“I saw them—we already brought them inside.”
Lin Xiaohe nodded. “I’ll start making lunch now. They’ll be coming to eat soon.”
She’d promised meals, so she couldn’t cut corners.
Everyone brought their own bowls and chopsticks—no need to worry about that.
Just cook the food, bring it to the work site, and serve.
The coarse grain Second Aunt had brought was mostly rice bran, with some sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Lin Xiaohe planned to cook it all into a thick porridge.
Two dishes on the side—that should be enough.
“Already getting busy? Let me help.”
Wu Xiang had brought her own big iron pot—it had handles on both sides and was portable.
“I figured you wouldn’t have a big enough serving dish, so I brought one of mine too.”
“Thanks, Auntie—I was just about to send Xiaogu over to borrow one. You read my mind!”
Lin Xiaohe smiled and took the things from her.
“Don’t be so formal with me. You two kids stay away from the stove—find something else to do.”
Wu Xiang glanced at the ingredients they’d prepared.
“That’s quite a bit—are you making dry food?”
That would be extravagant.
“No—I don’t think there’s enough for that. I’ll make it thick, though.
Everyone’s working hard—they deserve a decent meal.”
“Alright—I’ll handle the cooking. You two see if there’s anything to wash. I’ll get the food going.”
Two pots—one for the coarse grain porridge, the other for the dishes.
Besides the porridge, Lin Xiaohe planned to stir-fry some dried wild greens with a little lard.
Not that she was unwilling to feed them well.
But times didn’t allow for showing off—it’d invite trouble.
Wu Xiang was already making it a bit too good. No one was well-off these days—even if they hadn’t hit rock bottom, everyone was preparing for it.
If people found out you were doing well, you’d be in for it. And building a house in such a year was already drawing plenty of attention.
When the food was ready, Wu Xiang carried it over.
Lin Xiaohe followed behind.
These first couple of days were for clearing the site—the brigade leader had called in ten people.
Seeing the food arrive, they grabbed their bowls and lined up, silent.
Wu Xiang served the porridge, while Lin Xiaohe poured boiled water for everyone.
“Xiaohe, times are tough for you. Don’t make it so good next time—just something to fill our bellies is enough.”
“Exactly—you’re not well-off yourself. No need to go overboard.”
“Right—just some food is fine. No need for such thick porridge.”
Lin Xiaohe’s eyes reddened with emotion. “Uncles, you’re working so hard—you shouldn’t have to eat thin gruel.”
“Exactly—everyone, eat your fill. We can manage this much.”
Lin Xia had also come over. “Everyone, eat without worry. If you feel grateful, just work a little harder.
The sooner the house is done, the sooner my third brother’s family has a proper place to live.”
No one said anything more—they all ate quickly.
After eating, they’d get back to work, hoping to finish the house as soon as possible.
Lin Xia had to leave that afternoon—she couldn’t stay away all day, or the kids would go hungry.
“Xiaohe, here’s the money from yesterday’s trades. Don’t lose it.
Oh—and I need to ask you a favor. Can you help me get some formula? The babies are growing, and I don’t have enough milk to fill them up.
I was thinking of supplementing with formula. Think you can find some?”
Lin Xiaohe scratched her head. “Second Aunt, I can’t say for sure—I’ve never tried. I’ll see what I can do.
If I can get some, I’ll let you know.”
“Alright—I’ll head back now. I’ll come again tomorrow.”
Meanwhile
Cai Juhua hadn’t been idle either. She’d called together a few close friends.
“Listen—what I’m about to tell you stays between us. Keep it to yourselves.”
“I’m only telling you because I know you’re tight-lipped and we’re close. Don’t go blabbing like a leaky sieve.”
“Alright, alright—we’ve known each other for decades. You think we don’t know that?”
“Exactly—spit it out. Stop teasing us.”
“Fine—come with me.” The old lady secretly brought out the goods. “I told you—it’s all good stuff. I’m only trading because we’re close.”
They were already stunned by what she’d laid out.
They barely heard a word she said—their eyes were glued to the meat and sugar.
“I want it—give it all to me!”
“What nonsense—why should you get everything?”
“Right—why should you hog it all?”
“Don’t fight—I’ve already split it. One share for each of you.” Cai Juhua smiled smugly and hurried to calm them down.
“Old Cai—where did you get such good stuff?”
“Right—if you get more next time, don’t forget us!”
“Don’t worry—if there’s more, I’ll call you again.”
The three went home grinning from ear to ear, each clutching their share. Where did Old Cai get such great things? And they got to benefit too.
No reminder needed—their lips were sealed tighter than a locked box. They couldn’t afford to let anyone else know.
If word got out, there’d be nothing left for them.
Even relatives and friends couldn’t know. Even their own kids would get the silent treatment.
If anyone found out, they’d regret it forever.
Cai Juhua was over the moon. The sugar she’d bought from Xiaohe at 2.50 a jin, she sold for 3.00—a 50-cent profit per jin. Made a few yuan today.
More importantly, the connections she’d built were invaluable.
Those women were all relatives of supply store management.
That added a bit more hope for her daughter-in-law and daughter to get permanent positions.
No matter how you looked at it, this deal was a win—money and connections.
And now they were all tied to the same boat.
They’d said they were close, but really they weren’t that close.
Now things were different—their bond was genuinely stronger.
Leave a Reply