“Yes, that’s her!”
Hearing the voice, Jiang Rou turned her head and saw Zhao Xiaolu speaking with a poised, elegant woman. From the sound of it, their conversation seemed to be about her.
As Zhao Xiaolu drew closer, she stepped forward and hooked her arm through Jiang Rou’s, smiling brightly. “Xiao Rou, let me introduce you to someone.”
They approached the woman. Jiang Rou still hadn’t figured out what was going on, but she kept her polite smile.
Zhao Xiaolu made the introductions. “Auntie, this is my sister‑in‑law Jiang Rou. Isn’t she beautiful?”
“Xiao Rou, this is my aunt. She works at the broadcasting station. I often praise you in front of her.”
Recognizing an elder, Jiang Rou greeted her softly. Her graceful manner drew an appreciative look from the woman.
“My name is Zhao Jie. From now on, you can call me Auntie, just like Xiaolu does.”
Her voice carried the steady, magnetic quality of a professional broadcaster. Listening, Jiang Rou felt as if a spring breeze brushed past her ears. For the first time, she felt a flicker of curiosity about that profession.
The group entered the courtyard, where Chen Ailan came out cheerfully to welcome them, followed by Han Yuanshang in military uniform and Chen Aihe.
Zhao Xiaolu glanced around and whispered to Jiang Rou, “Where’s my man?”
“He should be cooking. My aunt originally wanted to hire a chef, but he insisted on doing it himself. He said your parents haven’t yet tasted his cooking, so he wants to show his skills properly.”
That answer filled Zhao Xiaolu’s heart with sweetness. She lowered her head shyly, like a bride awaiting marriage.
At that moment, Han Yuanzhi heard the commotion and stepped out of the house. Just before facing his in‑laws, he wiped his damp hands on his trousers and smoothed his hair.
“Dad, Mom, Uncle, Aunt—you’re here!”
Since he had already visited the bride’s family, he knew everyone present.
Madam Zhao, Tan Huiyun, beamed with satisfaction at her soon‑to‑be son‑in‑law.
The families sat together to discuss wedding details. The banquet had to be held before National Day—after all, Han Yuanzhi had already spread the word, and the whole factory was waiting.
“How about August 1st? That date carries special meaning,” Zhao Xiaolu suggested.
Her mother shot her a sharp look. This child has no sense of propriety—how can the bride decide the wedding date?
But Han Yuanzhi spoke up: “I think August 1st is a fine day. Let’s go with Xiaolu’s idea.”
Chen Ailan, eager to welcome her daughter‑in‑law sooner, agreed readily.
Next came discussions of the dowry and housing.
In those days, well‑off families prepared the “three rounds and one sound” (bicycle, sewing machine, wristwatch, and radio). The money had long been set aside, and Zhao Xiaolu was also given eighty‑eight yuan—a generous gesture.
By comparison, Jiang Qiuyu’s in‑laws, though wealthy, treated her with far less regard. Chen Aihe and Jiang Deshan noticed the difference and kept their thoughts to themselves.
As for housing, since both Han Yuanzhi and Zhao Xiaolu worked at the machinery factory, they would be allocated an apartment in the workers’ building. All it needed was a good cleaning.
Once everything was settled, Han Yuanzhi returned to the kitchen, pulling Shen Chengdong along to help. While cooking, the two men chatted.
Speaking of Jiang Rou’s temperament, Han Yuanzhi laughed and warned: “Don’t be fooled by Xiao Rou’s gentle nature—she’s got three older brothers behind her. I hope you’ll always treat her well.”
Shen Chengdong’s face remained stern as he corrected him: “She belongs to my family, not yours.”
The meaning was clear: don’t overstep.
Han Yuanzhi, stung, vented his frustration on the garlic cloves, pounding them into paste.
Meanwhile, Jiang Rou stayed in the main hall with the guests. Inside, the conversations split into three groups: Han Yuanshang with the bride’s father and uncle, Chen Ailan with her sister and in‑laws, and Jiang Rou accompanying Zhao Xiaolu and Zhao Jie.
Zhao Jie, a keen judge of talent, saw that Jiang Rou was indeed a promising young woman and felt the urge to nurture her. “Xiao Rou, what do you think of the broadcasting profession?”
Jiang Rou had no idea she had caught the other’s eye. She replied, “It’s pretty good—everyone envies that kind of job.”
At the factory, people often said the broadcasting room was where news was delivered. If you had connections with an announcer, you could even request songs. And since it wasn’t physical labor, it was far easier than other types of work.
Still, Jiang Rou thought working in the canteen was nice too—she often got to eat delicious food. Her thoughts wandered, so she didn’t notice Zhao Jie’s smile after hearing her answer.
Instead, it was Zhao Xiaolu who picked up on it and probed: “Auntie, does your unit still need people? Do you think Xiao Rou would be suitable?”
“The radio station plans to recruit two fresh faces in September. If they perform well, they can even be made permanent. Xiao Rou could give it a try—I’ll help her sign up.”
Jiang Rou felt embarrassed to accept such a favor. Besides, she had never thought about changing jobs. “Auntie, I don’t know anything. Better not trouble you.”
“We’re family—it’s no trouble. Why don’t you discuss it with your folks? Once you’ve decided, let Xiaolu tell me.”
Grateful for her kindness, Jiang Rou could only agree for now and leave it at that.
That night, before exercising, Jiang Rou nestled in Shen Chengdong’s arms and brought up the matter. Inside, she was conflicted. Her current canteen job was permanent, with good benefits. If she joined the radio station, it would mean starting all over again. But she had read the story’s plot and knew that in a few years, life would change dramatically. The machine factory would decline, while the radio station would rise like the morning sun, growing ever more prosperous.
