Shu Yuan needed to think too. Those people had no shame at all, and they were tough to deal with. She had to carefully plan how to handle them.

When Shu Yuan went downstairs, she saw two familiar, handsome faces. Her anger instantly subsided by more than half, and when Xiao Man called out to her in his sweet, crisp little voice, it vanished completely.

Xiao Man jumped up and waved at her. “Mom, Dad’s waiting for you.”

Shu Yuan walked over to the father and son, forcing a smile as she exposed them. “It’s not Dad who’s waiting, it’s Xiao Man, isn’t it?”

Xiao Man tilted his little head up, his handsome little face full of smiles. “Dad’s waiting too.”

Shu Yuan turned to Chen Zai and asked with a smile, “Is that so, Dr. Chen?”

Chen Zai was left with no choice but to agree. “Mm.”

Shu Yuan took Xiao Man’s small hand, and the three of them walked along the paved path. Xiao Man asked again, “Mom, did you get into an argument?”

Shu Yuan grinned, showing her teeth. “I did. Xiao Man really worries a lot.”

Seeing Shu Yuan smiling put Xiao Man at ease. His mom had gotten into an argument, but she wasn’t flustered or angry. On the contrary, she seemed to be in a good mood.

“What happened?” Chen Zai asked. It was rare for him to take an interest in this kind of mess.

Shu Yuan gave a brief explanation. “You two don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.”

——

Getting the job back would take careful planning, but life and work had to go on in the meantime.

Shu Yuan couldn’t possibly use an entire roll of film just for sample shots. The film used for Shu He’s photos belonged to the photo studio. Normally, it cost one yuan per photo including shooting and developing. Regular customers got a 10% discount, while Shu Yuan, being a staff member, paid only 80%.

That evening, after heading to her mother’s for dinner again, Shu Yuan showed the photos to Shu He. Shu He was pleasantly surprised. “These came out really well. Am I really this pretty? Thank you, Second Sister.”

“Mom takes great photos,” Xiao Man said as he looked through the pictures over and over, offering generous praise without hesitation.

On Saturday night, Xiao Man sat at the table drawing with watercolor pens. He had pasted two pieces of 16K-sized paper onto the cardboard from a pastry box. On it, he wrote four large characters in colorful strokes: “Ancient Costume Portraits.”

Chen Zai had been very busy lately, and even had to work on Sunday. Before heading out, he saw Shu Yuan and Xiao Man checking the contents of the wooden box.

“A mirror, Mom, we need to bring a mirror,” Xiao Man said.

Shu Yuan praised him. “Yes, we do need a mirror. That’s very thoughtful, Xiao Man. Go get the round one.”

Xiao Man quickly ran to the table and brought the round mirror over to Shu Yuan.

“And also, Mom, don’t forget to bring the steamed buns, pickled vegetables, and boiled eggs,” he said as he ran into the kitchen, took out the lunchbox, and placed it on the table.

Shu Yuan nodded. “Right. We won’t be coming back for lunch. it’s too much trouble.”

Not even coming back for lunch? Just gnawing on cold buns? Chen Zai spoke up. “You’re bringing Xiao Man with you?”

Before Shu Yuan could answer, Xiao Man replied first, “Dad, I want to help Mom take pictures and make money. Once we earn money, we’ll pay you back.”

Chen Zai: “…”

Why did he suddenly feel like he’d turned into Huang Shiren^[1]Huang Shiren is a fictional villain from the Chinese ballet The White-Haired Girl, known as a greedy and cruel landlord who exploited the poor. Here, Chen Zai is joking that Xiao Man treating him … Continue reading?

He thought for a few seconds, then said, “Shu Yuan, maybe you should go handle the money-making part yourself. Don’t bring Xiao Man.”

Shu Yuan, who had been squatting on the ground, stood up and asked with a puzzled look, “What’s wrong? Why can’t I bring him? Do you have some kind of misunderstanding about making money? Are kids not allowed?”

Xiao Man looked up with his little face. “Dad, why can’t I go? Mom said I’m her photography assistant.”

Chen Zai glanced at the child who barely reached his waist. Wasn’t this assistant a bit too small?

