Chapter 25 Mu Jingxun offers to help

Jiang Li washed the pots and pans and took out the pheasant and rabbit. She planned to stir-fry one rabbit and stew one pheasant; she would save the other pheasant for tomorrow. Seeing Jiang Li preparing to handle the game, Mu Jingxun offered to help. “Jiang Zhiqing, let me help you.” Jiang Li considered his offer.

 She didn’t refuse; handling game was messy, and she was glad for the help. “Okay, Mu Zhiqing, thank you. I’ll give you some when it’s ready.” She wasn’t stingy; she wouldn’t let him help for free.  She had plenty of meat and could spare some.

Mu Jingxun, worried she might misunderstand, explained, “I’m not doing this for a trade; you don’t need to give me any. I bought meat in the county town.” He and Bai Ziyong had meat coupons and bought two kilograms of meat; he would eat one kilogram and give the other away. He also received a package from home containing cured meat, sausages, and ham. He wouldn’t lack meat in the educated youth center.

 Jiang Li understood and said, “Mu Zhiqing, I know you’re just helping; I appreciate it, and I want to share some with you.” Mu Jingxun was relieved she hadn’t misunderstood and didn’t refuse. He was curious about Jiang Li’s cooking skills.  Mu Jingxun started preparing the game. Jiang Li found him efficient. 

After he finished, Jiang Li cleaned the game. She wondered when the delivery man would arrive. If he came early, she could use her coal stove; otherwise, she would have to borrow the educated youth center’s stove.

 Just then, the delivery man arrived. “Comrade, your goods have arrived.” “Where should I put them?” he asked. Jiang Li pointed to her room. He started unloading. Jiang Li hadn’t expected him to help unload. 

The labor cost was low; delivery and unloading cost only eighty cents.  He was sweating profusely after unloading. Jiang Li gave him water. He thanked her. Jiang Li paid him. “Comrade, you gave me too much; it’s supposed to be eighty cents.

” Jiang Li explained, “You helped me unload; the extra twenty cents is for your hard work.  You didn’t mention unloading in the price.

” The delivery man was embarrassed. “It’s no trouble; you’re a woman and wouldn’t have the strength. I don’t need the extra twenty cents; keep it.  Educated youth don’t have it easy.” He returned the money. Jiang Li was impressed by his honesty. She looked at his face and saw he was kind and honest.  But he had a sick child; his family was poor due to the child’s frequent illnesses.  Jiang Li gave him a talisman.

“Since you don’t want the extra money, take this talisman for your child. He’s weak and prone to illness; this talisman will protect him.

” The delivery man was surprised but accepted it, fearing someone might see. He didn’t know Jiang Li, but she knew about his child; she must be skilled. “Thank you, Comrade.” Jiang Li smiled. “You’re welcome.” After the delivery man left, Jiang Li started her coal stove.

Another delivery cart arrived; it was Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong’s furniture. They had bought new furniture; their financial situation was excellent.

  The other educated youth returned from work; Sun Wenwen and Liu Yulan also came back from the county town.

They had bought fewer things; they didn’t have industrial coupons to buy a pot and had to eat with the old educated youth. Seeing Jiang Li’s pot and stove, Liu Yulan was upset.  She wanted to cook her own meals but didn’t have a pot. Sun Wenwen was also jealous. Jiang Li lit the coal stove and started cooking.

She stir-fried some spicy cabbage, then started cooking the spicy rabbit.  It was a large rabbit; she wouldn’t finish it in one meal.