After getting off work the previous evening, Chen Yichen went to the team leader and asked for half a day off for the two of them. Although it wasn’t yet the busiest farming season, it still wasn’t easy to take too much leave.
Knowing they would be going to town the next day, Yang Tao took out the tin box containing their money before bed. Since getting married, she hadn’t had a chance to spend any money, and tomorrow she finally could. Unfortunately, having money didn’t mean much when there was nowhere to spend it. These days, buying things required not only money but also ration coupons. Unless they went to the black market—but neither Yang Tao nor Chen Yichen had ever been to the local black market and didn’t know where it was. She counted out a little over thirty yuan and gathered all the coupons they might need, preparing for a shopping spree the next day.
The next morning, they woke up half an hour later than usual. After getting ready and eating the breakfast that had been saved for them at the Yang family home, they rode their bicycle toward town.
Once they left the village and there were no people around, Yang Tao finally dared to openly wrap her arms around Chen Yichen’s waist. The moment she did, the bicycle wobbled slightly, but he quickly steadied it. Yang Tao noticed and started laughing behind him. Hearing her laughter, Chen Yichen mischievously steered toward the bumpier parts of the road, jostling her so badly that her backside hurt. She pinched his waist in retaliation, though she didn’t dare use much force for fear of making him crash. Only then did Chen Yichen behave and ride properly. He even said that when they got home, he would make a cushion for the back seat so it would be more comfortable for her in the future. Satisfied, Yang Tao finally let him off.
After arriving in town, they agreed to do their shopping first and headed straight for the supply and marketing cooperative. The selection there was obviously much smaller than in the city. The building only had two floors, and there wasn’t much to choose from. Yang Tao bought two bolts of cotton fabric and planned to ask her mother to make two sets of short-sleeved tops and shorts for them to use as pajamas. She also bought two candles and some toilet paper. Yang Tao still wasn’t used to using scrap paper or newspapers to wipe herself, especially during her menstrual period. Since sanitary pads didn’t exist yet, every period felt like a disaster to her. Since she had toilet paper coupons, she naturally had to buy some. She also bought a pound of biscuits. Chen Yichen wanted to buy peach cakes as well, but Yang Tao thought they were too sweet and didn’t like them, so they skipped those. Then they bought two pounds of pork belly, along with pork bones and pig liver, which didn’t require coupons. After that, they headed to the post office.
When they arrived, there were indeed letters waiting for Chen Yichen, along with two large packages. One was from his grandfather, and the other was from his parents. They tied the packages onto the rear seat of the bicycle, and for the trip home, Yang Tao sat on the front crossbar.
Chatting along the way, they soon reached the village entrance. During the morning, the village elders weren’t gathered there gossiping as usual, and it wasn’t yet time for everyone to get off work. Aside from a few children who noticed them returning, they didn’t attract much attention. They rode all the way back home.
After arriving, they each drank two cups of water and rested for a while. Chen Yichen opened his grandfather’s letter first, while Yang Tao sat beside him opening the packages.
His grandfather had sent some daily necessities, a tin of malted milk, several foods that would keep well, and two sets of clothing. Judging by the size, they were for her.
At that moment, Chen Yichen spoke.
“Grandpa said Yixue helped pick out two outfits for you. Try them on later and see if they fit.”
“Alright, I’ll try them on later. When you write back, remember to thank Grandpa and Yixue for me.”
As she spoke, she began opening the package from his parents.
The moment she opened it, she saw a letter.
“Mom and Dad wrote to us too. Take a look.”
Chen Yichen’s parents were serving in the military in the northwest. They had sent local specialties, including dried meat, red dates, a tin of milk powder, and a padded winter jacket, which was also for Yang Tao.
Picking up the coat, Yang Tao showed it off to Chen Yichen.
“It seems Grandpa and Mom and Dad all like me. Look, they only sent clothes for me and nothing for you.”
Chen Yichen smiled and played along.
“That’s right. Everyone likes my wife. Who told you to be so lovable?”
As he spoke, he handed her the letters he had finished reading.
“They even praised you in the letters. Hurry and read them.”
The two letters indeed contained plenty of compliments. Grandpa said she had a fortunate appearance and looked intelligent at first glance. The letter from his parents had probably been written by his mother. It praised her for being kind, beautiful, and well matched with Chen Yichen. Both letters expressed their hopes that the couple would live happily together and reminded them to write if they ever encountered any difficulties.
After finishing the letters, Yang Tao folded them neatly and handed them back to Chen Yichen. Knowing he had a special box for storing letters, she told him to put them away.
The couple sorted through the contents of the packages. Yang Tao discussed with Chen Yichen the idea of sending some local specialties back to Grandpa Chen and his parents. They couldn’t keep accepting things from them without giving anything in return. Chen Yichen said he would follow her lead, so Yang Tao told him not to mail his reply yet because she wanted to prepare some things first.
They set aside part of the food sent by the Chen family for Grandpa Yang’s household. Then they gathered the pork, bones, pig liver, and the other items they had bought. Seeing that it was getting late and time to prepare lunch, the two of them carried everything and headed toward the Yang family home.