Xu Qingru hadn’t spoken yet but Ma Xiulan understood instantly. Too overcome to say a word Ma Xiulan gripped her suitcase tight. It felt as though a mountain had settled heavily upon her all strength drained away leaving only cold loneliness.
Xu Qingru said nothing either. When they reached the Arts Troupe Xu Qingru noticed the men and women they passed giving Ma Xiulan looks of avoidance and her heart ached. In her past life after they separated Ma Xiulan had stayed far away so as not to cause them trouble.
Once inside their dorm room Ma Xiulan set down her things and turned to her daughter. Xu Qingru knew she was waiting for her answer. She pressed her lips together. There was no need to tell Ma Xiulan about being reborn but she could speak of Xu Hui the other woman and Xu Yingying.
Mom she said her throat tight. I know Xu Yingying is Dads real daughter. And the rumors ruining your reputation were spread by him.
Ma Xiulan stared taken completely by surprise. Is this true? Her face gave nothing away neither belief nor doubt only steady gaze. Xu Qingru nodded.
Dad isnt being sent to the countryside to avoid scandal. Hes going because he messed up at work. When they divorced Ma Xiulan had left the house and all their money with Xu Hui driven largely by guilt. She had always thought if not for her he wouldnt have to leave.
Now she realized how wrong shed been. Her face hardened. Qingru Ill talk to your father. Well transfer everything to you the house the savings. Youll have your name removed from our family records so you wont be tied to me…
No Xu Qingru cut her off. I wont cut ties with you. Wherever you go Im going too. She meant every word. Ma Xiulan was touched by her daughters devotion but she still didnt want her to suffer.
Xu Qingru understood her mothers worry but this second chance meant she would make sure Ma Xiulan was cared for. She would not let her mother endure hardship again. Both mother and daughter had their own thoughts each thinking only of the other and neither spoke them aloud.
Their dormitory had just one room so they shared the bed fortunately it was large enough. Later listening to Ma Xiulans steady breathing Xu Qingru opened her eyes. She touched the jade pendant around her neck. Grandma youd trust me to take care of Mom wouldnt you?
The pendant grew warm in her hand. She looked down and saw it glowing. Puzzled she stared closer and suddenly her vision shifted.
There stood a thatched cottage its door shut tight beside a winding stream whose gentle gurgling she could hear. A dark shape leaped from the water a black fish. She reached out and caught it. Can I bring this back?
The thought had barely formed when she felt herself snap back. She blinked and there in her hands was a live wriggling black fish. Her fingers tightened it struggled.
Ma Xiulan turned over in her sleep startling Xu Qingru. She tried to hide the fish and it vanished instantly. Seeing her mother was still asleep Xu Qingru touched the pendant. Come in she whispered.
She was back at the stream. The black fish lay on the ground about to flop back into the water. She caught it again. It was real!
She didnt know where this space had come from perhaps it was a gift from heaven. Her mother had been through so much lately she needed nourishment. She focused her mind and returned to the room.
She fetched a basin went back to the space and placed the fish inside. She tried the cottage door but it was locked so she gave up. Elsewhere Xu Yingying went to Xu Huis room. Its late he said. Why arent you asleep?
She sat down before him. Dad if I could help you stay here instead of going to the countryside would you bring my real mom back from there? Xu Hui was skeptical. He knew his own daughter or so he thought.
But she looked utterly serious. Yingying dont be silly. I saw it in a dream she insisted. We went to the countryside and struggled at first but then I married a brilliant researcher named Chen Jiashu. He was going there as an educated youth too and we all came back to the capital together. Youll see when the list comes out.
Xu Hui wasnt convinced. Its just a dream. Go to bed. Privately he had no intention of marrying the other woman. Ma Xiulan came from a good family her parents though gone had been respected leaders in their work units. Being seen with her brought him respect. But a widow? People would talk.
Xu Yingying wasnt worried she knew he would believe her once the list was posted. Next morning Ma Xiulan woke to find Xu Qingru already back with the black fish and seasonings. Why spend your money on this? Ma Xiulan fussed. Save it youll need it.
Youve been working so hard Mom. Let me make this for you so you get your strength back. Xu Qingru smiled and leaned close. Ma Xiulan couldnt stay cross with her. Well then make sure you eat plenty too.
Xu Qingru prepared the fish herself. Somehow it smelled richer than usual. By mealtime the fragrance had drifted through the whole dormitory building. A woman next door dressed in bright gaudy clothes stepped out waved a hand dismissively before her nose and called out loudly Who sent you this I wonder? Another lover of yours?