Chapter 23: Who’s Eating Meat at Home?

Ye Qing did not mind. She placed the firewood onto the rope Zhao Qingmei had laid out on the ground and continued: “It would be different if one had the ability themselves.”

“One could marry into a good family, not only live together with the one they love, but also share mutual understanding in thoughts and emotions. Love would last much longer that way. A lifetime of harmony and happiness wouldn’t be too much to ask for.”

“Taking a step back—even if, over time, someone’s heart changed—if we women had the ability to support ourselves and our children, we wouldn’t have to be led around by the nose by anyone.”

Zhao Qingmei had not said a single word the whole time. Ye Qing couldn’t figure out what she was thinking.

She added: “I just feel it’s a pity I didn’t get to attend university. Now I don’t even have a decent job. I’m just venting a little, that’s all. Don’t take it to heart.”

Zhao Qingmei tied up the firewood tightly and slung it over her shoulder. “Thank you, Sister-in-law, for helping me. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t know what to do. With this firewood, my mother won’t scold me anymore.”

Ye Qing hoisted up her own bundle and walked down the mountain with her. She did not defend her mother.

Years of teaching experience had taught her: this child was currently in her rebellious phase. The more you tried to lecture her, the more she would resist. She could only be guided. Once she came to her senses on her own, everything would resolve itself.

Zhao Qingmei walked ahead with her head down, not speaking for a long time. It wasn’t until they were nearly at the bottom of the mountain that she finally lifted her head, loosened her tightly clenched lips, and asked: “Sister-in-law, do you think that if one person is a university student and the other never even finished middle school, would they end up having nothing to talk about?”

Ye Qing felt a surge of joy—there was hope! She had listened!

Ye Qing smiled. “That’s hard to say. If someone keeps progressing, even a middle school graduate can keep up with the times. Of course, it would be even better if both could go to university together!”

Zhao Qingmei fell silent again.

When they reached the foot of the mountain, she waved goodbye. “Thanks for today, Sister-in-law. There’s a saying—what is it? A single conversation with a wise person is worth more than ten years of study. Yes, that’s it! Regiment Commander Qin is truly lucky to have married you!”

“Goodbye, Sister-in-law!”

“Hmm? Sister-in-law, wait!”

Ye Qing turned around and saw Zhao Qingmei walking back toward her again. “Since you’re a high school graduate, why not become a teacher? The Military District Elementary School just lost a teacher because her husband was transferred, and now they’re hiring.”

“Anyone with a bit of education wants to apply. If you’re interested, you could give it a try. Ask Regiment Commander Qin—he should know about it.”

Ye Qing was stunned—this was good news! If she could become a teacher here, she would finally have a stable income.

She waved goodbye to Zhao Qingmei and walked home with a light step.

The sun had already set, and the weather had turned cold.

Qin Ye stood anxiously at the gate. Only when he saw Ye Qing’s figure did he breathe a sigh of relief.

“Didn’t you say you’d be back quickly? What took so long?”

Ye Qing placed the firewood in the shed and fetched water to wash her hands. “I ran into Zhao Qingmei. She was chopping wood too, so I helped her a bit. Let’s go back inside! Be careful with your leg—you still shouldn’t be moving around too much.”

Qin Ye watched her back without saying anything and obediently returned to the house to wait.

The Big Bone Stew Had Been Simmering All Afternoon

The big bone stew had been simmering all afternoon and was already falling off the bone, so soft it practically melted. A layer of oil floated on top, and just looking at it was enough to make one’s mouth water.

Ye Qing stoked the fire until it blazed bright, placed a steamer tray on top to heat the mantou, then turned on the gas to boil a pot of rice porridge. Only after everything was ready did she lift the lid to serve the food.

The meat on the bright red big bones quivered delicately. As soon as she uncovered the pot, a rich aroma burst forth. Nannan couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.

“Mommy, it smells so good! Can I eat meat today?”

There wasn’t much meat on the bone, but the marrow inside was plentiful. Nannan’s mouth was soon covered in grease, and she looked utterly satisfied.

