The Ma family was busy fussing and plotting to put on a show of dominance for Xu Shuang and his wife. They still didn’t know that Wang Ying also had a job. They simply assumed that Xu Shuang had been transferred into the city to work as a cook, and that his wife had followed him to be a housewife.
While the Ma family kept talking about the newly arrived young couple, the other two households were doing the same.
Living opposite the Ma family was the Liu family. Compared with the Ma family’s rather pointed and biased discussions, the Liu family was much more straightforward. The head of the household, Aunt Liu, informed her two daughters-in-law:
“The two rooms in the middle between the front and back courtyards have been rented out. I heard the people moving in are Master Chen’s apprentice from the back courtyard and his wife. Tomorrow, remember to go over and say hello. Their young wife is probably new here and won’t know much about the place.”
The Liu family’s eldest daughter-in-law laughed heartily. “No problem, Mom. I’m not busy tomorrow, so I’ll take them around and show them the area.”
The younger daughter-in-law chimed in just as loudly as her sister-in-law, “Don’t worry, Mom. I have work tomorrow, but when I get off, I’ll bring her some offal.”
Aunt Liu was very pleased with how sensible her two daughters-in-law were. “There’s no need to bring too much—just a token is enough. The newcomers will definitely need some time to adjust. I’ve seen that young wife before when she came around; she seems like a sharp one. In our courtyard, there aren’t many truly bad people, but there aren’t many clear-headed ones either.”
The Liu family’s eldest daughter-in-law said, “Exactly. Let’s not even mention the Ma family—cowardly and malicious. And as for Teacher Xu’s family… hehe.”
Aunt Liu replied, “When you think the time’s right, you can remind her to keep her distance from that family with the surname Xu.”
The eldest daughter-in-law nodded. “I know. The Xu family is like sticky cowhide glue—once you get stuck to them, it’s hard to shake them off. And their old lady is quite the actress. I’m just afraid the young wife might be soft-hearted.”
Aunt Liu said, “Not necessarily. Smart people don’t do foolish things. However much you say is just our goodwill. Master Chen in the back courtyard is your father’s great benefactor. Before Liberation, if Master Chen hadn’t given your father two silver dollars to see a doctor, your father would’ve died long ago—and wouldn’t have been able to marry me. Although your father passed early, before he died he said our family is not one that forgets kindness. Since we live in the front courtyard of Master Chen’s place, we should look out for him whenever we can. Now that this young couple are his apprentice and wife, we should naturally build a good relationship with them.”
When their mother-in-law mentioned their late father-in-law, both daughters-in-law readily agreed. “Don’t worry, Mother. Haven’t we always done things this way over the years? Back when things were even more chaotic, didn’t we secretly go tip off Master Chen? Rest assured. If things get out of hand, we’ll quietly let Master Chen know—he can always handle it.”
Aunt Liu was very satisfied. “That’s enough. No need to be too deliberate about it. From now on, we’re neighbors. It’s best to live peacefully together.”
Unlike the Liu and Ma families, the Xu family had put out their lights early. Inside, only the faint voice of an old woman could be heard.
“Xiaoyun, what time are you going to class tomorrow morning?”
In the darkness, Zhang Yun responded to her mother-in-law, “I don’t have class in the morning. I can go later. I’m fully booked in the afternoon.”
“Mm. Then tomorrow, take a couple of the old loofahs from home and deliver them to the new young wife.”
Old Madam Xu spoke slowly. “Once the relationship is established, it’ll be easier for us to borrow things in the future. Our family doesn’t have it easy. Dabao’s health isn’t good right now. We can’t rely on your salary alone. People say teaching is a poor man’s job—you only earn a little over thirty yuan a month. We’ve got four mouths to feed plus a child. It’s simply not enough.”
In the darkness, Zhang Yun felt deeply ashamed. “Mother, it’s all because I’m useless…”
Old Madam Xu replied, “I’m not saying you’re useless. I’m saying this is our family’s predicament. Look around this courtyard—every household has people working. The Ma family has many members, but their three sons all have jobs. The Liu family too—two sons and one daughter-in-law, all formal employees. Only our family scrapes by on a single salary. Xiaoyun, if we don’t think of some way out, how will we go on? Mother knows you’re the most capable one. Our whole family depends on you. Ah, our Xu family must have accumulated blessings for eight lifetimes to have a daughter-in-law like you…”
Zhang Yun took a deep breath. “Mother, please don’t say that. Brother Lei and I truly love each other. If it’s true love, how can we care about material things? I understand. Don’t worry.”
—–
Early the next morning, when Wang Ying woke up, it was already well past sunrise. The warm autumn sunlight made one feel utterly comfortable. Xu Shuang had also slept in for once, holding Wang Ying until this late hour.
“Hmm, it’s this late?”
Wang Ying glanced at her pocket watch—it was already nine in the morning.
