Chapter 39 Mu Jingxun: I feel an electric shock

The villagers, like Li Changping, thought Jiang Li had taken very little. Others would have taken more.  Li Changping immediately had her share prepared. Jiang Li, receiving it, said to Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong, “Let’s go home.

” Mu Jingxun, noticing the strong smell of the large intestines, offered to carry them, concerned about staining her clothes. Jiang Li accepted.  Li Changping handled the meat distribution, allocating it per person.

 With three boars, even after removing bones and offal, there was 600-700 jin of meat. With about 1000 people in the village, each person got 6-7 liang (approximately 0.6-0.7 kg). This was a lot; larger families got several jin. The villagers praised Jiang Li, Mu Jingxun, and Bai Ziyong.  Sun Wenwen and Liu Yulan were furious.

 Jiang Li was lucky to have gained recognition through Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong, believing the boars were killed by them, and Jiang Li only benefited.  Jiang Li, Mu Jingxun, and Bai Ziyong returned to the educated youth quarters.

Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong cleaned the ribs and large intestines. Bai Ziyong almost vomited while cleaning the intestines. He asked Jiang Li, “Sister Li, are you sure this stuff is edible?” Jiang Li assured him, “Yes, it won’t smell; it’ll be delicious.

” Bai Ziyong remained skeptical.  While they cleaned the pig’s head and intestines, Jiang Li rendered the pork fat. The aroma of rendered lard filled the air.  Two jin of lard would last them a while. The remaining cracklings could be eaten with salt and pepper, used in stir-fries, dumplings, or scallion pancakes.

Jiang Li scooped some, sprinkled salt and pepper, and tasted it. It was crispy and delicious, better than small fried pork. She offered some to Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong. “Try these fresh cracklings.” Bai Ziyong washed his hands and grabbed some. “Sister Li, these are amazing! So fragrant and crispy!” Jiang Li said, “Eat more if you like; there’s plenty.” Bai Ziyong continued eating but stopped.

 “Sister Li, they’re delicious, but I’ll stop. I don’t want to spoil my appetite for dinner.” Jiang Li offered some to Mu Jingxun. “Mu Zhiqing, would you like some?” Mu Jingxun hesitated. “My hands are dirty. I’ll eat later.” Jiang Li fed him some. His lips brushed against her finger. He felt a shock and blushed.

 “Is it delicious?” “Delicious.” He nodded, avoiding her gaze. “Want more?” “No, I don’t want to spoil my dinner.” Jiang Li didn’t think much of his blushing. The other educated youths returned with their pork. Sun Wenwen saw Jiang Li feeding Mu Jingxun cracklings.  She clenched her fists. Jiang Li was seducing Mu Jingxun.

 He was hers.  A dark glint appeared in her eyes.  Jiang Li was the reason for the recent gossip. She needed to get rid of her and end her relationship with Mu Jingxun.  Jiang Li, with leftover cracklings, went to the village.

  Many children were there, so she shared the cracklings. They loved them; it was rich in oil, a rare treat for country children.  She became the children’s favorite older sister.  After sharing the cracklings, she returned. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong had cleaned the intestines and ribs and some cabbage.  Jiang Li started preparing dinner. 

The other educated youths were preparing their pork, unaware that Peng Zhigang was missing. Jiang Li stir-fried cabbage with cracklings, then stir-fried large intestines and braised ribs.

 The aromas were mouthwatering.