Chapter 11

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It really did smell wonderful. The only unpleasant part was that when someone came home and saw the oil jar, he immediately blew his top.

“Oh, good heavens! You people are far too wasteful!” Xu Yingxia smacked her son twice on the shoulder. “You used that much oil for one meal? You really are something!”

“It wasn’t me...” Jiang Xiaozhou muttered, but did not continue.

After being slapped twice already, what else was there to say? If he made his second sister angry, he would only get hit a few more times.

“You tell me whether it tastes good or not.” Jiang Shuangshuang placed a piece of braised crucian carp belly into her mother’s bowl, then turned the fish over and picked off the belly on the other side as well.

“With all that oil and soy sauce, and a fish this big, how could it not taste good?” Xu Yingxia looked at the fish in her bowl, but in the end did not put it back.

The younger son, who had not received the best cuts, did not mind in the slightest. He was busy burying his head in his food.

“Then eat more.” Jiang Shuangshuang shoveled rice into her mouth. “After we finish, I still have to make another trip.”

“At this hour?” Xu Yingxia glanced at the darkening sky. “Won’t it be too late?”

“Late is better.” Jiang Shuangshuang explained, “There are fewer people around at night, so we’re less likely to attract attention. Besides, the water will only be high for a few days. Once it recedes, we’ll have to wait until next year.”

There were only a few such days each year, so naturally she wanted to make the most of them.

“Why don’t I come with you?” Xu Yingxia asked, still worried.

“Don’t worry. Xiaozhou is coming with me.”

Jiang Xiaozhou finally raised his head and nodded repeatedly. “I’ll definitely take good care of Big Sis.”

Jiang Shuangshuang added, “If it really gets too late, I’ll ask Uncle Grasshopper to take us home. Don’t worry. I won’t risk my life recklessly.”

Having been given a second chance at life, who knew whether there would ever be a third? She cherished her life quite dearly.

Fishing at night went more smoothly than she had imagined.

The night was cold and gloomy. There was neither light nor illumination on this side, and even if fish passed nearby, they might not be able to find them. Most likely, they would end up working for nothing. Hardly anyone came this way, which meant they had the place almost entirely to themselves.

That made fishing much easier.

Since it was night, Uncle Grasshopper and the others would not let Jiang Xiaozhou enter the water. He and Jiang Xiaozhou each held a flashlight, directing the beams toward the surface and providing the only light for the fishermen.

“Don’t move. Wait a little longer.”

“I didn’t expect there to be so many fish here.”

“They’ve all grown remarkably plump.”

Although this was only their second time using baskets to catch fish underwater, they had come early that evening and practiced repeatedly in the water. This time, they moved far more efficiently than they had on their first attempt.

Before long, they had swept the fish into the baskets.

By the time the bait in the lunchbox was gone, they had caught nearly twenty crucian carp. The smallest weighed more than two pounds. There had been smaller ones, but they had thrown those back into the water.

Jiang Shuangshuang took five fish home. Behind her room was a narrow covered corridor, sealed off at both ends and accessible only through the rear window. It was an excellent place for drying clothes and vegetables.

Now it could be used to dry a few fish for later.

As for the rest, she would have Uncle Grasshopper exchange them for cloth and cotton batting.

The first day’s catch was excellent. Then came the second and third days. Nearly twenty fish hung drying in the little corridor, and every time Xu Yingxia came or went from work, she had to look at them twice, marveling that their family had managed to accumulate such a substantial reserve.

They also exchanged some of the fish for cloth and cotton batting.

To have obtained so much at once, the Grasshopper family must have gone to considerable trouble.

Their circumstances were much like the Jiang family’s had been: many mouths to feed but little income. Otherwise, the several adult men would not have come to the ditch every day, hoping to try their luck.

Now that they had caught so many crucian carp, they could either keep them for food or exchange them for other daily necessities. Everyone in the family was beaming with joy, and they were immensely grateful to the “Sister Shuangshuang” their son Grasshopper kept talking about.

