Chapter 56
The three of them bought a lot of things at the supply and marketing cooperative.
Market days like these are also big shopping days for families, who buy whatever they need, inevitably resulting in buying too much.
Seeing that Gu Xi had bought a lot of things, Ye Fenghua took her to buy a bamboo basket so that she could put the things in the basket and carry them on her back. This way, she wouldn't have to use both hands to carry them, which would be much more convenient and free up her hands, making it less tiring.
Thinking that Gu Xi was a city girl and didn't understand the benefits of carrying a basket, she explained, "If you don't want to carry it, you can tie this basket to the front of your bicycle, which makes it convenient to put things in it."
Gu Xi naturally understood; she had used a bamboo basket in the countryside before.
Nevertheless, I thanked Sister Ye for her kindness, picked out a basket of a suitable size, put the things I had bought earlier into the basket, and carried it on my back.
When Ye Fenghua and Xia Xiuxiu saw her carrying the basket on her back, they felt that she was like a city girl experiencing rural life, with an indescribable sense of ease and freedom.
This person is good-looking; even if they're carrying a basket on their back and wearing a coarse linen garment, they still look good.
Since the three of them had other things to buy, they split up and planned to meet at the state-run restaurant in town for lunch.
After parting ways with the two, Gu Xi strolled around leisurely.
Since it was her first time there, she wanted to get to know the market and see what was for sale. She walked slowly and discovered that the market sold a wide variety of things, including vegetables and fruits grown by nearby villagers, various pickled vegetables and preserved vegetables, as well as dried goods, and bamboo tables and chairs. There were so many different kinds that she wanted to buy them all.
Some villagers also brought their own chickens and ducks to sell, but the quantity was small, only one or two at a time.
These days, every household has a quota for raising livestock; as long as it doesn't exceed the limit, it's fine.
However, the villagers generally don't eat the chickens and ducks they raise themselves, but instead wait until the market to bring them over to sell and supplement their household income.
Gu Xi didn't skimp on the money; she bought a chicken and a duck, and even bought the cages to make it easier to carry them.
Seeing that there were still rabbits for sale, she bought two more, one male and one female, one black and one white, intending to raise them to have baby rabbits, and then kill and eat them when they grew up.
She knows how to kill rabbits, and she also knows how to mess with them.
When she was little, the villagers would go into the mountains to catch rabbits. There were many rabbit burrows in the mountains, and they could easily find one. After catching the rabbits, the villagers would bring them back, kill them, and eat them. She saw people killing rabbits, helped out, and even ate rabbit meat, which she thought was quite delicious.
Of course it's delicious, it's meat!
Meat that I could only eat during Chinese New Year when I was a child!
Moreover, during the Lunar New Year in the past, because she was a girl, she could only eat a small piece of meat at most, and no more. Otherwise, she would be scolded for being a greedy girl and even beaten...
Gu Xi discovered that some unpleasant memories were starting to haunt her again, so she quickly tried to shake them off.
Although food and clothing were scarce in those days, she was doing quite well now. Although she couldn't eat meat every day, she could eat it whenever she wanted. Shen Mingzheng wouldn't mistreat her and would even go to the supply and marketing cooperative early in the morning to buy meat...
Fortunately, she didn't get reborn back to her childhood, otherwise she probably would have wanted to die again. Before dying, she might have filed a lawsuit and dragged everyone she didn't like down with her.
Gu Xi thought expressionlessly that if she couldn't meet the Shen family after being reborn, she would rather not have this kind of rebirth.
"Gu Xi?"
As Gu Xi was carrying a chicken and duck cage in one hand and a rabbit cage in the other, a surprised voice rang out.
She turned her head and looked over, somewhat surprised. "Comrade Cheng? Comrade Gan?"
They were two educated youths, Cheng Yuanyuan and Gan Dongliang, whom I met on the train when I came to the army.
Cheng Yuanyuan and her companions were also at the town market. They were accompanied by several young men and women, whose attire suggested they were all sent-down youth.
