A plan began to form in Xu Ying’s mind—those precious marrow-washing pills in her spatial abode. Upon her return, she would grind them into a fine powder, administering small, gradual doses to her sister-in-law. This, she believed, would surely mend her sister-in-law’s delicate mind.
The aroma of freshly delivered goods permeated the air as Xu Ying addressed Mother Zhao, “Auntie, the pork and duck sent from the factory have arrived. What shall we do with them?”
Mother Zhao, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks, met Xu Ying’s gaze. She had misjudged this girl earlier, yet Xu Ying bore no ill will. A wave of relief washed over her, knowing her daughter would be spared any wrath. With utmost politeness, Mother Zhao suggested, “Let’s cook the pork tonight, and save the duck for tomorrow. What time are you leaving, dear? We’ll prepare it before you depart.”
Though Sister-in-law Xu appeared remarkably well, almost as if her earlier distress was a distant memory, Xu Ying’s concern lingered. She resolved to stay another day, to observe and inquire, before bidding farewell. “We’ll catch the last bus tomorrow afternoon,” Xu Ying announced.
Mother Zhao’s heart swelled with the desire for them to prolong their stay, to savor every moment with her daughter. She readily agreed, “Very well, I’ll prepare the duck tomorrow at noon.”
Dinner was a feast of abundance. Mother Zhao had stir-fried the pork and transformed it into a rich stew, a massive pot brimming with several kilograms of meat. Hailing from a meat processing factory, the Zhao family never lacked for offal. Mother Zhao, with practiced ease, added pork liver and large intestine, ensuring everyone’s mouths glistened with oil by the meal’s end.
Yet, Sister-in-law Xu found the meal lacking. It wasn’t as fragrant, as delectable, as her sister-in-law’s cooking. The scent of the pig intestines, in particular, churned her stomach. Clutching her mouth, she fled to the kitchen, retching.
Mother Zhao, utterly bewildered, questioned, “What’s happening? Is it another headache? This meat is so delicious, why the sudden sickness?”
Xu Ying’s face illuminated with understanding. She set down her chopsticks, rushed into the kitchen, and, with a peculiar look, asked Mother Zhao, “Mother, could sister-in-law be pregnant? She was just like this when she was carrying Shi Shi and Hu Zi!”
The words hung in the air, then Mother Zhao’s face cleared. A wide smile spread across her features as she slapped her thigh. “Oh, she truly might be pregnant! The doctor found nothing today, so we must go back for another check-up. Reiko, quickly, eat something to settle your stomach. Mommy will take you to the hospital tomorrow.”
Mother Zhao’s words were easily spoken, but Sister-in-law Xu had no appetite whatsoever. The mere scent of pork sent waves of nausea through her. Xu Ying, though never pregnant herself, had cared for many expectant mothers in her time. She understood the plight of vomiting and the inability to eat.
“Sister-in-law, is there anything you crave? I’ll take you to see if we can find something.”
Mother Zhao, hearing this, quickly interjected, “It’s a waste of money to eat out. What do you want, Lingzi? Tell your mother, and she’ll cook it for you.”
Sister-in-law Xu shook her head, the pervasive smell of pork still robbing her of all appetite. Xu Ying, however, was consumed with worry for the child in her sister-in-law’s womb. “I’ll go out and see if I can find some fruit or something, to sweeten your mouth,” she declared, rising to leave.
Mother Zhao watched, surprised. This was vastly different from her daughter’s previous accounts. She subtly winked at her daughter, “Is your sister-in-law truly so kind to you?”
Sister-in-law Xu’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Didn’t I tell you last time that my sister-in-law is sensible now, treats me well, and is even more filial to my father-in-law and mother-in-law? So, truly, you don’t have to worry. My life here, at my husband’s house, is wonderful!”
A sigh of relief escaped Mother Zhao. Her daughter, miles away, marrying into a distant family—such a concern had always weighed on her heart, the fear of her being mistreated. Now, witnessing the profound kindness of her daughter’s sister-in-law, a wave of reassurance washed over her.
“Hearts are won, my dear. If people treat you well, you must return their kindness. Do you hear me?” Mother Zhao instructed, her gaze fixed on her daughter. Sister-in-law Xu nodded earnestly.
