The weather grew colder by the day, and the atmosphere of the New Year became increasingly festive. Each production team began distributing the year’s harvest according to work points. Besides grain and pork, this year’s good harvest even included cash.
Because Qin Jiao worked as a pig caretaker, her family had earned quite a lot of work points, receiving four jin of pork and thirty yuan.
“Here, Laidi, this is your family’s share of meat.” It was cut from the fattiest part—two or three inches thick, white fat layered with thin strips of lean meat. Just looking at it made one imagine the rich, oily bite.
Even someone like Qin Jiao, who had lived two lifetimes, couldn’t help swallowing. It was truly the finest meat one could dream of.
Wang Lifen quickly glanced around, then quietly pulled out a dark red piece from under the table. “Pig liver. Your grandma said it’s for Pandi to nourish her body.”
It was a large piece—half a liver. If others saw it, there would surely be an uproar.
Qin Jiao understood immediately, stuffing it into the bottom of her basket. “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt.”
“No need to thank us. Hey, don’t rush off yet—it’s not over!”
“There’s more?” Qin Jiao was surprised.
Wang Lifen coughed twice and, seeing everyone watching, spoke loudly, “The cadres have worked hard all year without pay, voluntarily serving everyone. So the offal will be distributed to them. Any objections?”
She was always straightforward—unlike other teams that did things secretly, she openly explained why cadres received extra.
The villagers didn’t object. Thinking of how the leaders had worked tirelessly—warning people during storms and rescuing others during landslides—it seemed only fair.
As for Laidi, though young, her contributions were significant: raising piglets and treating villagers for free.
Even Widow Liu, who wanted to sneer, was silenced by Wang Lifen.
In the end, Qin Jiao received two pig trotters and half a set of intestines.
Though these parts had little meat and smelled strong, once cleaned and cooked with spices, they were still valuable meat dishes. Widow Liu watched with envy.
That night, though it wasn’t yet New Year’s Eve, Qin Jiao decided to cook a feast. She couldn’t wait any longer.
She prepared rice, stewed pig trotters, and stir-fried shredded potatoes. The three of them ate heartily, each finishing three bowls.
For a moment, Qin Jiao, as a wife, missed Old He—wondering how he was doing far away.
After dinner, Qin Guihua sighed, “Who would’ve thought we’d live like this? Even landlords didn’t have it this good.”
She recalled her past hardships, wiping her tears. “I must live well for all those who didn’t survive.”
Qin Jiao comforted her. “Things will only get better. One day, you won’t even want to eat offal anymore.”
“What will we eat then?”
“The best beef and lamb, seafood—everything.”
They laughed, thinking she was joking.
After the meal, Qin Jiao seriously asked how much money they had.
Qin Guihua said, “Including today’s share, I have 180 yuan. And the 60 from Xiao He—I’ll give it to you when you go to Haicheng.”
Qin Jiao shook her head. She might not go. In this life, she would rely only on herself.
“Grandma, after the New Year, I want to rent a place in the county. It’ll be easier for training.”
“Why waste money? Stay at your sister’s.”
“It won’t be just a few days—it could be months. Even relatives will have complaints…”
She stopped herself, deciding to wait.
On the second day of the New Year, Qin Youdi and her husband arrived. Qin Jiao signaled her sister, and they slipped into the kitchen.
After some discussion, they made a plan.
Later, Qin Ailan came out, worried. “Why are you all here? Did something happen to Grandma?”
Qin Jiao pretended to cry. “Grandma… she’s in the hospital…”
Ailan panicked. “Which hospital?”
“She’s been transferred to the provincial hospital,” Youdi said directly. “They need 300 yuan.”
Ailan’s face turned pale—but she forced herself to stay strong. “I’ll go ask my in-laws.”
Despite warnings, she went.
“What? Borrow money for your grandma?!” her mother-in-law exploded.
Her sister-in-law sneered, “You’re married into the Liu family. What does your grandma have to do with you?”
Ailan pleaded, even kneeling, but they refused.
Her hope shattered.
Back outside, Qin Jiao and the others waited.
Eventually, Ailan returned, injured and holding only a few yuan.
There was no way to raise 300 yuan.
Silence filled the air.
Then Niu Dagang suggested a plan.
After hesitation, Ailan agreed.
Soon, they met Zhu Bamei and completed the process. With official paperwork, Ailan received 300 yuan.
Holding the money, she felt both relief and unease.
But before leaving, they went to find Liu Jiawei.
He wasn’t at work.
Following clues, they found him—in bed with another woman.
The door burst open.
“Come look! The model worker from the steel factory is having an affair!”
Neighbors gathered instantly.
Chaos erupted.
Soon, the police arrived.
The truth was exposed—Liu Jiawei’s long-term affair.
He was taken away.
Qin Jiao looked at her sister. “Are you okay?”
Ailan wiped her tears—but didn’t collapse.
Instead, she said calmly:
“I want a divorce.”