The tricycle stopped directly below the building, and the three of them unloaded the luggage together.
Song Xinran said, "Sis, thank goodness you were here today. I don't know how long it would've taken me to move all this stuff by myself."
"Why say such things? I'm your sister. If I don't help you, who will?" Song Xinwen, accustomed to manual labor, carried a large bag of luggage in each hand while walking briskly. "Open the door."
Song Yu followed the two adults, holding an enamel washbasin in both hands.
The child felt both apprehensive and excited about his new home. He rarely came to town, only occasionally on market days when his aunt would bring him along.
The town was truly lively—you could buy anything here. The streets were filled with delicious aromas that made one's mouth water, and the roads were clean, unlike the village where every step would cover your shoes in mud.
But the town was also dangerous. His aunt had warned him there were bad people who kidnapped children, so he needed to stay close and not wander off.
Therefore, as soon as they got off the vehicle, Song Yu stuck closely to his mother and aunt, not even blinking.
When they reached the door, his mother took out the key and unlocked it. Song Yu stared at the interior, so shocked that he stood frozen in place.
Song Xinran patted the child's head. "Come in, Xiao Yu."
Song Yu looked up incredulously and asked timidly, "Mom, is this really our home?"
Song Xinran smiled. "Yes, from now on Xiao Yu will live here with Mom."
Song Yu felt his heart pounding, his mind seemed to stop working. Dazed and confused, he thought: Would this really be his home from now on?
Such a beautiful home, such a clean home—he had never seen a home like this before.
Clutching the enamel basin, he carefully stepped inside. Looking down at his shoes caked with mud, he shyly pulled them back, afraid he would dirty the new home.
"What's wrong, Xiao Yu?"
Song Yu whispered, "My shoes are dirty."
Song Xinran smiled understandingly, sensitive to the child's delicate feelings. She opened the luggage and found his slippers. "Then wear these, Xiao Yu."
The slippers had been bought just last year, and Song Yu always washed them carefully after each use. Pressing his lips together into a small smile, he gave a firm "Mm-hmm" and changed into the clean footwear.
With two adults working, it only took three trips to move everything into the house.
Song Xinwen looked around the place and couldn't stop marveling. "So clean, completely different from the village."
Their family's house, built a few years ago, was considered one of the best in the village. Originally Song Xinwen had felt quite proud of it, but now compared to this town house, she finally understood what difference meant.
The bathroom was tiled, there were no domestic animals, so there were no unpleasant smells. The kitchen not only had a honeycomb briquette stove but also a gas stove.
In the countryside, they used firewood stoves. Sometimes when Song Xinwen had to tend the fire and cook alone, it became quite hectic. Here, even cooking alone could be done calmly and leisurely.
The two rooms were spacious too, with snow-white walls, well-ventilated windows, and even floral-patterned curtains hanging.
Song Xinwen asked, "Xinran, the rent for this place must be quite expensive, right?"
"Not expensive," Song Xinran said. "The landlord is very nice, only charging me one hundred eighty per month."
Song Xinwen gasped—one hundred eighty was still quite a lot.
Then she grew somewhat worried. Now that Song Xinran no longer worked at the glass factory and had no income, what would they do in the future?
Song Xinran seemed to know what she was thinking: "Sis, I've already decided what I want to do in town—I'm going to set up a stall selling food."
Song Xinwen's eyes widened instantly. Her first instinct was to say no—their family had never run a business in the city before. She'd heard people say that business was difficult, and it was easy to lose money if you weren't careful. It was much safer to find a factory job and work steadily.
But before she could speak, Song Xinran asked, "Sis, do you think my cooking is good?"
Song Xinwen nodded. Her sister had changed dramatically since returning home, and her cooking skills were undeniably excellent. Just seeing how Cai Yang had sneaked a taste that night was proof enough.
Although Song Xinwen had scolded him harshly at the time, she could also understand—who wouldn't crave such delicious food?
