Before long Xu Yaoyao and Jiang Chiye sat side by side to take the very first photograph of them together as a couple. She was dressed simply in a pale apricot blouse tied at the collar with a black polka dot bow and dark blue denim trousers that fit closely.
Her glossy black hair was braided and draped over one shoulder with fine strands brushing her forehead. Her fair face lit up with a bright and radiant smile. Jiang Chiye beside her sat perfectly straight in his military uniform his lips pressed together in a stern unsmiling expression that looked rather intimidating.
The photographer could not bear it any longer. Comrade you must smile. You have married such a beautiful wife why do you look so serious? Anyone who did not know might think you were forced into this.
Xu Yaoyao could not help herself and burst into laughter. She turned to look at Jiang Chiye. You look so funny. That is not how you usually are.
Jiang Chiye looked down at her his eyes softening with affection and a smile appeared naturally. The shutter clicked and their first photograph was taken.
Let me see. Xu Yaoyao leaned in to look. It is wonderful. You are very skilled.
It is indeed excellent Jiang Chiye agreed. In the photograph Xu Yaoyao beamed with a smile so warm it seemed to have touched him too for he looked at her with unmistakable tenderness. There was something gentle and sweet in the air between them.
Please may we have a few more taken Xu Yaoyao asked.
The photographer gave a helpful reminder. Each print costs seventy five cents. Think carefully before you decide. The sitting fee is only twenty cents but film and developing make it expensive. Most people take just one except those who are well off.
Xu Yaoyao hesitated. Perhaps not then. One is enough.
Jiang Chiye looked at her. We will be away in Guangzhou for a long time. Would you not like your parents to have something to look at when they miss you? He had stayed two nights in her room and noticed there were hardly any recent photographs of her only ones from childhood. He wanted copies so her parents would have something to keep and he would have one too.
Xu Yaoyao was persuaded and agreed. They took ten photographs in all and every single one turned out beautifully.
They finished their shopping and returned to the Xu family home since they would be leaving the next morning. As they entered the compound they saw a crowd gathered and heard voices raised Xu Yaoyao recognised her mother’s loudest of all. She hurried forward and heard what was being said.
You are asking for the impossible her mother was saying. You never cared for her when she was little. You called her names and treated her badly. Now she is married you suddenly remember you have a granddaughter. Do you take me for a fool? You are only after the bride price. You will get nothing. When we separated we agreed clearly that your future welfare would have nothing to do with us. What is the meaning of this?
The elderly woman seeing so many onlookers sat down heavily on the ground began to slap her thigh and wailed loudly. Is it wrong for a grandmother to come and see her granddaughter? We may have divided the family but blood is thicker than water. She is my own flesh and blood. Would I ever harm her? Now they will not even let me cross the threshold. They are trying to drive me to my grave. You would keep her own grandmother away have you no shame? She wiped at dry eyes pretending to be deeply wronged. All I ask is to see my granddaughter and her husband. Is that too much to ask?
Several neighbours spoke up. Come now Lifen she only wants to see them. Surely you can let her in. It would not hurt to be kind.
Xu Yaoyao’s mother turned on them. If you are so kind why do you not take her into your home? It is easy to talk when it does not affect you.
Another woman who was friendly with her spoke up. The division was settled long ago. She has come expecting handouts. Why interfere? You are all so quick to meddle in other people’s business. Be careful you do not get yourselves into trouble.
Those who had spoken fell silent. They knew Wang Xianglian was the women’s affairs officer and they also knew Chen Lifen was not easily argued down.
Xu Yaoyao pushed through the crowd to her mother. Mother what is happening?
Before her mother could reply the grandmother scrambled to her feet and seized Xu Yaoyao’s hands. Yaoyao my precious girl look how you have grown. You have your parents good looks. You will have strong healthy sons for certain.
Xu Yaoyao noticed the woman’s hands were rough and stained with dirt. She gently pulled her hands free and wiped them with her handkerchief.
The grandmother’s eyes narrowed and her voice rose sharply. You have been in the city too long. You think you are better than us now. You are ashamed of your own grandmother. I work from dawn till dusk and go hungry while you live in comfort. You look well fed indeed. I hear your husband is an officer. He must have given you a generous bride price. What use does a young girl have for so much money? Your cousin Huizi is getting married and we are short of two hundred dollars. He looked after you when you were small. You should give it to him.
She paused and added as if it were obvious. And I hear you received the three necessities and one musical instrument. You do not need all of that. You may as well give them to me. And you must take me to the state guesthouse for a meal since I missed your wedding feast.
Xu Yaoyao was stunned by the woman’s audacity and her expression turned cold. You are planning very openly. Why should I pay for my cousin’s wedding? You say he looked after me but I remember him putting snakes in my bed and nearly frightening me to death. I remember being abandoned in the hills and nearly dying. I remember almost drowning in the river. If I had not been strong I would not be here today. You called me worthless and a burden. Why do you come to me now?