As she ate, she praised enthusiastically: “Mommy, the meat you made is so delicious! Mommy, I really love staying here with Daddy! Nannan can eat her fill every day, and eat meat too, and no one scolds me!”

Qin Ye felt as if his heart had been viciously clenched by someone—an aching pain radiated through him.

All these years, what had he even been doing? Leaving his wife and child to suffer like this! He truly…

Sigh! Thank goodness his wife didn’t hold it against him and was still willing to forgive. From now on, he swore he wouldn’t let them suffer a single grievance ever again.

At the same time, next door, Sun Fengxia, the wife of Staff Officer Jiang, suddenly caught a strong whiff of meaty fragrance. She couldn’t help flaring her nostrils.

“That smells amazing! Who’s eating meat?”

Jiang Chao also scrunched his nose and sniffed for a long time. “Mommy, I think it’s coming from Uncle Qin’s house.”

Sun Fengxia sniffed several more times and declared with certainty: “Mm! I think so too. Chao Chao—here, take this and go find Nannan.”

As she spoke, she turned and took out a half-can of White Rabbit milk candies from the cabinet and shoved it into Jiang Chao’s hands. “Hurry up! Go! If they really are eating meat, try to bring some back for Mommy!”

Staff Officer Jiang frowned. “What are you doing? If you want meat, I’ll buy some tomorrow and cook it for you!”

Unexpectedly, Sun Fengxia raised an eyebrow and snapped back: “How can that be the same? Your meat doesn’t smell this good!”

“Oh right! Chao Chao, come back here! If they don’t want to share, that’s okay too. Tomorrow I’ll ask Regiment Commander Qin’s wife how she cooked it. Then you can make it for me!”

Staff Officer Jiang nearly choked from anger. “Shameless! If you want to eat, learn to cook it yourself!”

Seeing her pouty expression, he had no choice but to surrender. “Fine, fine! Don’t make Chao Chao go. I’ll go myself! It’s a good excuse—I haven’t visited Old Qin since he got discharged.”

He snatched the candy tin from Jiang Chao’s hands and set it down on the table. “Give me a few eggs and some white sugar.”

Without another word, Sun Fengxia darted off and quickly returned carrying eggs and sugar. “Here! Go! Hurry! They might finish eating soon!”

After a moment of thought, Staff Officer Jiang unscrewed the candy tin and grabbed a handful of White Rabbit candies, then opened the door and stepped outside.

They were in the middle of dinner when Qin Ye heard Staff Officer Jiang’s voice from the gate.

“Old Qin! Old Qin! Are you home?”

Ye Qing had no choice but to stand up and greet him. “Ah! Staff Officer Jiang! What brings you here at this hour?”

Staff Officer Jiang had visited when Qin Ye was hospitalized, so Ye Qing knew who he was.

He handed the items he was carrying to Ye Qing and walked straight into the house. As soon as he stepped inside, he remarked: “Whew! Smells amazing! Eating meat, are you?”

He looked up and caught sight of the big bones on the table, then paused in surprise. “Huh… I thought you guys were eating meat, but it turns out you’re gnawing on bones!”

He pulled a handful of White Rabbit candies from his pocket and placed them on the table. “For Nannan—only after she finishes her meal, okay?”

Nannan was happily gnawing away. Her eyes lit up when she saw the candy. “Thank you, Uncle Jiang! My Mommy’s meat is super delicious! Uncle Jiang, you should try some!”

She extended the half-gnawed bone in her hand toward Staff Officer Jiang.

Ye Qing quickly stepped in and stopped her, then fetched a large bowl and placed two fresh pieces in it to hand over to Staff Officer Jiang.

“There’s nothing much at home. Please take this for your child to try.”

Qin Ye glanced at him and said nothing. He pointed to the stool and said to Ye Qing: “Come on, sit and eat. Old Jiang isn’t an outsider—even if you didn’t give him any, he wouldn’t mind.”

“Right, Old Jiang?”