They had bought all the necessary gifts the day before—everything except meat. The supply and marketing cooperative had sold out, so they’d come away empty-handed. Niannian had told him her father lived very frugally; meat was scarcely seen in their village from one year to the next. He himself had never used his meat ration coupons while in the army, so he wanted to bring her father some as a gift. It was his way of saying thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter—she was a treasure beyond price, and he cherished her more than words could say.
Tian Yuefang and Gu Zhenhua listened to their son, and then looked at him. Being experienced folk, they understood perfectly well what had passed between the two young people. Thinking of how he had kept Niannian awake until dawn, Tian Yuefang could not help chiding him. “You—you must be more considerate of her health!”
Gu Yanzhi knew well enough that he had been carried away the night before. She had been so worn out she could barely speak, her voice hoarse from crying out. The thought filled him with remorse.
“I know, Mother.”
Gu Zhenhua, on the other hand, was secretly delighted. He washed his face, dried it, and hung the towel neatly over the basin stand.
“Yanzhi,” he said, “go after breakfast. I still have some liquor coupons and cloth coupons—buy some good wine to take to your father-in-law, and a fine length of cloth so Niannian can have a new dress.”
Tian Yuefang was not entirely reassured. “I’ll go with you!”
“Mother,” Gu Yanzhi waved a hand, “don’t you have work today? I can manage on my own.”
But Tian Yuefang was determined. “No, I’m coming with you. I want to pick out two nice outfits for her myself—I don’t trust the taste of you men! Besides… leave Huanhuan and Lele here today. It wouldn’t look right bringing children along on such a visit. I’ll take the day off and stay home to watch them. You and Niannian go and enjoy yourselves without worry.”
Gu Yanzhi considered it and agreed. Bringing the children really would be inappropriate—and what if it upset Niannian’s family? After all, what parent would want their precious daughter marrying into a household where she must act as stepmother to two little ones? He could not bear the thought of Niannian being hurt or humiliated by such prejudice.
“Very well, Mother. Thank you for looking after them today.”
Tian Yuefang had long felt deeply sorry for her younger son—still unmarried, yet burdened all this time with raising two children on his own. He had suffered so much. Her eyes grew warm and moist.
“Not at all. Don’t you worry about me. These years have been hardest on you… Come, let’s eat. We’ll leave while Huanhuan, Lele, and Niannian are still asleep.”
They left a pot of corn porridge warming over the embers, still hot enough to keep it pleasant. The pancakes and eggs were set atop the steamer rack so they would not grow cold. The three of them ate quickly—pancakes, pickles, and hot soup—before hurrying out. Later, Gu Yanzhen rose, ate a simple meal, and departed for work.
When Shen Niannian awoke, the house was quiet. She looked at the neatly made bed—sheets smooth and fresh—and her face grew warm. Once this man had truly claimed her, there was no end to his strength and vitality…
She rose slowly, her legs unsteady and her lower back aching, and dressed. Late though she had slept, she knew they must return to her father’s home today, so she dared not linger. She fetched the washbasin and stepped outside, only to find the yard silent and empty. She called Gu Yanzhi’s name twice—no answer. Even her father- and mother-in-law were gone. Glancing at the clock, she supposed they must have left early for work.
Back in the kitchen, embers still glowed faintly beneath the stove. She lifted the pot lid and found golden, tender fried eggs still warm, several fragrant pancakes, and the thick corn porridge she loved best. On the table lay a plate of neatly sliced pickled cucumbers.
She had wondered earlier who had prepared all this—but seeing those carefully cut cucumbers, she knew beyond doubt. Gu Yanzhi must have stayed awake all night to make this breakfast for her.
She ladled porridge, set out the pancakes and eggs. One bite of crisp pancake, another of savory egg, followed by sweet, thick corn porridge… it was delicious. Then she tried a slice of cucumber.
She bit into it—and winced so sharply her whole face crumpled. “Ah—!”
So sour!
She pushed the plate aside. She could not possibly eat them. But all these cucumbers… she would have to bring some back with her father later, or her secret would surely be found out.
As she looked at the pickles, her thoughts turned to the family planning policy that would begin in 1982. Her brow furrowed. No—she must conceive soon. In this life, she did not want only one child. She wanted many, to make up for the emptiness of her past life where she had never held a child of her own. She loved children—loved Huanhuan and Lele dearly. She imagined holding a baby of her own—small, soft, warm in her arms… and her heart felt as though it might melt with love.
Suddenly, a sound came from the inner room—followed by a cry of pain.
Huanhuan and Lele! She had forgotten them! They should still be asleep… unless they had woken early. She dropped her chopsticks and hurried to Tian Yuefang’s room.
Pushing open the door, she saw Huanhuan scrambling up from the earthen floor. A small, red, swollen lump stood on his forehead. His eyes were bright with unshed tears, and he looked toward her as if trying hard not to cry. Lele was awake in the bed, hair tousled, rubbing her eyes and watching her brother. Her little mouth began to tremble.
“Brother… it hurts…”
Shen Niannian rushed forward at once, lifted Huanhuan gently, and set him upon the bed. Her heart ached to see the angry bump on his forehead.
“Did you fall out of bed, poor little one?” Her voice was soft and gentle. Huanhuan glanced up, then quickly lowered his head again.
Lele, however, stared wide-eyed at Shen Niannian, then burst into tears. “Brother… tried to dress me… and fell… waaaah…” The little girl was plainly terrified, and seeing Shen Niannian there at last gave way to full, trembling sobs.
They were twins, the same age—and yet Huanhuan already bore the quiet steadfastness of an elder brother. He had fallen, yet he had not made a sound. He had gotten up and was already wiping his sister’s tears.
“Don’t cry, Lele… Brother doesn’t hurt.”
Shen Niannian’s heart swelled with tenderness. She hurried to the kitchen for sesame oil and smoothed it gently over the bump to bring down the swelling. Then she sat between them, holding both children close and whispering comfort until they were calm.
When Gu Yanzhi and Tian Yuefang returned, they found Shen Niannian feeding the children their breakfast—patient, gentle, and utterly loving. Tian Yuefang’s eyes stung with happy tears. What a wonderful daughter-in-law they had been given! Kind to the old ones, good to her husband, and tender to two children not even her own… She offered silent thanks to Heaven for sending such a girl to their family. Wiping quickly at her eyes so no one would notice, she stepped forward with a warm smile.
“Niannian—you’re awake! Why didn’t you rest a little longer?”