With six workdays a week, Sunday was finally a day off. Gu Shunhua took the two children, dressed in their brand-new padded cotton jumpsuits, to the post office to call Ren Jingnian. The moment the children heard their father’s voice, they became incredibly excited and chattered cheerfully, telling him all about their new clothes and their new classmates at the kindergarten.
The two little ones were well-behaved and considerate. Their teachers liked them, and their classmates were friendly. They got along well with the other children and adored going to kindergarten. They counted on their fingers all the delicious foods served there, not forgetting to mention the morning milk.
Listening to their voices, Ren Jingnian laughed brightly on the other end of the line. “Daddy will come find you right after the New Year. What gifts do you want? Daddy will buy them for you!”
The children squealed with joy. Gu Shunhua quickly hushed them, worried they’d disturb others making calls. The little ones immediately covered their mouths with their hands and whispered into the receiver.
Once the call was finally done, Gu Shunhua reminded Ren Jingnian, “Don’t send me any more money. Getting your job transfer sorted is more important than anything else.”
“I know,” Ren Jingnian replied.
Then he added, “These days must be hard on you—looking after the kids alone and working too.”
He’d never done it himself, but he could imagine how demanding it must be to work as a cook. When others were eating, she’d be at her busiest. She had to work late every day, with only Sundays off. On top of that, she had to care for the children.
“It’s manageable,” Gu Shunhua replied. “My mom’s changed a lot lately—she helps out when she can. And the people in the courtyard are decent. Even when the kids don’t go to kindergarten on weekends, I can leave them in the compound to play with the other children, and they’re never mistreated.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Oh, by the way,” she added, “I mentioned you to my dad a few days ago. He’s definitely going to want to meet you.”
When Old Master Gu said he wanted to “have a look,” it meant a full inspection—testing and evaluating. After all, the Gu family had disapproved of her marriage to Ren Jingnian from the start. But Shunhua had insisted and married him anyway. To this day, her father had never even met his son-in-law.
Ren Jingnian said, “I understand. I’ll do my best to make a good impression.”
Hearing the seriousness in his tone, Gu Shunhua couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s not a big deal. Just be yourself. Why do I feel like you’re nervous?”
“I’m worried your old man won’t like me,” Ren Jingnian admitted.
That made her laugh even more. Seeing the two children watching her curiously, she lowered her voice and said quickly, “Honestly, my parents are both decent people.”
And with that, she hung up the phone.
As the twelfth lunar month set in, the days passed quickly. Gu Shunhua worked diligently in the back kitchen, starting early and returning late. The stove demanded skill—every technique had to be practiced until it was second nature. There were no shortcuts, only patience and grind.
She began by honing her knife skills. A good chef’s craft didn’t lie solely in the pan but also in the blade. As the saying went, “Three parts cooking, seven parts knife work.”
Step one: sharpening. Selecting the blade, gutting, shaping the edge—these were essential. After more than a month of practice, she was progressing fast. She’d moved beyond sharpening and dry runs to slicing actual newspapers.
She scrounged up a large stack of discarded papers. First she practiced slicing a single sheet. Once she mastered that, she moved on to five sheets. Once she could slice those cleanly, she started working through entire bundles. Even after returning home at night, once the children were asleep, she would squat in the room and keep practicing.
Good days flew by. Before long, the New Year was upon them.
She had spent seven previous New Years with the Inner Mongolia Corps. Now back in Beijing, she found herself longing for the festive warmth of the capital.
In Beijing, the New Year atmosphere began on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month. Every household filled the air with the scent of frying oil, accompanied by the crackling sound of food hitting hot pans. Children lit firecrackers, smoke hung in the air—it was unmistakably New Year’s.
Old Master Pan posted a couplet on the courtyard gate and pasted two upside-down “Fu” characters for good fortune. Each household started buying couplets and New Year prints.
Of course, the children were the happiest. Dressed in new clothes, they hopped around, counting the days till the New Year and watching what treats their families were frying—sneaking a piece into their mouths whenever they could. That taste—pure delight.
In the courtyard, there was a saying: whether rich or poor, everyone wanted a proper New Year. What people usually hesitated to spend, they were willing to splurge on now.
After all, what did ordinary folks live for if not for joy?
