Song Mianmian leaned close and whispered fiercely in Xie Shijiao’s ear. “I spent nearly all my money on the house yesterday. I plan to put on a pitiful act and cry on the phone so my family sends more quickly… If you stand right here spoiling it and making me fail I will tear you apart!”
She shook her fist for emphasis. Xie Shijiao had not expected such a turn and froze in shock. Song Mianmian’s expression softened just a little as she murmured again. “Do not misunderstand me. I was never some gentle soul. Who pays four hundred yuan just for a house if they are softhearted? Drop your little schemes while you can.”
She turned and walked into the post office. Her words had been low but the others stood close enough to hear. They exchanged uneasy glances. She was not the naive rich girl they had assumed. Far from it she seemed sharp and formidable.
Once she was out of sight one whispered. “I thought she was some silly heiress with more money than sense. She has plenty of money yes but she is no fool and she is ruthless.”
Xie Shijiao nodded shakily. “We must keep well clear. She will be nothing but trouble.”
He Yun said nothing. She saw it differently Song Mianmian was clever and brave. Honesty would be rewarded. But she did not waste breath trying to convince the others. She would simply stay on Song Mianmian’s good side and reap the benefits.
Inside someone was using the only telephone so Song Mianmian decided to post her parcels first. She had not thought to write a letter earlier but during the ride had quietly composed one in her mind space. Addressed to Meng Wanning it was meant for Meng Wanning Zheng Shaohuai and Jiang Zheng equally. She explained the preserves and wine were made by her from an ancestral recipe passed down through her master a woman skilled in medicine and martial arts whom she had invented for the occasion.
She did have a master in truth someone she had met in the afterlife. But that person was younger than herself still alive and a girl in this time. Song Mianmian could not call upon her so this invented version would serve.
She packed four identical portions one for each of the three plus one for Su Jin Jiang Zheng’s mother. Su Jin had always been kind and generous sending care and money so she deserved thanks too.
When she finished the counter was free. Long distance calls cost fifty cents a minute dear by later standards. Song Mianmian confirmed the rate and dialed. She had agreed the time with Meng Wanning the day before. The line was answered instantly. Voices chimed together warm and delighted Meng Wanning Zheng Shaohuai Jiang Zheng and Su Jin all at once.
“It is Mianmian!”
“Hello Mianmian!”
Tears pricked Song Mianmian’s eyes. After so long as a spirit she had thought herself hardened. She steadied her voice and spoke gently. “It is me. I am settling in well. I even bought a house a fine large one.” She told them about it then added self consciously. “Have I been too extravagant? I truly love it and it will be easy to sell whenever I leave.”
She had confirmed with Fu Hongwen that the property was hers to do with as she pleased. Four hundred yuan was a great deal but they were relieved she was safe and comfortable. “Not at all!” they said warmly. “Spend whatever makes you happy.” Privately they agreed they would send four hundred yuan to cover the cost.
They chatted of the village then Song Mianmian spoke of the parcels. “I sent you all something preserved fruit and fruit wine made from my master’s own recipe. It is good for you. If you do not care for it please do not give it away lightly share it only with those you hold dear.”
A master? They exchanged glances. “Is your master a healer or a chef?” Meng Wanning asked.
“Both really,” Song Mianmian said. “She is a remarkable woman. I cannot share details just yet only that she is a lady.”
They were intrigued and delighted. “Then you have learned something of her skills?”
“Enough to handle at least five strong men,” she said modestly the true number far higher. They were reassured though still anxious. Meng Wanning added that Lin Xuezhu planned to visit soon. Song Mianmian agreed politely though privately she thought of the coming bad weather and that she barely knew Lin Xuezhu. To save them worry she spoke her mind plainly.