Chapter 34

Jiang Nian was stunned for a moment before she realized who Feng Mei was talking about.

Feng Mei asked, “Are you and Deputy Commander Lu going home for the New Year? Deputy Commander Lu should have some leave, so he should have time to go back for a visit.”

Jiang Nian replied, “He said he’ll go back on the third day of the new year. He needs to hand over some tasks in the next few days before taking his leave.”

When Feng Mei heard that Jiang Nian said she’d go back on the third day of the  new year, she chuckled a few times. Jiang Nian felt uneasy and couldn’t help but glance at her several times. “Sister Feng, what are you laughing at?”

Feng Mei could hardly suppress her smile and kept shaking her head, saying, “I’m not laughing.”

Jiang Nian: …

Yeah, right. I don’t believe you.

With only two days left before the New Year, on her way back, Jiang Nian saw the wives of the soldiers and the aunties coming out in groups, with children happily following behind them. Everyone had smiles on their faces, which made her deeply feel the rich festive atmosphere of this era.

Unlike the new era, the festive atmosphere is gradually fading.

When Jiang Nian returned home, she added some dry firewood to the brazier in her room and then did the same for the one in Lu Yu’s room. She mixed some hot water to wash her hands clean and took out the unfinished clothes from the cabinet. There was only one sleeve left to complete.

This was a coat she was making for Lu Yu to wear during the New Year. It was an army green trench coat that combined modern styles with the taste of the 1970s. It should have been finished earlier, but she had been busy with embroidery work for the past twenty days.

There was another half-finished trench coat in the cabinet that she was making for herself.

Jiang Nian sat at the end of the bed, sewing the remaining sleeve by the light from the window. Suddenly, a shadow covered most of the light, startling her. She looked up to see Xu Yan outside the window and smiled wryly, “Why are you scaring people by peeking in through the window? Just come in.”

Xu Yan smiled and brought a bowl of pickles, placing it on the table. “I just made these pickles. Try some.”

Jiang Nian replied, “Then I won’t be polite.”

She cut the thread and redid the stitching on the other side. Xu Yan tilted her head, clicking her tongue, “This looks really nice. I haven’t seen anything like it in the supply and marketing cooperatives, not even in the city.”

Jiang Nian replied, “That’s because there isn’t any.”

She looked at Xu Yan with a proud smile, “The clothes I make are unique.”

Xu Yan: …

This was the first time Xu Yan had seen Jiang Nian being so boastful.

The next afternoon, Jiang Nian learned about the Gu family’s situation. Gu Xia was sentenced to three years in prison, and the compensation for Jiang Nian’s embroidery was finalized. She received five yuan for the damage to her silk threads and embroidery, which was deposited into Lu Yu’s account.

The team had been busy these past few days, and Lu Yu didn’t return home until after nine at night. Jiang Nian was making dumplings while snowflakes began to drift outside. She saw Lu Yu’s tall figure heading straight to the kitchen, so she put down the finished trench coat on the bed and went to the kitchen to cook dumplings for him.

The kitchen, where the fire had been lit to cook, was warmer than the room.

Lu Yu had just entered the kitchen when Jiang Nian followed. She opened the lid of the pot, “There are dumplings in the cabinet. Take them out, and I’ll cook them for you.”

“Alright.”

Lu Yu fetched the steamer basket and, after a glance at Jiang Nian by the stove, moved to the cutting board. He placed the steamer basket on the board and leaned forward, close to Jiang Nian. He took the spatula from her hand, his palm brushing her fingertips.

“I’ll cook.”

His deep, rich voice brushed past her ear, startling Jiang Nian. She turned her head, almost bumping into Lu Yu’s chest. Seeing him so close, she instinctively let go of the spatula and took two steps back to put some distance between them, “Alright, there’s chili oil and vinegar in the cabinet. It’s tastier with them.”

A barely noticeable smile played on Lu Yu’s lips, “Okay.”

When Jiang Nian returned to the room, the water had already boiled. Lu Yu put the dumplings into the pot and stirred them, his fingers lingering on the spot where Jiang Nian had held the spatula, the rising steam clouding his dark eyes.

The courtyard light cast a warm yellow glow, and the lights in Jiang Nian’s room were on as well.

In other homes, they would typically turn on only one light to save electricity, but Jiang Nian, accustomed to the modern lifestyle, didn’t pay much mind to conserving electricity, even after living here for half a year.

