Chapter 1 Chapter 1 'Knock knock knock' 'Knock knock...'
'Knock knock knock'
'Knock knock knock'
Cheng Xiuying came out of the inner room, first went to the charcoal stove, opened the stove door, and stoked the fire. Seeing that there was still no movement in the west room, she knocked heavily on the door and said impatiently, "Siya, you're getting lazier and lazier every day. Are you waiting for me to come in and drag you out?"
Yu Jiajia was kicked in the butt by her third sister, Yu Jiamin: "Get up!"
If Yu Jiajia doesn't get up, Cheng Xiuying will keep knocking on the door.
Nobody can sleep peacefully anymore.
Yu Jiajia shifted further into the bed, groggily opened her eyes, and realized that the person calling her was herself. She looked out the window; it was barely dawn, no more than five o'clock.
This was her second day after transmigrating, and she had taken over all of the original owner's memories.
She was an ordinary, soon-to-be college student when she was in a car accident on her way to school and remained in a vegetative state for two years. She was lucky enough to be reborn, and although she can run and jump again, life is just too miserable…
After getting up yesterday, she was tasked with making breakfast for the whole family, and after everyone went to work, she had to wash the dishes, sweep the floor, and do the laundry for the whole family.
Then wander around the streets and try your luck, just in case you find a job.
She was the lowest-ranking member of a family of seven!
Unlike her older siblings who contributed to the family by having jobs and handing over half their salaries, she was not like her younger brother, who was in school and was a pampered boy.
She understands the道理 (principles/reasons), but she doesn't want to work! She's too cowardly to resist.
The original owner's mother, Comrade Cheng Xiuying, was no ordinary woman. She was a security guard at the steel rolling mill, known as Iron Fist Cheng. She possessed unparalleled fighting power, and no one dared to mess with her in the entire steel rolling mill compound. Street thugs would avoid her when they saw her, and any disobedient children in the family would submit to her beatings.
She wanted to stay home and eat for free without doing any work, and Cheng Xiuying would beat her with a feather duster.
She struggled to get out of bed, picked up the clothes from the bedside table, put them on, and opened the door to go outside.
Cheng Xiuying, who was kneading dough, glanced at her and said, "You wait for me to call you every day. Go out and ask around. Which girl is as lazy as you? Doesn't she care about any chores? If you were capable, you could find a good job and wouldn't have to lift a finger to do any housework. I'd rather you work myself to death than have you do any of it."
Yu Songqing, the eldest son of the Yu family, was a college student before the abolition of the college entrance examination. After graduation, he was assigned to a machinery factory as an engineer, earning a high salary of fifty-two yuan a month.
The second son, Yu Songyan, works at a food factory. He is currently an apprentice and earns eighteen yuan a month.
The third child, Yu Jiamin, works as a primary school teacher and earns a salary of thirty yuan.
It's 1968 now. After the examination system was abolished and universities stopped enrolling students, graduates from the classes of '66, '67, and '68 haven't been assigned jobs. Jobs are one-off, and finding one is extremely difficult.
This shows how capable the second brother and third sister are.
Before graduating, the original owner helped with chores at home. After receiving her diploma in June, she took over all the household chores. She also spent her days wandering around various factories, hoping to find job postings. A month passed in the blink of an eye, and she still hadn't found a job. She became increasingly silent and preoccupied, even afraid to eat much, lest her family think she was a freeloader.
I got caught in the rain the day before yesterday and developed a fever that night. Not wanting to trouble anyone, I tried to stay awake all night, but I didn't make it...
Yu Jiajia picked up two sweet potatoes, washed them, removed the wormholes, and cut them into small pieces without peeling them. She put them in a pot, rinsed a handful of cornmeal, and cooked a sweet potato and cornmeal porridge. She placed a steamer basket on the pot and put the cornbread made by Cheng Xiuying on it.
It's called a mixed noodle dish, but it only contains half a bowl of high-gluten flour, and a large ladle of cornmeal.
Unlike the soft and delicious coarse grain buns of later generations, the grains at this time were hard and rough on the throat. Freshly made ones tasted better and were not so difficult to swallow.
Cheng Xiuying picked a piece of pickled vegetable from the jar, saying, "Cut the pickled vegetable into shreds, and when I come back from grocery shopping, I'll make a tofu salad with some scallions." Then she locked the cupboard.
It contains rice, flour, cooking oil, and other precious food items, which are kept locked at all times to prevent children from stealing them.
Upon hearing the word "tofu," Yu Jiajia unconsciously licked her lips, feeling a sudden urge to eat.
She was a modern person who enjoyed a life of luxury and delicious food before she transmigrated, but after inheriting the original owner's memories, she found herself craving a piece of tofu. What kind of human suffering is this?!
Before leaving, Cheng Xiuying reminded Yu Jiajia to fill the bucket with water. Watching Siya working silently without saying a word, she cursed, "She's so quiet you can't even fart."
As soon as Cheng Xiuying left, Yu Jiajia slumped her shoulders in dejection. Life was so dark! She took her washbasin and toothbrush to the sink to wash up. It was still early, and there weren't many people at the sink. Su Man, the original owner's classmate, was also there. The two were in the same boat, both unemployed after graduating and taking care of all the household affairs, the lowest-ranking members of the family.