Song Xinran smiled. "Then that's settled. I want to give it a try."
Song Xinwen knew her mind was made up and didn't press further. She just thought how much her sister had changed—not only had she become more talkative, but she also had stronger opinions now.
"Alright, if you want to do it, I'll stay and help you these next couple of days. You've never done this before, and two people are better than one."
Song Xinran's eyes curved into smiles. "Sis, you're always the best to me."
Hearing this, Song Xinwen's heart ached. She lowered her head, mumbled an acknowledgment, then strode out to unpack her luggage and start organizing.
Accustomed to household chores, she worked with practiced ease. She stored the brought food in the kitchen, clothes in the wardrobe, and immediately assembled the cotton quilts and bedsheets.
Song Xinran assisted while Xiao Yu bustled about helping to arrange things.
Noticing it was already 6:30, Song Xinran said, "Sis, we're mostly done. You rest awhile—I'll make dinner."
The meat Song Xinran had bought was brought from home, and Song Xinwen had also packed numerous other items—rapeseed oil, lard containers, even those two large cabbages, along with various homemade goods including a packet of sweet potato noodles.
Everything was conveniently stored in the kitchen.
Surveying the space, Song Xinran noted that the only usable stoves were honeycomb briquette ones. The gas stove had been installed by Wan Mei, but bottled liquefied gas was relatively expensive now, so few people used it regularly.
Still, gas was truly convenient—it allowed flame adjustment and required no ignition preparation.
Considering the circumstances, Song Xinran decided to make a pot of pork and cabbage stew with noodles, a dish not overly dependent on precise heat control.
While she cooked, Song Xinwen couldn't sit still for a moment, continuing to tidy up with Xiao Yu following along.
Watching the small figure bustling about, Song Xinwen involuntarily thought of her own child. When she was busy at home, Cai Yang would never come to help.
All because Cai Yongde spoiled him!
"Xiao Yu, go play by yourself. Let your aunt handle these things," Song Xinwen said, her heart pricked by the contrast.
Thrilled by the new environment, Xiao Yu replied in a childish voice, "Auntie is tired. If I help a little, you'll have less to do."
Something seemed to pierce Song Xinwen's heart.
She remembered how she'd long known about Cai Yongde's favoritism, but every mention of Xiao Yu would lead to arguments. Gradually, she stopped bringing it up, resolving to just treat Xiao Yu well whenever possible.
Now she realized—Cai Yongde was heartless, and she had neglected Xiao Yu just to avoid conflict. Yet Xiao Yu was the one who shared her bloodline, the one who understood her struggles better than even Cai Yongde.
Song Xinwen felt a pang in her heart. She reached into her pocket, pulled out two ten-yuan bills, and stuffed them into Song Yu's hand.
Song Yu was startled, his eyes wide as he tried desperately to hide his hands behind his back, too afraid to take the money.
It was too much—he had only ever seen adults handle such large amounts. Even Cai Yang wouldn't dare take this much.
Song Xinwen pushed the money into his pocket. "Keep it. Once you start living with your mom, you probably won’t get any pocket money anymore."
Song Yu had never told Song Xinwen that although his aunt gave each of the children one yuan a week in pocket money, his share was always snatched away by Cai Yang.
As the two were caught in this back-and-forth, a rich, savory aroma suddenly wafted into the room, making them pause.
"Sis, Xiao Yu, come have dinner! I made pork and cabbage stew with glass noodles," called Song Xinran.
Both swallowed instinctively. Song Yu immediately tried to dash out, but Song Xinwen was quicker—she stuffed the money into his pocket, and before the dazed child could react, she took his hand and led him out.
The scent grew even stronger near the dining table. The rich aroma of pork belly melded with the fresh sweetness of cabbage and the earthy fragrance of sweet potato noodles, creating a warm, inviting blend that made their mouths water.
"What dish is this? How did you make it smell so good?" Song Xinwen, already hungry from her earlier work, felt she could easily devour several bowls at the smell alone.