She organized her the ball of threads, planning to visit the supply and marketing cooperative the next day to prepare ingredients for New Year’s Eve. Even though it was just her and Lu Yu, they still needed to celebrate with a hearty meal.

After Lu Yu finished eating and washing the dishes, Jiang Nian took the army green trench coat outside and called to Lu Yu, who was about to enter the house, “Come try on the coat I just made for you.”

Lu Yu saw the neatly folded army green coat in her arms and couldn’t discern its style, “Alright.”

He closed the door and followed Jiang Nian into her room. The faint scent of soap, unique to her, filled the air. He noticed her hair, freshly washed, hanging long and smooth down her back, with some strands resting on her shoulders, making her face look even fairer.

Jiang Nian unfolded the coat and handed it to Lu Yu, “Try it on. Let me know if it needs any adjustments.”

Lu Yu looked at the army green trench coat. It differed in style from the uniforms but was the same color. He put on the coat, adjusted the collar, and looked at Jiang Nian standing by the bed, “It fits perfectly.”

It fit perfectly.

Too perfect!

Jiang Nian hid her amazement. The man before her, tall and lean with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, was the ideal model. In the army green trench coat, his physique and handsome face exuded a sharp, cold edge, enhancing his usually calm demeanor with an unapproachable fierceness.

Noticing some wrinkles on the coat, Jiang Nian said, “I’ll use a hot water bottle to smooth out the wrinkles tomorrow.”

No wonder he’s the male lead, she thought, marveling at his impeccable build and looks.

She glanced down, recalling Lu Yu’s lean waist and abdomen in the summer, wondering how many abs he had.

Lu Yu, standing two steps away from Jiang Nian, felt a lump in his throat, “Alright.”

The light snowfall from the previous night left a thin layer of snow on the ground by morning. It was New Year’s Eve, and Lu Yu seemed busier than ever. After getting up, Jiang Nian hadn’t seen Lu Yu, only the warm food in the kitchen. She ate breakfast, put on a scarf, and headed to the supply and marketing cooperative.

Passing by Feng Mei’s house, she heard Feng Mei scolding Song Xiangdong and Song Xianghong.

On the way, she encountered Kang Xiu, who had just come from visiting another military wife. Startled to see Jiang Nian, Kang Xiu neither frowned nor smiled, simply walked away in silence. Since Kang Xiu didn’t want to talk, Jiang Nian didn’t bother her either.

Leaving the military compound, Jiang Nian unexpectedly ran into someone.

It was the female lead, Sun Ying.

It was easy to see why she was the heroine. She wore a cream-colored coat, black buckled leather shoes, and a cream-colored scarf, with a braid hanging in front of her. A beauty mark under her right eye added to her delicate and captivating appearance.

Jiang Nian remembered the last time she saw Sun Ying was when she was hospitalized, and she had been scolded by Lu Yu for administering an incorrect injection.

She guessed Sun Ying was here because of Lu Yu.

Sun Ying also noticed Jiang Nian. Her gaze lingered on Jiang Nian’s face for a while, noting that she seemed even more beautiful than before, with fair and supple skin. She recalled overhearing elderly women in the hospital room saying that Jiang Nian and Lu Yu were a couple, which she found absurd at the time, knowing them to be brother and sister-in-law. But now, looking at Jiang Nian, she thought they didn’t really resemble brother and sister-in-laws.

Suppressing her many doubts and questions, Sun Ying approached Jiang Nian, “Hello, I want to see Deputy Commander Lu, but the military guard said he’s very busy and can’t come out. Can you call him for me? I have something important to discuss with him.”

Jiang Nian declined, “Sorry, I can’t make decisions for him. Besides, he’s indeed very busy these days. If it’s urgent, you can tell me, and I’ll pass the message along.”

Since Lu Yu wasn’t coming out to meet Sun Ying, Jiang Nian saw no need to go out of her way to find him.

Sun Ying’s eyes held a trace of contempt as she recalled the words of the elderly women in the hospital room. “Never mind, I’ll come another day.”

She actually wanted to ask the Deputy Commander if he had the same dreams as she did. For several nights, she had been dreaming of him, and in the dreams, she was deeply fond of him, making her feel disoriented upon waking up. But in the dreams, the Deputy Commander Lu always kept his distance, leaving her feelings unreciprocated.