There wasn’t much he could say to argue with the mother and son, but he still felt that taking a child to a street stall to earn money didn’t seem right. Shouldn’t children be in school and just grow up safely?

Besides, he didn’t even care about that 1,600 yuan. Paying it back was her idea.

Up to now, he still hadn’t figured out why she had asked him twice for a breakup fee, and now she wanted to repay the money. What had caused such a drastic change in her?

But the mother and son were no longer paying attention to him. Shu Yuan squatted down again to lock the wooden box, saying as she worked, “You’d better get to work. We’ll head out in a bit too.”

Chen Zai had no choice and didn’t say anything more. He hurried off to work.

Shu Yuan carried the wooden box while Xiao Man carried a mesh bag with the lunchbox inside. The mother and son went downstairs, secured the box, and after lifting Xiao Man onto the crossbar, Shu Yuan pedaled the bicycle out of the staff housing compound, heading toward Nanhua Park.

Nanhua Park, with Ming dynasty architecture, was originally a garden belonging to royalty and nobles. They bought tickets for five mao (0.5) and entered the park. Shu Yuan picked a spot where a pavilion was connected to a long corridor. The pavilion had flying eaves and upturned corners, and the corridor was winding. It was perfect as a backdrop.

The mother and son sat down inside the pavilion. The wooden box was placed on the ground, and the sample photos along with the hardboard reading “Ancient Costume Portraits” were laid out.

In this era, entertainment was scarce, so many people liked to visit the park. Xiao Man, the little photography assistant, called out to the passing visitors, “Auntie, want a photo? Ancient costume portraits!”

“Miss, would you like a photo? We have pretty traditional outfits!”

The little guy wasn’t originally that outgoing or cheerful. Back in the countryside, he had always felt weighed down, like a lump of black mud was stuck in his chest. But ever since coming to the city and spending time with his mother every day, that mud had dispersed. He had become much more lively. As long as he was by his mother’s side, Xiao Man didn’t feel embarrassed at all about calling out to strangers like this.

Of course, Shu Yuan wouldn’t let Xiao Man handle attracting customers all on his own. She kept a close eye on potential clients and warmly showed them the sample photos.

Quite a few parkgoers, curious and drawn by the lively setup, gathered around to have a look.

They had all kinds of questions: was it really Shu Yuan who took the photos, where did she work, how much did it cost per picture, how would they receive the photos, and so on. Shu Yuan patiently answered each one.

Xiao Man had thought they were finally getting customers, but after all the noisy questions, these people just left. Watching their figures walk away, he felt a bit disappointed, quietly wondering if they would really be able to get any customers.

He really hoped Mom could earn some money. After all, she still owed Dad a huge sum.

But soon, more people came over to check it out. One group would leave, and another would arrive, streams of people going back and forth.

When Shu Yuan’s mouth went dry from all the talking, she let Xiao Man take over. In his soft, clear voice, he repeated the same lines again and again.

“Mom, don’t get discouraged,” Xiao Man encouraged Shu Yuan. Though his voice was childlike and tender, it carried strength and determination.

Shu Yuan gently rubbed the top of his head and said, “The beginning is always the hardest. Let’s keep at it. We’ll definitely see results.”

The child showed no shyness or hesitation, no embarrassment. He was calm and composed. Shu Yuan felt he had made great progress.

But Xiao Man believed it was actually not his mom who needed encouragement. She was never one to be defeated by hardship. On the contrary, the one who needed encouragement was himself.

He wanted to learn from his mother.

Soon, a few women came over to inquire. Most of them found the photos interesting and novel, but they questioned the price.

“The photos do look nice, but one yuan fifty (1.5 yuan) a piece is a bit steep. At the photo studio it’s only one yuan.”

“At People’s Square, even color photos are just one yuan.”

In this era, many people made a living by taking photos outdoors. Some photo studios even took the initiative to send photographers to scenic spots, but they usually offered only standard portraits with scenic backgrounds. Shu Yuan’s approach, offering ancient costume portraits, was the first of its kind.

She wasn’t just relying on photography skills, but also on creativity to make money.