Xu Shuang tucked her hand back under the quilt. “Sleep a bit longer. I’ll go buy breakfast.”
The iron wok at home couldn’t be used yet. Fortunately, Chen Dong had anticipated this yesterday and stuffed Xu Shuang with a bunch of ration coupons. They’d make do by eating outside for now; by tonight, they should be able to start cooking at home.
Wang Ying poked her little head out from under the covers. “I want soy milk with fried dough sticks soaked in it! And put lots and lots of sugar in the soy milk.”
“I know,” Xu Shuang replied.
He got up to wash, and before long, he strode out the door with his long legs to buy breakfast. He was much more familiar with the area than Wang Ying, having come here often.
Wang Ying lay in bed enjoying the rare tranquility. The night before, it had been the first time in several years that the two of them hadn’t used protection, so naturally things had gone on rather late.
Well, Xu Shuang claimed that now that they had moved into the city, they should just let nature take its course. The job was settled, and the hospital was convenient. If she got pregnant, they would have the baby.
Wang Ying also felt it was about time. They had been married for five years; having a child was only natural.
Just as she was thinking about her own matters, she heard knocking outside.
“Comrade Wang, are you home? Are you awake?”
Wang Ying was a bit puzzled—who would come calling at this hour?
Before she could respond, Xu Shuang’s voice came from outside. “Comrade, what do you need?”
The one knocking impatiently at the door was Zhang Yun, the Xu family’s daughter-in-law.
Zhang Yun had the kind of looks that people in this era admired—compared to Wang Ying’s pure and delicate appearance, Zhang Yun had a bit more vitality. She was tall, her hair combed sleek and shiny, dressed in clothes washed to a pale color. The moment she saw Xu Shuang, two red patches immediately bloomed on her cheeks.
Xu Shuang was very tall, and over the years Wang Ying had nourished him well so that he no longer looked thin and frail, but upright and handsome like a jade tree in the wind. His pair of eyes were especially striking. Zhang Yun shyly stepped back two paces.
“I—I live in the household by the entrance. My name is Zhang Yun. Since we’re neighbors now, I’ve come to bring a small gift and wanted to chat with Comrade Wang.”
Xu Shuang frowned. “No need. Thank you for your kindness. Please take it back.”
With that, he directly pushed open the door and walked past Zhang Yun carrying the breakfast.
After entering, he did not forget to shut the door behind him, showing no intention whatsoever of letting her in.
Zhang Yun bit her lower lip, tears welling up in her eyes. In her heart, she cursed the newly arrived family. What kind of people were they? Country bumpkins—yet they dared to embarrass her.
No manners. No education!
In the past, it was always her mother-in-law who went out to borrow things. She herself rarely had to curry favor with these neighbors. This time, since she was supposed to build a relationship—and considering that she was good-looking and a teacher—she had assumed that, at the very least, out of respect for her status, this family would be eager to please her. That was why she had listened to her mother-in-law and come. But to be slapped in the face right from the start was more than she could bear. Now, even looking at Xu Shuang’s handsome face, she found it detestable.
What the hell!
Zhang Yun turned around and left.
Only after hearing her footsteps fade away did Xu Shuang speak to Wang Ying inside the house. “That family isn’t any good. You don’t need to deal with them either.”
Wang Ying asked, “How do you know?”
Xu Shuang replied, “She said she came to get acquainted, but she was holding an old loofah in her hand. Just now she was even standing on tiptoe trying to peek inside. If I hadn’t spoken, she might’ve pushed the door open and come in.”
To put it bluntly, she simply thought they were from the countryside and didn’t take them seriously.
Wang Ying pinched Xu Shuang’s face. “I think you think things through more now than before.”
In the past, Xu Shuang had always been somewhat cold toward people. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand certain things, but he generally didn’t care much. In a situation like just now, he probably would’ve simply ignored the other party and left it at that. But now, he had directly embarrassed her instead, showing much more warmth and earthiness than before.
Xu Shuang asked, “Isn’t that good?”
Wang Ying kissed him on the face. “It’s very good.”
This was what real married life was like.
Wang Ying got up to wash, and after freshening up, happily ate her fried dough sticks soaked in soy milk. The crispy golden sticks were dipped into the sweet soy milk, steaming and sizzling softly. The outside was crisp yet moist, while the inside remained soft and fluffy. Wang Ying was utterly absorbed in the delight of such a breakfast.
This was one of the good things about moving into the city. Back in the countryside, Xu Shuang couldn’t possibly make her such breakfasts every day; they usually just made do with a couple of bites. In the city, there was a much wider range of choices, and it was convenient.
After breakfast, the two of them tidied up the remaining things from yesterday.
The city had running water and electricity, so there was no need for water jars or oil lamps. Three taps were installed in the front courtyard, enough for several households to use separately. Wang Ying placed her small medicine cabinet in a corner of the main room. The inner room held a wardrobe, a heated brick bed, a desk, and chairs. The outer room served as the kitchen and storage area. In the middle of the room stood a round table with several chairs—suitable for both meals and receiving guests.