Cheng Yuanyuan ran over happily and said joyfully, "I didn't expect to meet you here, what a coincidence! Are you also at the market today? Oh my, you bought chickens, ducks, and rabbits? This rabbit is so cute, are you planning to keep it as a pet...?"
Gu Xi felt a sense of familiarity as she listened to her chattering.
Just like Shen Mingrong, he talked enthusiastically before anyone else even spoke. His vibrant energy and enthusiasm were infectious and not at all annoying.
A hint of nostalgia appeared on her face as she asked gently, "Are you here to go to the market too?"
“Yes, the farm where we’re working in the countryside is nearby. It’s not far to walk, only about 40 or 50 minutes.” Cheng Yuanyuan was happy to meet her here and asked, “Would you like to take a walk together?”
Gu Xi looked at the educated youth over there and said, "Aren't you going to spend time with your friends?"
Cheng Yuanyuan turned to look at the educated youth who had come with her, then cruelly abandoned them, "It's okay, I'll stay with you. It's rare to see you, let's talk."
She felt a strong connection with Gu Xi; they were in the same compartment on the train, and now they even bumped into each other while going to the market.
This is a match made in heaven!
Seeing her run over without a care in the world, Gan Dongliang knew she was overly excited and could only resign himself to cleaning up her mess. After explaining the situation to everyone, he also came over.
Seeing that Gu Xi was carrying a basket on his back and holding things in both hands, he said, "Comrade Gu, let me help you carry some."
As a man, it's only right to help a woman carry her things; you can't just stand by and watch.
Without saying a word, Cheng Yuanyuan stuffed the things in Gu Xi's hand into his hand, and then dragged Gu Xi to stroll through the market.
Gu Xi felt she could carry it herself and didn't need anyone's help, but since it was Cheng Yuanyuan's kindness, she didn't say anything. Looking at Gan Dongliang's resigned expression, she guessed he was used to it, so she decided to treat them to a meal later as a way of thanking them.
Cheng Yuanyuan has been working in the countryside for over a year and is very familiar with the local market. Whenever she has time off, she goes to the market with everyone.
She asked Gu Xi what else she wanted to buy.
"I want to buy some fatty meat to render into lard," Gu Xi said. "Fat meat is hard to find; I didn't see any for sale at the supply and marketing cooperative just now."
There might be some, but they've already been bought by someone else.
Since arriving at the military base, we haven't been able to buy any fatty meat, and the oil we've been using is mainly soybean oil.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yuanyuan said, "I'll take you to buy it. I know where to buy fatty meat."
As she spoke, she pulled Gu Xi in one direction, turned away from the bustling street, and came to a nearby house, then knocked on the door and went inside.
Gan Dongliang resigned himself to his fate and followed.
Upon entering the house, Gu Xi saw the snow-white pork fat placed in a bamboo frame and covered with cloth. She finally understood that this was probably a black market.
In such special times, the black market is inevitable. If you don't get caught, that's fine, but if you do, you'll be arrested and imprisoned. This kind of behavior is also called speculation and profiteering, but people have needs, and everyone knows it. Unless there is some huge grudge, no one will take the initiative to report it.
Gu Xi finally bought the pork fat she had been longing for, and also bought a large piece of beautiful pork belly.
After paying the money and the meat ration coupon, she put the pork fat, which was wrapped tightly in banana leaves, into a cloth bag, and then put it into her basket so that she wouldn't be discovered.
After buying their things, the three left the house as if nothing had happened, as if they had just come to visit relatives.
Cheng Yuanyuan even waved enthusiastically to the pork seller and said, "Third Uncle, we'll come see you again next time. You have to treat us to a meal next time."
Uncle San chuckled in agreement, displaying the demeanor of a simple, honest farmer.
“This is Uncle Qiu San.” Cheng Yuanyuan said softly, linking arms with Gu Xi. “If you want to buy meat in the future, you can come to him. He can get meat.”
