"...So, I threw the bottle to my neighbor, who then called the police. The police disguised themselves as plumbers and entered the room to arrest the spy."
On the tram, Stanislava boasted to her friend about how she "outsmarted" the spy. Today, she was in a good mood, not because she had done a service to the British Empire, but because of the envious glances from people around her.
"Stanislava, I can't bear to leave you..."
As Jirina spoke, she involuntarily leaned closer to her, saying, "I can at least enjoy your perfume... God, I can't even remember the scent of perfume anymore..."
Once again, Jirina leaned towards Stanislava's neck, greedily inhaling the scent, even as if she wanted to absorb it all.
"Well, dear, if you take a stroll around Grosvenor Square, those Americans will surely be eager to give you perfume. Not only perfume, but even stockings."
Grosvenor Square was where the American Embassy was located. Most of the surrounding buildings were used by Americans, housing their military headquarters and various diplomatic offices. Therefore, there were far more Americans than British people in the square.
Compared to the scarcity faced by the British, the Americans had abundant resources, which exceeded the imagination of many British women. Thus, many British women liked to stroll around the square, hoping to meet an American who could satisfy their material needs.
"Hmph, American perfume is cheap junk, who cares..."
Resting her head on her friend's shoulder, Jirina said, "But if it's stockings... well, that's another matter."
Sniffing the scent on her friend, Jirina asked, "Dear, did you use your perfume to... obtain gifts?"
"You must be joking! This is a gift from a friend abroad."
Stanislava certainly wouldn't admit that the perfume was from the spy. In fact, she hadn't even told the police. What if they confiscated it as evidence?
"I envy you so much."
The envy in her friend's tone filled Stanislava with satisfaction. Perhaps, this was her last bit of stubbornness.
Witnessed by God, ever since her husband went missing, she had gone from being an upper-class lady to a common woman on the street. Without her husband's income, she couldn't even make ends meet and had to work like an ordinary woman.
Thinking of the past, Stanislava's mood suddenly became somewhat gloomy. Soon, the bus arrived at the station, and after bidding farewell to her friend, Stanislava got off the bus alone.
Back home, Stanislava went to the bathroom as usual for a wash. Just as she changed into her pajamas, she heard a knock on the door.
"Who could it be at this hour?"
Curious, Stanislava went to the living room and asked, "Who is it?"
"It's the water meter inspector."
The water meter inspector? Although she was puzzled, Stanislava still opened the door. As soon as she did, her eyes widened. She wanted to close the door, but the man outside held it open with his arm.
"You... you..."
"Hello, madam. We meet again!"
Resting his arm on the door, Li Yian smiled.
"Why don't you invite me in?"
"You... Weren't you arrested by the police?"
Suddenly, as if understanding something, Stanislava exclaimed, "You're not a spy?"
If he were a spy, he wouldn't have been released so quickly.
"What do you think?"
Realizing her mistake in mistaking him for a spy and calling the police, Stanislava suddenly felt her cheeks flush, and the strength left her hand leaning against the door.
...
"Would you like some coffee, sir?"
In an instant, the atmosphere in the living room became even more awkward, with neither of them speaking.
After a while, Stanislava tentatively spoke up.
"Sir, I'm really sorry for the misunderstanding earlier, but, but between us..."
Between us, what?
Stanislava didn't know how to continue. After all, she had misunderstood him.
"There's nothing between us."
Taking over the conversation, Li Yian said, "I'm here to help you."
"Help me?"
"Yes."
Looking at the woman in front of him, Li Yian surveyed the living room. He had noticed some traces of pictures on the wall last time he was here, and now, even the living room had only one sofa left.
"It's clear that you're not in a good situation right now."
"During the war, nobody's situation is as good as it used to be."
"But your situation is far worse than before."
Why did he come here?
Because of that photograph. The insignia on the woman's husband's military uniform was a crown and a star, indicating the rank of colonel. A colonial colonel, undoubtedly belonging to the upper class.
This was the reason Li Yian had come here. He needed this woman. More accurately, he needed a woman who could introduce him to the upper class, helping him earn his first bucket of gold.
Straightening her pajamas and sitting on the armchair, Stanislava crossed her legs elegantly, revealing her long, slender legs.
"What do you want to say?"
"You need money."
Stanislava couldn't help but burst into laughter, her laughter causing ripples in her pajamas.
Everyone needs money, but not everyone has the opportunity to earn it. Now, you have a chance."
What chance?
Stanislava's eyes were still fixed on the stockings. Seeing this, Li Yian took out something from his bag.
In an instant, her laughter stopped abruptly, her eyes deadlocked on the object on the coffee table, with a strange gleam in them.
Was she dreaming?
Stanislava blinked, then looked at the man with a puzzled expression.
"What... what do you want from me?"
As she spoke, her eyes remained on the stockings. Seeing this, the man picked up the stockings and displayed them, revealing their sheer and delicate texture. Once again, a charming smile appeared on his face.
"Help me sell this to someone who needs it and can afford it."