The whole family sprang into action.
Although the younger children didn’t fully understand moving, the lively atmosphere excited them immensely. Even the baby lying in bed waved arms and legs in delight.
Everyone, big and small, was thrilled, but Su Caiqing noticed that Zhang Yunqing, usually quiet, didn’t show any sign of happiness.
Pausing her own work, Su Caiqing stroked Zhang Yunqing’s head and asked, “You don’t seem happy about moving, do you?”
Zhang Yunqing pressed his lips together and remained silent.
Su Caiqing thought for a moment and understood his feelings.
Compared to his older sister Zhang Yunbing’s energetic personality, Zhang Yunqing was more reserved, but his emotions were delicate, making them richer and more layered.
Though the house was small and shabby, it was where he had been born and raised, carrying countless memories and feelings.
“You’re reluctant to leave this place, aren’t you?” Su Caiqing asked.
Zhang Yunqing fiddled with the hem of his clothes, still silent, confirming her guess.
Su Caiqing squatted down to look him in the eye. “The neighbors here are all very nice, and you have many playmates and friends. I understand how you feel. But we’re not moving far. You can come back to visit them anytime, right?”
Zhang Yunqing’s expression softened. “Really?”
Su Caiqing nodded. “Of course. Many of your friends live on Niujiao Street, don’t they? Just because they come over doesn’t mean you can’t, right?”
He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good, that’s good.”
Though young, he carried a lot in his heart. Su Caiqing stood and patted his head.
Unfortunately, he was too unwilling to share his feelings, always thinking of others first, which would eventually lead him into the painful depths of domestic abuse later in life, costing him his life.
While Su Caiqing worried about Zhang Yunqing’s personality, neighbors outside, hearing the commotion, came over. “What’s going on at your house?”
Pulling her attention back, Su Caiqing replied, “We’re moving! Packing up now, it’s a mess.”
The neighbors were surprised. “Why move all of a sudden? Did your husband take over the work at the workshop?”
This was something many already knew about.
Su Caiqing shook her head with a smile. “Not at all. The factory will find someone to replace Zhang Min; neither our family nor the Zhangs will have a chance at the workshop.”
Even more shocked, the neighbors wondered how Su Caiqing would support all the children without the factory job. Before they could ask further, Su Caiqing handed over an old kerosene lamp with a slight leak. “Take this for your home. Your husband can fix it; it won’t leak after that.”
“Isn’t that too much…”
Though hesitant in words, their hands accepted the lamp, and the questioning stopped.
After dealing with a few neighbors, the family had packed most of their belongings. Su Dazhuang used two baskets to carry clothes, bedding, and dishes, while the children took smaller items.
Although not able to help much, the children needed to feel involved in such a big event.
Following Su Caiqing’s lead, the group moved toward the new home like a line of ants.
On the way, more neighbors gathered to watch.
Arriving at 56 Niujiao Street, Su Caiqing opened the courtyard gate. It was surprisingly spacious inside.
“Wow! This place is huge!”
The children, the most excited, immediately ran into the yard.
Su Caiqing and Su Dazhuang brought the belongings inside.
Su Dazhuang, inspecting the house, said with surprise, “This place is really nice, the walls are so white!”
Su Caiqing beamed. “Yes, it’s the home of a relative of Director Zhao’s family. They all moved to Shanghai, leaving the house empty. Director Zhao understood my difficulties and arranged for me to rent it at a reasonable price.”
Turning around the modest living room, Su Dazhuang said, “Even so, it must cost a fair amount.”
Su Caiqing replied, “As long as the family is comfortable, a bit expensive doesn’t matter. I’ll be able to earn it later.”
Su Dazhuang had no ground to argue and stayed silent.
The children played in the yard while Su Caiqing reminded them to watch their younger siblings. She and Su Dazhuang went back for more trips.
Though it seemed the family didn’t have much, moving took several trips, leaving the old house empty to return to the factory.
“Fifth Sister, why did you even take down the Chairman Mao portrait? We can buy a new one at the supply store,” Su Dazhuang asked, puzzled by her cautious climbing to retrieve it.
Su Caiqing brushed off the dust. “Once we leave, Zhu Yinglan will definitely come rummaging. I don’t want to leave her even a single stitch or pin.”
Su Dazhuang had nothing to say.
At the new house, the children discovered bunk beds in the bedrooms. “Mom! Does this mean everyone gets their own bed?”
