Chapter 6: Family Dinner

The flowers and grass in the yard were still glistening with dewdrops, sparkling faintly in the morning light. The earthy fragrance filled the air—it smelled so good one almost wanted to taste it. (Anyone else like me, who still enjoys chewing on dirt?)

Wang Yi had a good night’s sleep after returning home, but in the Northeast, the sun rises as early as 3 a.m.

The rooster began its day’s work, crowing “gou-gou.”

Half-asleep, Wang Yi mumbled, “Tomorrow we’ll just slaughter it and eat it.” Not long after, she fell asleep again.

Father and Mother Wang had gone to the town early in the morning to buy groceries. Today, they were hosting her grandparents, eldest uncle and aunt, and cousin’s family for a meal and gathering.

When there was some movement in Wang Yi’s room, she was squirming around like a worm, unwilling to get up.

At this moment, a hand stretched out from under the quilt, groping along the edge of the kang (heated brick bed), and scraped out a piece of dried mud.

Without opening her eyes, Wang Yi popped it into her mouth and chewed with relish, crunching away happily.

After finishing that piece, she still wanted more, but stopped herself—afraid her mother would beat her.

As a child, she had often been punished for this habit.

In rural Northeast China, most homes have big heated brick beds (kang). Along the wooden edge of the kang, there are often cracks between the bricks, which are sealed with yellow clay.

Wang Yi loved scraping and eating that clay. But once a piece was removed, smoke would leak out when the kang was lit.

Her mother always caught her red-handed. She had been beaten plenty for it when she was little.

Wang Yi got up to wash her face and saw Old Man Zhang from the front yard picking vegetables.

With her toothbrush in her mouth, she mumbled indistinctly, “Good morning, Grandpa Zhang!”

Though he didn’t see her clearly, he replied, “Hey!” Then, spotting her, he smiled: “Yi Yi, you’re back. Drop by my house later when you’re free.”

“Okay, Grandpa!”

Old Man Zhang walked into his vegetable patch, picked four ripe bitter gourds, and placed them on the wall dividing their yards. “Yi Yi, you like bitter gourd, right? Take these home to eat. If it’s not enough, come get more.”

“Thank you, Grandpa!” Wang Yi said happily.

At that moment, Auntie Li from next door came out and called over the wall: “Old Zhang, are you heading to the market early today? I heard there are fresh mushrooms for sale.”

Straightening up, Old Man Zhang replied with a smile: “Of course. I was just thinking of buying some good food to improve the meals.”

After saying so, he quickly tidied himself, slung a basket over his shoulder, and went out the door.

On the way, he greeted many fellow villagers who were also up early. Laughter echoed in the peaceful morning village.

After washing up, Wang Yi strolled around the yard, feeling content as she looked at the familiar surroundings. Before long, she heard her parents’ cheerful voices from the village road.

“Girl, look what we bought!”

Her father waved a bag in his hand.

Her mother’s face beamed with joy. “The market was really well-stocked today.”

Wang Yi went over to help carry the groceries. Once inside the kitchen, they began preparing the meal.

Mother said, “Let’s stew some ribs, make a braised mixed dish, a big cold salad, stir-fry peanuts, braise some fish, and prepare some dipping vegetables—that’s six dishes for the family, should be enough!”

Wang Yi also brought out marinated meat and roast duck she had brought from Beijing. That made it eight dishes.

Just then, her father came in carrying a rack of lamb ribs and a string of lamb offal—two more dishes, making it a perfect ten.

Her aunt and cousin-in-law soon came to help.

Her cousin-in-law skillfully chopped vegetables, while her mother simmered pork bones. Soon the kitchen was filled with fragrance.

Her aunt quickly prepared the cold salad with all kinds of fresh vegetables, vibrant in color. The dipping vegetables were also set out—fresh lettuce and radishes looked especially appetizing.

The braised mixed dish bubbled away in the pot, its aroma spreading through the house. Blood sausage was boiled, then sliced into pieces on a plate.

The lamb ribs were braised with soy sauce, topped with fresh cilantro before serving—just one whiff was mouthwatering.

The lamb soup her father cooked was creamy white. Since no one in the family liked fennel, they used cilantro instead.

Soon, her grandparents, uncles, and cousin arrived.

The whole family sat together. Her father picked up a rib and said, “Home-cooked meals are always the best.”

With her mouth full, Wang Yi nodded in agreement.

The braised dish had finely shredded sauerkraut, thin slices of pork belly, and whole blood sausages cooked then sliced carefully—otherwise the casing and filling would separate, and the taste wouldn’t be as good.

Sunlight streamed onto the dining table as laughter and chatter filled the room—this warmth was the perfect picture of rural Northeastern life.

After eating their fill, everyone helped clear the table.

They sat on the kang chatting. Mother brought out sunflower seeds, Father brewed some tea, and they washed grapes, crabapples, hawthorn berries, and plums from their yard and the market. They snacked and chatted merrily.

Wang Yi went to her room to hand out gifts she hadn’t given last night because she came home too late.

Her sister-in-law rushed to help as she carried out bundles of things.

Her parents looked puzzled—there hadn’t been this many things yesterday.

Wang Yi noticed their questioning eyes. She hadn’t planned to hide it—she would explain everything to them that evening.

Father and Mother Wang, though curious, decided to wait until their daughter was ready to tell them. After all, she was still their girl. Smiling, they turned their attention back to the gifts.

She gave her grandparents matching Tang suits, which they loved.

Grandfather immediately put his on, looking spirited. Grandmother put hers on too—together they looked almost like a couple in matching outfits.

“Stylish! Must be from the big city. Look at this quality, this feel—it’s top-notch.”

“These are for Dad and Mom, and these for Uncle and Aunt. Try them on, see if they fit. I bought them by estimation,” Wang Yi said seriously.

“You even bought me something?” her aunt said in surprise.

“Of course! You took such good care of me when I was little. Now I’m buying for you—so you must wear it,” Wang Yi said, placing the clothes into her arms.

“This dress, the moment I saw it I thought it suited Sister-in-law. You’ll look amazing in it.”

Her cousin-in-law quickly said, “Then I won’t be polite, little sister. Thank you—I really love this color.”

Her elder cousin looked anxious, his eyes practically saying, Where’s mine? Where’s mine?

Wang Yi teased no further and handed him a trench coat and sunglasses.

Once he put them on, he struck poses, looking quite dashing. Everyone burst out laughing at his antics.

She also divided the marinated meat and roast duck among the families.

In the Northeast, it’s common not to live with elders unless they can’t take care of themselves anymore.

Usually, after marriage, children get a new house of their own—it becomes the young couple’s home.

During the farming season, families work and eat together, but each still maintains separate living space.

Still, Father and Uncle visited the grandparents daily. If someone made something delicious, they’d invite them over, or bring food to their house.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly. Inside, the house rang with laughter. Looking at her whole family together, Wang Yi felt her heart overflow with happiness.