Su Man looked pale and sickly: "My mom said that if I can't find a job, she'll introduce me to someone. It's so hard to find a job these days, where am I supposed to find one? My mom just wants me to clear out my room for my brother's wedding. Doesn't she realize that I don't have a job and I look like a bean sprout, what kind of good partner could I possibly have?"
Yu Jiajia listened from the side, without needing to interrupt. She could just chime in occasionally. Su Man just wanted someone to vent to, and the original owner, being quiet and reserved, was the best listener.
Yu Jiajia wondered if Cheng Xiuying would marry her off if she couldn't find a job.
But once you get married, you won't have to go to the countryside to work as a sent-down youth!
It was now July 18, 1968, not far from the peak of the Down to the Countryside Movement. She had been going through all the old newspapers in her house these past few days. In June, a group of graduates from Haicheng had already been sent down to state-run farms, and starting in July, the nationwide campaign for 're-education' began.
She didn't know exactly when the forced relocation to the countryside began, but it certainly wasn't far off.
If life is this hard in the city, how hard must it be in the countryside?
How can a minor like her get married? She needs to find a job!
Thinking of this, she felt even more miserable. If only she were a few years younger, she could have avoided the peak of the Down to the Countryside Movement.
She quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face. "I'm going back now."
Su Man turned to look at Yu Jiajia's retreating figure, feeling a pang of envy. Although both of them were facing difficulties, Yu Jiajia was beautiful! Even if she were a skinny bean sprout, she would still be the most beautiful bean sprout. Even if she were to find a partner, she would be able to find someone with better prospects.
Once home, Yu Jiajia quietly looked around the three bedrooms, sat down on a chair near the door, took out a raw sweet potato from her pocket, put it in her mouth, and chewed it in small bites. It was sweet!
I don't feel so bitter anymore.
I really want to eat roasted sweet potatoes. Soft, juicy roasted sweet potatoes must be so delicious.
Unfortunately, the whole sweet potato was locked in the cupboard; these were valuable items in the house. All she could eat were these three small pieces that she had secretly managed to steal.
She ate very slowly, afraid that others would hear the sound of her chewing sweet potatoes.
I ate three pieces in a row, and my heart was filled with sweetness!
After finishing her meal, she rinsed her mouth to make sure there wasn't a single bit of sweet potato residue left.
This was hidden while cutting the sweet potatoes. The family shared two sweet potatoes, and she, the poor little one at the bottom of the social class, only got three pieces of sweet potato the size of her fingertip yesterday!
The original owner's body lacked oil and meat, and she craved everything; she wanted to eat more of everything.
After finishing the sweet potatoes, she soon heard a noise from the east room. It was her father, Yu Hongding, getting up. She quickly grabbed a bucket to fetch water.
Su Man had already gone home. At this moment, a neighbor from the three-courtyard house was standing by the pool. When she saw Yu Jiajia carrying a bucket to fetch water, an old lady asked Yu Jiajia if she had found a job.
Yu Jiajia said she couldn't find it, then silently filled the water container and let it run very slowly.
The aunt next to me said that it's hard to find a job these days. Her daughter, Suman, hasn't found one and stays at home doing nothing all day.
Yu Jiajia rolled her eyes. Su Man cooks, washes dishes, does laundry, and takes care of all the housework. What more do you want her to do?
Aunt Pan advised Su Man's mother not to worry, saying that Su Man was a high school graduate and would definitely be able to find a job. She added, "Siya, your mother is so capable, won't she help you find a job?"
Seeing that Yu Jiajia remained silent, she called out "Siya" a few more times and even reached out to pat Yu Jiajia.
Yu Jiajia struggled to lift the half-full bucket out of the pool, spilling water and splashing it all over Aunt Pan's shoes.
Yu Jiajia apologized: "Auntie, I'm sorry, the bucket was too full."
She carried the bucket of water, swaying precariously, and water spilled out from time to time.
Aunt Pan quickly backed away.
Yu Jiajia looked up and took a few steps with the bucket. A man wearing a blue shirt and gray pants came over with a toothbrush and a toothbrush cup. His hair was neatly combed, and he wore a pair of metal-rimmed glasses. He looked refined and elegant, even more handsome than modern internet celebrities!
This is the original owner's father, Yu Hongding, a handsome man who works at a steel rolling mill and seems otherworldly.
It was also Cheng Xiuying's favorite.
Yu Hongding watched as Siya swayed as she carried the bucket of water, water splashing onto his trousers: "I'll do this heavy work."
Yu Jiajia was delighted, having guessed that Yu Hongding would say that. This father cared a lot about his reputation. She said, "Dad, I can do it." As she said that, she quickly put the bucket on the ground and took the toothbrush cup from Yu Hongding's hand. "I'll hold it for you."
Yu Hongding was just saying it casually, but since Yu Jiajia had already put the bucket at his feet, he bent down, picked it up, and took it back to his room before going out to wash up.