Gu Xi said "Oh," and asked curiously, "Is he your relative?"
"No, but we're acquaintances with him, and we sometimes come to him to buy meat." As she spoke, she winked at Gu Xi.
Gu Xi understood. It seemed that these educated youths were also restless. They wanted to eat meat but couldn't buy it, so they discovered that there was a black market selling pork here and came here to develop a route.
Gan Dongliang, who was behind him, was too lazy to even sigh.
Fortunately, Gu Xi wasn't the rigid or righteous type; otherwise, if they had been discovered doing such a thing, Uncle Qiu's business would not only have collapsed, but he would have been in danger as well.
You should know that Gu Xi's lover is in the military.
Under Cheng Yuanyuan's guidance, Gu Xi bought quite a few things.
When it was almost time, she said to the two of them, "Let me treat you to dinner. You've helped me a lot today, so please don't be shy."
Cheng Yuanyuan said happily, "Okay! You're treating us today, and we'll treat you next time."
Seeing that Cheng Yuanyuan had agreed, Gan Dongliang naturally had no objections.
The three arrived at the state-run restaurant in town, and Gu Xi let them order.
A little while later, Xia Xiuxiu and Ye Fenghua also arrived.
They were somewhat surprised to see the two young people with Gu Xi, but when they learned that they were educated youth from a nearby farm and friends of Gu Xi, they greeted them warmly.
After lunch, Gu Xi and the other two prepared to return to their unit.
Cheng Yuanyuan pulled Gu Xi along, saying reluctantly, "Gu Xi, when will you come again next time? Let's go to the market together again."
She enjoys making friends, and she had a pleasant chat with Gu Xi on the train. Now that they've met again here, she's even happier.
Gu Xi said, "I should come back for the market on the first day of next month."
There are so many things in town. I haven't bought everything today. I'll come back to buy more at the next market.
She wants to live a good life and doesn't want to mistreat herself; she'll spend her money whenever she has it.
Cheng Yuanyuan said happily, "Okay, I'll come and play with you then."
Gu Xi nodded with a smile.
Before leaving, Gu Xi bought some local snacks and gave them to Cheng Yuanyuan and the other girl to thank them for their help that day.
Cheng Yuanyuan didn't stand on ceremony, smiled and waved goodbye to her before turning around and going with Gan Dongliang to buy their things.
Looking at Cheng Yuanyuan's silly, grinning face, Gan Dongliang said helplessly, "You're really bold. You've only met her twice, and you dare to take her to Uncle Qiu. If... wouldn't that be harming someone?"
Cheng Yuanyuan said seriously, "No, Gu Xi is not that kind of person."
"How do you know she's not that kind of person? You've only known each other for a short time." Gan Dongliang frowned, displeased with Cheng Yuanyuan's trusting nature, worried that she might be deceived one day.
The two grew up together, and their families were on good terms. He treated Cheng Yuanyuan like a younger sister.
Cheng Yuanyuan said with some annoyance, "I just don't think Gu Xi would do that. Her husband is a People's Liberation Army soldier, and she seems like a decent person. She definitely wouldn't do such a thing... I believe her!"
Seeing that Gan Dongliang still looked disapproving, she exclaimed.
"Don't overthink it. Gu Xi would never do such a thing. I just think she's trustworthy!" she said earnestly. "Over the years, have you ever seen me trust the wrong person? If I didn't think someone was good, I wouldn't associate with them, would I?"
Gan Dongliang choked for a moment.
That's really true!
Over the years, she has never been deceived by anyone. Perhaps it's a case of the foolish being blessed. She has only met good people. Even when she was sent to the countryside, although life was hard in the places she was assigned, most people were kind, and there was no phenomenon of locals bullying educated youth.
Perhaps it was because the farm was close to the military base that no one dared to go too far. If they bullied the educated youth, it would be bad if one of them went to the military base to complain.
