing her lips together and considering for a moment, she turned to Yan Weiliang and said: "Since my nephew puts it that way, then I'll trouble Master Yan to look into it and make me an outfit using this fabric."
"No problem, let me take a look..."
Yan Weiliang examined it carefully for another moment, then frowned slightly and said: "Going by what's drawn in the picture, this robe has no center back seam, and it has long sleeves. I'm afraid the width of this bolt of fabric won't be enough. Or are you cutting the sleeves separately?"
"Yes," Ji Qingzhou nodded, paused for a few seconds and then said: "How about this, Master Yan, let me draw you a style and structure diagram so you can study it more carefully."
He had observed the qipao of this period and knew that they mostly used the traditional 'cross-shaped flat construction' cutting method— that is, the front and back panels cut as one piece, joined at the center seam, with the sleeves attached to the body. This was somewhat different from the qipao tailoring and construction methods that would become popular in later generations.
Rather than letting Master Yan figure it out on his own and spending several days without necessarily being able to recreate the design effect, it would be better for him to give a specific direction and spare everyone some unnecessary detours.
"Good, good, then draw another one."
Yan Weiliang quickly handed the notebook back to him.
After taking it, Ji Qingzhou looked around left and right, and simply walked over to Master Yan's desk and sat down: "I'll borrow your desk and chair for a moment."
With that, he spread the notebook open on the desk, picked up a pencil from the table, and began to draw.
Shen Nanqi and Master Yan exchanged a glance, then followed over and stood on either side of the desk to watch him draw.
Compared to a design illustration, a technical flat sketch is considerably more concise and precise in terms of stylistic details and garment proportions.
Ji Qingzhou not only drew the front and back pattern illustrations of the qipao, but also marked out the approximate size ranges according to Shen Nanqi's measurements, along with some details regarding construction techniques and the selection of auxiliary materials.
He had originally intended to spend some time marking out the approximate ease allowances needed for each section, but thinking that Master Yan was after all an experienced old tailor renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and well-versed in making Western garments, these finer details would certainly be something he could account for on his own— there was no need to gild the lily.
"Alright, that should do it," Having spent about twenty minutes drawing the two technical flat sketches, Ji Qingzhou put down the pencil and slid the notebook in front of Master Yan: "Take a look, is there anything else that needs to be marked?"
Master Yan's mouth hung slightly open. He looked at Shen Nanqi, then looked toward Ji Qingzhou, and lowering his voice slightly asked: "Is Mr. Ji an illustrator?"
Ji Qingzhou shook his head: "No."
"A fellow in the trade then?"
"Not that either," Ji Qingzhou said with a helpless smile and an upturned lip, "Just driven by interest. I only know a little."
Yan Weiliang picked up the notebook, studied the drawings in thought for a moment, then clicked his tongue lightly and said: "Mr. Ji has just arrived in Shanghai. If you don't have work yet, you're welcome to come work at my shop. Just like this, drawing a few new qipao or Western dress designs for me each month. I'll offer you a salary of forty yuan. How does that sound?"
Forty yuan was not a small amount at all...
From what Ji Qingzhou knew, the Jie family's driver earned a monthly salary of forty-six yuan, which was already enough to support a family of five.
He rolled his eyes and tilted his head to look at Shen Nanqi in the distance: "The several outfits you're having made for me today, roughly how much would that cost?"
Shen Nanqi was already seated on the sofa drinking tea. Hearing this, she made a quick calculation and said: "Not counting the belt, bow tie, leather shoes, and hat— around a hundred yuan or so."
Ji Qingzhou then turned his head toward Master Yan and gave a regretful shrug of his shoulders.
Yan Weiliang scratched the back of his head and sighed: "I understand that Mr. Ji is not short of money, but you'd only need to draw a few sketches like these each month, with no need to come in and sit at a desk, it's easy money."
On the contrary, it was precisely because he was short of money and felt the salary offered was too low that he was declining.
Of course, saying it that bluntly to someone's face was something Ji Qingzhou would certainly never do, so he smiled and replied: "I'll think it over."
"That works too. I'll wait for your answer!" Yan Weiliang laughed with a chuckle.
After placing the notebook with the drawings into the drawer and carefully putting it away, he then began to discuss the matter of the Western suits with the two of them.
.
After finishing the custom clothing order and walking out of Yuxiang Fashion Shop, the two of them did not head straight home, but instead went to a nearby Suzhou cuisine restaurant called Hongyun Lou for a meal.
The two sat at an elegant window seat on the second floor, and through the gaps in the rosewood window lattice they could see the flow of vehicles and pedestrians on the street outside.
Shen Nanqi was not one for extravagance. With just the two of them dining, she ordered only four dishes— a plain and simple spread of two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and one soup.
"Most of the dishes at this restaurant taste rather ordinary to me, but this shark fin soup alone has a freshness that other places simply cannot replicate. Give it a try."
Once the food was served, Shen Nanqi slid the white porcelain soup bowl containing the thick soup toward the person across from her.