After listening, Shen Chengdong kissed her forehead. “Looking long-term, the radio station is better. You don’t cook, so there’s not much you can do in the canteen. Why not give the station a try? Even if it doesn’t work out, we’re still young—we can start over.”
Thinking of the college entrance exams resuming in ’77, another path of escape, Jiang Rou realized his words made sense.
“You’re the clever one. I’ll give it a shot—after all, failing won’t cost me anything.”
Seeing her finally come around, Shen Chengdong leaned down, and together they began their exercise. Ever since learning she was infertile, Jiang Rou had loosened up a little—when it came to intimacy, she was gradually learning to take the initiative.
The night was long, another bout of unrestrained passion.
*
Time slipped by, and soon it was payday.
The two had agreed beforehand: once wages were handed out, they would return to Wangshui Village to visit their parents. Before heading back, Jiang Rou stopped at the department store—she bought a pair of sandals for Shen’s mother, entrusted someone to deliver powdered milk for Shen’s father and Shen Wu (Xiao Wu), and picked out a short-sleeved shirt for Shen Si (Fourth). She also bought a slab of pork, streaked with fat and lean. By the time she finished, half her wages were gone.
Shen Chengdong only saw these things on the day they set out. He paused, a little stunned, as a warm current flowed through his heart.
The summer bus was stuffy, heavy with unpleasant odors.
Jiang Rou dabbed some Snowflake Cream on her hands, hoping its fragrance would mask the smell. Shen Chengdong seated her by the window and, with a palm-leaf fan, waved away every trace of discomfort.
Feeling the cool breeze, Jiang Rou leaned against his shoulder and slowly drifted into sleep. She only woke when the bus was nearly at its destination. Seeing him still fanning, she thought she had only dozed for a moment. Yawning, she asked, “Where are we now?”
“Five more minutes.”
“What?!” Her mind snapped awake. Looking outside, she saw the countryside rolling past.
“How did I sleep so long? Have you been fanning me this whole time?”
“No, I rested for quite a while.”
Jiang Rou turned to study him, unable to tell truth from jest, yet her heart brimmed with quiet gratitude. It had been over two months since their last trip home. Now, in the height of the busy farming season, the village entrance was empty.
Carrying bundles large and small, Shen Chengdong led her back to the house. Everyone was there except Shen Si.
Seeing them return, Miao Yuzhen was overjoyed. “Why have you come back all of a sudden? Quick, come inside! I’ll pick some peaches for you.”
In the Shen family’s courtyard stood a peach tree. Its fruit was small, but crisp and sweet.
Afraid she might strain her back, Shen Chengdong climbed up himself to pick them. Agile and sure-footed, he moved among the branches while Jiang Rou watched from below, her heart lodged in her throat. “Slow down—if you can’t reach the big ones, just leave them.”
Seeing how tense she was, Shen Wu quietly came to her side and reassured her: “My third brother won’t get hurt. He’s climbed every tree in the village.”
Jiang Rou raised her brows in surprise, finding it hard to imagine he had once been so mischievous.
“When we were kids, we were poor and often hungry. The trees on the mountain had wild fruit, elm seeds—anything edible; he would climb up and bring it back for us.”
Looking again at Shen Chengdong, Jiang Rou’s eyes softened with pity. “And he never fell?”
“Not once! That’s why Third Brother is amazing!” Shen Wu’s face shone with admiration.
Soon, Shen Chengdong climbed down, carrying a heap of peaches, his breathing steady. “Xiao Wu, go wash a few for your sister‑in‑law.”
Shen Wu took the peaches and went to the water jar to rinse them.
Jiang Rou followed Shen Chengdong into the house and began handing out the gifts she had brought.
When Miao Yuzhen saw her gift was a pair of sandals, she was flustered. “Why buy something so expensive? The village roads are all dirt—wearing these would be a waste.”
Shen Xingwang stared at the milk powder, equally at a loss. He had never drunk milk powder in his life.
“I’m already this old; I don’t need it. You should take it back and keep it for yourselves.”
In the end, Shen Chengdong helped put all the gifts away, warning them not to let Shen Yi (First) or Shen Er (Second) take anything.
Miao Yuzhen quickly nodded, saying those two hadn’t come around in a long time anyway.
“And what about Shen Si? How’s his marriage coming along?”
At this, Miao Yuzhen’s face clouded. “Hard to say. I ask him, but he won’t tell me anything. The village is spreading unpleasant rumors, saying…”
Before she could finish, Shen Xingwang cut her off sharply: “The children just got home—why talk nonsense? Go cook instead.”
Miao Yuzhen pressed her lips together and said no more.
Just then, Shen Wu came back in with a basin of peaches and handed two to Jiang Rou first.
“Sister‑in‑law, try them. If you like them, we’ll pick more tomorrow before you head back to the city.”
Jiang Rou took the peach and bit into it—it was indeed sweet.
Seeing this, Shen Chengdong picked one from the basin too. Draping an arm around Shen Wu’s shoulder, he led him to a corner and asked in a low voice: “What’s the rumor going around the village? What’s happened to Fourth Brother?”
Shen Wu first glanced toward Shen Xingwang, who was chatting with Jiang Rou. Then he quickly replied: “Fourth Brother’s marriage might fall through. People are saying he’s not really one of us—that he’s a bastard child. No one knows who started it, but it’s vile gossip!”
Hearing this, Shen Chengdong’s face darkened, his eyes flashing cold.
T/n: I’ll use pinyin for their names: Shen Yi= First, Er= Second, Si= Fourth, Wu= Fifth.