Previously, they had all squeezed together, barely able to turn over. Su Caiqing understood their joy at having their own space.
“Of course! Boys on the right, girls on the left. Pick your bed.”
Excited, the children soon argued over who would get the top bunk.
Su Dazhuang asked, “Aren’t you going to intervene?”
Su Caiqing, still organizing, replied, “Why? To let the older ones yield to the younger? Let them sort it out themselves. As long as they don’t go too far, there’s no need to step in.”
He couldn’t understand, thinking she might be lazy.
After tidying up, Su Caiqing went shopping, leaving the children to resolve their disputes. In the end, all six children took the top bunks: the triplet girls and second sister Zhang Yunqing shared one, the two triplet boys shared another, eldest sister Zhang Yunbing and third brother Zhang Yunyang each had one. The lower bunks remained empty, and the children happily piled together as they wished.
Su Caiqing, taking two eldest daughters to buy groceries, found Su Dazhuang already clearing the yard’s barren patches. He couldn’t bear to see empty space.
That evening, she hosted a small feast, buying over two pounds of pork belly for red-braised pork at her daughters’ suggestion.
Director Zhao and Principal Jiang arrived early, bringing a vase and some snacks as gifts.
Principal Jiang immediately went to talk to the children, while Director Zhao slipped into the kitchen to assist and observe Su Caiqing’s cooking skills, hoping to pick up some tips.
Seeing her cook, Director Zhao chided, “You waste too much, money should be saved for later.”
Su Caiqing replied, “Don’t worry, I can earn it in the future.”
Director Zhao, knowing her sewing skills, thought she could support the children with her craft, feeling less confident about her own advice.
As they busied themselves, more greetings came from outside.
“More guests?” Director Zhao asked curiously.
Su Caiqing, wiping her hands, said, “Apart from you and your family, Wang Factory’s people can’t make it. The only other person is the girl replacing Zhang Min, He Hongmei.”
“Why is she here?!” Director Zhao was puzzled.
Su Caiqing smiled slightly. “Of course, I invited her.”
She came out to greet He Hongmei, who appeared reserved, not daring to sit, holding some greens.
Su Caiqing took the vegetables and introduced her to everyone. Principal Jiang remembered, “You graduated from our school, right? Your grades were excellent. Just finished high school?”
He Hongmei, surprised that the principal remembered her, said excitedly, “Yes, yes. I just graduated high school. I couldn’t afford college, and with my family struggling, I came out to work.”
Though the job had good pay, it was far from home. Working at the mechanical factory, she would be near family.
The group chatted warmly about He Hongmei’s experiences, while Su Caiqing returned to cooking.
Director Zhao, sensing something behind it, whispered to ask how it happened. Su Caiqing replied openly, “He Hongmei, a high school graduate, was suitable to replace Zhang Min. I didn’t want to give the other side an advantage, so I recommended her to Director Wang. He agreed, and that settled it.”
“Did her family know?”
Su Caiqing smiled, “Of course. I went to them myself. Her mother almost knelt down. I’m not as noble as Comrade Lei Feng, I do good deeds without leaving my name.”
Director Zhao finally relaxed. “That’s good. You’ve made a friend and helped open doors.”
Su Caiqing nodded. “Exactly my thought.”
After finishing cooking, she placed the dishes on the table. Director Zhao noticed the suddenly expanded table. “Where did this come from? I didn’t see it earlier.”
Su Caiqing showed under the table. “It folds away when not in use. For guests, it opens up to seat everyone comfortably.”
Indeed, with chairs set, twelve people fit easily.
Principal Jiang complimented, “Very nice. Where did you get it? My family wants one too.”
“I drew the plans myself and had someone make it. I can introduce the carpenter to you.”
Director Zhao nodded enthusiastically.
He Hongmei watched Su Caiqing, both admiring and envying her.
Just as everyone was about to start, the sound of two clear bicycle bells rang outside. Zhang Yunbing ran to check and returned excitedly: “It’s Uncle Liang!”
Soon, Liang Qiheng came in carrying a large bundle, surprised at the crowd. “So many people? What’s going on?”
Director Zhao laughed, “Su Caiqing is moving. Did you bring a gift? What’s so big?”
Liang Qiheng explained, “No, it’s fabric for Su Caiqing to make clothes. I delivered it as soon as I got it. I didn’t know you were moving today. Had I known, I’d have come to help instead of just bringing supplies!”