Xu Ying’s “trip out” was a mere stroll around the block. She then retrieved a bounty of seasonal fruits from her space, returning with bags, large and small, overflowing with winter dates, pears, apples, peaches, and grapes. Each one was an exquisite specimen from her private haven, beautiful and incredibly sweet.
“Sister-in-law, see if there’s anything you’d like to eat,” Xu Ying announced, spreading a vibrant display of fruit across the table.
Zhao Shufeng’s eyes widened. “So much fruit! It must have cost a fortune!” The sheer difficulty of acquiring such a variety of fresh produce was not lost on him. His sister, it seemed, truly led a charmed life.
Mother Zhao was even more astonished. “You’re too generous, girl. You could have bought less. Why so much? No matter how precious your sister-in-law is, she doesn’t need to eat all of this.” What kind of family was this, to possess such abundance?
Xu Ying simply smiled, unperturbed. “As long as my sister-in-law likes it. Let’s see which one she wants.”
Seeing Xu Ying continue to wash fruit for her daughter, Mother Zhao’s heart swelled with tenderness. “I’ll wash it later. You should eat quickly. Don’t go hungry.” Her daughter-in-law was also someone else’s treasure, and she dared not let Xu Ying be constantly at their beck and call. This girl was simply too kind.
Sister-in-law Xu, noticing the lingering scent of pork had largely dissipated, found a flicker of appetite. Her gaze fell upon the grapes and winter dates. “Mom, I want to eat these,” she declared. Mother Zhao, her face alight with doting affection, replied, “Okay, okay.”
Hearts, indeed, can be swayed. Xu Ying’s unwavering kindness towards her daughter deeply moved Mother Zhao. Father Zhao, too, was touched. He turned to Mother Zhao and gestured, “If there’s anything else delicious at our house, bring it out quickly and give it to Yingying.”
Mother Zhao pondered for a moment, then remembered: two bottles of malted milk in her cabinet, some peach cakes, and several bottles of meat sauce from the Meat Joint Factory. She hurried back, emptying the cabinet. “Yingying, you can have all of these. My children are all grown up and don’t need them.”
Yang Shufeng’s face instantly soured. He was a year younger than Xu Ying. What was wrong with that? Did he not deserve to eat these treats?
Xu Ying felt the warmth of Mother Zhao’s genuine enthusiasm. “Auntie, you don’t need to. We have these at home. Let’s leave them for Brother Shufeng.”
Yang Shufeng, hearing her words, shifted uncomfortably. He shook his head. “Why would I, a boy, eat these? Only girls need to be pampered. Take them back and enjoy them slowly.”
“Oh, he’s quite arrogant,” Xu Ying thought to herself. “Then let me take a few bottles of meat sauce. I haven’t tasted the meat sauce from the meat factory yet!” Xu Ying’s curiosity was piqued, and perhaps, she mused, it could even lead to a new source of income.
Mother Zhao beamed, “Then I’ll set them aside for you.”
After dinner, Mother Zhao led Xu Ying to a room. “You can stay here tonight. Your sister-in-law will share a room with me. We haven’t seen each other in a long time and want to chat.” Xu Ying understood, nodding.
Mother Zhao was even more delighted by her consideration. Indeed, no wonder her daughter-in-law treasured this girl. If Xu Ying were her own daughter, she too would cherish her. Beautiful, sensible, and capable—a true gem.
As Mother Zhao prepared to leave, Xu Ying asked, “Mother, do you know a girl named Cheng Yinglan?”
The name resonated with Mother Zhao, familiar yet elusive. She shook her head. “I don’t know her. Is she from our compound?”
“No, but she’s from this county.” Xu Ying had merely asked on a whim, prepared for disappointment if Mother Zhao didn’t recognize the name. Mother Zhao left the room, the name echoing in her mind. Suddenly, a memory flashed, and Mother Zhao rushed back towards Xu Ying’s room, only to find the lights extinguished. She would have to speak with her later.
The night deepened, carrying with it the unspoken promise of a new dawn, and perhaps, new beginnings for those whose paths had so unexpectedly intertwined.