She had already anticipated people would question the price. But she didn’t intend to lower it. Photos with wigs were priced at one yuan fifty (1.5 yuan), and those with styled hairdos cost one yuan eighty (1.8 yuan). She was targeting women who loved beauty and were willing to spend on it.

With a bright smile, Shu Yuan explained to her customers, “Just look at how beautiful these traditional outfits are. The photos come out looking so natural, and we even provide makeup. You won’t find this kind of service or this kind of result anywhere else.”

No one questioned the quality of the photography or the final product. Holding the sample photos in hand, Shu Yuan’s pitch was convincing. Someone even agreed, “They really do look great, like ancient concubines.”

With so many people asking, it was only a matter of time before someone made a purchase. The first customer was a girl around eleven or twelve. Shu Yuan said to the girl’s mother, “Sister, your daughter has such delicate features and great skin. No need for makeup, and I’ll give you a discount of one mao (0.1 yuan).”

But the girl’s mother insisted on the makeup. She said, “Go ahead and do it. It’ll look even better with makeup.”

Since her suggestion was rejected, Shu Yuan didn’t press further. She took out the makeup and carefully drew the girl’s eyebrows and applied light makeup. Beyond just providing a keepsake, taking photos also offered emotional value to customers, and makeup was a part of that emotional experience.

Once the girl was all dressed up, the surrounding onlookers praised how lovely she looked. Her mother was also very satisfied. “She looks great. Why don’t you take one of me too?”

Just like that, they had two customers. After photographing the mother and daughter, Xiao Man took down their address with a pen and paper. The photos would be mailed to them. Envelopes cost two mao (0.2 yuan), stamps four mao (0.4 yuan), meaning Shu Yuan had to cover six mao (0.6 yuan) for each order.

Most other outdoor photographers were doing the same, offering to mail the photos later.

After Xiao Man finished writing the address, Shu Yuan double-checked it with the customers and collected the payment. As the first two customers left, new ones were already waiting to get their makeup done and change into costumes, so Shu Yuan quickly went to assist the next person.

Having people watching nearby was actually a good thing. It helped draw in more visitors. The more people gathered, the more likely someone would find it interesting and decide to give it a try, turning curiosity into business.

At noon, while there was a lull in foot traffic, they drank some boiled water and ate their packed food. By evening, the light had changed significantly, making it unsuitable for portrait photography. The mother and son began packing up to head home.

“Xiao Man, we did really well today. We shot twenty portraits in total,” Shu Yuan said as she pointed the camera lens downward and wiped it clean with a soft cotton cloth. She put it back into the camera case, then placed the case into her shoulder bag.

Xiao Man put the notebook with all the addresses into the wooden box. His little mouth stretched nearly to his ears from excitement as he beamed, “Mom, today we won a great victory!”

Just as the little guy turned around, he saw Chen Zai striding toward them with long steps. Delighted, he called out, “Dad!”

Shu Yuan folded up the hardboard sign that read “Ancient Costume Portraits” and packed it into the box while speaking casually, “Couldn’t rest easy about Xiao Man, huh? Came all the way here to check on us.”

Chen Zai’s thin lips moved slightly. “You’ve turned him into child labor. How could I not come?”

Xiao Man cheerfully corrected him, “Dad, I’m not child labor. I’m a photography assistant.”

Shu Yuan packed up the reflector board and said with a smile, “Our little assistant was super busy today, wasn’t he, Xiao Man?”

Chen Zai’s gaze shifted between the mother and son. “Did you actually get customers?”

Shu Yuan raised her graceful, slender eyebrows. “You’re underestimating us. Plenty of people were happy to have their photos taken. We shot twenty in total.”

At one yuan fifty (1.5 yuan) per photo, they earned eight mao (0.8 yuan) profit each; at one yuan eighty (1.8 yuan), it was a one yuan one mao (1.1 yuan) profit. Altogether, they made sixteen or seventeen yuan in one day. For a first outing, Shu Yuan was very satisfied.

Chen Zai looked surprised. “That’s quite a number. Xiao Man spent the whole day out, he must be tired.”

