Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 153: Generation Gap

Yiguang had already been in this military region for about five or six years and was very familiar with the surroundings and road conditions.

As he drove, he explained the local customs and culture to Minmin.

He also mentioned the local cuisine, "Here, it’s not a meal without noodles... steamed buns, noodle skin, glass noodles, cold noodles... every household’s women have their own unique skills... My comrade Lao Sun married a local girl. He knew a place where you could eat lamb... boy, he spent a whole month’s worth of food coupons there... Four people ate a whole roasted lamb..."

Hearing this, Minmin’s cravings were aroused, "I want to eat that too..."

Yiguang glanced at her, then turned back to look ahead, simply smiling without responding.

Minmin watched his profile and softly said, "Comrade Yiguang, take me later to eat something tasty. The city must have more delicious food than the county, and I want to try everything you mentioned!"

Because of her deep love for food, she was picky; without temptation, she would resign herself, but seeing such opportunities, she immediately seized them.

The local cuisine had significantly influenced the majority of China in the years to follow, but only in this locale could one eat the authentic versions.

Yiguang laughed, "Then let’s do as my wife wishes."

"Our place is not very far from either the county or the city. It is quick enough for a day trip by car. Despite being inconspicuous, our town already has public transportation, with buses twice a day, and we can make it to the city in time for breakfast."

"Did you manage to find the research books Principal Li asked you to look for last time? Let’s go to the bookstore later, and then find a small shop to have some skilled dishes that we can’t usually eat."

"The weather is getting hotter day by day, let’s look for some light and breathable clothing later on..."

Minmin listened to his plans and had no objections.

Upon reaching the city, they first found the two books they were looking for, and then headed to the department store.

Minmin spotted a blue floral dress and a pair of white sandals.

Holding the clothes up to the mirror, she turned to ask Yiguang, "Do they look good?"

Yiguang noticed the dress ended at the knees, which would reveal her beautifully fair legs. He commented, "My wife, this looks like something a young girl would wear..."

He hadn’t finished his sentence when Minmin interrupted him, narrowing her eyes, "Am I not a young girl anymore? Have I become an old hag?"

Yiguang prompted her to look in the mirror, earnestly saying, "Of course not. Just look at the little one inside the mirror, prettier than the actresses on those posters, a lively young woman. But, well, we’re married now. Let’s not compete with those young girls. You’d look good in pants too."

"Yiguang," Minmin stopped him, "This is authoritarianism. Who says married people can’t wear dresses? Which rule states that? Or should married people abandon their vanity and thoughts? Should they just stay at home, taking care of their husbands and children, and doing endless housework?"

"Minmin," Yiguang took her hand, his expression serious, "I didn’t mean that. Let’s sit down and talk about this."

Minmin felt she might have overreacted as her tone was a bit loud, and people were looking their way. She nodded but still bought the dress and sandals, "This is my money. Even if you convince me, I don’t want to regret missing out."

She said these words and walked past him, head slightly tilted upward, exiting the store first.

Yiguang’s gaze darkened slightly.

Luckily, there was a small woods behind the department store, and the two walked under the shade.

Now, with no one around and a cool breeze bringing the rustle of leaves,

Minmin straightforwardly asked, "Yiguang, do you think my wearing dresses is indecent?"

Yiguang wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. Minmin, not understanding his intent, tried to struggle, but he held her tighter and sighed, "Minmin, I don’t want other men to see your legs. Wear it at home for me to admire; you’d be absolutely beautiful." Only he knew how alluring his wife was, and he didn’t want anyone else coveting his wife, not even a single extra glance.

Yang Peimin pushed him away; this man was indeed domineering.

Yiguang loosened his grip because they were still outside. He smiled and asked, "So, wife, if I went out naked, would you mind?"

Yang Peimin glared at him. "You can’t compare those two things. If you were shirtless and wearing shorts, I wouldn’t mind."

Yiguang wrapped his arms around her and chuckled lightly. "That’s essentially the same thing, isn’t it? You do care, don’t you? Just think about it. That scenario makes me feel exactly how you do."

Yang Peimin opened her mouth but, seeing his intense, serious, and persistent look, she didn’t voice her thought of ’that’s not fair.’

The generation gap between them spanned several decades.

Yang Peimin hugged his waist and laid her head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. The irritation in her heart subsided, and she readied herself to gradually warm him up to the idea. "Yiguang, let me tell you, since these items are being sold in the mall, people are buying them. Who knows, maybe in the future, you’ll see everyone dressing like this on the streets, whether they’re young girls or married women. It’s called being trendy. But your wife sticks to wearing the same old jacket and pants. Even if she’s not ugly, the clothes will make her look worse. In a few years, when I go out with you, it will look like we belong to two different generations. Wouldn’t that make you want to cry?"

Yiguang patted her head, also a bachelor. "We’ll talk about it when the time comes."

Yang Peimin reached to pinch his waist, "No, I like wearing skirts..."

"Wife, let’s discuss this further. How about we buy some that reach the ankles..."

"..."

This would still take some time.

Afterward, the couple went to eat. Yiguang took her through streets and alleys, discovering modest eateries that served uniquely delicious food. They didn’t eat much, just enough to tantalize their taste buds.

Yang Peimin was curious and asked him how he discovered these places.

Yiguang winked at her, "Have you forgotten? I used to be a reconnaissance soldier."

Yang Peimin with disbelief, "Reconnaissance soldiers come to scout out food?"

Yiguang smiled without replying.

Unspeakable?

Yang Peimin raised an eyebrow.

Yiguang handed her a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and said, "Ungrateful girl, didn’t I do it all for you? I specifically asked my comrades."

"Really?" Yang Peimin tilted her head. Though skeptical, her eyes sparkled with laughter.

Yiguang nodded. "Do you like it?"

"I love it. If only it were closer to home, then I could make time to come out and eat three meals a day."

Yiguang laughed and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, half-serious, half-jokingly, "Keep dreaming; it might just come true."

Yang Peimin chuckled. How could that even be possible?

Fortunately, they had eaten their fill.

They returned to the mall to buy some household goods and snacks.

It was time to head home.