Hearing this, Ji Qingzhou obligingly ladled two spoonfuls of the shark fin soup into his bowl.
After taking a sip, he immediately widened his eyes and said with genuine admiration: "It really is delicious. I love it."
"If you like it, have a couple more bowls," Seeing him respond so enthusiastically, Shen Nanqi couldn't help but smile, "Watching you eat is far more pleasant than watching those two boys."
"You mean the two young masters?"
"Who else could it be?" Shen Nanqi sighed softly, "Especially Yuanyuan, when he was little, he ate like a cat, only half a bowl of rice per meal, and was picky on top of that. Like his grandmother, he preferred vegetarian food. After going abroad and roughing it for a few years, he's gotten somewhat better."
She chatted casually about her son's habits, took a couple bites of food, then suddenly shifted the topic and asked: "Are you considering going to work at Yuxiang?"
Ji Qingzhou shook his head: "I was just saying it casually."
"You shouldn't go there. If you work for him, no matter how much talent you have, it will be hard to make a name for yourself."
"How so?"
"Like just now. You come up with new ideas, Master Yan makes the garments, and in the eyes of the customers, they will only know that the tailor at Yuxiang can make fashionable clothing. All the good reputation goes to him, and it brings you no benefit whatsoever.
"If you are truly skilled in this craft, you'd be better off hiring a capable tailor and opening your own shop."
Shen Nanqi offered the suggestion, "If funds are insufficient, you can submit a report to me and I'll be your shareholder."
"Open my own shop?" Ji Qingzhou repeated the words, as if in thought.
Truthfully, what he had witnessed inside Yuxiang Fashion Shop had indeed stirred something within him.
Although the tools there were all rather primitive—the sewing machines were still foot-pedal operated, and some even hand-cranked—yet such a simple and unadorned scene of garment-making had caused his heart, the heart of someone devoted to fashion design, to tremble with feeling, as if a small flame were slowly burning to life.
After pondering for a moment, he raised his head and smiled: "I'll think it over."
"No need to overthink it. While you're young, do what you want to do. Otherwise, you'll end up like me, a cautionary tale."
Ji Qingzhou looked across the table and, following the thread of her words, shifted the topic: "It sounds like you have a story to tell?"
"It's nothing worth calling a story," Shen Nanqi picked up the soup ladle and said while ladling soup, "In our early years, my elder brother and I studied abroad in America, and we both said that upon returning we would serve the people. He said he would open a hospital, so that our countrymen could seek medical care with peace of mind. I said I would establish an agricultural school, to improve seeds and cultivate cotton.
"As it turned out, he came back and truly did open a hospital. As for me, I was held back by various circumstances and was unable to fulfill my ambition."
Ji Qingzhou was momentarily taken aback, not having expected to hear such words.
He set down his bowl and chopsticks and said in a sincere tone: "Your ambition is a noble one. It is never too late to pursue it."
After a few seconds, he added: "If I achieve something in the future, I will certainly support you in establishing that school."
Shen Nanqi was amused by his earnest tone and nodded: "You are a good child. I did not misjudge you."
"Alright, enough of these things with no certainty, how are you getting along with Yuanyuan?"
Ji Qingzhou picked up his chopsticks again and said leisurely: "Aside from having to engage in a battle of wits with him every now and then, everything else is fine I suppose."
Shen Nanqi laughed at that: "That's just how he is, a typical Suzhou person through and through. The way he talks is sharp and teasing, impossible to keep up with. Fortunately he only uses words and never his hands. Sometimes when I can't out-argue him, I simply pretend I didn't hear."
Ji Qingzhou nodded in wholehearted agreement and said: "If he were to use his hands, I'm afraid I couldn't beat him."
"Given the way he is, if you can't beat him, can't you at least get out of the way?"
"That's also true."
.
They chatted leisurely through the meal, after which Shen Nanqi went to the counter to settle the bill.
Although the meal had cost less than two silver dollars, Ji Qingzhou standing nearby watching felt rather embarrassed about it.
Today's expenditures—whether the clothing or the meal—had all been footed by Madam Shen, and he felt as though he had been standing beside her like some pretty-faced freeloader taking advantage of her hospitality.
Shen Nanqi had evidently noticed his awkwardness, and after getting into the car, reassured him: "There's no need to feel embarrassed. This is simply part of our arrangement. Your outward identity right now is that of my cousin's nephew, so naturally I cannot let you dress too shabbily.
"If you truly feel uneasy about it, then just take good care of Yuanyuan in your day-to-day life. His temper is admittedly not the gentlest, and he's not much for kind words, but he is absolutely someone who can tell right from wrong and is upright and good-natured.
"Whether you treat him well or not, the scales in his heart will always be weighing it."
Ji Qingzhou wasn't quite sure whether this was meant as reassurance or a veiled warning— perhaps both.
But regardless, Shen Nanqi had been very attentive toward him, so he responded candidly: "Don't worry. I will certainly take care of him as attentively as I would a family member, and would never dare mistreat him."
"Then I can leave for Suzhou tomorrow with peace of mind."
