After Xu Xia and Zhao Hui left the office, Zhao Hui asked if there was anything she needed done at home. Xu Xia thought for a moment and asked him to help take down the laundry and fold it, then cook the rice.
Zhao Hui looked troubled. “I don’t know how to cook, and as for the laundry… is it appropriate?” He worried there might be some clothing items that would make him feel awkward to handle.
“Of course it’s appropriate. Between us, everything is appropriate. As for not knowing how to cook rice, you can wash the rice and light the coal stove, right?”
Xu Xia deliberately spoke in a way that brought them closer. Seeing the corners of Zhao Hui’s eyes lift as he smiled at her, she continued, “Zhao Er Ge, you’re so smart and capable, you must be very competent. After we get married, there will be times when I’m busy with work or pregnant, and I’ll definitely need your help. Don’t you agree?”
Marriage required effort, and household chores weren’t solely her responsibility. She needed to guide Zhao Hui early on, helping him gradually develop the habit. Men, when praised enough and their vanity satisfied, would be willing to do anything.
“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Zhao Hui went to the backyard to gather the laundry first. Just then, Xu Fengshou returned, and Zhao Hui asked him to teach him how to fold clothes.
“No need, Zhao Er Ge, I can handle it. Are you staying for dinner today? Then we need to cook more rice—this amount is too little for three people.” Xu Fengshou was very experienced.
Zhao Hui watched from the side. “Why are you home from school so early today?” It was only around 4:30, not yet 5 o’clock.
“The last class was math, but the math teacher was sent down, so there was no one to teach. The classroom was chaotic, so I came back early to help with dinner,” Xu Fengshou said as he started cooking the rice, then began folding clothes. He separated his and his sister’s clothes into different piles. After finishing that, he started sweeping the floor and chopping vegetables.
Since Zhao Er Ge was staying for dinner, Xu Fengshou took out half a sausage—a gift from Aunt He—and sliced it thinly to make it look like more, planning to steam it later.
Seeing how skilled Xu Fengshou was with all the household chores, Zhao Hui asked, “Did you have to do these tasks back in the Xu family home?”
“We always had to wash our own clothes,” Xu Fengshou replied. He had been doing his laundry since he was very young, and as he grew older, his sister even had him wash hers. “We didn’t have to cook—Grandma was there, and Aunt would cook for everyone—but we had to wash dishes and sweep. These are small tasks, not tiring at all. I’m used to them.”
He spoke while working, his movements quick and efficient. He only became more talkative around people he liked; in class, he remained quiet as usual.
When Xu Xia returned from work, Xu Fengshou had steamed the sausage and stir-fried some winter melon. With two dishes for three people, Xu Fengshou was quite satisfied.
Xu Xia, however, felt it could be better. But life was about taking things slowly—they would find ways to improve over time.
After dinner, Xu Xia didn’t wash the dishes, but Xu Fengshou automatically moved to do so. However, Zhao Hui volunteered to wash them, so Xu Xia stopped her brother and let Zhao Hui handle the task.
The sound of running water came from the yard faucet. Xu Fengshou whispered worriedly, “Sis, someone like Zhao Er Ge probably never washes dishes normally. If we make him do these chores, will he get upset?”
His sister and Zhao Er Ge hadn’t registered their marriage yet, and he was afraid Zhao Er Ge might change his mind.
“Why the long face? I work, you cook, so shouldn’t he do the dishes?” Xu Xia pinched her brother’s cheek. “You, don’t overthink things. We’re all equals here. If we can manage, so can he.”
“But I’m afraid…”
“Afraid he’ll think I’m not domestic enough and call off the wedding? Then you’re underestimating your Zhao Er Ge. He’s very responsible and would never break off an engagement over something so trivial.” Xu Xia told her brother not to worry. If she wasn’t anxious, why should a child fret so much?
After Zhao Hui finished washing the dishes, Xu Xia saw him out.
The cinema wasn’t screening any films that evening, leaving the place silent, with only the two of them in the corridor.
A faint squeaking sound came from upstairs, likely a mouse. Xu Xia edged closer to Zhao Hui.
The moment she approached, Zhao Hui tensed up.
