Time Travel & Rebirth : Prosperous Life in the 1980s

Chapter 11: Meeting Again

The "bread jacket" was the current trend in down jackets. Jiang He Yan looked at the street full of military coats and thick cotton-padded jackets. He thought his uncle would get him one of those big cotton-padded jackets, but he was surprised when his uncle mentioned the down jacket.

It was completely in line with the current fashion.

The saleswoman looked a bit embarrassed. "We don't have that here in this small town. Even if we did, no one would buy it. Only the department stores in the provincial capital carry them."

As for cotton-padded jackets, it was even less likely. People here typically made their own jackets from fabric and cotton rather than buying ready-made ones.

Mayor He scratched his nose and spoke in a negotiating tone, "You young people like fashion, but this weather isn't a joke. How about getting a military coat instead?"

The saleswoman took a closer look at Jiang He Yan. A sweater with a coat might be warm indoors, but outside, it could turn him into an ice pop. She had children herself and her motherly instincts kicked in. "Oh, how can you be wearing so little in this weather?"

The young woman waiting to buy candy became impatient. She tapped on the counter and said grumpily, "Comrade, do you have any milk candy? I want milk candy."

"Hold on a moment, comrade. I need to talk to this comrade first," the saleswoman said, noticing Jiang He Yan seemed well-off and probably from the big city. She figured a woolen coat wasn't cheap and was likely affordable only to city folks.

She then became more attentive to both customers. "We still have military coats in style right now. We also have military leather coats. They're more stylish, warmer, and better than the down jackets."

Mayor He made a quick decision. "Show me the coats."

The saleswoman pulled out two military coats from beneath the counter. "This one is 50, and this one is 150."

These days, everyone wanted a military coat. Those who wanted to keep up with trends would save up for a month or two just to buy one. The green military coat was the best seller, affordable enough for ordinary people to buy with a bit of saving.

The military leather coat was more expensive but had a premium look. Mayor He decided on the 150 yuan one and began to pay.

Jiang He Yan wasn't going to let Mayor He pay for it, but Mayor He waved his hand, saying it was a gift from an elder to a younger person.

The young woman waiting for candy grew even more impatient. "If everyone delays like this, the whole day will be gone. What are you buying clothes for at this hour?"

Actually, it was only a matter of five minutes. A piece of clothing costing over a hundred yuan could make someone hesitate for quite a while.

Mayor He's payment was done quickly.

The saleswoman took Mayor He's money with a smile. "Here you go. Milk candy. Just a moment while I put away this coat."

Jiang He Yan put on the newly bought military leather coat, draping his wool coat over his arm.

Mayor He adjusted the collar for him. "You look sharp."

Not wanting to arrive empty-handed at his uncle's house, Jiang He Yan had prepared a gift—a box of Moutai wine. However, since there were many people at the government office, he worried it might not make a good impression on Mayor He, so he left it in the car. Now at the department store, he decided to buy some more things. Despite Mayor He's attempts to stop him, Jiang He Yan bought a bunch of pastries and cookies.