On the evening of September 30th, Yu Jihong and Fang Sandi were preparing for their stall the next morning. They kneaded the dough for fried dough sticks, soaked the rice for rice balls, prepared the side dishes for the rice balls, and put everything they needed to bring together.
“Fang Yu is on holiday for National Day today, and with the weekend, she’ll be home alone for four days. We live too far apart. If it were closer, we would ask her to come over by car. We haven’t seen each other for a month,” Yu Jihong said, cutting up some dried radish.
“Yes, it takes a whole day to travel by car, it’s too far.” Fang Sandi put a ball of kneaded dough into the earthenware basin, continuing Yu Jihong’s words.
"When we graduate from junior high, we'll see what schools are available here, like high school or vocational school, so we can look out for each other."
"good."
They went to bed early, as they had to get up early the next day.
The rain was pounding loudly before dawn.
The two of them quickly loaded things onto the cart: a heavy rice steamer, chopped dried radish and pickled vegetables, dough kneaded the night before, a large iron pot for frying dough sticks, and finally a thick plastic sheet that they propped up on the roof of the cart with bamboo poles, which served as a "rain shelter" for the breakfast stall.
Fang Sandi put on a raincoat and pushed the tricycle, with Yu Jihong supporting him from the side. Raindrops pattered on the plastic sheet, and their trouser legs were quickly soaked.
Upon arriving at the usual spot, without even wiping the rain from his face, he quickly set up the stove and started a fire. The flames of the coal stove, enveloped in smoke, flickered in the rain.
Fang Sandi poured oil into the large iron pot. When the oil started to smoke, it was about time to start frying the dough sticks. The oil in the pot sizzled, but the rain was restless. The wind carried the raindrops and tried to get under the plastic sheet. Occasionally, a few drops would fall into the oil and splash up. Fang Sandi instinctively pulled his hand back.
"Third brother, be careful not to get splashed with oil." Yu Jihong kneaded a rice ball on the side. "It's fine to come out on a sunny day, but it's really a hardship on a rainy day. Let's save up some money, and when we have enough capital, let's find a shop to start a business."
“Okay, setting up a stall on a rainy day is really tiring.” Fang Sandi wiped the rain and grease from his face.
"By the way, we'll find a shop to work at wherever Fang Yu is studying."
"Yes, that's good. We've done the business, and we don't have to worry about her being alone."
Their shoes were filled with water, and their feet were wrinkled from being soaked. As they watched the fried dough sticks and noodles on the cart and the rice in the steamer gradually decrease, their hope of saving money to open a shop grew stronger.
The next day, Fang Meili took Yuan Fangfang back to the county town first, and her father took her to the town.
Fang Yu picked a large cabbage from the field and came back. She saw Fang Meixiang's father riding over with her younger sister Tingting sitting in front of him. "Grandpa Dongqiang!" Fang Yu called out.
"Dad, stop!" Fang Meili hurriedly jumped down from behind.
"Aunt Meryl, you're back?"
"Fang Yu, can you still grow vegetables at home by yourself?"
“My mom and her family planted it when they were at home. I’m on vacation these days, so I’m going to pick one.”
"Fang Yu, Tingting is here too. She's been at her grandma's house for the past few days. Come and visit."
"Okay, it's been a long time since I've seen Tingting."
"Yes, come and play with her. How's your mom's business outside?"
"She wrote to say she was alright."
"Fang Yu, you're home alone. If you need anything, come to Dongqiang's grandparents." Fang Meili looked at him and said with some heartache.
"OK."
"You're really amazing. Mom and Dad went out, and you were home alone." Fang Meili patted Fang Yu on the shoulder. "I'll be going now. I have to go back to the county town later."
"Okay, goodbye!" Fang Yu waved to them.
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