That evening, while the group rested on the bank, Uncle Grasshopper suddenly said, “Comrade Jiang, would you be willing to exchange some of your bait? Quite a few people have been asking us about it these past two days.”

They were busy at the ditch at night, but they had not been idle during the day either.

The trouble was that daytime fishing depended entirely on luck. After several days of effort, the three brothers had caught only two fish.

He continued, “It’s not that nobody has brought bait to try, but none of it works as well as the bait you make yourself. A few people asked us to speak to you. They want to trade things for some.”

Jiang Shuangshuang thought for a moment. “Forget it. If you need to use it in the future, have Grasshopper tell me. But don’t trade it outside.”

Earning a little extra money was harmless, but she did not intend to get involved in a long-term business.

It might be called an exchange, but if anyone started keeping accounts too carefully, trouble could easily follow.

Uncle Grasshopper had no intention of trying to persuade her. They were not especially close to begin with, and his family had only cooperated with them because of Grasshopper. If he kept talking and made himself unwelcome, that would be foolish.

“We’ve rested enough. Let’s use up the last of the bait.”

The three brothers stood and entered the water one after another.

After figuring out the pattern over the past few days, they went into the water three times each night. They had to space the attempts farther apart; once the surface had grown calm again, the next round of bait would attract more crucian carp.

They dropped the bait beneath the water and waited quietly for the fish to “take the hook.”

As they waited, Uncle Grasshopper suddenly noticed something strange on the bank. Narrowing his eyes, he peered into the darkness and said uncertainly, “Did someone come?”

His two brothers looked over as well. Because of the darkness, they could not see clearly, but there were indeed several figures approaching Jiang Shuangshuang’s position.

“Are they here to catch fish?”

“Something feels wrong. I... You bastards, stop right there!”

As he spoke, the figures bent down and appeared to seize something. Uncle Grasshopper had no time to think about the fish anymore. He and his brothers desperately swam toward the bank.

The ditch was not wide, but the fish were more plentiful in the deeper sections.

They were at least twenty yards from shore. Those people had probably waited until the fishermen entered the water, leaving only one woman and two half-grown boys on the bank. It was the perfect opportunity to steal from them.

The three Grasshopper uncles swam with all their strength, but they still could not reach the shore immediately.

When they were only halfway there, they heard the sounds of a fight breaking out. The figures were all tall and thin. How could Comrade Jiang and two adolescent boys possibly defeat them?

Faster!

They had to swim faster!

In truth, the entire episode did not take as long as it seemed. Swimming twenty-odd yards to shore took no more than two minutes, and running from there to Jiang Shuangshuang took roughly another minute. The whole process lasted less than four minutes.

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But when they reached the scene, the sight before them left them dumbfounded.

“This... what...?”

There had been four robbers, and all four were now sprawled on the ground, unable to move.

Jiang Xiaozhou had one foot planted on a man’s lower back. He pulled off his own belt and expertly bound the man, muttering as he worked, “Blind fools! You dared to rob our fish? You really should have seen how—how impressive Big Sis is!”

Grasshopper followed his example. He had never tied anyone up before, but he learned quickly. His trousers hung loosely around his waist, and he had taken out the drawstring to use as a rope. His dark face was filled with excitement.

“Are you all right?”

“We’re fine!” Grasshopper grinned. “Uncle, you should have seen it. Sister Shuangshuang is incredible. A few swift moves, and every one of them was flat on the ground, unable to move.”

This was not the first time he had seen Sister Shuangshuang in action, but he never grew tired of it. His eyes were full of admiration.

Uncle Grasshopper and the others finally understood what their nephew had said before.

At first, they had assumed he had exaggerated. But after looking at the arms of these tall, thin men, it was obvious they possessed some strength. If the uncles had faced them, they might not have been able to subdue them in three or four minutes.

“What should we do with these people now that we’ve caught them?” Little Uncle Grasshopper frowned. “They must have been watching us for some time.”

