"When I came over, Han Yi didn’t mention it, so I brought everything I needed."
"Men in the military are always training and rarely think about these things. Tomorrow is the last market day before the New Year. I’ll come by at seven to take you there and show you around."
"Thank you, Saozi. I planned to visit your place today. My mom fried some fish for me, and I thought I’d bring you one. They’re ready to be used for braising or soup." Lin Wan said, placing the fish wrapped in newspaper into the basket Zhang Cuiping had brought. Fried foods were something to be treasured these days.
Especially since they were soaked in oil.
"Oh, no, you just moved here, you’ll need to rely on yourselves for food and supplies. The distribution from the unit isn’t much, we’re all stretching it. I can’t accept it." To get a fish, they wouldn’t have such luck often. Though Old Huang sometimes went to the mountains with Pidan to catch some, those fish were much smaller.
"I won’t be here long. Han Yi often mentions he used to eat at your place a lot. If you don’t see me as an outsider, don’t be polite with me."
"Alright, I’ll accept the fish then."
Zhang Cuiping chatted with Lin Wan a little while longer. Seeing it was getting late, she left with Pidan. As she was leaving, Lin Wan stuffed Pidan’s pockets with sunflower seeds and candies, sending him off happily.
When Han Yi returned home, Lin Wan had already cooked porridge and stir-fried some potatoes with meat. Han Yi placed the distributed supplies from the unit in the kitchen.
"The vegetables from the military are brought from town. Whenever a vehicle is going to town, you can write a note for the procurement soldier to bring back what you need. We each have a share of the garden plot behind our home, enough to grow vegetables for us when spring comes." Han Yi washed his hands and helped set the table.
"I’m not here often, let Sister-in-law Zhang help plant it. I’ll eat from it occasionally when I visit. Sister-in-law Zhang mentioned a local market nearby, she’s taking me tomorrow."
"Market?" Han Yi was clearly unaware.
Lin Wan smiled and explained about the market. "Oh, that’s convenient," Han Yi said, putting down the bowl, and handed Lin Wan several tickets from his pocket. "These were issued by the unit over the last few months. I haven’t used them. I lent a few cloth tickets to a comrade recently, but the rest are here."
Lin Wan glanced at the tickets for grains, oil, and cloth; the variety seemed complete. "Sister-in-law Zhang said we can buy things at the local market without tickets. Let’s save these for when we return to town." In the city, except for the early market she knew, most shopping required tickets.
Han Yi affectionately ruffled Lin Wan’s hair, smiling, "As you wish."
Lin Wan blushed at his gesture, focused on eating, and didn’t continue talking to him.
After dinner, Lin Wan washed up the dishes in the sink with warm water. Han Yi heated half a pot of water and also warmed the kang bed.
While the water was heating, they sat together on small stools in the kitchen, washing their feet.
Lin Wan tidied up and applied some oil to her hands. Seeing Han Yi carrying a basin of hot water to the inner room, Lin Wan instantly understood his intentions, lowering her head in embarrassment.
She wondered if she could conceive after being here for half a month.