Song Xinran set out the bowls and chopsticks. "It’s a northern dish someone taught me. Give it a try."
As soon as she sat down, Song Xinwen heaped a large portion of the glass noodles into her bowl. The homemade noodles were soft but not mushy, slightly translucent, and delightfully chewy. With the first bite, the wonderful fusion of meat and vegetable flavors exploded in her mouth.
Her eyes lit up, and she gave a thumbs-up. "Xinran, your cooking is amazing!"
The noodles were still hot, but Song Xinwen couldn’t wait to let them cool. Normally, she would have lavished praise on her sister’s cooking, but now her mind was completely captivated by the pork, cabbage, and noodles. Even the usually tiresome cabbage tasted entirely different today—the stems were refreshingly sweet, and the leaves were soaked in thick, savory broth. Each bite was a treat for her taste buds.
Song Yu, holding his small porcelain bowl, blew on his food as he ate, his cheeks flushed with warmth. He looked up at Song Xinran and smiled. "Mom’s cooking is so delicious."
All three ate until they were full. While Song Xinran was washing the dishes, Song Xinwen came in and slipped something into her pocket.
"Sis, what did you give me?"
Song Xinwen mumbled, "It’s nothing."
Suspicious, Song Xinran dried her hands and checked her pocket—it was five hundred yuan. She hurriedly tried to return the money.
But Song Xinwen insisted, "Just keep it. Aren’t you planning to set up a stall? You’ll need some capital to start a business."
Song Xinran shook her head. "I have money."
Song Xinwen pressed it firmly into her hand. "Take it when it’s given. Over the past two years, you started by sending three hundred yuan home each month, then four hundred. How much could a child like Xiao Yu possibly need? This is the money you saved."
After some back-and-forth, Song Xinran finally relented. She accepted the money solemnly and carefully tucked it into her pocket. "Thank you, Sis."
Only then did the tension in Song Xinwen’s brow ease.
Afterward, the three of them went out for a walk to aid their digestion.
It was just past eight o'clock, with streetlights glowing throughout the town and many people strolling along the streets. The cool breeze brought a sense of comfort, making Song Xinwen feel somewhat dazed. Normally at this time, she would be washing dishes at home, then giving Cai Yang a bath, followed by doing the family's laundry, and by the time she finally went to bed, it was usually already nine or ten o'clock.
But today, she was strolling through the town with her younger sister's family. This was her first time leaving home since her argument with Cai Yongde, and she had felt uneasy on the way. Surprisingly, once they arrived in town and got busy, all her worries vanished. Now, she was experiencing a leisure she had never known before, though it left her feeling a bit at a loss.
"There are so many stalls here!" Seeing several food stalls outside the Third Middle School gate, Song Xinran immediately recalled what Huang Yun had said. "Sis, let's go take a look."
There were about a dozen stalls along the way, some selling cold noodles. Stainless steel basins held golden cold noodles and white cold skin noodles, with bottled garlic water and ginger water alongside, as well as small bowls filled with various powdered seasonings. The flavors were diverse and enticing.
Others sold fried potatoes—small portions for fifty cents, large portions for one yuan. Wavy fries and crispy potatoes were placed on either side of the pot.
Besides these freshly made snacks, there were also stalls selling treats like spicy sticks, instant noodles, and potato chips.
Seeing this, Song Xinwen couldn't help but click her tongue in surprise. She had visited the town many times but had always gone to the market area, never realizing there were so many stalls near the school.
But…
"Xinran," Song Xinwen said worriedly, "there's hardly anyone here. Can they really make money?"
At the moment, the stalls were empty, with few people passing by. The stall owners were chatting idly in small groups.
Song Xinran glanced at the school. "Let's wait a bit. Maybe it's not the right time yet."
"Ding-dong-dong!" The school bell rang.
A crowd of students rushed out, their running footsteps, chatter, and laughter merging into a lively uproar. The previously quiet school gate instantly buzzed with energy.