Shunhua took time to stroll with the children, bringing along Gu Yuehua as well. Dashilan was bustling now, stalls selling all sorts of goods. Most items didn’t even require ration coupons. People shopped freely—buying flour for steamed buns to symbolize rising fortune, then stocking up on cabbage, pork, fish, liquor, and candies.
Once those were bought, she had Gu Yuehua carry them home. Then she shopped for the kids—red hair ties and elastic bands for Duoduo, plus a woolen scarf and cotton mittens. For Manman, a little military cap and matching mittens. She bought them both warm velvet trousers and brand-new stylish sweaters. When she spotted a shoe vendor, she realized she was out of ration coupons and had to head home.
But as soon as they returned, who should be waiting there but Chen Lu.
Chen Lu greeted them cheerfully, “Elder sister, you’re back! Duoduo, Manman, come here—Auntie brought you some treats!”
As she spoke, she took out a box of ox-tongue pastries to share with the children.
“Eat up! These are sweet and fragrant—absolutely delicious!”
Chen Lu tried to push the ox-tongue pastry into the hands of the two children—but to her surprise, both instinctively took a step back and didn’t take it.
Chen Lu hadn’t expected this. These pastries were delicious—how could the kids not be tempted?
But Duoduo remembered exactly what her mother had told her. Mama had said: no matter how hungry or greedy they felt, they should never eat food offered by others without permission. If they really wanted something, they could tell her afterward, and she would find a way to get it for them. But they must never crave what’s in someone else’s hand or mouth, no matter how tempting.
That rule was something Gu Shunhua had set from the very start, back when they first arrived in Beijing, worried the children might be too young to understand manners or propriety.
But Duoduo had remembered every word. She held up her little hand and said earnestly, “Mama said we’re not allowed to eat other people’s food.”
Her voice was sweet and childlike—she was clearly trying very hard to be a good girl.
“Other people’s food?”
Chen Lu frowned ever so slightly. What kind of kid says things like that? No wonder she grew up to be so annoying—just a pampered little miss with no manners.
She turned to Manman instead—the one she had mentally designated as hers. He was supposed to be the one who would listen to her in the future.
Smiling sweetly, she said, “Manman, try some. It’s really tasty—so flaky…”
Manman replied politely, “Auntie, I’m full. I’m thirsty and want some water.”
Chen Lu’s smile froze. What was wrong with these kids? Why wouldn’t they give her any face?
Just then, Gu Yuehua came over, arms full of New Year prints he’d been putting up. Seeing the scene unfold, he burst into laughter. “Give it up already. You’re just not cut out for kids. They don’t like you.”
Chen Lu’s face twisted with irritation. She wasn’t a patient person to begin with. Why should she waste time coaxing two bratty kids anyway? If it weren’t for Ren Jingnian, she wouldn’t even look at them!
Gu Shunhua watched it all from the side, feeling rather pleased.
Her children had absolutely no affection for Chen Lu—not even the slightest. Try stealing my kids? Keep dreaming!
She happily poured water for the children, her tone calm and unbothered: “I took the kids out to the street today. They’ve already eaten.”
At those words, Chen Lu’s gaze flicked toward the net bag and boxes beside Gu Shunhua—quite a haul.
Her tone grew mocking: “Elder sister, you’ve really changed since starting at Yuhuatai. I remember when you first came to Beijing—you looked like a war refugee. Look at you now—how impressive.”
Gu Shunhua smiled serenely. “Yes, I really did look like a refugee back then. But I’ve been working hard ever since. Now the hukou is settled, we’ve got a plot to build on, coal briquettes are stacked, bricks are ready, the timber will arrive soon, and the job is stable too. Heaven won’t starve a blind sparrow. Step by step, we’re not lacking a thing!”
She had said that deliberately, wanting to test Chen Lu’s reaction. And sure enough, as soon as the words landed, Chen Lu’s face turned dark. She didn’t say a word for a long moment.
The more Gu Shunhua looked, the more amused she became. So you really can’t stand seeing me do well? Perfect. Then I’ll just keep getting better until it kills you with rage.
She continued with even more relish: “You know, the secret to living a fulfilling life is whether you’re going uphill or downhill. Some people may not be rich, but their days keep getting better—and that gives them hope. Others are different. Today they watch the neighbors do well, tomorrow they envy the people across the lane, but their own lives just keep falling apart. Tell me, how could they possibly be happy watching others thrive? Wouldn’t that just eat them alive?”
