Chapter 15

Yang Xue was taken aback. She lowered her head and thought for a long while.

She was wearing a pair of worn cloth shoes, the surface covered in patches, and the soles had been repaired many times. These shoes provided no warmth at all, and she quickly tucked her exposed toes back inside.

“There are… maybe three or four,” Yang Xue said, embarrassed.

Su Ye patted Yang Xue’s head. “Today, I’m going to visit your parents and talk to them about the poverty subsidy policy. Let’s go.”

Yang Xue walked back home with Su Ye. They passed through a narrow alley, and when they arrived at Yang Xue’s house, Su Ye understood why the young girl was working in line at the supply store during the cold winter and why she had dropped out of school.

The room, only about twenty square meters, was dimly lit but housed three generations: Yang Xue’s parents, grandparents, and her younger brother and sister, all squeezed into this small space.

When Yang Xue’s parents learned that the teacher had come, they greeted her warmly but awkwardly, offering her a piece of cornbread. Yang Xue’s mother had a disability and relied on mending clothes and doing laundry for neighbors to help with the household income. The responsibility of paying for the three children’s education and feeding the family fell to Yang Xue’s father, who worked at the cooking oil factory.

Su Ye politely declined the cornbread. “Mr. Yang, I’ll get straight to the point. Yang Xue is an excellent student, hardworking at school, and she is the class monitor. I am certain that she has a very good chance of being accepted to a vocational school. Vocational schools provide subsidies, and if you can manage to support her for one more semester, she will be able to continue her education.”

“Letting her drop out now would be a waste.”

Yang Xue, who had been washing clothes in the alley, overheard this and blinked back tears, her eyes reddening.

The reasoning was sound, but the couple’s worn faces showed a hint of embarrassment. “Teacher, you’ve seen our situation. The cooking oil factory has been struggling this year, and wages have been cut several times. Liu Liu is nine this year and should be starting primary school. We can’t let her miss out on that.”

“The oldest daughter has finished middle school. She’s gone as far as she can go. If she can’t attend vocational school, it’s just her fate. We’re no good—we’ve let the kids down.”

Yang Xue’s father worked at the Changyou Cooking Oil Factory, the largest oil factory in C City. When the factory was thriving, employees worked three shifts to keep up. But last year, due to a poor harvest, the factory had slowed down, and employees were left with little to do, causing their wages to drop significantly. The Yang family’s finances were stretched thin, and not only could they not afford to send the children to school, even food was a problem.

There was always a connection between things, and Su Ye recalled how she could never buy oil before the New Year. Wasn’t it because the Changyou Cooking Oil Factory was on the verge of closing?

Su Ye coughed and said, “That’s actually why I’m here for the home visit. Mr. and Mrs. Yang, the high school is considering a poverty subsidy program for students. I can help Yang Xue get a spot, but—”

She lowered her voice and continued, “How to assess the level of poverty is a tough issue. From what I see, Yang Xue’s situation is quite difficult, but there are many families in an even worse situation than hers.”

Yang Xue’s mother suddenly became emotional and slapped her disabled legs. “No one has it harder than us! Our whole family depends on Yang Xue’s dad to earn money—”

Su Ye quickly whispered, “Auntie, please don’t get too emotional. I know things are tough for you. That’s exactly why I’m trying to help Yang Xue apply for the subsidy. But no one can talk about this outside. If someone finds out and reports it, and the opportunity for Yang Xue is lost, what will we do? Do you understand?”

Su Ye wasn’t worried about being reported and losing the opportunity, after all, she could decide how many spots there were. She just wanted to keep a low profile and didn’t want Yang Xue to know that it was the teacher who was helping her.

In times like these, it’s not the scarcity but the inequality that’s concerning—there are just too many people facing hardships. Yang Xue’s parents, understanding the situation, nodded eagerly, and their eyes filled with gratitude as they silently looked at Su Ye.

“Yes, yes, yes! Teacher Su, you are such a good person!”

After speaking, Su Ye went through the motions of looking at the Yang family’s grain book and wage slips, then left their home satisfied.

—

The Military District Compound

Coincidentally, Su Ye and Gu Xiangqian’s visit to the department store to buy a luxury watch had been witnessed by a military wife the day before.

At the time, Su Ye had picked out the most expensive Meihua-brand watch in the store, and Gu Xiangqian insisted on buying it for her. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. This incident, through the gossip of the neighborhood, quickly spread and became the talk of the compound.