“Captain Tang,” the military guard called out, and a man’s voice responded, “Yes, it’s your turn to stand guard today?”

“Yes.”

Tang Ze noticed the two women outside the barracks. His attention was first drawn to Sun Ying, her languid expression and the small beauty mark under her eye resembling a winter plum blossom, adding a touch of allure. He frowned, finding her somewhat familiar but couldn’t place where he’d seen her before. Before he could remember, the woman lowered her head and walked away.

“Jiang Nian—” a voice called from afar. Jiang Nian turned to see Feng Mei running towards her, breathless. “I just knocked on your door, but no one answered. I figured you were heading to the supply and marketing cooperative, so I came to join you.”

Jiang Nian smiled, “Didn’t you just go to the supply and marketing cooperative yesterday?”

Feng Mei waved her hand dismissively, “Don’t mention it. As soon as the New Year approaches, there’s a ton of work waiting for me. I forgot to buy coarse salt.”

Jiang Nian understood, remembering how her parents were always busy around the New Year in the modern era.

“Captain Tang?” Feng Mei noticed Tang Ze, “When did you come back?”

“Last night,” Tang Ze replied, then glanced at Jiang Nian. Her attire was similar to Feng Mei’s, but her clothes were brighter and cleaner, without patches, and she wore a red scarf, her eyes shining brightly. Feng Mei had called her Jiang Nian.

Tang Ze recalled his sister-in-law mentioning wanting to set him up with Deputy Commander Lu’s sister-in-law when he came back.

Feng Mei said, “No time to chat, we’re heading to the supply and marketing cooperative. If we delay, we won’t be able to buy coarse salt.”

She pulled Jiang Nian along, afraid Tang Ze might look at Jiang Nian for too long. Feng Mei remembered how Chen Fang had tried to set up Tang Ze and Jiang Nian before, and recently, Old Song had sent a telegram to Song Bai, asking if he was seeing anyone. Song Bai replied that he wasn’t, and he planned to spend the New Year here.

Feng Mei kept that in mind. She had initially given up on matchmaking Song Bai and Jiang Nian, but now the idea was rekindled.

Along the way, Feng Mei couldn’t stop smiling, leaving Jiang Nian puzzled about her happiness. Perhaps it was because of the upcoming New Year?

Feng Mei bought coarse salt, and Jiang Nian purchased a fish, a chicken, two pounds of meat, some candies, walnut cakes, sunflower seeds, two pounds of white wine, and several cooking ingredients. She also bought some walnuts and red beans to make pastries. Feng Mei watched Jiang Nian hand over money and coupons, frowning in distress.

With just her and Deputy Commander Lu at home, she felt Jiang Nian was being wasteful. No matter how much money they had, it shouldn’t be spent like this.

Feng Mei wondered if Song Bai could support Jiang Nian if she married him, given her spending habits. But then she remembered Jiang Nian earned money by embroidering for the state-run embroidery shop. Both she and Song Bai had salaries, so their life would likely be better than hers.

Unaware of Feng Mei’s thoughts, Jiang Nian, tired from carrying so many items, said, “Sister Feng, can you help me carry some of these?”

Feng Mei took the chicken, fish, and walnut cakes from her, clicking her tongue, “How long will you two take to eat all this?”

Jiang Nian laughed, “It’s cold now, so the meat can be saved.”

She had spent the money she earned from embroidery for these New Year’s goods. Seven yuan wasn’t enough, and this time she spent twelve yuan. Money was valuable in this era, and with careful planning, three yuan could cover a family’s New Year expenses. She remembered her mother saying that a hundred yuan could cover their New Year’s expenses when she was a child.

Back at the family quarters, Feng Mei helped her put the items in the kitchen and then left.

It was New Year’s Eve, and they needed to put up couplets. Jiang Nian placed the couplets and door gods on the table in the courtyard, planning to paste them with Lu Yu later. She added water to the pot, lit the fire, and started preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Chopping meat was hard work, unlike the modern era where there were meat grinders. Jiang Nian’s wrist ached and her palm hurt from gripping the knife. After a lot of effort, she finally minced the meat, sweating slightly. Next, she would knead the dough for dumplings and continue preparing the chicken and fish.

