Zhang Han didn’t speak. Although she was only twelve, she was the adult at home, always knowing when to keep quiet. The friendly-looking neighbors might not really be friendly after all.
She represented not just herself, but also her father, Director Zhang. Therefore, she definitely couldn’t speak carelessly.
She silently wrapped dumplings, her movements swift. Placing the filling on the dough, and with a pinch here and a press there, she formed a beautiful dumpling with neat pleats and a plump, festive appearance.
"Zhang Han, why aren’t you speaking?"
He Hua was always talkative. Usually, when she saw Zhang Han, the girl was talkative too. Why was she quiet today?
"It’s nothing, just craving dumplings. I’m eager to finish wrapping them. It’s not easy to get to eat dumplings here." Framing it as a craving successfully diverted their attention away from her.
"Who doesn’t eat dumplings even when it’s not the New Year’s? It will be New Year’s soon. The New Year’s here is different from ours. It snows in our place, but it still feels like springtime here, and the food is different too, not much noodles. I’m really not used to it."
All of them came from different parts of the country, but because of the troop, most of them, following An Zhiyuan’s group, were from the north. Thus, most of their wives were from the north too, and indeed, they weren’t accustomed to living here.
"Hey, are you going back for New Year’s? I’m not. My child’s father is there, and where he is, that’s our home," Shu Yun sighed. Their hardship lay in the constant moving with their men.
In that place, they had to move along too, otherwise staying alone at home meant an even harder life.
"Not going back. Last year just happened to be his father’s holiday, so we went back to see his parents and my parents. Not this year; it’s too expensive to go back, and when we do, the food and sleep aren’t good. The whole family ends up unsettled. Not making the trip this year," He Hua shook her head.
Liu Yun nudged Bai Xiao, "You really have guts, not afraid of offending that Sister Wei with such talk?"
She and Bai Xiao were different. Her own husband was just a team leader, not involved in the higher level issues. But Bai Xiao’s husband was Chief An, whose stature could easily be marred by idle talk among the subordinates.
"She thinks the same way as you, that’s why she is so bold. Chief An’s reputation isn’t built by his wife; it’s his own ability that does that. I know my man well; I don’t have the capability to perform logistical work well. I just live life for a comfortable self. If I had to suppress and suffocate myself for that, I’d rather not be married," Bai Xiao scooped out the tripe from the pot.
"You, spoiled by Chief An!" Liu Yun chuckled, envious.
"If not me, whom else would Chief An spoil?" Bai Xiao felt her skin had become quite thick now.
"Disgusting! Stop making us jealous here," Liu Yun was chopping vegetables.
Bai Xiao felt blissful; truly, An Zhiyuan did spoil her a lot, always standing by her side regardless of right or wrong, always believing in her. Such profound trust.
It was also a profoundly touching happiness. If An Zhiyuan were here today, he probably wouldn’t care about his own dignity either and would protect her. This was a lifetime worth cherishing, not to be wasted on tolerating or accommodating anyone else.