“Xu Xia, do you realize there’s no one else here?” His voice grew hoarse. Some urges weren’t easy to suppress, no matter how hard he tried.
“Of course I know,” Xu Xia pretended not to catch his implication. “That’s exactly why I’m staying close to you. Did you hear that? Sounded like a mouse?”
She was afraid of mice. Sister Yu had once told her that during famine years, mice would sneak up and bite people’s ears at night. Of course, this was also her way of teasing Zhao Hui. If she wanted him to do things for her, she had to offer some incentive.
Zhao Hui sighed in resignation. Women could be less perceptive about certain matters than men. She probably had no idea that her slightest touch made him unable to resist thinking about…
As they reached the entrance, Xu Xia said with relief, “Hurry back now. See you tomorrow.”
“Is that all?” Zhao Hui looked at her meaningfully, waiting for her to take the initiative.
Xu Xia pushed him toward the door and lightly patted his cheek. “Good boy, you were the best today. Next time, big sister will reward you with a little red flower.”
She deliberately used a tone one would use with a child. Seeing Zhao Hui momentarily stunned, she waved and closed the door. “See you tomorrow!”
By the time Zhao Hui collected himself, he realized Xu Xia had been teasing him like a child—on purpose!
Fine, fine. See you tomorrow!
As he got into the car, Zhao Hui lowered his head, his restlessness unresolved. Xu Xia’s smiling face lingered in his mind—her lips, always so vividly red, like blooming roses. How he longed to taste them fully.
~
Afraid she might oversleep, Xu Xia specifically asked her brother to wake her. By the time she reached the bus stop, the sky was just beginning to lighten.
When she saw Sister Yu, Xu Xia couldn’t suppress a yawn. Fortunately, the bus at this hour had available seats. Once onboard, she leaned against Sister Yu and dozed off.
After getting off the bus, Sister Yu led the way. “You’re something else, aren’t you? Falling asleep on a bus with several people around?”
“With you here, I feel safe. You’ve got sharp eyes—no troublemaker could escape your notice.” Xu Xia linked arms with Sister Yu and lavished her with praise.
“Such a sweet talker,” Sister Yu chuckled. “When we get there, ask me if you’re unsure about anything. Also, take this scarf to cover your face. With looks like yours, people would remember you in an instant.”
It had only occurred to her last night, so she brought a green scarf for Xu Xia before heading out.
Xu Xia hadn’t thought of that herself and praised Sister Yu for her foresight. The two wound their way through streets before arriving at a secluded spot.
They each paid ten cents for admission. Inside, the crowd was sparse, but a few stalls were already set up.
The black market wasn’t large, so the two of them split up. Xu Xia wanted to buy meat and headed straight for the butcher’s stall. Meat at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative cost ninety cents per jin, while the black market charged twenty cents more.
“Brother, if I buy more, can you give me a discount?”
“Can’t go lower. Meat’s all this price. If you don’t want it, plenty of others will.” The butcher was deboning, meticulously scraping every bit of meat off the bones, not even looking up as he spoke.
“Not even if I buy more?” Xu Xia pointed at the bare pork leg bone. “How about if I buy ten jin of meat, you throw in this bone for free?”
Coming to the black market wasn’t easy—she couldn’t manage leaving at 5:30 AM regularly. Since she’d made the trip, she might as well buy more. She could make dumplings, braise a pot of red-braised pork to eat over several days, and hang the remaining meat to cure.
Hearing Xu Xia wanted ten jin, the butcher finally looked up, asking uncertainly, “How much did you say?”
“Ten jin.”
The butcher scrutinized Xu Xia. Though she wore a silk scarf covering the lower half of her face, her visible features revealed a pretty young woman. “You’re not joking, are you? What does a young girl like you need so much meat for?”
“It’s not all for me. You know how hard it is to come here—there’s even an entrance fee. The aunties asked me to buy for them too, to save on the fee.” Xu Xia fabricated an excuse. Since they didn’t know each other, no one would know what she really planned to do with the meat.
Convinced by this explanation—as many people did indeed do this to save the entrance fee that could buy two eggs—the butcher agreed. “Alright, I’ll throw in this big bone.” After all, meatless bones sold cheaply, and sometimes no one wanted them, leaving him stuck guarding them at the stall.
