Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space

The two sand pear trees in the backyard are laden with bright red fruits, and the wall lined with jujube trees bears dense little red dots. The small, black-purple grapes glisten brightly in the sunlight, making them impossible to ignore. If we don’t pick them soon and encounter a rainy day, it would be such a waste.

Before, in order to enjoy the fresh corn, peanuts, and edamame, Zhou Jiao would sneak out at night with Zhang Guoqing, spending two evenings in the dark to pick the innermost fresh corn. Now, every time she returns to the backyard and sees the two tall racks used as decorations, she feels a little guilty.

A few days ago, she even overheard Aunt Zuo saying that the crackdown on those who eat raw produce was about to start again. This is linked with class struggle—who wouldn’t be scared? On the day she returned to the county town, Zhou Jiao specifically went to check the bulletin.

Every time fresh corn hits the market, a notice would be posted: Fresh corn and edamame are prohibited from being traded. If caught illegally selling less than ten ears of corn or five pounds of edamame, the goods will be confiscated.

For more than ten ears or over ten pounds, they’ll be confiscated and a fine will be imposed. If the amount is substantial and the attitude unrepentant, they’ll be handed over to the community for ideological education. If found purchasing edamame or fresh corn, a fine will also be imposed, and those who refuse will be handed over to the community.

Listen to this... isn’t that terrifying?

It’s because Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang have always trusted their youngest son for not lacking money and wouldn’t resort to the black market, otherwise, they wouldn’t help him hide it, but prevent him instead.

This is also why Old Man Wu helps with the purchase of all other fruits and vegetables except edamame and fresh corn. When compared to money and ration tickets, everyone cherishes their life more.

In order to avoid drawing attention, Zhang Guoqing even spent an afternoon replanting the crops. So, eating a bite of fresh corn comes with a huge cost.

At this moment, Zhou Jiao, ignoring Zhang Guoqing’s instructions before he left, took her son and used a bamboo pole to knock some jujubes. Watching her hit the branches wildly several times, Little Ping’an couldn’t help but shake his head.

"Shouldn’t we wait for Dad to come back?"

Zhou Jiao quickly shook her head, "Better not wait for your dad; he’s always busy. Who knows when he’ll be free."

"But you promised him."

"It’s a kind lie," Zhou Jiao rubbed her sore arm. Damn, it hurts! She caught a glimpse of her son sneaking a smile, "Baby, we need to rely on ourselves. If we let your dad handle everything, it would exhaust him."

Ping’an didn’t argue; instead, he beckoned Zhou Jiao to bend down.

He whispered in her ear, "I’ll go call the brothers over, let them eat and drink enough and ask them to help."

Zhou Jiao looked up at the fruit trees around, realizing that apart from the plums that had long been picked, there was so much left that she really couldn’t handle it all by herself.

Seeing her tempted, Ping’an quickly reassured, "Mom, if you want to play, there are plenty back home. Our house has several yards for you to enjoy."

Zhou Jiao gave him a sideways glance, "Are you sweet-talking your mom? Just go to the old courtyard. If no one’s there, come back, you hear?"

"Got it. Mom, you take a rest; I’ll be back soon."

Watching him run off quickly, Zhou Jiao hurriedly called out, "Slow down, don’t fall."

"I’ll be careful."

Watching her child go far, Zhou Jiao continued to use the bamboo pole to knock at the branches. If it weren’t for her sore arms, she felt she could finish the job soon.

While she was lost in thought, Mother Zhang came into the backyard from the front. Seeing her posture, Mother Zhang laughed heartily.

Zhou Jiao touched her hair awkwardly, "Mom, did you see Ping’an went to get his brothers?"

"I just came from your big uncle’s wife’s place and saw him run into the house. Xi Zi and the others are over in that backyard, don’t worry," Mother Zhang said while picking up another bamboo rod, "Why not let Xi Zi and them come to help? They’re all red and need to be knocked down. We used to complain about Xiao Wu planting too much, but red dates are really rare now."

"Your youngest son takes after you, so smart."

Hearing this, Mother Zhang laughed joyfully.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted for a few moments before Zhou Jiao remembered Zhang Ziwen’s wedding banquet and asked, "Mom, did Big Sister say how many tables they’re planning for tomorrow? Should we return to the county town earlier?"

Mother Zhang shook her head, "No need, the banquet is tomorrow night; going back tomorrow afternoon will be in time. Your big sister’s husband’s family needs just two tables, but it’s so few people will barely fit. She said there’s seafood this time, so they’re opening more tables, but I didn’t ask the details."

Zhou Jiao clicked her tongue inwardly: If they’re having just two tables, doesn’t that mean the whole family is going to the county town? They’re really planning on cashing in! But then, thinking their entire family was going too, it wasn’t so strange.

Hmm, can’t have double standards.

"Ziwen’s granddad is surely happy, even inviting the Old Captain and the clan head. Luckily the yard now has vegetables, or it’d be too costly otherwise."

Zhou Jiao smiled. Accountant Zhang wanting face is normal; as a grandfather, watching a promising grandson who will inherit his mantle, who wouldn’t wake up laughing from a dream.

"In my opinion, there’s no need to make such a fuss. The child’s future road is still long. Making it too lively isn’t good. It’s not like getting married; after this, your Big Sister’s household will be tight for rations."

Talking about the rations for the wedding banquet, Zhou Jiao immediately thought of something. She laughed and said, "Mom, in Beijing now, holding a wedding involves swearing in front of the Chairman’s portrait and ends with eating a piece of wedding candy. I gave several presents last year, and only one family held a banquet in the cafeteria, one whole wheat mantou per person, three vegetarian dishes and one meat dish, plus a cabbage soup for a table of twelve. Before I even moved my chopsticks much, only a bowl of soup was left."

After hearing this, Mother Zhang put down the bamboo pole, frowned and shook her head, "A married daughter is like water thrown out; as her own family, it’s hard for me to say anything. I wonder if your Big Sister is aware?"

Zhou Jiao suddenly regretted slapping herself; her mother-in-law had misunderstood.

She quickly explained, "Mom, each place has its own customs, and Big Sister will definitely follow our local practices. She does things so that no one can criticize her. Didn’t Brother go to the county town today? He’ll surely visit Big Sister. With him there, nothing will go wrong."

"Oh, you mentioning that rascal makes me worry more, not less. Won’t he take on too much and run off to organize everything? Why is he so silly?"

Zhou Jiao saw her mother-in-law pacing with impatience, and hearing the voices of Xi Zi and the others outside, she gave up on working by herself and took Mother Zhang’s arm to walk outside.

As she walked, she reassured, "Mom, Brother has attended many banquets, and there’s nothing about them he doesn’t know. Besides, Big Sister’s in-laws are there; Brother doesn’t meddle in their Zhang family affairs. Rest assured, didn’t I just say? Your youngest takes after you; he’s very smart."

"Little Aunt, why didn’t you call us over?"

"Exactly, you and Grandma go rest. We’ll handle it before mealtime."

Looking at these kids, Zhou Jiao smiled and nodded, "Alright. Be careful and stay safe. This afternoon I’ll steam some red date cakes for you to taste."

Little Zuo You jumped up happily, "Little Auntie, steam a lot."

"Little Auntie, this afternoon we’re going to catch loaches and snails."

"Okay."

"You’re just spoiling them. After you’re done, call out from the old courtyard," Mother Zhang said and then looked at Zhou Jiao, "Come, let’s see how your eldest sister-in-law plans to give gifts; you can follow along."

Zhou Jiao quietly chided herself for being so absent-minded today. If she had known discussing gifts was involved, she might as well have stayed with the kids to pick fruit.