Huang Jing is home right now so it’s not convenient to go through her bedroom things. Song Mianmian had originally planned to make a special trip later. But if she really wanted to sort things out now it wasn’t impossible. After all she knew exactly where everyone in this family hid their money and with her spatial storage ability she could clear things out in no time.
Song Mianmian narrowed her eyes turning the idea over in her mind. She thought of the snacks she’d stashed away earlier from Zhao Xinde’s study and her eyes twinkled. She looked timidly at Huang Jing. “Are you hungry? If you are I have an apple in my room. You can go get it. My brother gave it to me this morning.”
Huang Jing had developed a warped habit. She hated the thought of anything good going to Song Mianmian. On top of that she was deeply suspicious. Her immediate thought was that an apple is such a treat. If Song Mianmian only had one she’d never part with it. She must have at least two probably more good things besides. She was going to search Song Mianmian’s room right now personally.
Without asking where exactly the apple was she gave a stiff smile. “I am hungry. I’ll go get it now.” She hurried toward Song Mianmian’s room.
Song Mianmian did have her own bedroom but it was also used to store all sorts of household clutter plenty for Huang Jing to sift through. Song Mianmian watched her go in and deliberately close the door a faint mocking smile crossing her face. Then she slipped quickly into Huang Jing and Zhao Xinde’s bedroom.
Eight years ago Zhao Xinde had taken a house belonging to Song Mianmian’s family and set up a mistress who had since borne him a son and a daughter. Outwardly though he still came home every night to share a room with Huang Jing. He kept no money or valuables here only clothing.
Huang Jing had three hiding places for cash ration coupons and valuables. One was in the pocket of a grey wool coat holding small sums for daily expenses. One was in a hidden compartment of the chest of drawers holding large amounts of paper money and vouchers prone to damp. One was in an earthenware pot tucked into a recess beneath the wardrobe holding gold and silver jewelry. The pot itself was an antique though Huang Jing didn’t know its worth. Years later she would learn it dated from the Ming Dynasty and sold for nearly a hundred million yuan.
Song Mianmian first placed the entire wardrobe into her space. She lifted the brickwork retrieved the earthenware pot with all its contents and added it to her storage. She restored the wardrobe carefully to its original position. Next she cleared everything from the secret compartment then the wool coat plus fine clothing unlikely to be missed immediately. She also took the carefully hoarded supplies polished rice and flour eggs cured meat cooking oil dried goods and snacks. Used items from Zhao Xinde and Huang Jing she would never touch herself so depriving them was satisfaction enough.
The whole operation took less than two minutes.
She hurried out and into Zhao Zilin’s room. He kept his savings in oiled paper tucked into a hole in the east wall cash coupons and precious metals all of which vanished.
Next she visited the daughters’ room. The eldest Zhao Yufang had married the previous year. The youngest Zhao Yumei lived there along with Du Qinghui these past few days. Everything of value was taken. Then to the kitchen brown rice coarse flour decent cookware the stove knives spatulas pots and briquettes all gone.
Back in the main room she saw Huang Jing was still rummaging. She helped herself to stools a thermos tea service and a tray things that might be moved elsewhere so she wouldn’t be noticed immediately.
Satisfied she opened her bedroom door. Huang Jing jumped caught red-handed. She flushed with anger and embarrassment ready to turn the accusation around until Song Mianmian spoke meek as ever.
“Oh the apple was in the pocket of my dirty coat. I was worried you wouldn’t find it so I came back to tell you.” She reached into the coat and pulled out an ordinary apple offering it.
Huang Jing breathed a sigh of relief then irritation flared. Why keep something precious in soiled clothing? Was the girl simple-minded? She longed to strike her but remembered Zhao Xinde’s warning. Make her suffer all you like but never strike or scold her openly. If that Zheng and that Jiang find out we lose every advantage maybe even our lives. Don’t be foolish.
She swallowed her anger and forced a smile. “I wouldn’t have thought to look there. It’s nothing. Are you still going out? Have you changed your mind?”
Song Mianmian gave a weary little shake of her head. “I’ve started my period I need to buy sanitary paper. I told you yesterday.”
Huang Jing didn’t recall but she accepted it. “Off you go then. Hurry back.”
Song Mianmian wasted no time. As she stepped outside voices drifted over from the neighbors.
“Poor business for the Zhao family. I fear for Song Mianmian.”
“Zhao Zilin brought it on himself true but the girl will bear the brunt.”
Song Mianmian paused. If only I could tell them there’s no need to worry. I’m applying for the countryside and cutting ties entirely. But to speak now would ruin her plans. She would wait for the assignment notice.
Neighbors fell quiet awkward they’d meant to keep their voices low. She greeted them sweetly as always and they relaxed assuming she’d heard nothing. When asked where she was going she replied politely “Just to buy a few things” and hurried away.
The Educated Youth Placement Office was a ten minute walk away open six to six. She arrived around five in the afternoon plenty of time and was received warmly.