The students swarmed toward the stalls at the entrance, clamoring noisily:
"I want a small portion of fried potatoes!"
"One serving of sweet, sour, and spicy cold noodles!"
"Pack two white cakes for me!"
"I want this pack of spicy sticks!"
…
"Alright, alright! Don't push, there's enough for everyone!"
In a short time, the once-empty stalls were packed with students. Hands reached out with money—mostly one-yuan and fifty-cent notes—and the stall owners couldn't collect it fast enough, their faces beaming with unstoppable smiles.
Song Xinwen's eyes widened in astonishment, and she began to think that Xinran's idea of setting up a stall might actually work.
Seizing the moment, Song Xinran observed the scene. Among the stalls at the school gate, those selling fried skewers and fried potatoes had the best business. The prices per customer weren't high—just fifty cents or one yuan—but the sheer number of customers made up for it.
The stall owners were experienced but still overwhelmed, repeatedly urging, "Don't rush, line up in order!"
Since everything was made fresh, the sudden swarm of customers made it impossible to keep up.
Song Xinran watched with envy, seeing nothing but money in her eyes.
"Xinran!" A voice called out beside her.
Song Xinran turned and immediately smiled. "Sister Yun, what brings you here?"
Huang Yun replied, "My daughter insisted on having cold noodles and made me bring her here to buy some. Why are you still in town so late? Don't tell me you've already moved here!"
"I moved in this afternoon and just finished unpacking. I hadn't even had time to tell you, yet we ran into each other here. What a coincidence," said Song Xinran, then introduced Song Yu and Song Xinwen to Huang Yun.
The moment Huang Yun saw Song Yu, she exclaimed, "Your child? Already so grown up! What would you like to eat? Auntie will buy it for you."
Song Yu smiled back, her voice soft but polite: "Thank you, Auntie. I've already eaten at home, no need to buy anything."
Huang Yun chuckled delightedly: "Xinran, you've raised such a well-mannered child."
After exchanging pleasantries, Song Xinran expressed her purpose—she wanted to see how business was around here. Huang Yun vividly described the scene, mentioning her daughter was a regular customer. Every day after school, the area would be filled with food stalls doing booming business.
As the two chatted animatedly, Song Xinwen watched from the side, feeling inexplicably complex emotions stirring within.
She had always thought Song Xinran was introverted and worried she wouldn't even have anyone to talk to outside. Yet now it appeared Song Xinran had made new friends after just a few house-hunting trips to town, and they got along so well.
Back when Song Xinran lived at home, she'd only been more talkative with Song Xinwen.
After chatting for a while, Huang Yun's daughter, upon hearing Song Xinran wanted to set up a stall, immediately offered numerous suggestions: fried chicken wings, grilled drumsticks, large meat skewers…
Huang Yun laughed and scolded, "Aren't these just what you want to eat?"
"Not at all! My classmates all want them too, but we never see anyone selling them here—only in the county town."
Song Xinran smiled, "Then I'll try making them someday."
However, for now, Song Xinran wasn't planning to focus on those items. From her observations, lower-priced foods sold better near school gates. Most students ordered small portions of potatoes and cold noodles—after all, nobody had much money at this age, preferring to sample more varieties at lower costs.
If she were to run a stall, it'd be best not to overlap with existing offerings. First, she didn't want conflicts with established vendors by copying their products; second, judging by Huang Yun's daughter's comments, everyone seemed eager to try something new.
A particular snack immediately came to Song Xinran's mind—numbingly spicy and fragrant, perfectly suited to local tastes.
Low unit price: just one yuan could get you several different ingredients.
Pre-cooked and ready to serve at the stall, no on-site preparation needed, making transactions convenient.
She'd scoured the entire town these past few days and hadn't seen anyone selling this particular dish.
Author's Note:
Next chapter will be VIP with extra-long content. Thank you for your support, dear readers~