Lifting the mesh bag in his hand, he said, “I bought a roast chicken. Let’s go home and eat.”

Both mother and son turned to look at the bag. The oil-stained wrapping paper was already seeping grease, and the mouthwatering aroma wafted straight into their noses.

Shu Yuan locked the box and put the key into her shoulder bag while saying, “Is that roast chicken from Fuji Deli? One whole chicken costs over four yuan. Don’t buy it again.”

It wasn’t her money being spent, but given how poor she was now, she still felt a pang of heartache watching Chen Zai spend like that.

Chen Zai said, “Xiao Man still has to eat. Just dry rations for lunch? Xiao Man?”

Xiao Man answered in his soft, sweet voice, “We had steamed buns and boiled eggs for lunch. It was great.”

He was willing to eat plain food as long as he was with Mom. Besides, they had already eaten quite well.

Shu Yuan, however, wasn’t as easy to please as Xiao Man. Her nostrils flared slightly as she sniffed and said, “That roast chicken smells too good. Can we tear off a couple of drumsticks to eat now?”

Chen Zai rejected her outright. “Wash your hands at home first, then you can eat.”

Seeing the hopeful eyes of both the big and the little one, Chen Zai gave in. He first pulled out a handkerchief and carefully wiped Xiao Man’s hands, then opened the paper wrapping, tore off two pieces of greaseproof paper from the top, pulled off the two drumsticks, and wrapped them separately before handing one to each of them.

Shu Yuan took the drumstick and bit into it right away. The chicken was tender, fragrant, and rich with the aroma of braised spices. After a long day’s work, having freshly made, free meat felt incredibly satisfying.

But Xiao Man hesitated. Holding the drumstick, he turned to Chen Zai. “But Dad doesn’t have a drumstick. Dad, you eat mine.”

Chen Zai replied in a very proud tone, “I have to wash my hands before I eat anything.”

Except when he was in the countryside.

Shu Yuan glanced at the hand he was holding the roast chicken with. But he had already used that same hand to tear off their drumsticks. What was he still acting so reserved for?

She handed her drumstick to Xiao Man, took the roast chicken from Chen Zai’s hands, used a piece of greaseproof paper as a barrier, tore off a large chunk of breast meat, and stuffed it into his hand.

Shu Yuan took back her drumstick and called out to Xiao Man, “Now we each have one. Let’s eat.”

Chen Zai looked at the piece of chicken in his hand, it was a big chunk. Well then, might as well eat it.

Xiao Man’s stomach was rumbling with hunger. He was easily persuaded by Shu Yuan and took a big bite of the drumstick with a happy “aowu.” His eyes curved into little crescent moons as he said with satisfaction, “It’s so good. Thank you, Dad, for buying us roast chicken.”

After the mother and son finished their drumsticks, Chen Zai gave each of them a chicken wing. A strange, unfamiliar feeling came over him. Watching the two of them eat so happily was far more satisfying than eating good food himself.

Once Xiao Man finished, Chen Zai wiped his hands again. The once-white handkerchief was now soaked with grease and crumpled. Being someone who was usually meticulous and clean, he simply flipped the cloth over, folded it neatly, and tucked it back into his pocket.

Xiao Man patted his full little belly and said contentedly, “I’m full.”

Shu Yuan wrapped the chicken bones in tissue, jogged several dozen meters to toss them at the trash station, then came back, wiped her hands clean, and picked up the box. “Let’s go home.”

Chen Zai took the box from her, and Shu Yuan held Xiao Man’s hand. The three of them walked together toward the park gate.

There was only one bicycle, and the back seat was already occupied by the box, so they could only walk home.

“Thanks for buying the roast chicken. Once I get my hands on some fish, I’ll make you slippery fish slices,” Shu Yuan said. It was her first day setting up a photo stall and it had gone really well, and on top of that, she had eaten delicious roast chicken. Her mood was excellent.

“Dad is amazing,” Xiao Man praised in his soft, childlike voice.

Shu Yuan nodded. “Mm, Dad really is amazing.”

Chen Zai: No need to keep praising me. Really. At this rate, I’m going to float away.