Chapter 16: Granting Qin Huairu Strength and Courage

The fire boiled fiercely. Just as the noodles were about to be taken out, shredded Chinese cabbage was sprinkled in, along with a few scallions.

Then he took out two bowls and served the noodles into them. He dripped two drops of oil into each bowl—unfortunately, it wasn’t sesame oil. Still, it was already quite good.

He couldn’t wait to eat while it was still hot, slurping up two bites despite the burning heat. Mmm, it was truly delicious.

“Come on, Sister Qin, don’t just stand there. Hurry over and eat it while it’s hot.”

Qin Huiru walked over, swallowing as she looked at the noodles in the bowl. She said shyly, “But Bang Geng and his grandmother…”

Duan Chengliang interrupted with a smile. “There are only three people at home; just one meal at a time. You eat first to fill your stomach. Once you’ve got some food inside, your brain will work better, and then we can think of a solution. But, Sister Qin, I really don’t understand. Jia Dongxu earns nearly 30 yuan a month. Besides, your mother-in-law has land, so there should be some way to make ends meet. It shouldn’t be as bad as this.”

Qin Huiru’s face twisted with worry. “Bang Geng’s father’s salary mostly goes to his grandmother after covering our basic family needs. She keeps the rest and leaves only a little spending money for his father. I hardly ever see any money. As for food, the commune now uses the big canteen system. It’s not like a few years ago; not only can’t we bring grain home, but we also have to use money or other goods to exchange for work points. Lately, I’ve felt life’s getting harder and harder. It just doesn’t feel as comfortable as before. No matter how I plan, the food and daily necessities never seem to stretch till the end of the month. Look, I just went home once and carefully measured out the cornmeal flour—Bang Geng’s grandmother finished it in a week. What am I supposed to do?”

As she spoke, Qin Huiru crouched down and began to cry.

Duan Chengliang had just a mouthful left in his bowl. He hurriedly swallowed it, set the bowl down, and went over to squat beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“Sister Qin, don’t worry too much. There’s always a way. Now that Jia Dongxu’s gone to the construction site, that’s one less mouth to feed. Besides, Bang Geng’s grandmother could be sent to do some odd jobs in the neighborhood. No matter what, she can at least feed herself. That just leaves you and Bang Geng, one big and one small. No matter what, you two won’t starve.”

“She won’t agree to do odd jobs in the neighborhood. She just spends her days eating and doing nothing else. And she always says harsh things. When I suggested I could find some odd jobs, she refused, saying I was dumping the housework on her, being unfilial, and not taking good care of the elder. Chengliang, what do you think I should do?” Qin Huiru asked helplessly.

Duan Chengliang replied with surprise, “Sister Qin, that’s not right at all. What kind of elder is she? She’s only in her forties, not even fifty yet—still in her prime. You should ask around; women her age are the backbone of revolutionary work. For her to be resting on others at just forty-something, that’s living the easy life. Maybe we should all start resting early and see who lives better! But enough talk, eat this while it’s still hot before it clumps up.”

He handed the small bowl of noodles to Qin Huiru. He went back to the pot and scooped out the last bit into another bowl. The two of them squatted facing each other. Duan Chengliang didn’t say another word and quickly finished his bowl again.

Finally, the aroma of the noodles was too tempting for Qin Huiru to resist. She began eating in small bites, and before she knew it, she had finished the entire bowl.

Then Duan Chengliang used a bowl to serve about half a bowl of the broth. “Come on, the original soup makes the original food go down easier.”

After more than a week of eating steamed buns made from a mix of flours and cornmeal porridge, finally enjoying a meal of white noodles felt deeply satisfying to Duan Chengliang.

He said to Qin Huiru, who was sipping the soup in small sips, “Sister Qin, family matters are family matters. As adults, you can’t just eat and drink without taking responsibility. Like I said just now, Jia Zhangshi is in her forties or fifties, in her prime. Look at women in other families—many of them bear half the sky. She can’t even bear half? Besides, you said Jia Dongxu’s wages go to her every month. If the family is in trouble now, she has to find a way. Here’s what we’ll do: you ask her for the money, and I’ll go buy grain for you. As for where I’ll get it, don’t worry. I’ll take the risk. I won’t let you or Bang Geng go hungry.”

Qin Huiru’s expression was complicated, but it was clear she was somewhat moved.

Still, she hesitated, “I don’t think it’ll be easy to get the money. My mother-in-law only ever takes money in; I’ve never seen her give any out.”

Duan Chengliang laughed, “That’s because you always get worked up. Whenever there’s trouble, you worry about Bang Geng going hungry and rush to solve things yourself, begging for help everywhere with your face. Besides, Jia Dongxu is usually home, and he and his mother are of one mind. No one helps you talk to her. This time, listen to me: after this meal, go ask Jia Zhangshi for the money. Once you get it, I’ll find a way to buy grain for you. You just don’t have to worry about it. Take advantage of the fact that Jia Dongxu is away at the reservoir construction site and won’t be back anytime soon. Jia Zhangshi won’t be able to find him, so she loses most of her support. At this moment, she has to rely on you. And in a situation like today, everyone knows who’s right. If you try to complain, no one will back her up. And even if someone does, I’ll stand by you and make sure you don’t suffer any loss.”

Duan Chengliang’s words brightened Qin Huiru’s eyes. Usually, when she disagreed with Jia Zhangshi, she wasn’t that afraid of her.

Most of the time, Jia Zhangshi got her way only because she cried and dragged Jia Dongxu to her side, the two of them ganging up on Qin Huiru.

As a rural woman who moved to the city, Qin Huiru dared not bear the shame of being called unfilial or unvirtuous. Such a reputation would make her feel ashamed to hold her head high; this was the main reason she always felt insecure inside.

But today, Duan Chengliang had carefully analyzed Jia Zhangshi’s behavior for her, and it made a lot of sense. Plus, having Duan Chengliang on her side, someone who spoke up for her and helped her see the situation clearly, somehow gave Qin Huiru a newfound confidence.

Unlike before, whenever she felt wronged, she thought she was completely alone in this unfamiliar Beijing city, with no one who truly cared or had her back.

Duan Chengliang came closer, gently embraced her. Qin Huiru, who was frowning in thought, was startled for a moment and blushed deeply.

But Duan Chengliang made no further move; he just held her tightly and spoke earnestly, “Sister Qin, sometimes you can’t be too concerned about saving face. You can’t always think about sacrificing yourself to keep the peace outwardly while inside you’re miserable and living a bitter life. What’s the point? Your kindness will be taken advantage of by those with ill intent. From now on, speak up when you’re right. I know all about Jia Zhangshi’s usual tricks—they’re just remnants of feudal ways. When the time comes, if it’s a matter of principle, I’ll drag her to the neighborhood office to settle things and see how the family should really live. Also, a woman in her forties in her prime—how can she be so shameless as to let others care for her every day? We’ll sort it out and talk about laziness and idleness, and see who would defend her.”

Duan Chengliang held Qin Huiru tightly, gently stroking her hair, as if giving her strength and courage.