**
Gu Xi bought far too many things. The two chickens, ducks, and rabbits alone took up a lot of space, and there were other things as well. Not only did they fill her basket, but they also filled the cloth bag she used to carry things.
Finally, things were hung not only on the front of the bicycle, but also on the back seat and on both handlebars.
Xia Xiuxiu and Ye Fenghua found it really funny, but they could understand her perspective.
"The first time I came to town for the market, I accidentally bought a lot of things. Luckily, Lao Miao came with me and helped me carry them back," Ye Fenghua recalled.
Xia Xiuxiu nodded, "That's right. If you can't buy it at the military supply and marketing cooperative, but you can buy it in town, you'll want to buy more."
Xia Xiuxiu thought for a moment and said, "How about you help us carry our things, Gu Xi, and I'll take Sister Miao back?"
Gu Xi nodded, "Okay."
They brought ropes and used them to tie the things Xia Xiuxiu and the others had bought to the back seat of the car.
As for the two cages, they were originally hung on the handlebars. Gu Xi thought for a moment and hung them on the back of the bike. It might be a bit bumpy when riding, and the chickens, ducks and rabbits would suffer. She hoped they would still be alive when they got home. If they died, she would have to eat them today!
On the way back, because they had so much stuff, they rode slowly, chatting as they rode. When they got tired, they would rest by the roadside and eat some fruit, so they weren't bored.
By the time they returned to the unit, it was already 2 p.m.
After saying goodbye to Ye Fenghua and Xia Xiuxiu, Gu Xi pushed the cart into her house.
She parked the car in the yard, went inside to rest for a while, made herself a cup of brown sugar water to replenish her energy, and then went to unload the things from the car.
Gu Xi was very concerned about her chickens, ducks, and rabbits. After checking on them, she found that although they looked a little listless, they were still alive and well, so it seemed that she could keep them.
Gu Xi placed the two cages in the shade under the pomegranate tree and moved the rest of the things to the kitchen.
She first took out the pork fat she had bought that day, put it in a vegetable basin, poured water into it to rinse it clean, then cut it into small pieces and threw it into a pot to render the oil.
Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I'm going to see a performance by a cultural troupe tonight. I need to cook it now, otherwise I'm worried the meat will spoil by tomorrow.
Gu Xi added a few slices of ginger to the pot to remove the fishy smell and started rendering lard.
Rendering lard takes time, but when it's done, the whole house smells wonderfully of it, making Gu Xi want to cook some rice and then mix it with lard – it would be so delicious!
After the lard was rendered, Gu Xi scooped out the cracklings and let the lard cool down a bit before pouring it into an oil jar.
As for the pork cracklings, some are stored in the cupboard to be used for stir-frying vegetables or making pork crackling dumplings, while others are sprinkled with sugar while still hot. They are crunchy, sweet, and fragrant, and taste delicious.
Pork cracklings can be sprinkled with sugar or salt; both make for a delicious snack.
By the time the lard was rendered, it was already quite late.
Gu Xi quickly packed up the things she had bought that day. First, she delivered the cloth she had bought for Qiao Hui's daughter to the neighbor next door. She also gave Qiao Hui some local specialty cakes that she had bought at the town market so that she could try them.
Qiao Hui was also eating it for the first time and found it very novel. She said, "I've been here for so long, but I've never been to the town market. I don't know what it's like."
She became pregnant shortly after arriving here at the beginning of the year.
After she got pregnant, she didn't go anywhere. In addition, she wasn't familiar with the people in the family compound, had no one to associate with, and no one invited her to go to the market together.
“Then let’s go together after you finish your postpartum confinement,” Gu Xi said. “I’ll take you there on my bicycle.”
She rode her bicycle back and forth today and found it wasn't too tiring; she could easily carry someone.
Qiao Hui smiled and said, "I can ride a bicycle too, so let's ride together then."
Her family doesn't have a bicycle right now, but Gao Wenbin can find someone to buy one in the city. They don't lack money or tickets, so they can afford a bicycle.
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