They were almost finished cleaning when someone appeared at the door.
A round-faced young woman stood there. “Comrade Wang? I’m the eldest daughter-in-law of the Liu family in this courtyard. My name is Tang Min. I saw you’ve been tidying up for quite a while and figured you might be hungry. These are some steamed flatbreads my family made. I brought you two.”
Wang Ying hurried forward to accept them. One look at this sister-in-law and she seemed upright and proper. The two quickly exchanged pleasantries.
“My mother-in-law has seen you before. Now that you’ve moved in, if there’s anything you want to know, come find me. There’s no one more familiar with this area than I am. Our courtyard and the one next door share the same chief yard manager. There aren’t many households here, unlike next door where more than a dozen families live, so the chief manager doesn’t come often. My mother-in-law is the deputy yard manager. Oh, and remember to go to the neighborhood office to register and collect your grain and oil ration certificate. You’ll also need a coal purchase certificate. Next month you’ll have to buy coal—if you don’t have enough, winter will be hard to get through…”
Wang Ying thanked her sincerely. “Thank you, Sister Tang. Otherwise I really wouldn’t have known where to start. We’ve been busy all morning with our own things and didn’t get a chance to visit you. This afternoon, I’ll come by properly and trouble you again.”
Tang Min laughed warmly. “No trouble at all. Only my mother-in-law and I don’t have jobs, so we’re home all day. The kids are at school during the day, and we were just feeling bored. It’s perfect that you’ve come. You can find me anytime.”
Wang Ying had a very good impression of Tang Min. After seeing her off, she and Xu Shuang shared the steamed flatbreads.
Though called steamed flatbreads, they were filled with shredded potatoes. Soft and glutinous, even though they were made of mixed grains, they were still fragrant.
After finishing, they organized their clothes, swept the floor clean, and checked the stove.
Finally, everything was ready. Wang Ying grabbed a plate of peanuts and sugar cubes, thought for a moment, and then divided them into a larger and a smaller packet.
Xu Shuang went out with her, and their first stop was the Liu family.
Tang Min was at home chatting with her mother-in-law while sewing shoe soles. When she saw Wang Ying, she immediately came forward.
Wang Ying stuffed the larger packet of sugar cubes and peanuts into Tang Min’s hands, and before long they had grown familiar.
Aunt Liu had met Wang Ying several times before and spoke warmly. “You’ve just arrived. Our courtyard has few households, so naturally there aren’t many troubles. You don’t need to worry about people bullying newcomers. You should already know the Ma family—Old Madam Ma has three sons, two daughters-in-law, and several grandchildren. Once you’re more familiar, you’ll know everyone. I won’t take you around for introductions.”
“As for the family by the gate, their surname is Xu. There are five people in their household—four adults and one child. Old Master Xu used to be a server at our restaurant, but later quit and passed the job to his son. His son, Xu Lei, married a woman named Zhang Yun. Later, Xu Lei’s health declined. After they had a child, he stopped working and sold the job. Now the whole family depends on Zhang Yun’s teacher’s salary to get by…”
Wang Ying immediately understood—this family was no simple matter either.
After sitting and chatting for a while, Wang Ying had more or less grasped the situation in the courtyard.
She handed over the smaller paper packet as well. “It’s unfortunate timing. Xu Shuang and I both start work tomorrow. Today we still need to familiarize ourselves with the vegetable and grain stations nearby, so we won’t stay in the courtyard any longer. This is for the children in your family. We’ll be going now.”
Aunt Liu beamed. “All right, all right. Then hurry along.”
Wang Ying pulled Xu Shuang out. The two of them rode their bicycles to the state-owned restaurant to take care of lunch.
On the way, Wang Ying chatted to Xu Shuang, “We don’t need to visit the other two households in the courtyard. We both start work tomorrow, and ordinarily we won’t run into them much. From what I heard, the Xu family doesn’t sound right at all—an entire household of able-bodied adults not working, just living off the daughter-in-law’s salary.”
Although Zhang Yun had not left a very good impression on Wang Ying that morning, the fact that she was being drained by such a family was truly outrageous.
“The Ma family is even more troublesome. From what I can see, their household is chaotic inside too. Old Madam Ma doesn’t look like someone easy to get along with. Better not invite trouble.”
Wang Ying’s stance was clear—she had moved to the city to live her life. If neighbors were compatible, she would interact more; if not, then forget it.
Anyway, over time, everyone’s true colors would show.
Hi everyone 💛
I’m so sorry for the recent lack of updates. I’ve been quite busy with my studies and some personal matters, and I wasn’t able to keep up with the translation schedule. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding during this time.
I truly appreciate all of you who are still reading and supporting this work. Your comments and encouragement mean a lot.
Thank you for sticking with me! 🌸
