Bang! Almost at the same moment, the bowl slipped from Xu Qingru’s hand and smashed against the wall right behind the woman. At the sound of shattering porcelain, the woman jumped in fright. She stepped back quickly and her foot landed right on a shard. Her body swayed and then she lost her balance completely, falling hard onto the ground.
“Pfft…” Xu Qingru’s laugh rang out. “Axiang’s wife, you’d do well to watch your mouth. Otherwise what if karma comes calling?”
By the time Xu Qingru spoke in that mocking tone, Axiang’s wife had already pulled herself up. Clutching her stinging backside, she glared fiercely at Xu Qingru and Ma Xiulan. “Am I wrong? Everyone knows your mother is a loose woman who’s slept with who knows how many men! Your own father told my husband Axiang that himself!”
Earlier Ma Xiulan might have wondered how Xu Qingru knew so much, but now it all sounded absolutely true.
“Hmph!” Seeing how pale Ma Xiulan had suddenly turned, Axiang’s wife gave a cold snort, then strutted back into her house.
Xu Qingru’s expression darkened. “Qingru come inside and eat!” Ma Xiulan called out from behind her.
Xu Qingru sat preoccupied and had little appetite. Ma Xiulan however took a bite of the fish and her eyes lit up instantly. It tasted better than any fish she had ever eaten. Xu Qingru quickly placed a generous piece into her mother’s bowl. “Mom this is especially for you to build up your strength. Please eat it.”
Ma Xiulan wanted Xu Qingru to have the bigger share, but meeting her daughter’s earnest gaze she sighed. She decided she would buy another fish for her daughter tomorrow. With her own upcoming assignment to the countryside almost certain, she might as well spend what money she had while she still could.
After eating the fish though Ma Xiulan felt strangely unwell. She made several trips to the restroom, yet afterwards her body felt noticeably lighter. Even the lower back pain from years of dance seemed to have vanished. She then noticed Xu Qingru had already gone out.
Ma Xiulan decided to take care of Xu Qingru’s affairs in the capital first. She was not at all certain this old friend would help. Her relationship with Dong Jun had once been very close, just short of a formal commitment. Then events had led her to marry Xu Hui instead. They had not seen each other since. She had written him letters but received no reply. Later when public conduct was policed strictly she stopped reaching out, afraid she would harm his reputation. She was genuinely happy to hear he had become an officer and had four sons. As long as he was doing well she had no wish to disturb his life.
When she arrived at his compound she found no one home. She left a message with her phone number and address and departed. Time was pressing. If necessary she would sever ties with Xu Qingru to protect her daughter, whatever Qingru might say. She could not let her girl suffer the hardships of the countryside.
Back at the dormitory Ma Xiulan caught sight of Xu Qingru returning. Before she could reach Axiang’s house the door swung open. Axiang’s wife appeared in a thin nightdress only to be kicked roughly outside by her husband. Close behind them stumbled a young man in a singlet, an assistant from the state-run restaurant nearby. Neither was properly dressed. A crowd gathered immediately to watch the spectacle. Ma Xiulan stood where she had a clear view.
Axiang pointed a shaking finger at his wife. “You shameless hussy! I’ll have you sent for reeducation through labor!”
Caught red-handed Axiang’s wife paled then flushed. The young man beside her immediately disclaimed all responsibility. “It wasn’t my fault! She tempted me! She said you couldn’t satisfy her!”
The crowd murmured at this sensational revelation. Axiang’s eyes rolled back and he collapsed unconscious. The authorities arrived shortly. Ma Xiulan stepped aside as Axiang’s wife was dragged away, feeling a sense of pity. Then as if struck by a sudden thought she hurried home.
Xu Qingru was sitting on her bed. “Qingru did you have something to do with what happened to Axiang’s wife?” Ma Xiulan asked.
Xu Qingru did not deny it and nodded. “Qingru you must never do such a thing again!” Ma Xiulan said firmly. Retribution was one thing but if it became her only focus it would bring endless trouble. Besides the real blame for those malicious words lay with Xu Hui. Thinking of him Ma Xiulan resolved to reclaim their house and savings.
“Mom?” Xu Qingru came closer, thinking her mother was angry. Her voice was soft and coaxing. “Axiang’s wife was already involved with that man. I just gave Axiang a little reminder that was all.”
Ma Xiulan spoke gently but seriously. “Do you realize what will happen to her? She could spend years in prison!”
Ma Xiulan had been about to say the punishment seemed too harsh, yet she also thought it might be good if her daughter learned to stand her ground. Then at least no one would dare bully her.
“Mom I will be more careful from now on!” Xu Qingru said sincerely.
It really had been chance. She had seen them enter together and knew instantly what was going on. In this life Axiang’s wife had not yet done her worst. But in her past life she remembered how cruelly the woman had treated her mother, how she had been among the loudest to spread lies.
Ma Xiulan knew her daughter well enough to see the promise was not entirely sincere. Still she held her peace, thinking it better for Qingru to be bold than vulnerable.
Determined to recover their property Ma Xiulan took Xu Qingru back to their former home. Before they reached the gate they heard Xu Yingying’s bright laughter. “Father do you think I look pretty in this dress?”
Ma Xiulan and Xu Qingru drew near and saw Xu Yingying standing there beautifully dressed like a little princess. Xu Hui had been busy too. He had not truly believed his daughter’s story about foreseeing the future, but when he checked the list of those being sent to the countryside he saw the name Chen Jiashu right there in black and white.
At first he felt a jolt of shock, then sudden elation. Perhaps Yingying really could see what lay ahead.