After buying the meat, Xu Xia placed it in her bamboo basket—now heavy and concealed under cloth so no one could see what she’d purchased.
Just then, Sister Yu came over asking if she was done. Xu Xia said yes.
“Are you buying fish? A fish vendor just arrived with fresh crucian carp.” Sister Yu, who’d bought two fish herself, pointed in the vendor’s direction. “If you want some, hurry before they’re gone.”
She also wanted to ask around if anyone had chicken for sale—her sons were craving chicken legs.
Thinking she’d already come this far, Xu Xia went and bought a crucian carp to make soup for lunch.
Finally, she purchased ten eggs—the last ten available. Any later and they might have been sold out. She finally understood why everyone came so early.
After leaving the black market, Sister Yu dared to breathe deeply. “Every time I come, I’m so nervous. Last time, right after I left, the Red Armbands showed up. It scared me so much I didn’t come back for a month. If it weren’t for the kids needing nutrition, I wouldn’t risk it.”
“Same here—my heart was pounding the whole time. We all have our struggles. You’re a mother doing your best, and I’m like a mother to my siblings too.” Xu Xia’s words resonated with Sister Yu, who suggested they come together next time.
Back home, Xu Xia started by braising the pork, then made dumplings. After finishing the dumplings, she began preparing the fish soup.
She’d bought a block of tofu. First, she pan-fried the crucian carp until both sides turned golden brown, then added boiling water to achieve a milky white broth.
Watching the “gurgle, gurgle” of the milky soup, Xu Xia added the tofu cubes to simmer. Just then, her younger brother returned home. “You’re in for a treat today!” she said cheerfully. “Go wash your hands—dinner’s ready.”
Xu Fengshou caught the aroma of braised pork, along with the scent of fish. After washing his hands, he saw a full basin of braised pork and widened his eyes in surprise. “Sis, are we preparing to flee or something?”
“What nonsense! Today, Sister Yu and I went to the black market. Didn’t I ask you to wake me up early? That was to buy meat.” The fish soup was ready. Xu Xia added a handful of scallions before bringing it to the table. “It’s rare that we go, so I bought a little extra. Hurry up and eat—don’t look so reluctant. It didn’t cost much.”
As Xu Fengshou sat down, he spotted more meat in the cupboard and immediately stood up again. “Sis, that’s—!”
“It’s meat. Why are you so surprised? Money is meant to be spent. I have a salary, and your Zhao Er Ge earns even more. There’s no need to live so frugally. Sit down and eat now. You need to grow taller and stronger to attract girls, understand?” Xu Xia served her brother a bowl of fish soup and spoke earnestly. “I know you’re worried I don’t manage money well, but will I lose my job? Will Zhao Er Ge leave the military?”
Xu Fengshou shook his head. A job was an iron rice bowl—unless one quit voluntarily.
“Exactly. Since there’s no risk of unemployment, the salary will keep coming. If we eat well this month, we’ll have enough to eat next month too.” With just a few words from Xu Xia, Xu Fengshou couldn’t think of anything to argue back.
Xu Xia ate two bowls of rice herself. When Zhao Hui arrived, she specifically told him, “When you go back, take this bowl of braised pork for Zhao Bobo and the others.”
“They’d be happier if you brought it over yourself,” Zhao Hui said.
“Alright then, I’ll go with you.” Xu Xia combed her hair in front of the mirror. Instead of braiding it, she tied it into a ponytail. She had to admit, youth was a blessing—her hair was thick and jet-black. When she turned around, she saw Zhao Hui leaning against the desk, watching her. She flashed him a bright smile. “Well? How do I look?”
“Mm, beautiful.” Zhao Hui didn’t even want to leave the house. If they were married, he definitely wouldn’t go out at a moment like this.
The two of them went to the Department Store together. Xu Xia knew Zhao Hui had brought money and coupons, so she focused only on whether she liked the items. Since it was for the wedding, she picked something red.
In early November, Jiangcheng wasn’t too cold yet, so she didn’t choose woolen fabric but regular cloth instead.