Shen Nanqi smiled gently, then shifted the topic: "Let's go browse Yongan Department Store next. You have good taste, and your preferences in food are also quite similar to mine. Shopping with you is rather enjoyable."
"More shopping..."
It seemed rare for her to find a suitable shopping companion, for Ji Qingzhou was first taken by Shen Nanqi to browse the department store on Nanjing Road for over an hour—without finding any suitable clothing—and then they looped back to Tongfu Road and spent another half hour browsing a Western clothing boutique that specialized in foreign-style garments.
After all that, Shen Nanqi had not bought anything for herself, but had instead purchased three sets of Western casual wear for Ji Qingzhou to wear in the interim.
Although they were ready-made garments and not as well-fitted as custom-made ones, Ji Qingzhou's naturally outstanding appearance made up for the shortcomings of the clothing— no matter the style, color, or pattern, once on his person it looked as though it had been tailored specifically for him.
Shen Nanqi found this set satisfying and that set acceptable as well, and her difficulty in making decisions made it hard for her to choose. Had Ji Qingzhou not talked her out of it, she had nearly been on the verge of pulling out her purse and buying everything.
After tiring themselves out from all the shopping, the two then went to have coffee and afternoon tea, and by the time they returned to the Jie household it was already three in the afternoon.
After taking the large and small bags of new clothing to the wardrobe room to put away, Ji Qingzhou carried a gift box and made his way to Jie Yu'an's study.
Opening the dark brown wooden door, what greeted his eyes was a small sitting room furnished with a sofa and tea table, with tall bookshelves installed along both sides.
Passing through the sitting room and opening another door led to Jie Yu'an's actual reading and work area.
The south-facing room was bright with light. When Ji Qingzhou entered, Jie Yu'an was reclining in the armchair beside his desk, listening to music.
On the other side, A' You stood with his head bowed by the window. To his right, atop a chest of drawers set close against the bookshelf, sat a hand-cranked gramophone, its large brass morning-glory-shaped horn presently filling the room with flowing, classical string music.
"Sir, you're back," Huang Youshu bowed in greeting, his voice kept very low, as if afraid of disturbing his young master.
Ji Qingzhou set the box down by the desk and asked him: "Have Qiu Wenxin and the others left?"
"Yes, those two left after lunch."
Ji Qingzhou gave a nod, feeling no particular sense of regret about it. There was plenty of time ahead, and there would always be opportunities to meet them.
"Go and rest, I'll be fine here," he said.
"Yes, sir, call me if you need anything," Huang Youshu kept his head bowed and slipped out of the room with quiet footsteps, pulling the door shut behind him.
Once he had gone, Ji Qingzhou lifted the box and slowly placed it over Jie Yu'an's knees, saying: "I brought you a gift."
Jie Yu'an instinctively pressed his hand down on the box, his tone calm: "It had better be something useful."
"It's extremely useful. It's both a source of nourishment and a place of refuge, it's... well, you'll definitely like it."
Ji Qingzhou moved a chair over and sat down on the other side of the desk, propping his right elbow on the surface and resting his cheek in his hand, watching him with bright eyes.
Jie Yu'an felt for the ribbon on the box and untied it, lifted the lid, and without the slightest concern about any prank, reached directly into the box and pulled out something thick.
"A book?"
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes!"
Jie Yu'an gave a scoffing chuckle, and with a thud dropped the book along with the box onto the desk.
"You call this a gift for me?"
"Why distinguish between yours and mine, isn't it enough that it's an interesting read?"
Ji Qingzhou reached out and pulled the box toward himself, took out the book and flipped through it, then sighed: "Actually, it can't really be said that I brought it for you, after all, Madam Shen paid for everything. Madam Shen really spent lavishly today, buying me quite a lot of things."
As he said this, he suddenly looked up with a smile: "You two are truly mother and son, each one more generous than the other with spending."
Upon hearing these words, Jie Yu'an's brow beneath his hair furrowed slightly, and his expression turned somewhat peculiar, as if he had heard something that defied his understanding.
Ji Qingzhou did not notice his reaction, and flipping to the first chapter to scan a few lines, asked: "Shall I read aloud now? Would you like to listen?"
Jie Yu'an said nothing.
"So that means you do want to listen, right?"
Ji Qingzhou curved the corners of his lips, feeling that he had already grasped the key element of Jie Yu'an's character— his verbal objections did not mean he would not ultimately agree, but silence more often than not meant consent.
Simply put, he was just stubborn.
"This is the English edition. The first story is titled 'A Study In Scarlet.'" Ji Qingzhou said with a smile, then opened the first chapter and began to read aloud expressively.
—
A/N;
1). 'A mandarin collar, long sleeves, a low slit below the knee, the length reaching down to the ankles— aside from the fitted waist and dart design which accentuated the body's curves to a greater degree, everything else could be considered quite conservative', 'peach-pink silk crepe', and 'silk crepe with an off-white base color printed with light brown lozenge interlocking auspicious patterns'. The following are sketch and dress generated by AI based on the description for reference:
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