The following days brought a measure of calm. Lu Qingnian went off to training each morning and came to the guest quarters each evening to see Niannian sometimes bringing tinned food or biscuits. Niannian grew fonder of him and looked forward to his visits every day. Yet Jiang Shuiying carried a heavy weight in her heart. There had been no word from Zhao Xueting. She knew that silence was dangerous. That woman would not let matters rest after losing so publicly.
She also thought about money. She took out the bankbook and looked at the entries. Those savings had been built up over years by Lu Qingnian and were his life savings. She would not touch them. The seven hundred and forty yuan set aside as a dependent allowance also remained untouched. He was still living and the money might need to be returned one day. But Niannian needed good food and daily expenses had to be met. She could not let him bear the burden alone. She must earn her own way.
What could an outsider do here inside the camp. She sat on a bench outside watching the wives pass by and thought hard. She remembered how her mother had taught her to make cold jelly back home. Her mother’s recipe was famous in their village. Tangy spicy smooth and refreshing it would surely appeal to so many people here. She had brought a bag of pea flour from Sichuan originally to mix into porridge on the journey. It would serve perfectly now.
Early the next morning she borrowed a large aluminium pot from Sister Zhang staying nearby. She mixed the flour with water and heated it slowly stirring steadily. The mixture turned translucent and bubbled filling the room with the rich scent of peas. Niannian leaned against the stove breathing deeply. It smells wonderful Mother.
Greedy thing she teased tapping his nose. You shall have a big bowl when it cools. He clapped his hands in delight. She poured the thickened jelly into a basin and set it in cool water to set. Once firm she cut it into long smooth strips and seasoned them with garlic water chilli oil soy sauce vinegar and sesame oil finishing with fresh green onions. Bright colours and inviting aroma made Niannian’s mouth water.
She took the first bowl to Sister Zhang who tasted and gasped with delight. This is truly special she said giving a thumbs up. You could open a shop with these skills. Jiang Shuiying smiled modestly. It is nothing just something simple from home.
Sister Zhang leaned closer speaking quietly. People here are honest and I tell you true. But be careful. Policies are strict right now. If the authorities find you selling without permission they could accuse you of speculation. Jiang Shuiying’s heart sank. Surely selling simple food for a modest living could not be wrong. I will be careful she said.
That afternoon her stall appeared. A board laid across two bricks held a large basin of jelly and bottles of seasoning. A handwritten sign read Sichuan Cold Jelly Five Cents a Bowl. People gathered immediately. Curiosity turned to approval as the first customer took a bite. Tangy spicy and refreshing she declared. Others joined the queue and within two hours the whole batch was sold out.
Niannian sat nearby eating happily and announced proudly My Mother makes the best jelly. Everyone laughed. Jiang Shuiying counted her earnings. More than two yuan. It was her first money earned since arriving in the northeast. Enough to buy several pounds of eggs for Niannian. She folded the notes carefully and tucked them deep inside her clothing feeling steady and hopeful.
From that day she made and sold jelly each afternoon. Business grew steadily. Wives came regularly some bringing their children. Even the pickiest eaters loved it. Sister Lin whose son had always been fussy now came to help and the two became close friends.
That evening Lu Qingnian arrived to find fried eggs on the table. Where did these come from he asked taking a bite. Niannian answered quickly Mother earned it from selling jelly. More than two yuan. We bought eggs and still have money left.
Lu Qingnian set down his chopsticks and looked at Jiang Shuiying. You set up a stall. Yes. Did I give permission. I did it myself she said serving rice. Those savings are yours and I will not touch them. I want to provide for us too.
He ate in silence then said It tastes good. She teased Are you praising the eggs or the jelly. Both he replied looking down at his bowl the tips of his ears turning pink. Niannian whispered Mother his ears are red. She tapped his head. Eat your food.
After the meal Lu Qingnian inspected the stall from every angle. That board is too low he said. You should not have to bend. Tomorrow I will build you a proper table at the right height. It is not necessary. We have agreed he said firmly. If anyone should be seen working hard it should be me. Niannian called from inside That is right Old Man is in charge.
Next morning a sturdy wooden table stood outside the guest quarters. Smooth legs rounded edges and polished surface. Sister Zhang admired it greatly. Jiang Shuiying ran her hand over the wood. He had shaped the corners carefully so Niannian would not bump himself. She served a bowl and stood comfortably upright no longer stooping. Sister Lin said quietly He is a good man to you. Jiang Shuiying smiled watching him drilling on the parade ground strong and upright.
Before long a pair of eyes watched from the medical station window. Zhao Xueting stared at the long queue outside the stall and stamped her foot in anger. A cold smile formed. You sell jelly now she muttered to herself. I will see how long you are allowed to keep it up.