Yang Yufen ducked into the warm shed and picked out the plumpest chicken to slaughter. She had originally planned to fatten it up a bit more for the New Year, but now that her daughter-in-law’s needs took priority, she figured the two or three pounds it already weighed would be enough for a stew. Buying meat was such a hassle—killing one of their own chickens was much quicker.
After cleaning it thoroughly—still much meatier than a pigeon—she set it to stew on the stove. Then, Yang Yufen hopped onto her tricycle, ready to head to the market for another look around.
She had barely stepped out when someone called out to stop her.
“Aunt Yang! Aunt Yang!”
“Oh, it’s you! If you’re returning the stove, just leave it at the security office. I’ll pick it up later.”
She recognized Little Zhang.
“Yes, Auntie. This is a New Year’s gift for you—I’m sending it early because I might be too busy later to visit. And thank you again for your help.”
Yang Yufen was about to refuse, but when she saw it was a bundle of crucian carp fillets, she couldn’t say no.
“Alright then. Next year, when the honeyed sweet potatoes are ready, if you still want to sell them, I’ll reserve some for you. The farmer who grows them is my godson—you won’t find them anywhere else.”
“Really? That’s wonderful! If you like these carp, I can bring you more. They’re raised in my cousin’s village.”
“I can’t take them for free. My daughter-in-law is pregnant, so I’m trying to gather as much good food as I can.”
“They’ll be clearing the ponds at the end of the year. If you have a place to keep them, I’ll see if I can get you some eels or loaches too.”
Little Zhang’s mind worked fast—he could ask his cousin to deliver the fish, make another trip himself, and secure next year’s roasted sweet potato business in one go. What a deal!
“That sounds perfect. I’ll prepare a vat. Here’s five yuan upfront—if there are any big fish, bring a few of those too. I can make cured fish. And don’t worry about the stove—if you need it, you can keep using it.”
“Auntie, take the money back. Honestly, I was hoping to borrow the stove a bit longer, but I didn’t want to trouble you if you needed it.”
“Then how about this: if there’s plenty of fish, I’ll ask around to see who else might want some. Come back tomorrow morning at this time, and I’ll let you know how much we need.”
“That’s fantastic! My cousin will be grateful.”
Little Zhang’s eldest nephew had already joined him in selling roasted sweet potatoes. They’d even started offering roasted peanuts, chestnuts, and popcorn, and business was booming.
When Little Zhang returned, he told his nephew the news.
“Uncle, really? I can set up my own stall now?”
“Yes. I’ve already talked to Aunt Yang about continuing to rent the stove—no charge this time. Her daughter-in-law is pregnant, so she’s looking for fish and meat to nourish her.”
“I’ll go tell Dad right away. It’s not like that pond of his brings in much money anyway.”
“You’d better watch your mouth—if not for that pond, how would your family have raised all of you?”
“Heh, I just don’t want him to work so hard. Mom’s already worn herself sick.”
Like uncle, like nephew.
With the fish secured, Yang Yufen wasn’t in a hurry to buy meat anymore.
She went back and grabbed another chicken—this time, she didn’t slaughter it. Instead, she stuffed it into a basket and took it to the Wang family.
One chicken was as good as eaten, and one more wouldn’t make much difference. Sister Wang’s greenhouse had more vegetables than she could use, and since she’d been living alone, she hadn’t bothered raising chickens. But now that two more people had joined the household, they could manage a few.
“Godmother!”
“Fang Fen, you’re home today?”
“I’ve been off since yesterday. How’s Niannian? I was just about to visit when you showed up.”
Fang Fen lifted the curtain to let Yang Yufen inside.
“She’s doing well, just worn out from work. Luckily, she’s on leave now—she’ll rest up properly after the New Year before going back.”
Yang Yufen’s smile never faded—clearly, she wasn’t forcing it. Things must really be fine.
“Here, I brought you a little hen. The kids can keep it as a pet. In a couple of months, when it’s warmer, she’ll start laying eggs.”
“What’s this for? We haven’t even visited you yet, and you’re already bringing us a chicken?”
Aunt Wang glared at Yang Yufen, though without any real anger.
“I came to ask your daughter-in-law for a favor. Besides, my garden’s barely keeping up with feeding the ones I have—sending one your way lightens my load.”
“Godmother, the furniture in this house was all made by you. If you need something sewn, it’s the least I can do. A live chicken that lays eggs is too much!”
Fang Fen was stunned. This was a real, egg-laying hen—what an extravagant gift!
“There’s quite a bit to make, and I don’t know how to use a sewing machine. It’ll be a lot of work for you.”
Yang Yufen didn’t give Fang Fen a chance to refuse. She handed the chicken to Yaoyao.
Yaoyao was delighted, though hesitant at first—until Aunt Wang spoke up.
“If Yaoyao likes it, we’ll keep it. No need to stand on ceremony with Grandma Yang.”
“Thank you, Grandma! Thank you, Grandma Yang! I love her!”
Yaoyao hugged the little hen, then dug out a strip of floral fabric and tied it into a bow around the chicken’s neck.
“What exactly do you need made, Godmother?”
Seeing how happy the child was, Fang Fen stopped protesting.
“Four crib sheets, six swaddling blankets, and some baby clothes.”
Yang Yufen had already calculated the quantities. Hand-stitching would take too long, and the seams wouldn’t be as tight as those from a sewing machine.
“Why so many?”
Aunt Wang was puzzled. Even doting grandparents didn’t usually prepare this much.
“Niannian’s carrying twins. We can’t have too many supplies. But don’t let this news spread—I don’t want anyone getting any bad ideas, like that Miss Yi from Niannian’s workplace. She’s got a nasty streak.”
Yang Yufen lowered her voice.
“That’s wonderful news! You’re right to be cautious. Niannian must take good care of herself. Honestly, you should’ve kept the hen for her.”
Aunt Wang fully agreed with Yang Yufen’s prudence.
“One less won’t matter. I’ve found a source for fish—I’ll buy plenty to make cured fish. Eels and loaches are just as nourishing as chicken.”
Yang Yufen waved it off.
“Mom, don’t you like fish? Let’s get some too. I know how to cure them.”
Fang Fen chimed in.
With the New Year approaching, the supply coop had more meat than usual, but it was also harder to snag—every family wanted extra dishes on their holiday table.
The coop sold fish too, but if you arrived late, you’d miss out.
“Sounds good.”
Aunt Wang did enjoy fish.
“Then decide how much you want. The seller’s coming tomorrow morning—I’ll let him know. I’ll also ask Sister Liu. I’m getting a lot, enough to share with Niannian’s master and his wife.”
Once they tallied it up, the combined orders from their three families, plus relatives and close colleagues, came to two hundred pounds.
Yang Yufen worried whether there’d be enough fish to go around.
“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll bring it all by 8:30 tonight, right here.”
Little Zhang thumped his chest in assurance.
Good thing he’d sent his nephew back with a sizable order. He’d make sure Aunt Yang’s group got first pick.