“138 yuan, I can’t believe Su Ye had the nerve to ask for it!” The women were instantly both envious and resentful.

If Su Ye came from a wealthy family, that would be one thing, but she was from the countryside, had come to the army, married Gu Xiangqian, and now kept asking for things. It was obvious she was taking advantage of the “^[1]“flower” (花) is used metaphorically to refer to someone who is considered the most attractive or valuable in a particular setting.flower” of the compound, treating him like an easy target.

This stirred up everyone’s jealousy and anger. 138 yuan—Su Ye wasn’t even worth that much.

“Xiangqian is such an honest man. When his salary comes in, he always saves it without eating or drinking, and she has him ^[2]“Wrapped around her finger” is an idiom that means someone is easily controlled or influenced by another person, often because of charm, persuasion, or manipulation. When someone is … Continue readingwrapped around her finger.”

“I also heard that Xiangqian has to do housework at home! She takes advantage of him when he’s injured and can’t do anything, dragging a sick man out to walk around the streets in winter.”

Fang Xiulian, overhearing this, was very displeased and stopped the gossip. “What are you all gossiping about! Xiangqian is smart, he doesn’t need your pity.”

She felt her own reputation had been tarnished because of Su Ye. Li Maogang and Gu Xiangqian were sworn brothers, and she and Su Ye were like a sisters-in-law.

In private, Fang Xiulian complained to her husband, “What kind of person did Xiangqian marry? He’s really been ruined… How could anyone be like her, acting like that as a wife? Su Ye is worse than Yao Chunyu!”

Her tone inevitably carried some pride and disdain. Although Fang Xiulian had a bad temper, she was well-regarded in the compound as a good wife. She had a good job, good living conditions, and looked good. In contrast, Su Ye’s reputation was ^[3]“In the gutter” is an idiomatic expression that typically means someone is in a very low or degraded state, often morally, financially, or socially. It can refer to someone who is … Continue readingin the gutter.

Fang Xiulian believed she was justified in looking down on Su Ye as a bad wife.

Li Maogang frowned when he heard this. “Don’t mention Yao Chunyu, don’t let Su Ye overhear and get upset.”

The Yao Chunyu they mentioned was the woman who was suspected of having had a past with Gu Xiangqian. Very few people knew about this. During that time, the two were quite close, and then, for some unknown reason, Yao Chunyu was sent abroad for study, and the matter was never discussed again.

In comparison, the couple had to admit that Yao Chunyu was indeed better than Su Ye.

“Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Let’s invite Xiangqian and his wife over to our house for dinner!” Fang Xiulian suggested.

On New Year’s Eve, Li Maogang came to notify Gu Xiangqian about the dinner.

Su Ye had planned to cook the remaining pound of pork ribs and cured meat, but when she heard the invitation, she told Gu Xiangqian, “We’re not going. What’s the point of going to someone else’s house for dinner on New Year’s Eve?”

Su Ye wasn’t interested in spending the holiday with people she wasn’t close to, it felt too tiring to pretend and play along during the holiday!

Gu Xiangqian told Li Maogang, “Every year on New Year’s Eve, we always come over to mooch off your food. I feel bad about it. This year, Su Ye and I will stay home and celebrate.”

Li Maogang was momentarily taken aback—was this really about food?

Su Ye had originally planned to let Gu Xiangqian cook, but considering his cooking skills and not wanting the pork ribs and cured meat to be ruined, she pushed him aside.

She quickly made braised pork ribs, a mixed rice with cured meat, and the last of the lantern-shaped cakes, which she arranged on the table.

Just as Su Ye and Gu Xiangqian were about to eat, there was a knock at the door.

When Su Ye opened the door, to her surprise, it was Li Maogang and his wife. They were holding a piece of pork belly and a pound of rice, smiling as they stood outside.

Li Maogang was stunned for a moment after walking into the house. “Brother Xiangqian, you’re already eating? I thought we were going to have dinner together.”

Both the mixed rice with cured meat and the braised pork ribs were made in portions for two people, with no extra food left over. Gu Xiangqian had a big appetite, so there was a large bowl of rice in front of him. Su Ye, with a smaller appetite, had two bowls of rice.

The air was filled with the fragrant smell of meat, and the sumptuous food on the table made everyone hungry.

Fang Xiulian, holding the braised pork and rice, naturally handed them over to Su Ye. “Sorry to trouble you, sister-in-law.”