“Take them straight to the police station.” Jiang Shuangshuang lifted her chin toward the bamboo knife lying off to one side. Its blade was exceptionally sharp. “They even dared to bring knives. If we don’t send people like this away for reform, who knows how rotten they’ll become.”

She had her principles. She did not drag just anyone to the police station.

But she would never let people who used knives to rob others off the hook.

The men lying on the ground had been groaning in pain, but the moment they heard the words “police station,” they forgot all about their injuries and began begging desperately.

“No, no, we won’t do it again! We absolutely won’t!”

“It was all a misunderstanding. The knife was only for cutting fish. We didn’t dare hurt anyone!”

“Please! I have elderly parents above me and young children below me. Please don’t take us to the police station...”

They cried and pleaded, making themselves sound as pitiful as possible.

But when they realized that nobody was softening, their feigned misery instantly vanished. Their faces became vicious, and they began issuing threats.

“You little bitch, if you dare take me to the police station, I swear I’ll kill you—ah! Ah—”

One kick knocked out two of his front teeth.

Jiang Shuangshuang crouched down and smiled at them. “Go on. Say it.”

“...”

“......”

A night breeze swept over the ditch, and the area fell completely silent.

The four men, who had just been beaten severely, did not dare make another sound. As they were dragged toward the police station, they trembled from head to toe, as though going to the police station was safer than remaining anywhere near this demon of a woman.

When they reached the vicinity of the entrance, they saw that the building ahead was brightly lit. It looked as though the officers were working overtime on a case.

Jiang Shuangshuang suddenly remembered something and asked, “Grasshopper, how have things been around the railroad tracks these past few days?”

“Pretty good.” Grasshopper nodded. “There aren’t as many people as before. I went there yesterday and picked up nearly half a basket.”

There were fewer people than before?

Jiang Shuangshuang thought that perhaps those people had already accomplished their purpose, finished their assignment, and left.

“Sister Shuangshuang, will you still go to the railroad tracks in the future?” Grasshopper asked curiously. He thought Sister Shuangshuang was incredibly capable. Even if she stopped collecting coal cinders, she could find other work and earn money.

“I will.” Of course Jiang Shuangshuang would go.

While she still had free time, she intended to enjoy herself properly. Once she took over a job, she would have to run to the factory every day.

She had actually prepared for taking over the position long ago.

As for finding a marriage prospect...

She did not think Cheng Jin, the man Jiang Qing kept mentioning, was a good choice. Nor did she believe she could meet a suitable man within a month. Taking over the job and beginning work was the best destination available to her in the short term.

So she had to cherish these last days of freedom.

“Well, Little Jiang, have you caught another thief?” Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, gave a light chuckle. “The people inside will certainly be pleased. The end of the month is almost here, and they still haven’t met their quota.”

“They’re armed robbers. A vicious lot.”

The four men being dragged behind her nearly burst into tears, especially the one who had been kicked hard enough to lose two front teeth. He almost choked with outrage. Who, exactly, was vicious here?

Old Zhang narrowed his eyes. “They’ve got quite a nerve, carrying weapons while committing robbery.”

Jiang Shuangshuang asked curiously, “Old sir, is the station very busy? Why is it lit up so brightly?”

“Busy? How could it not be?” Old Zhang leaned closer and lowered his voice. “But it’s good news. After a while, Director Wei will have to treat everyone to a meal. I’ll have Little Fu come and call you then.”

Jiang Shuangshuang had never been shy about accepting a free meal, so she agreed without hesitation.

“All right. Go turn in your task. Little Fu is inside.”

Jiang Shuangshuang nodded and led the others in.

Behind her, Uncle Grasshopper and his nephew were both stunned. They had never expected her to be so familiar with the people at the police station. She was truly impressive.

If it had been them facing uniformed officers like these, they would have been so frightened that their voices would have trembled.

The group had just entered the courtyard when Old Zhang suddenly slapped the table.

“Look at my memory! How could I forget something so important?”