Chen Lu finally snapped out of her stupor, glaring at Gu Shunhua. “Elder sister, who are you talking about?”
Shunhua blinked innocently. “What’s wrong, Chen Lu? Why so fierce? I wasn’t talking about you. Don’t scare the children—they’re still little.”
At that moment, Gu Yuehua came over, scooped up the two kids and lifted them high into the air. “My sister’s right. They’re just kids. You glare at them like a blind mule—trying to scare them or what?”
Blind mule?
Chen Lu couldn’t take it anymore. On the eve of New Year’s, this pair of siblings was ganging up to humiliate her. “It’s New Year’s, and you two—”
Just as she was about to explode, in walked Chen Cuiyue. Chen Lu immediately latched onto her like a lifeline, grabbing her hand with tears in her eyes. “Auntie!”
Before she could even finish, her lips trembled and the tears started to fall.
She said nothing more, waiting for her aunt to ask.
Sure enough, Chen Cuiyue frowned as soon as she saw the tears. “What’s going on here? Crying like that on New Year’s—how unsightly.”
That was her cue.
Chen Lu sniffled and said, “It’s New Year’s, and I thought the kids might be hungry and thin, so I bought a jin of ox-tongue pastries for them. But they wouldn’t eat them, and there was nothing I could do. Then Yuehua said such awful things to me! Auntie, I know things are different now, what with Uncle and Shunhua working at Yuhua Terrace. I guess my pastries just don’t matter anymore. But still—it’s New Year’s. Can’t they treat me better?”
Chen Cuiyue asked, “What did Yuehua say to you?”
Chen Lu bit her lip and gave her aunt a tearful glance. “He called me a blind mule.”
At that, Chen Cuiyue chuckled. “If he called you a blind mule, then so be it. Just ignore him. He never acts properly. If I took him seriously, I’d have died of anger years ago!”
Chen Lu pouted and clung to her aunt’s arm. “But Auntie, he said it on purpose—he just wanted to—”
But Chen Cuiyue clearly wasn’t interested in hearing it. She sighed, “Chen Lu, you’re not a child anymore. Stop getting upset over these petty little things. It’s unbecoming—and not at all festive for the holiday.”
Chen Lu hadn’t expected Chen Cuiyue to speak to her so bluntly. It threw her off. This wasn’t how she was supposed to act, she thought. But then she remembered—Cuiyue was old-school, full of those outdated traditions and rigid proprieties. Fine, Chen Lu told herself. It’s the New Year. If she wants to act proper, I’ll play along. I can’t risk blowing things up now.
Still, she wasn’t the kind of person to take a scolding without striking back.
Glancing at the baskets and bags nearby, brimming with New Year goods, she figured that haul must’ve cost a pretty penny. Her own family hadn’t managed to stock up half as well.
Embarrassing as it was to admit, it wasn’t that she was greedy or lacked refinement—she just hadn’t eaten well in days. When your belly’s empty, your mind naturally starts scheming. So she tried to sound casual as she said, “Auntie, do you have any New Year’s supplies here? My dad asked me to bring some things home.”
It sounded like a harmless request. In the past, before she even had to ask, Chen Cuiyue would already be packing things up for her. She’d always handled everything herself, generously and without complaint.
So when Chen Lu made the comment, she didn’t think there was anything wrong. It’s always been like this—hasn’t it?
But this time—
Chen Cuiyue frowned, visibly confused. “Bring some things home? You want to take these things home?”
She genuinely couldn’t wrap her head around it. Yes, they were family. Yes, she was from her natal family. Sure, she could lend a hand when needed. But how could Chen Lu ask so matter-of-factly, as if it were owed to her?
Chen Lu blinked, stunned by the reaction. What… what’s wrong with that?
But seeing the puzzled look in Chen Lu’s eyes gave Chen Cuiyue a jolt. She suddenly realized—of course Chen Lu thinks this is normal. Because all these years, she’d made it normal. She’d never even hesitated to give her the best of everything, felt uncomfortable until she had.
Now that she was truly reflecting on it, she felt a headache brewing.
Deep down, she’d always believed she ought to look after her younger brother, and by extension his children. She never forgot them when something good came her way.
But there should’ve been limits, shouldn’t there? Now, in hindsight, it all seemed too much.
Feeling both annoyed and ashamed, she stared at Chen Lu with growing discomfort. “Chen Lu, come on. Let’s go back to your house. I need to talk to your dad. What’s he teaching you? You open your mouth and the first thing out is asking family for goods. What—are you starving over there?”
