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Su Momo hadn’t expected Wu Mei to pry into her personal life, too. Couldn’t the woman just keep quiet?
**“I don’t have parents-in-law, so I can only listen when you talk about such things.
As for my own family, I’m an only child. My second uncle has two sons—my cousins—so really, there aren’t any conflicts.”**
She thought smugly: go ahead, be jealous. I’m the precious daughter of the family—what’s wrong with being born lucky?
“So blessed! If I’d been born into such a family, I’d laugh myself awake every night. Don’t look at me now, married to Old Xu and living well. If he hadn’t chosen me back then, who knows? Maybe I’d still be toiling in the fields every day.”
Sister Xu believed that life was all about fate. She was from the countryside, one of five children, the middle one—often overlooked. But fate paired her with Commissar Xu, and now she lived better than any of her siblings. The once-invisible child was now treated with respect when she returned home.
“It’s about time I get dinner started.”
She ended the topic there. No need to stir up envy. Other than Wu Mei, who seemed intent on crossing her, the rest of the women were quite decent. It was better to get along.
“Come on, let’s help. We’ve been sitting here chatting and eating candy long enough. We nearly forgot the real work.”
Everyone bustled into the kitchen. Wang Yan, busy with little Mumu, was given beans to pick.
With so many hands, preparations went quickly. Only the shredded potatoes were done by Momo herself—no one else could cut them so fine and uniform.
The house only had one stove, so dishes couldn’t be cooked all at once. Luckily, in the summer heat, food wouldn’t cool too quickly. An hour later, all the dishes except the big “Harvest Stew” were ready, halved and placed neatly on the tables.
“Momo, I’m home.”
“Deputy Commander Lin, welcome back.”
The others greeted Lin Xingchen as he stepped in.
“Please sit. I’ll go to the kitchen first. The others will bring things out in a moment.”
He washed his hands and hurried in. Momo was mixing cold dishes.
“Wife.”
“A-Chen, just in time. Taste this for me.”
“Delicious—sweet and sour, with just a hint of spice. Anything else I can help with?”
“Yes. Put the steamed buns, corn cakes, and the Harvest Stew on plates.”
“Got it. You, go cool off outside.”
The kitchen was sweltering from the steam. Momo was already flushed and sweaty.
“I’ll change clothes. This one reeks of smoke and sweat.”
She slipped into the bedroom and came out in a sky-blue summer dress with white sandals, her hair clipped back with the barrette Xingchen had given her. With the short sleeves, her wristwatch glinted in the light. She looked every bit the fresh-faced college girl.
Eighteen should look like this. Just because she was married didn’t mean she had to wear dark clothes.
“Wow, stunning.”
“I don’t know many words, but all I can think of is… beautiful.”
“Big sister, you’re so pretty!”
Momo smiled at their praise.
“Thank you for all the compliments—I’ll accept them gladly.”
That made everyone laugh. Most women would shyly deny it, but Momo had the confidence to accept it openly. She deserved every flattering word.
“Big sister, you’re so pretty.”
“Hello there, little one. I’m your Uncle Lin’s wife. You should call me Aunt Su.”
“Alright, Aunt Su. My father is Li Dashan. My name’s Li Zhennan.”
“Hello, Zhennan. I’m happy to meet you. Tonight there’s lots of good food—I hope you enjoy yourself.”
She disliked Wu Mei, but children were another matter—especially polite ones.
“Mm! I can already smell it. So good!”
When Momo reappeared, the banquet began.
“Tonight is our first formal dinner since our wedding. Thank you all for coming. We hope you enjoy the food and have a good time.”
Lin Xingchen spoke on their behalf. Then everyone dug in.
Those who had tasted her food before knew what to expect. For newcomers, one bite left them speechless—the flavors were so good they wanted to swallow their tongues.
“Little Su’s cooking is extraordinary. Xingchen, you’re truly blessed.” Commander Meng chuckled.
Xingchen nodded seriously. “Yes. The luckiest thing in my life is marrying my wife.”
“Ha! Don’t get carried away. My wife’s no worse!”
“That’s my sister we’re talking about. She’ll always be my sister.” Su Tingjie forced a smile. He swallowed the second half of his thought—that she might not always remain Xingchen’s wife. It wasn’t the time for unlucky words.
At the family table, children made the most noise. They debated which dish was the best, voices tumbling over each other, but never pausing their chopsticks.
“These ribs are amazing. We usually just fry a few slices in lard. Never thought simmering with ribs could taste so good.”
The ribs weren’t as meaty as in later years, but still had enough to flavor a dish. Most people didn’t buy them—they thought half bone was a waste. But in a stew, they were perfect.
“I like this best. I don’t like fatty pork—except maybe five-spice belly, that’s okay.”
The big Harvest Stew filled half a giant iron pot. Without it, they would have needed at least four more dishes. Nothing says banquet like a pot stew—easy and delicious.
They ate from afternoon till dusk. The tables were licked clean—even the broth was gone. That was the greatest compliment to Momo’s efforts.
The men tidied up, washed dishes, and returned the borrowed tables and chairs.
“One portion of braised dishes for each family. It’s not much, but it’s a token of our thanks.”
“Comrade Su, you’re too kind. I still drool when I remember the taste from last time.”
“Yes, yes, it’s unforgettable.”
**“I’m glad you like it. That means my gift has hit the mark.
Commander Li, since your wife doesn’t eat organ meats, I packed extra vegetables in your share—for little Zhennan.”**
Momo respected Commander Li and his son, so she wouldn’t embarrass them in public. But Wu Mei had long been excluded from her circle of friendship.
“Thank you. You’re very thoughtful, Comrade Su.”
Everyone left in high spirits. When the courtyard finally quieted, Momo collapsed onto a lounge chair. Xingchen lay down beside her.
He clasped her soft hand and said lightly, “Momo, the Commander told me some good news today. There’s finally word about your translation and medical practice certificates.”