Earlier, he had been thinking that he must tell Little Jiang some wonderful news when he saw her.

But once she arrived, conversation had carried him away, and the matter had completely slipped his mind.

After hesitating for a moment, he ultimately did not follow them inside.

“Forget it. I’ll tell her sooner or later. A couple more days won’t hurt.”

Jiang Shuangshuang, who had just started up the stairs, had no idea that she had missed some news.

She climbed toward the third floor with practiced familiarity.

As they reached the landing, Jiang Xiaozhou tugged at her sleeve. “Big Sis, look. That’s the thief you caught before.”

Jiang Shuangshuang turned her head. Her eyes met those of a certain man. She gave him a slight nod in greeting and continued upstairs.

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Gu Gaofei saw the two siblings as well. “Hey, what a coincidence. Brother Cheng, did you see them? They’re the brother and sister we met by the railroad tracks.”

Cheng Jin had seen them.

Or rather, it would have been difficult not to notice them.

The woman led the way, followed by two boys dragging four bound men whose faces bore obvious injuries. Wherever such a group went, they were bound to attract attention.

“You know Little Jiang?” Director Wei approached and handed over a dossier. He continued, “Thank you both for your cooperation this time. With the evidence you submitted, there shouldn’t be any problems with the case.”

He patted Cheng Jin on the shoulder. “Good lad. You have a bright future ahead of you.”

They were already familiar with one another, so there was no need for empty formalities. Returning to the subject he had begun with, he said, “By the way, you know Comrade Jiang? A woman who gives no ground to any man. She’s quite remarkable. Our station received the highest score in last month’s quota, and she contributed at least thirty percent of the effort.”

Gu Gaofei was curious. “She helped catch thieves?”

Director Wei nodded. “You haven’t answered me. How did you meet her?”

“...” Gu Gaofei did not want to say. He could hardly admit that he had nearly become one of the thieves she caught.

It was rather embarrassing.

“We met by the railroad tracks,” Cheng Jin answered briefly.

“The railroad tracks? Then that explains it. She goes there to collect coal cinders whenever she has nothing else to do.” Director Wei led them forward. “Little Jiang is an interesting person. The first time we dealt with her, she helped capture a spy, so the station gave her a reward. But she misunderstood and assumed that helping catch criminals always earned rewards. A couple of days later, she brought us a thief...”

The incident was rather amusing.

After turning in the thief, Little Jiang was praised over and over by the officer receiving her.

Everyone assumed the matter would end there. But she simply sat down and did not leave. Since they could not exactly ask her to go, the deputy director eventually figured it out. He took money from his own pocket, wrapped it in red paper, and gave it to her. Only then did she leave happily.

Of course, that was not the last time they saw her.

Not long afterward, she caught two traffickers who had been stealing children from a hospital. Director Wei continued, “Cooperation between the people and the police is a good thing, especially when citizens like Comrade Jiang have some real fighting ability. Besides, it wasn’t appropriate to keep making the deputy director pay out of his own pocket. So the station held a meeting especially for her and created an incentive program called ‘Acts of Courage.’”

In a way, she had changed the station’s system through her own efforts.

Gu Gaofei suddenly felt that there was no reason for him to be embarrassed.

She might be a woman, but she was capable in every respect. Even being defeated by her was nothing to be ashamed of.

“She just caught four more, didn’t she? Was her family perhaps running a martial arts school? How is she so skilled?”

“No. She lives in the textile factory’s residential compound. Her family consists of ordinary, honest people.” As he spoke, Director Wei ushered them into the office and shifted the conversation to arrangements for what came next.

Their joint investigation with the army had gone exceptionally well.

The more they talked, the more satisfied Director Wei became with Cheng Jin. Once everything had been discussed, his expression took on a hint of reminiscence.

“You were such a mischievous child when you were little. I never expected you to become so steady after only a few years.”

Gu Gaofei coughed lightly. Despite the warning look aimed at him, he could not resist asking, “Director Wei, was Brother Cheng really that naughty as a child?”