Yu Jiajia didn't fetch water, and she was very happy. She sat on the doorstep watching the sunrise. The sky was exceptionally blue, the morning glow exceptionally beautiful, and the air exceptionally fresh in this era.
Her depressed mood improved somewhat.
A figure rode a bicycle into the second courtyard. She rode very fast, like a flash of lightning. It was the figure of Cheng Xiuying, who was always in a hurry.
Yu Jiajia quickly got up, picked up a broom, and started working.
Cheng Xiuying parked her bicycle at the door, locked it, and then carried in a piece of fatty pork belly that was about two fingers wide. It looked delicious and she estimated it weighed about a pound.
Yu Jiajia:! ! !
She was shocked. The Yu family rarely ate meat, so what had gotten into Comrade Cheng Xiuying?
The Yu family had a tough time. They had five children, all of whom had gone to school, and they also had parents to support in their old age. They had accumulated a lot of debt in the past, but in the last two years, after the children graduated and found jobs, they were able to pay off the debts one by one, and their lives became a little more comfortable.
Cheng Xiuying now finds Yu Jiajia displeasing and gives her a disdainful look: "What's the use of just knowing how to work? Use your brain a little more and think about how to find a job."
Yu Jiajia pouted; was she trying to work?
She didn't do any work yesterday, and Cheng Xiuying scolded her for not caring about work. She retorted and reached out to pinch Cheng Xiuying's arm.
It hurts terribly, and there's a big bruise!
Cheng Xiuying added, "Don't sweep the floor, it'll get dirty again after we eat. Cut the tofu in half and make a cold salad."
Yu Jiajia took the tofu, cut it in half, and Cheng Xiuying marinated the pork belly with salt. She then used a key to open the cupboard and brought the tofu and marinated pork into it.
Yu Jiajia originally thought that tofu with scallions was fine, but now she wants to eat stir-fried tofu with meat!
Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
However, she didn't want to get beaten up, so she didn't dare to say anything.
Perhaps Yu Jiajia's gaze was too intense, because Cheng Xiuying glared at her and said, "You're not very bright, all you think about is food. You're acting like you haven't seen meat in your life."
In the two days since Yu Jiajia transmigrated, she has been scolded by Cheng Xiuying countless times. She really wanted to give up and fight Cheng Xiuying, but Cheng Xiuying's arms were too strong, with clearly defined muscles. It would hurt a lot to hit someone with those. So she endured it.
Thirteen-year-old Yu Songchuan, the fifth child, ran out of the east room with his hair standing on end and peered into the cupboard. "Mom, you're really something! You managed to buy such fatty meat!" he exclaimed. "Can we have minced pork stir-fried with tofu for breakfast?"
Cheng Xiuying said irritably, "All you ever do is eat. This is for your older brother's girlfriend."
Yu Songchuan: "Mom, look how thin Dad has gotten from being so busy these past few days. Let's make sure he gets some extra meat while he still has some. We'll have some minced meat and tofu for breakfast, and braised pork for dinner."
Just then, Yu Hongding came back from outside carrying a toothbrush cup. He was handsome, and his loose shirt made his tall and slender figure stand out even more. Cheng Xiuying's heart softened, and she actually picked up the kitchen knife and cut off a piece of fat about the width of her fingertip. "Wu Bao, if you keep using your father's name, I'll teach you a lesson. Siya, don't make minced meat tofu anymore, just cut it into strips."
After saying that, she locked the cupboard and stopped cooking. She poured a glass of water, pinched off a small handful of tea leaves, and gave them to Yu Hongding along with the newspaper that was delivered that day.
Yu Hongding picked up his teacup, blew away the tea leaves floating on top, and began to read today's newspaper.
Cheng Xiuying sat beside him knitting, her gaze occasionally falling on Yu Hongding, her expression gentle as if she were a completely different person.
Perhaps because Cheng Xiuying had bought meat, Yu Songqing and his siblings got up earlier than usual to come and check on the pork.
Yu Jiajia washed the pork and cut it into thin strips. She secretly slipped a piece of raw meat under the cutting board; there was so little of it that she had to keep it to herself.
Then I peeled a scallion and washed two red chilies.
She used a rag to take the pot off the stove, placed a hot plate on it, first drizzled a little rapeseed oil into the pot, then put the shredded pork into the pot to dry-fry. Once the pork fat was rendered, the whole room was filled with the aroma of meat, and everyone sniffed the aroma. Yu Jiajia then put the tofu in and stir-fried it as well.
Finally, add the seasonings.
She had just picked out a piece of shredded pork to taste for seasoning when Yu Songchuan ran over: "Fourth Sister, let me taste it for seasoning."
Yu Jiajia quickly stuffed it into her mouth and whispered, "It's a bit bland." She added half a spoonful of salt, then picked out a shredded pork and let Yu Songchuan taste it.
Yu Songchuan was shocked. His fourth sister had actually stolen some pork?! But he didn't say anything. He opened his mouth wide and ate the shredded pork that his fourth sister fed him, and even praised, "It's so delicious, fourth sister. Your cooking is really good."
A note from the author:
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