“Don’t worry about the price,” Zhao Hui said, thinking she was concerned about the cost.
“This bright red outfit isn’t something I’d feel comfortable wearing casually. Since our wedding won’t be during the cold season, there’s no need to buy anything too expensive. Regular cotton will do, and I can even wear it as a layer later.” Since Zhao Hui misunderstood her as trying to save money, she went along with his assumption. Thankfully, Xu Fengshou wasn’t there, or he would have seen through her real thoughts.
After buying the clothes, Xu Xia picked out a pair of lambskin leather shoes costing fifteen yuan—nearly a month’s salary for her. Fortunately, Zhao Hui had money, so she only needed to focus on shopping.
Once they finished with the clothes and shoes, Zhao Hui suggested Xu Xia look at other things. She thought to herself, there was no rush—they weren’t married yet. Once they were, and Zhao Hui handed over his salary, she would definitely buy more.
The two first stopped by the cinema to get the braised pork, then headed to the Zhao family.
By then, the Zhao household had several guests.
Zhao Hui was one of the older bachelors in the family compound. News of his impending marriage had spread, and those close to the family came to ask about his fiancée.
He Hongying served them tea. “It’s the young lady who stayed with us a while back. You must remember her.”
Some did, some didn’t. The family compound was large, and not every newcomer was noticed by everyone.
Among these people, the most agitated was Bai Shijian’s mother, Cai Zhuyin. “But Hongying, when I asked you before, you said she was a relative’s child. I was even thinking of introducing her to my Shijian—how did she become your Zhao Hui’s fiancée?”
“At that time, the engagement wasn’t finalized yet, so I couldn’t say it outright,” He Hongying explained.
Cai Zhuyin was very upset. Her son was no longer young, and he had only one criterion for choosing a wife: she had to be beautiful. And Xu Xia was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. She had been hoping that once her son met her, he would surely like her, and perhaps she could hold a grandchild next year.
But now, the one who would get to hold a grandchild was He Hongying.
Cai Zhuyin sighed repeatedly and kept telling the others how beautiful Xu Xia was. “Those of you who haven’t seen her surely don’t know—that girl is truly radiant. Her skin is as fair as snow, and she smiles so sweetly at everyone. Even I feel delighted just looking at her. Your Zhao Hui is so picky—turns out he was waiting for the heavens to send him a fairy.”
After Cai Zhuyin’s description, those who hadn’t met Xu Xia grew even more curious about what she looked like.
“There will be chances in the future,” He Hongying said, feeling happy at the thought of her son getting married. She also praised Xu Xia, “Xia Xia really is a good child. She cooks exceptionally well and is very considerate. Let me tell you, daughters are truly considerate. I’ve always regretted not having a daughter in my life, but thankfully my future daughter-in-law is wonderful.”
“Hongying, if you keep this up, I’m going to get jealous,” Cai Zhuyin teased. “But I have a daughter, so in this regard, you can’t compare to me.”
“Yes, yes, you’re also very fortunate,” He Hongying laughed.
Just as Xu Xia and Zhao Hui arrived in the courtyard, they heard the lively chatter inside. Xu Xia whispered, “It seems there are guests at home. I’ll go in through the backyard, otherwise carrying a bowl won’t look proper.”
“This is your filial piety—you should show it to others,” Zhao Hui said, his thin lips curling slightly. He recognized the voices of several aunties, some of whom had tried to set him up with matches unsuccessfully and had later gossiped about him being too picky.
He took Xu Xia’s hand and tilted his head to look at her delicate, beautiful face. Well, he admitted it—his standards were high.
“What are you doing? There are people at home,” Xu Xia chided gently.
“It’s fine, I’ll let go when we reach the door,” Zhao Hui said. His hand was large, while Xu Xia’s was small. His fingertips lightly brushed the back of her hand. He never imagined a woman’s hand could be so smooth and soft.
Afraid of spilling the braised pork, Xu Xia had no choice but to let Zhao Hui hold her hand. But just as they stepped onto the porch, the door opened, revealing several unfamiliar aunties.
Their gazes drifted downward, landing on their tightly clasped hands. Xu Xia’s face flushed bright red in an instant.