Chen Lu: “Huh?”
What was going on?
Chen Cuiyue continued, “What happened to the old ways in the Chen family? Where’s the upbringing? As your grandaunt, I’m supposed to be guiding you, and here you are begging for scraps? In my day, your grandfather would’ve slapped you across the face! The Chen family used to be respectable, you know!”
Chen Lu was dumbfounded. She didn’t understand. What happened to this woman? What old rules? What grandfather?
Those were decades ago!
But Chen Cuiyue only grew more agitated as memories surged—memories of their once-proud household, of all the years she had given and given without question. She felt a bitterness stir within her. “Chen Lu, go call your father over. I want to hear from him directly—how exactly did he raise you?”
What?
Chen Lu sucked in a breath. She dared not say another word about taking anything and bolted out the door.
What’s wrong with her? Did she get possessed or something? This wasn’t like her at all! She used to fawn over Chen Lu like she was the crown jewel—when had she ever dared speak like this?
Watching from the side, Gu Shunhua and Gu Yuehua were dumbstruck. Their mother treating Chen Lu like that? Was the sun rising in the west today? Neither of them had ever seen such a thing!
After all, their mom had always spoiled Chen Lu more than her own kids—sometimes, she seemed to love her even more than them.
Gu Yuehua couldn’t help but sigh. “My own mother, wow…”
But Gu Shunhua had a different perspective. She quietly thought, Maybe Mom was too influenced by the plot of the book—maybe that’s why she always catered to Chen Lu. But now it seems like she’s finally woken up.
As for Chen Cuiyue herself, after driving Chen Lu off, she suddenly slumped, deflated like a burst balloon. She let out a long sigh. “What kind of farce was that…”
Brother and sister exchanged glances in silence, until Duoduo called out brightly, “Uncle Yuehua, this one’s pretty! This one’s so pretty!”
They looked over—she was holding up a New Year’s print titled Abundant Joy and Prosperity. It featured a chubby boy and girl: the girl with two little buns, the boy with short bangs, both wearing bright red embroidered belly wraps, each clutching a lively, wriggling carp.
Gu Yuehua laughed, “You’re right. That’s a good one. Looks just like you and Manman. Uncle will put it up for you!”
He took the kids over to hang the print. Gu Shunhua joined them, and their little outer room filled with cheer. With Yuehua hanging the prints and the kids helping out, the place suddenly felt warm and festive—like a real home.
As they were laughing and talking, they heard Gu Quanfu call from outside, “Manman, Duoduo, come out here! Grandpa’s got something good!”
The children knew this tone well—when Grandpa called like that, it meant treats. Ever since he started working at the restaurant, he often brought home little snacks.
Gu Shunhua followed the children out and saw her father holding two pairs of shoes, teasing, “Look at these little leather shoes, who are they for? Maybe Grandpa should wear them?”
He even bent down and pretended to squeeze his feet into the tiny shoes.
“Waaah!” the kids squealed, running over gleefully. “Mine! They’re mine!”
Duoduo’s were red, Manman’s black, both pairs the same style: rubber-molded soles, velvet uppers, lace eyelets neatly arranged. Brand new and clearly warm.
As soon as she saw them, Gu Shunhua frowned. “Dad, why’d you spend money like this? Don’t these even need shoe coupons?”
But Gu Quanfu looked cheerful. “Don’t worry about it. I told you I’d get them something for New Year. Just look at these little shoes—how good they look on the kids!”
He bent down to ask, “You like them, little ones? Do you like your leather shoes?”
The children bounced with joy. “Yes!”
Gu Shunhua couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, I’ll cut you some insoles and you can wear them right away.”
She brought out scissors and dug through leftover felt, cut out templates, then trimmed insoles to fit. The kids eagerly slipped the shoes on.
Once they had them on, they strutted about with pride, stomping their feet so the soles clapped loudly on the floor. Despite the cold, they dashed out into the courtyard, their shoes tapping crisply on the ground.
Several children were rolling iron hoops nearby. At the sound of the taps, they turned to look—and all crowded around, marveling at the shoes.
Duoduo held her head high. “My grandpa bought them for me!”
The other kids were full of admiration, and the adults nearby laughed. Everyone knew—now that Gu Quanfu was back as a head chef, things were different.