“Naughty? This boy once hid inside the stove just to eat a sweet potato. When we found him, we thought some little monkey had crawled in.”

“Uncle Wei.” Cheng Jin smiled helplessly.

Director Wei patted him on the shoulder. “But you’ve made something of yourself now. You’re twenty-four this year, aren’t you? I have a niece about your age. Why don’t you meet her and get acquainted?”

Cheng Jin immediately shook his head. “I have no plans to marry for the time being.”

“You can start considering it.” Director Wei looked increasingly eager. This young man was brave, responsible, and had boundless prospects. With his merits, he could probably be promoted within the next year or two. “My niece is pretty and has a good temperament. She’s a nurse in the army. Are you really unwilling to think it over?”

Cheng Jin shook his head again, more firmly than before. “I’m really not considering it.”

...

“Are you really not considering it? Just look how pretty this fabric is.” Xu Yingxia held up a piece of pink fabric patterned with tiny flowers. No matter how she looked at it, she found it beautiful. “It took me great effort to get this. I could make you a blouse and trousers. If you wore them outside, Liu’er next door would be green with envy.”

“Liu’er is only five! Why would I care whether a five-year-old child envies me?” Jiang Shuangshuang shook her head firmly. This outfit was too pink and too covered in tiny flowers. It simply was not her style.

Blue or yellow would be fine. Soft pink was absolutely out of the question.

“Send it to Eldest Sister,” she said. “If I remember correctly, that’s her favorite color.”

Xu Yingxia rolled her eyes at her. “It took me so much effort to get it, and now you’re turning up your nose at it.”

They had never had the money before. As soon as she received her wages, she had gone straight to the supply cooperative.

And now, after all that trouble, this girl still did not like the fabric.

She placed it on the table and continued, “Then come with me to the supply cooperative later. We’ll buy some fabric and have the clothes made soon. Otherwise, when you go to meet a potential match, you’ll still have to wear your old clothes.”

“Tomorrow,” Jiang Shuangshuang said. “Uncle Grasshopper has helped me gather nearly enough cloth and cotton batting. I plan to have four quilts carded first.”

The previous night, after leaving the police station, she had arranged everything. Someone had introduced her to an experienced cotton carder, who would do the work for only four pounds of cornmeal.

“You’ve already gathered that much?” Xu Yingxia drew in a sharp breath.

Cloth coupons were easy enough to obtain, but cotton coupons were extremely difficult. “That uncle of Grasshopper’s is quite capable.”

“Who can blame him? Fish are in high demand.” Jiang Shuangshuang took a sip of warm water. “Unfortunately, the water at the ditch has already begun to recede. We’ll have to wait until next year.”

“That’s still quite a harvest.” Xu Yingxia pointed toward the corridor behind them. “We’ve dried so many fish. Our family has never had this much food. Aunt Xu even came by secretly yesterday to ask why the courtyard always smelled of fish. She was hoping to exchange a few from me.”

“You decide. If you want to exchange some, do it. If not, we can keep them and eat them ourselves.” Jiang Shuangshuang glanced at the floral fabric and added, “When the weather turns cold, send some to Eldest Sister too.”

She checked the sky. It was almost time for the appointment.

Jiang Shuangshuang put on a cardigan and prepared to leave. But just as she reached the doorway, she nearly collided with Jiang Qing, who came rushing in. She slipped sideways past her, then reached out and caught Jiang Qing before she could fall headlong.

“That was close, that was close.” Jiang Qing patted her chest in relief. “You’re heading out?”

“Is that Jiang Qing?” Xu Yingxia came over when she heard the commotion. “Why are you in such a hurry? Has something happened at home?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just rushing over to bring Third Sister-in-law some good news.” Jiang Qing first glanced toward the table in the inner room. When she saw the floral fabric, her expression shifted slightly.

But that could wait. She had something more important to say.

“Cheng Jin just called. Mother has arranged for him to meet you the day after tomorrow!”