Font Size:
“That’s all I know. The rest is up to you now.”
**“I’ll keep practicing. I’ll start with a set of pajamas for Xingchen. He’ll only wear them at home, so it won’t matter if they’re not perfect.
Sister, you’ve worked hard today. Please take this sugar for your children.”**
It was almost five in the afternoon. She couldn’t keep Sister Xu any longer; it was already close to dinnertime.
“No, no. You already treated me to zhajiang noodles at lunch, which was more than enough. If I take something else, I’ll be too embarrassed to come again. I’ll be off now. Tomorrow evening, I’ll come help you with the meal. With all those hungry men, you won’t be able to manage alone.”
“Alright, but bring your two children too. I haven’t met them yet.”
“I will. And remember, head out early to buy meat. Best to leave around six and cycle there. That way, you’ll reach the supply co-op by seven. If you go later, you won’t get good cuts.”
“Got it, Sister. See you tomorrow.”
After sending Sister Xu off, Su Momo tidied the guest room, shut the door, and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
She was in high spirits. She had learned something new today, and learning always made her feel both happy and fulfilled.
Tonight would be their first proper dinner as a couple. A beautiful life should begin with a hearty meal.
Just then, a voice called from outside….
“Wife, look who’s here.”
Momo stepped out of the kitchen and saw Lin Xingchen standing there, flanked by two young men in military uniforms, her elder brother Su Tingjie and her younger brother Su Tinghao.
“Brother, Tinghao! You’re here.”
“This little courtyard of yours is really coming along. Looks great.”
“Sis, I’ve missed you so much! It feels like forever since I saw you.”
Tinghao had grown up with her, the two inseparable until he joined the army. Out in the world, he was serious and composed, but at home, he was still the same playful younger brother.
“I’ve missed you, too. I’ve made good food tonight. Go wash your hands, and we’ll eat.”
“Okay!”
The three of them fetched a bucket of water from the well and washed up.
Meanwhile, Xingchen slipped into the kitchen and gently took the spatula from her hand.
“I’ll do the cooking. You’ve worked hard enough, wife.”
“But I enjoy it. Watching you all eat happily makes me happy too. Still, I am tired today. I went to Chen Village to trade eggs and vegetables. Look at this pile on the floor. And that’s only half. You’ll need to fetch the rest later.”
“Alright. After dinner, I’ll take you to meet the regiment commander’s wife. Then I’ll head to the village chief’s house for the rest. Next time, just leave it there until I pick it up. Carrying so much today must have worn you out, and cycling with it isn’t safe.”
“Mm. And this afternoon, I learned how to use the sewing machine from Sister Xu. I even made you two vests. What a busy day, my arms are sore.”
She hadn’t noticed the fatigue until she saw Xingchen. Now she only wanted to lean on him and act spoiled.
“Tonight I’ll take care of you, wife. I promise tomorrow you’ll wake up refreshed and glowing.”
But as soon as his elder brother and younger brother walked in, Xingchen stopped himself. He handed them two finished dishes and shooed Momo toward the courtyard to rest.
He brought out the last dish, stir-fried tomato and eggs, and ladled out the rice.
He hadn’t expected guests, but luckily, he had prepared generously: four dishes in total, green beans and potatoes stewed with bacon, shredded potatoes with vinegar, braised eggplant in sauce, and tomato scrambled eggs. All hearty, with plenty of rice mixed with potatoes and leftover noodles from lunch.
“Sis, your cooking is amazing! I never knew you had such skills.”
“Well, of course. You forget who your sister is? I just need to try once or twice, and I get it.”
“That’s true. You’ve always been quick at learning.”
As the siblings teased one another, Xingchen ate in silence, his heart warm. This was happiness—family gathered, noisy and lively around the table.
After dinner, Xingchen spoke:
“Brother, Hao, tonight I’ll take Momo to the regiment commander’s house, then to Chen Village for supplies. You two can start turning the soil. I’ll be back to sow seeds with you.”
“Go on, go on. We can handle it. We’re not spoiled young masters anymore.”
They had all brought tools, and between the three of them, the fields would be turned in no time.
When the meal was done, Xingchen left the dishwashing to his brother and brother-in-law, and took his wife by the hand, gifts in tow.
On the way, he explained gently:
“The regiment commander’s surname is Meng. Call his wife ‘Sister Meng.’ She’s from the city, too, but from the south. Her habits may be different from ours. If you get along with the other wives, spend time with them. If not, don’t force it. Don’t worry about what anyone thinks, it won’t affect me.”
He wasn’t one to rely on connections. All his hard work was so his wife could live freely, not swallow grievances for his sake.
“Mm. I like Sister Xu, she’s so warm and generous. As for others, I haven’t met them yet. But don’t worry. I’m not easy to push around. My father taught me how to fight, and I can hold my own. I’m even better at arguing.”
Children who grew up in orphanages learned quickly—if you didn’t fight back, you were bullied. She had once been the barefoot girl unafraid of those in shoes. Now, with someone standing behind her, she felt even more confident.
“That’s right. My Momo is the fiercest of all.”
Xingchen’s tone was indulgent, like coaxing a child. And Momo, hearing it, felt sweet inside. What was wrong with being treated like a child?
“Of course I am! Now hurry, it’s too hot out here. I just want to go home and cool off under the trees.”
Their little courtyard had shade, and sitting beneath the branches was Momo’s favorite pastime.
When they reached the commander’s house, Xingchen knocked. A woman soon opened the door.
“Good evening, Sister. I’ve brought my wife to pay respects. Yesterday we were too busy to come.”
**“Welcome, welcome. Please come in.
Old Meng, Vice-Commander Lin, and his wife are here!”**
She was indeed a southern woman—her voice soft and gentle, even after years in the north.
**“Commander, this is my wife, Su Momo.
Momo, this is Commander Meng, and this is Sister Meng.”**
“Commander Meng, Sister Meng, good evening.”
Momo smiled, her expression bright and lively, instantly winning favor.
**“Xingchen, you lucky boy. No wonder you turned down every blind date we suggested. None of us had the eye to find such a beautiful wife for you.
Huohuo, Tutu.. come greet our guests.”**
Commander Meng was broad-shouldered and boisterous, the exact opposite of his gentle wife, which made them a striking pair.
“Hello, Uncle Lin. Hello, Auntie Su.”
**“Hello, Huohuo, Tutu. Nice to meet you both.
Commander, Sister Meng, I brought some pickles from Beijing. Please try them.”**
Momo greeted the two boys. They were still shy at that age; just a simple greeting left them blushing. She handed the gift over to Sister Meng with a smile.