Su Ye took the pork and rice without even looking at it and called to Gu Xiangqian.

With both of them looking at her in surprise, Su Ye handed the items to him and said, “You go make some braised pork and rice for the guests.”

Her tone was so casual that it made them frown.

Fang Xiulian couldn’t help but speak up for Gu Xiangqian, “How can you make Xiangqian cook, Su Ye? You’re just going to sit there?”

“Why can’t I sit here?” Su Ye asked curiously.

The New Year’s Eve dinner was prepared by Su Ye, and in her view, having Gu Xiangqian cook for the two guests was the most reasonable division of labor. But to the couple, it seemed as if Su Ye was neglecting her duties as a wife.

Su Ye sat comfortably, not only enjoying her seat but also savoring the only lantern-shaped cake on the table, eating one piece after another. She was so absorbed in eating that she nearly finished the entire plate of cakes, with no intention of leaving any for Gu Xiangqian.

Meanwhile, Gu Xiangqian was in the kitchen, busy washing rice, starting the fire, cutting meat, and cooking, while Su Ye was enjoying her meal. Fang Xiulian almost couldn’t bear to watch.

Li Maogang quickly went to help Gu Xiangqian, and with his assistance, the meal was ready in no time.

“Xiangqian loves sweets. What will he eat if you finish it all?” Fang Xiulian asked through gritted teeth.

Su Ye, realizing that Fang Xiulian had a problem with her, swallowed the sweet cake and lazily said, “He won’t eat it.”

At this moment, Gu Xiangqian came out of the kitchen with a pot of rice. Su Ye casually asked, “Gu Xiangqian, do you want some cake?”

Su Ye had long told Gu Xiangqian not to worry about her snacks. He found her childish but didn’t think it was worth fighting over snacks.

He glanced at Su Ye and shook his head. “No, you keep it for yourself.”

With that, Gu Xiangqian handed over all the cake to Su Ye, leaving none for Li Maogang and Fang Xiulian. The cake was bought specifically for Su Ye, and that made the couple feel as if Gu Xiangqian was completely under her spell.

The rumors, it seemed, weren’t exaggerated at all. In just a short time, they had witnessed enough to be shocked.

Gu Xiangqian said to everyone, “What are you all staring at? Let’s eat.”

Everyone sat down and started eating the New Year’s Eve dinner. Gu Xiangqian’s bowl hadn’t been touched yet, he took a little bit of meat from his bowl and gave it to Li Maogang and Fang Xiulian, then added some braised pork for Su Ye. But Su Ye, without looking up, just focused on eating the meat, with no intention of sharing any with Gu Xiangqian.

Li Maogang watched this with a disapproving shake of his head.

He took a bite of the meat in his own bowl, and immediately all other thoughts vanished.

The cured meat was fatty but not greasy, delicious in flavor. He then tried a piece of the braised pork, rich with a savory sauce, mixed with a slight hint of garlic—it was so good he almost wanted to swallow his tongue.

He looked again at Gu Xiangqian and Su Ye’s bowls, which were piled with meat and vegetables, with each grain of rice coated in the oil from the cured meat and the sauce from the ribs. It was hard to imagine how delicious it must have been.

In comparison, his own bowl of braised pork suddenly seemed less appetizing. Li Maogang regretted being too eager earlier and not letting Gu Xiangqian make the braised pork.

“This meat is really delicious,” Li Maogang exclaimed.

Gu Xiangqian nodded in agreement. He also thought Su Ye’s cooking was fantastic. Although the New Year’s Eve had been rather plain, Gu Xiangqian felt a sense of warmth and contentment he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Xiangqian’s cooking skills are really impressive,” Fang Xiulian sincerely praised Gu Xiangqian after finishing her meat.

Su Ye must have fallen into a lucky spot, she must have accumulated eight generations of good fortune to end up marrying Gu Xiangqian.

Gu Xiangqian immediately realized they had misunderstood, and just as he was about to explain, Su Ye stepped on his foot hard.

Su Ye smiled sweetly and said, “Yes, his cooking is really good! I’ve had him cook for me these past few days. He bought the cake (with his money), did the housework, and bought the meat. I’m just so useless, I can’t do anything.”

Fang Xiulian shot her a fiery glare after hearing this.

Li Maogang furrowed his brow, originally intending to mediate and suggest to Su Ye that she improve, but now he had completely dismissed that thought and just wanted to advise Gu Xiangqian to leave this kind of woman as soon as possible.