My Wife is the Vicious Supporting Character from an Era Novel - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Long, Strong Fingers

A short time after arriving in the countryside, Shen Niannian runs out of the 200 yuan she stole from her parents. She blames Wen Miao for this, a woman she describes as beautiful but exceptionally mean, who had an outburst over a borrowed dress. Shen Niannian believes Wen Miao is only being so aggressive because she’s run out of money, but with Ji Baiqing on Wen Miao’s side, Shen Niannian knows she has to give the money back if she wants to live peacefully in the village.

Needing a way to earn money, Shen Niannian turns to the black market, selling food. She borrows a bicycle and makes delicious, fluffy steamed buns with ingredients she bought with her remaining money and mushrooms she foraged from the mountain. Her buns are an instant hit, and she makes an easy five yuan in half a day—a good sum, considering a city worker’s salary is only 10 or 20 yuan a month. She makes a weekly trip to the black market.

One day, she runs into Lu Yan at the market. He recognizes her and buys a bun, and she agrees to give him food to keep him quiet. As she gets to know him, she learns about his wealthy family background and superior looks. She realizes that if she dates him, she could return to the city with him.

Guided by a strange feeling that there’s a treasure on the mountain, she goes to search for it, and Lu Yan, who happens to be nearby, joins her. After they pick some mint leaves, Shen Niannian feels drawn to a spot on the mountain, where she digs excitedly. She only finds a pile of rotting snake carcasses, and a sense of loss overcomes her, as if something that belonged to her has been taken.

…

Seven days later, Wen Miao’s bug repellent is ready. Ji Baiqing tries it, putting a few drops on a mosquito bite. The sensation is cool and the scent is lovely. Wen Miao is happy with her success, and Ji Baiqing praises her, but Wen Miao playfully tells her that her compliments have no value because she says them for everything.

The next day, Wen Miao asks to go to town with Ji Baiqing to mail a letter to her family. Ji Baiqing is hesitant, as her work as a butcher starts early, but she agrees. At the food station, Wen Miao decides not to stay in Director Xia’s office, insisting on staying with Ji Baiqing instead. Ji Baiqing warns her to look away if the sight of bl00d bothers her and to ignore anyone who tries to talk to her.

Wen Miao, however, is captivated by Ji Baiqing. She watches her every move, mesmerized by the powerful, graceful lines of her muscles as she works. Ji Baiqing looks incredibly attractive as she quickly and expertly butchers the pig. When she is done, Wen Miao gives her a thumbs-up and mouths, “You’re so amazing.”

Wen Miao stays by Ji Baiqing’s side, complimenting her. “You’re so powerful, A Qing,” she says. “Your arm muscles are beautiful, and your fingers are so long and strong.” Ji Baiqing smiles proudly and agrees.

With Wen Miao’s presence, the pork sells out even faster than usual. Wen Miao tells Ji Baiqing she wants to help her every time she works, but Ji Baiqing gently tries to refuse, saying Wen Miao would get bored eventually. Wen Miao, however, insists, saying she just wants to be with her. Ji Baiqing, unable to say no to Wen Miao’s sweet words, gives in.

Ji Baiqing gets her first paycheck: 35 yuan, along with her meat and grain coupons. She asks Director Xia to exchange some of her grain coupons for fabric coupons. Director Xia agrees, giving her 10 feet of fabric coupons for 20 catties of grain coupons.

Ji Baiqing takes Wen Miao to the supply store, telling her to pick out a dress. Wen Miao is touched that Ji Baiqing would exchange so much food for a dress she only mentioned in passing. Ji Baiqing reassures her that they have enough to eat and that she can always earn more. Wen Miao, holding back tears, chooses a simple red dress. Ji Baiqing feels it’s a bit plain, but Wen Miao says she will alter it. She also buys a bolt of red fabric. Ji Baiqing adds some candy to her purchase before paying. She feels proud, but a little sad to see how little money she has left.

On the way to the post office, Wen Miao sees Shen Niannian and Lu Yan in a small alley. They are very close, and Wen Miao points them out to Ji Baiqing. Ji Baiqing, feeling mischievous, cups her hands around her mouth and shouts, “There’s a hooligan kissing someone in that alley!” She laughs, grabbing Wen Miao and riding away on her bike as people rush to look.

Later, they see Shen Niannian and Lu Yan again. Shen Niannian accuses them of being the ones who shouted. Ji Baiqing coolly denies it, and Lu Yan insults them for being “hicks.” Wen Miao retorts, “If you look down on country folk, then don’t eat the food they grow.” Ji Baiqing pulls her away, calling the other two “stupid pigs.”

At home, Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao open the package from Wen Miao’s family. Ji Baiqing is shocked to see a radio. Wen Miao says her aunt probably sent it to keep her from getting bored. They turn it on, and a storytelling program fills the room. They also find clothing, malted milk, and cigarettes. Wen Miao’s aunt’s letter thanks Ji Baiqing for her care. Wen Miao gives the clothes to Ji Baiqing and her parents.

That night at dinner, the family listens to the radio. After dinner, He Xiangyue proudly shows off the new radio, and soon the whole village comes to the Ji family’s home to listen to it. He Xiangyue keeps a close eye on the radio, making sure no one touches it.

Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao retreat to their room, where Wen Miao begins sewing. She is making a dress for Ji Baiqing out of the red fabric she bought. Ji Baiqing is thrilled. She thinks to herself that Wen Miao is a “wife-level” friend.