In the winter, there are few seasonal vegetables available. Jiang Nian went to the vegetable cellar to get some carrots and cabbage, planning to make cabbage and pork dumplings. By the time she finished, it was already noon, and Jiang Nian felt like she hadn’t done much work yet.

All she had done was chop the meat and knead the dough, without making any other preparations.

Lu Yu didn’t come back at noon, but Zhu Jun came to deliver a message, saying that Lu Yu was still busy and would be back around five. Jiang Nian replied, “Got it.”

Zhu Jun, seeing the neatly arranged dumplings, couldn’t help but swallow his saliva. Since the incident, he hadn’t had any of her cooking. Sometimes, eating in the cafeteria, he would remember her food and how delicious it was.

Seeing him staring at the dumplings, Jiang Nian smiled and asked, “Aren’t you going home this year?”

Zhu Jun smiled back, “No, I’m saving on travel expenses. Planning to save up for getting married.”

Jiang Nian looked at him, noting that he wasn’t very old, so she asked, “How old are you?”

“Twenty-one,” Zhu Jun replied.

In this era, that was not young.

Jiang Nian said, “If you’re free tonight, come over and have some dumplings with Lu Yu and me.”

Spending the New Year alone was quite pitiful.

Zhu Jun chuckled, “Since you invited me, I’ll definitely come.”

He helped Jiang Nian carry three buckets of water before leaving. Lu Yu returned at half-past five. By then, Jiang Nian had finished making the dumplings, prepared the chicken and fish, and made two side dishes. She was just waiting for Lu Yu to come back to cook the rest.

The sky was growing dark.

As soon as Lu Yu arrived, he started putting up the couplets. Being tall, he didn’t need to stand on a stool to reach. Jiang Nian ran out to the yard with a bowl of paste, shivering in the cold. Lu Yu saw the moisture on her eyelashes and smiled, “Put the bowl down and go inside. I’ll finish this soon.”

“Okay,” Jiang Nian said without hesitation, setting the bowl down and running back inside.

Watching her swift retreat, Lu Yu couldn’t help but smile. He quickly finished putting up the couplets and door gods, then brought the bowl back to the kitchen. The aroma from the food greeted him, and he noticed the amount of meat on the chopping board, smiling, ” So many?”

Jiang Nian, who was adding oil to the pan, looked at Lu Yu’s smiling face, and momentarily froze before lowering her head, “It’s New Year’s after all. It should be well prepared.”

She placed the fish in the pan to fry and noticed that Zhu Jun hadn’t arrived yet. Looking at Lu Yu, who was sitting by the stove tending the fire, she asked, “Is Zhu Jun not coming?”

Lu Yu added two pieces of wood to the fire, looked up at her, and seeing the confusion in her eyes, said, “He went to the supply and marketing cooperative. He’ll be here soon.”

“Oh,” Jiang Nian replied.

She cooked the fish first, then moved on to the chicken. As she was stir-frying, she glanced at Lu Yu, who was sitting quietly by the stove. The orange glow of the fire cast shadows on his face, and he seemed lost in thought.

“The fire’s a bit too high; the pan will burn,” Jiang Nian reminded him.

Lu Yu snapped back to reality, “Alright.”

He used a small shovel to control the fire, reducing its intensity. After the chicken was cooked, he stir-fried two more vegetable dishes: spicy and sour shredded potatoes and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. There weren’t any fresh vegetables in season, and the cellar only had these ingredients.

Once all the dishes were done, Lu Yu washed the pot and filled it with water to cook the dumplings. Just as Jiang Nian was about to go out and fetch the dumplings, Lu Yu said, “It’s cold outside. I’ll get them.”

Jiang Nian didn’t argue, sitting by the stove with a smile, “Okay.”

She warmed her hands by the fire, hearing Zhu Jun’s breathless voice from the yard, “Good evening, Deputy Commander!”

Zhu Jun followed Lu Yu inside, carrying a small bag of milk candies and walnut cakes, which he placed on the cabinet. Jiang Nian was surprised, “Why did you bring something?”

Zhu Jun grinned, “You don’t visit someone during New Year’s empty-handed.”

Lu Yu glanced at the candies and cakes on the cabinet and began putting the dumplings into the boiling water. Seeing Jiang Nian chatting with Zhu Jun, he said to Zhu Jun, “Go to the yard and bring in two buckets of water.”