The three of them, along with four little chicks, two ducklings, and the black cat, left the old family estate and went to the three small houses in the courtyard on the west side of the city.
Su Jin’s first impression upon entering was that the space felt tiny—combined, these houses weren’t even as big as her original room.
But they had to hide here; otherwise, they’d surely be caught up in the turmoil.
That day, Su Jin stayed in one room, while Old Master Su and Su Chengshan shared another, which could only fit two small beds and a cupboard.
The third room was Su Jin’s, with a small living room in the center. Inside the living room was a coal stove and coal bricks.
Outside, a small shed had just been set up in the yard. Underneath it was a stove, a chopping table, and kitchen cabinets—all fully stocked. Su Chengshan had taken care of everything in the past two days. Even a well had been dug.
Su Jin felt overwhelmed, but seeing that all the surrounding neighbors lived in similarly small houses, she didn’t complain. She rolled up her sleeves and got started on cooking.
Su Chengshan wanted to help, but Su Jin shooed him away, telling him to rest.
Of course, he couldn’t really leave. He hovered anxiously nearby, worried she might burn herself or get hurt.
Seeing her handle a knife, Su Chengshan trembled, “Miss, let me do it. The blade is sharp, don’t hurt yourself.”
“Uncle Su, I’ve told you already, call me Su Jin. From the moment we moved in, I’m no longer a pampered young lady who needs someone to serve me.”
“Yes, yes… Miss… Jin is right. I’ll just watch, you cut the vegetables.”
“No, no, I can do it. Uncle Su, I just saw Grandpa leave. Go check on him.”
Su Chengshan still didn’t want to go. Su Jin was a golden girl; she had never entered a kitchen before, only in these past few days. He couldn’t help but worry.
Grandpa, however, seemed unconcerned; no one knew when he had left. Su Chengshan now had a dilemma: he wanted to find Grandpa but also keep an eye on Su Jin.
Watching Su Jin chop vegetables, though uneven and clumsy, he slowly began to relax.
Finally, he dashed out to find Grandpa, and immediately ran into him walking back inside.
Old Master Su looked pleased, smiling as he explained what had happened.
Su Tingyun chuckled as he walked home, “I just delivered the keys upstairs. From what I gathered, Hong Jianguo and the one he married afterward, along with Hong Xiuxiu, are being sent to the farm for reform. The two younger ones, no arrangements yet. I just suggested they leave it to their parents instead of worrying. This whole family will be sent to the far northwest first thing tomorrow for reform.”
The houses were small, and Su Jin, busy cooking, heard everything. Her heart felt particularly relieved. The northwest was harsh; letting them live and redeem themselves felt far more satisfying than death.
She composed herself and called, “Grandpa, wash your hands, dinner’s almost ready!”
Su Tingyun laughed, “Alright, I’m coming. I want to taste my granddaughter’s cooking.”
When the dishes were served, three dishes and a soup, they looked presentable. He praised, “My granddaughter is amazing—just learning to cook and already makes food look this good.”
He looked at Su Chengshan and had him sit as well. No need for formalities anymore.
Su Chengshan joined in praising her, impressed that her first attempt was this competent.
Su Jin blushed, “Grandpa, Uncle Su, stop praising me, just taste it and see how it is.”
Su Tingyun first tried the stir-fried potatoes. They were cut into large chunks instead of shreds. He bit one, grimaced slightly, swallowed quickly, cleared his throat, and said, “Our Su Jin’s cooking is solid. These potatoes preserve the original flavor.”
Su Chengshan drank a bowl of tomato egg soup and said, “Jin… this soup is rich and hearty, better than state-run restaurants.”
Su Jin noticed their expressions were slightly forced. She frowned, picked up some potatoes to taste, but Su Tingyun blocked her, taking the plate.
“Jin, Grandpa wants this. You can keep the rest for later.”
Su Jin frowned more, “Grandpa!”
Su Tingyun sheepishly returned the plate. She tasted a potato—under-cooked and overly salty. Only the steamed egg custard, made with Spirit Spring water, tasted just right. Her pancakes were burnt outside and sticky inside, undercooked. Her face fell instantly.
Su Tingyun quickly reassured her, “It’s fine, just drink more water if needed. Years ago, people even ate tree bark.”
He continued eating, but Su Jin dumped the rest into a basin.
“Jin, don’t waste food!” Su Tingyun protested.
“Grandpa, I’m not wasting. These will be useful tomorrow. Uncle Su, deliver these dishes and pancakes to Hong Jianguo, as a final token from the Su family. Make sure he reforms and stops doing wrong…”
Su Chengshan and Su Tingyun both twitched at her words.
Meanwhile, little black cat Tuan Tuan clawed at Su Jin’s legs, meowing in disgust.
Su Chengshan laughed, “Alright, Jin, I’ll deliver them tomorrow, no worries.”
“Well done, Jin. Let him know Su family food isn’t easy to come by.”
Only the egg custard was left, not enough for three. Su Chengshan went to the state-run restaurant and brought a portion back.
After dinner, Su Jin went straight to her room. The small space made her feel stifled, but she told herself to gradually get used to it.
Lying on her cotton bedding, unable to sleep and itchy from not bathing, she locked the door and entered her space.
Inside was a room she had specifically cleaned out, decorated like her old boudoir.
The small villa had a proper bathroom, so she washed up, donned a silk robe, and rested in her big bed.
The next morning, she got dressed and exited the space, finding the little black cat in her bed, looking resentful.
Su Jin laughed awkwardly. She realized she had forgotten the cat yesterday.
The black cat turned its head, giving her its back.
Seeing the cat upset made her laugh. “Alright, alright, I was wrong. Don’t be mad. I’ll give you what you love soon.”
Upon hearing this, Tuan Tuan immediately stopped sulking, meowing as if to say, “Promise kept, no tricks.”
Su Jin smiled, “Okay, okay. Here you go.” She tossed it into the space.